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by easthill on December 20th, 2006
No. Not now. If reparations were to be paid, they should have been paid long ago to those who were actual slaves and maybe even their children. How do we track the descendents of former slaves today? And who will pay for it? Why should I have to pay for the sins of my ancestors? How do we even know that my ancestors were guilty? Maybe they despised slavery as much as I do now. And what about people who immigrated to the U.S. after slavery was outlawed? Should their descendents have to pay as well? It is much too complicated to try and fix today. If it was to be fixed, it should have been taken care of in the late 19th/early 20th century.
by nevets - badgicide on December 20th, 2006
Who would be responsible for paying these reparations?
by mac1896 on December 20th, 2006
No, but reparation should be paid to the Native Americans.
We (our forefathers) have done more to harm them, than to blacks.
No racism here, just plain, simple, truth.
by lady fuschia on December 21st, 2006
No.
Whilst I believe in compensation for direct victims of an injustice and punishment for the perpetrators I see little point in this particular exercise. For a start who would pay the reperations? The descendents of slave owners- who are likely personally as anti-slavery as anyone and had nothing to do with the slave trade by virtue of not being born at the time? The government- who already provides service and support to all its citizens (including descendants of slaves)? Companies who profited from slavery (which raises a lot of complex questions, seeing as most companies at some time in their past have had some kind of shady dealings, if they don't still do) who are now run by people and for the advantage of people who had nothing to sdo with the slave trade?
We don't blame present day Germans for the holocaust and expect them to pay out to the Jewish community, we don't blame the present day English for the evils of imperialism (actually if you're Scottish you probably do but get over it!). Slavery was a terrible and shameful episode in history, but it is behind us now and we can't punish children for the sins of their fathers.
by Jade on March 24th, 2007
Only for those who were actually slaves. Slavery was a horrible thing, but it's o-v-e-r, people.
by Brickson on December 20th, 2006
No, that would be degrading. Blacks have finally become themselves and don't need to be patronized. The winners in this world strive to become winners by their own efforts. Just look at all the superstar blacks these days, they don't need to take the white man's blood money, they have reached to the heights by their focussed efforts. (I am a, not so rich, white man)
by Bookworm on June 12th, 2009
Only if all the descendants of steel workers and coal miners get compensation for corporate abuse during the American Industrial revolution.
And all the descendants of serfs get compensation for serfdom.
And all the descendants of Native Americans get compensation for mass murder, relocation, and cultural destruction.
And all women get compensation for thousands of years of being treated as property and non-citizens.
by Glenn Blaylock on December 21st, 2006
It looks as though there is a consensus forming here. Let me add to it. I also don't think that we should pay reparations for slavery. As with the others, I don't think that it is fair to punish the children for the sins of their great, great, great grandfathers. However, I would like to take this a little farther. If we start paying reparations for historic wrongs, then where does it stop? Many of my ancestors were subjected to intense persecution because of their religious beliefs. This persecution ultimately resulted in the loss of property as they were forced out of the boundaries of what was then the United States. They had to suffer much hardship as they crossed the plains until they eventually found another place where they could settle. Should I and the other descendants of the early members of my religion that were subjected to this persecution receive reparations for the wrongs that were done to our ancestors? I don't think so.
If we start paying reparations to one group whose ancestors were wronged, then where does it end? While I don't condone slavery, I think that the descendants of the slaves should be thankful for the aftermath of this institution. As my brother pointed out, if it hadn't been for the practice of slavery, then the vast majority of those people descended from slaves would probably not be living here in this country today. They would be living in Africa and subject to its problems. So, the descendants of the slaves actually have a lot for which to be thankful with respect to this.
Now, in reading this, don't think that I am justifying or condoning slavery. I am not. I think that the system is inherently unjust and that it is a good thing that it was ended. However, out of that evil has come a lot of good. So, rather than dwelling on past injustice, the descendants of the slaves should be grateful for what they have.
