[A_perfect_lady]

He argued that blacks have put their blood and sweat into this country’s infrastructure and deserve reparation for their effort.

Okay. Here's $45, thanks for all the cotton.

But seriously, our country's economy isn't based on agriculture. If it were, the South would have won.

[dwd1]

Also, I have heard that the South lost because of the lack of manpower, the naval blockade, and the lack of quality manufacturing capability...

The "Thanks for the Cotton" remark does seem to indicate a dismissive, patronizing, and perhaps unsympathetic attitude but that is your right.

[dwd1]

By the way, I don't think we want reparations and the only apology I want is from the African Nations that facilitated slavery because they have never acknowledged any responsibility . There is no amount you could pay to erase the stain of slavery...just give me the courtesy of being honest and saying it was not such a good thing or you would have wanted to be a slave yourself....All I have ever asked for is equal protection and opportunity and please...don't let it happen again....