*************
Roger Kovaciny, I have just one comment. If there had been no market for slaves, there would have been no reason for the slave catching expeditions in the first place. Therefore, most of the slave would have been left alone rather than eaten had the slave trade not existed. Assuming that what you wrote about the cannibalism of the slave traders is true (and I have no reason to doubt you on this), then they were eating the surplus that no one bought. However, they took the slaves in the first place because there was a market for them. They could profit from selling people. Had the market not existed, then they would have had to find some other way to make a living. So, they would not have had the surplus slaves to eat.
by nevets - badgicide on March 24th, 2007
Well there are a few details that have to be worked out.
1) Who pays.
2) Who gets the reparations.
3) How long.
Until those details are provided I will have to say no...
by science_geek on March 24th, 2007
Against. It is time for everybody to enter and age of equality and enlightenment. It is time for the lines and walls between the races to be healed. It is time for the dream to come true.
As long as there are 'sides' there will be problems. Reparations would polarize the people even further.
by kelevrah on December 23rd, 2006
We are Humans and we make mistakes. Learn and move on.
“Those who stare at the past have their backs turned to the future.”
by Coheed on December 20th, 2006
No, thats uneccisary. First of all the times have changed drastically since the time these reperations would be paying for. Secondly, it is not black Americans that we owed reperations to, it is African slaves if any. Third, I don't even believe that they need reperations. Why? Because they have already achieved strides and contenue to acheive strides on their own. How can they better themselves without their own push. It is the same concept as spoiling a child (but the child was never a slave xP). In short, I don't even believe in affermative action.
by Robertd903 on June 12th, 2009
Sure--the ones that were actually slaves!!!!
by --angel_fire-- on March 24th, 2007
People say "yes the government should pay" to me all the time. What they forget is that by the government paying, the taxpayer is paying. I don't owe anyone reparations. I never owned slaves, my parents didn't, and their parents didnt. In fact, my great grandparents didnt either. Everyone that was a slave (by slave, i mean in the pre-civil war sense. I get Nevets point, and that still happens, but I don't owe those people money either. I would certainly help them have a better life if possible, but it isnt an awed thing.) is dead, and everyone that owned a slave is dead. If we want unity and equalty, we have to drop this victim mindset and move forward.
by Phillis - Zacks little sister on June 12th, 2009
No. Arficans have had plenty of reperations. I am sick and tired of paying through the nose for things other people did that I had no control over. Enough already!
by oldschoolelf on January 22nd, 2008
They have every right to be offended. As long as people keep dissing other people regardless of skin color or religious beliefs, racism will never end. I hope alot of racist people read this. Black and white aren't the only colors in the crayon box. Get your heads out of your asses and quit bitching at each other, otherwise you will never know what it's like to have peace in your life.
by Gideon on April 10th, 2007
I would. Women of all races should be offended as well. The comment you mention, from radio host Don Imus, was crude and racially insulting. I don't think it should necessarily spark protests and marches, but it was inappropriate and indicates the continuing need to be sensitive and graceful to people of all cultures. Incidentally, it was his producer who on-air first called the young college women ho's.
by Chosun One on March 24th, 2007
For: The US government is guilty of a crime that it still has not "manned up" to, I believe reparations should be paid to the descendants of not only black slaves, but all slaves. This would force people to actually trace their roots to prove they come from a line of slaves instead of demanding reparations based on color/race only. Jumping subjects, slavery does still exist but in a mental and political form primarily. There is still discrimination, the results of Hurricane Katrina is a perfect example of how the government discriminates against poor and middle class minority citizens.
by andywho on December 23rd, 2006
NO. I am sorry that people were brought to this country as slaves. Now that you are here as citizens make a better life for yourselves instead of blaming past injustices.
by ByzantineAngel on December 21st, 2006
No to reparations. As I agree to the many arguments put forth above. Also, as the vast majority of Americans were against slavery during the 19th c. therfore, why should the Northern states who fought in the Civil War against slavery be obligated to pay reparations? If there were to be reparations should not the money come directly from the Southern states that perpetuated the institution of slavery? Also, should not the British and Portuguese governments also be held accountable too? As it was their citizens (traders) who also helped perpetuate the slave trade during this period that brought slaves from Africa via the Caribbean to the Americas to be sold?
But, yes, to reparations only on the condition that the money could not be claimed by anyone individual. Furthermore, the repatriated money would go into a trust that could only be used to fight slavery that currently exists this very moment throughout the world.
by The Gift on June 12th, 2009
no they should get over it and stop acting like idiots
by Jen-Jen on June 12th, 2009
Show me one person who was held as a slave and yes ... But everyone else, noway in hell.
by Firebrand on June 12th, 2009
No, I do not think any of the slaves are still alive.
You cannot give reparation to people who have been dead over 100 years.
Slavery ended 150+ years ago.
by albert nonymous "A" nonymous for short. on June 12th, 2009
No.
by Nod.Coltsfan on June 12th, 2009
No, because all the legalized slaves have been dead for decades, along with all the white slaveowners. I am not responsible for the stupidness of my ancestors.
by FreeRadical Jetpacking for Nelson on October 8th, 2008
Not unless they do the same for women, Jews, Communists, Irish, etc. We need to get away from the attitude that we are owed anything for harm done to our ancestors. It is insulting to everyone.
by rockfan on October 8th, 2008
Absolutely not. With all due respect, no one on this board has ever owned a slave. To think the government owes someone something that occurred many years ago, shows a lack of progression among race, gender, etc. I don't mean that to sound racist at all. Let's get out of the excuse business.
If all of us were to look down our family trees, there is a good chance (unless you were born into royality) that your ancestors were endentured servants. Are we owed money for that too? Let's stop making excuses and work to bring everyone together.
by NotAnonymous on July 10th, 2008
First of all, not every black person in the country is descended from a slave. But if you were one, you did not choose this, you had no say in the matter. You would just be "lucky" enough to be a descendant to get reparation. I agree with other postings that if it was going to happen, it should have happened long ago. To the slave themself or their children or grandchildren. After that, it makes no sense.
Besides the point, I'm Irish and in the early days of our country, the Irish were considered lower than blacks (kinda like Mexicans today, fleeing their homeland to work for pennies) we were hated. So should I be entitled to some sort of reparation? No. My ancestors had some hard times but I don't think I deserve anything because of it.
In my opinion, the black people who are fighting to get reparation just want free money.
by Flapdoodle on May 18th, 2008
Na, and I'm sure they'd be laughing at that white man coz that's the gayest thing to say on radio.
by royburg on June 14th, 2007
Yes, same as if white women were called stringy haired hos by a black radio host-either would be as bad.
by yoho05 reminds you to DYOH on April 10th, 2007
Everyone should be offended by such derogatory expressions of contempt, not just 'blacks.' We are all members of the same human family and insulting one member insults us all.
by jangobean on December 24th, 2006
If reparations should be paid to anyone, shouldn't they be paid to the Native American Indians whose lives were taken and land stolen and who are still suffering from the actions and the politics of the government at that time?
by Midnighttoker on December 23rd, 2006
hell no. they get enough already. i wasn't there and no one alive was either. it's to late for that. their own african countries that sold them to begin with should be held accountable,
by TaoZen on December 23rd, 2006
I'll take mine in hundred dollar bills please.
by Anonymous on December 21st, 2006
True reparations would consist of doing whatever it takes to make it as much as possible like it would be if the original evil had not taken place.
So, if Africans had not been brought to America for use as slaves, how would things be different today? I say that the vast majority of the descendants of these original slaves would not be living in America, but in Africa.
So, the only way to make reparations would be to send all the descendants of slaves back to Africa from whence their ancestors came. If such reparations were offered, do you suppose there'd be very many takers?
----
[Added c. 16:00 PDT on 23 December 2006]
It seems that I have not been clearly understood here. I am not advocating that blacks, or anyone else be forcibly rounded up and sent back to Africa.
Let's see if I can rephrase this…
Suppose you're a black American, and you want “reparations” for what was done to your ancestors. What was done to your ancestors was to forcibly take them from Africa, bring them here to America, and use them as slaves.
Any true reparations would have the effect of making it as much as possible like it would be if the original offense had never taken place.
We cannot change what happened to your ancestors. We can only change what effect this has had on you. What effect has it had on you? You get to live in America, as a citizen of this, the very best nation on Earth. If your ancestors hadn't been abducted and enslaved, then they would have been left in Africa, and almost certainly, that is where you would now live.
So, the only way reparations can possibly be made to you is to revoke your American citizenship, and help you to establish residence and citizenship in some nation in Africa.
by The Chief on June 12th, 2009
Reparations from WHOM, exactly?
And for what, exactly?
by Go know thyself is THE RED QUEEN on June 12th, 2009
Im Canadian/ American Indian...
So yeah... Why not?
by DJ_Kremlin on October 8th, 2008
If reparations should be paid to blacks, then they should be paid to Jews and any other race that was wronged. Basically since everyone has been wronged at some point in history, everyone should receive reparations from everybody else. So it's a wash.
The answer is NO!
by PinkGlitter on September 19th, 2008
no. because what am i going to do with a mule and 40 acres in the middle of connecticut haaha?
by DreAnna on July 10th, 2008
No..No one alive today has been a slave and no one alive today has owned a slave. Was slavery horrible, of course it was..not only for the black americans, I mean if you want to start a reperations list then it would have to start with the native americans, then you also have to count the asian people who were victims of slavery..It has to end and to keep asking for someone to pay for things that were done before any of us were born is just keeping the past alive. Time to let go and live in today, not in the past:)
by needtoknow on July 10th, 2008
No, the black people today were not alive then and neither were the whites..Slavery was a horrendous way of life but nothing can be helped now by giving money to people for their ancestors 6 or 7 generations back.
by The Devils Own on August 21st, 2007
No. No one alive has been either a victim or perpetrator of slavery.
by Will on August 21st, 2007
No. This would be one of the biggest mistakes ever made.
by garnorche on May 2nd, 2007
Only to those who were alive back in those days.
by ChrisDG on April 10th, 2007
If I were a woman, I'd be more offended at being referred to as belonging to a man. Why do you say "their women"?
by TaoZen on March 24th, 2007
Reparations would require people to have more compassion than feelings of entitlement. I don't see that happening. I'm sure you'll get examples of what I mean as your answers begin to roll in.
by Merriment on June 12th, 2009
Arf-ican? Yeah, throw them a bone, why not!
by Audiotron on December 21st, 2008
Nope.
There is not one black person alive today in the US who experienced slavery.
I have lived in Africa. I have talked to many actual Africans about this issue. The ones I spoke with generally wonder why American blacks complain so much. Their ancestors went through alot of hell, but modern blacks in America have so much more opportunity than modern Africans.
Interesting that I bought a few of the antique liquor bottles that were traded by the white man to the chiefs in what is now Nigeria. Seems the chiefs liked the booze, and gladly traded their people to get it. While this is was not always the case, it shows that at least some times, the people were traded into slavery by their own leaders.
Lastly you have to remember that immigration never stops in the US. Millions of people have come and made this nation their home since equal rights were given, and millions more came before that, after the abolition of slavery.
So tax dollars of people who never had any ancestors responsible for slavery in any way should be used?
My family came to the us when I was 5. We came from a nation that had absolutely nothing to do with slavery.
So why the hell should my tax dollars go to pay people who were never slaves themselves? Why should my tax dollars go to pay restitution for something my ancestors had nothing to do with?
by makya1023 on October 8th, 2008
hell no we didnt do it to them. just to answer that respond by the girl who said white people date black men that is the white women that like getting taking advantage of and support a full grown man that dont want to get an education or a job. that is why them women need to get a reality check because they want to live of goverment and drive around in mustangs and go down to the welfare office to pick up there food stamps so either that or you cant get one for yourself
by Ankhorite on March 28th, 2007
Yes. The "Forty Acres and a Mule" that were promised were never actually given.
Reparations should be paid directly to every Black American, without fooling around with having to prove slave ancestry, or even harder, PERCENTAGE of slave ancestry. It's too expensive to review all those claims; better to just pay reparations to any Black citizen who was a citizen by, say, 1964 (a symbolic date, the passage of the Civil Rights Act) or the year 2000.
This would leave out the youngest Black Americans, it's true, but it would be easy and inexpensive to administer. It would pick up some Black families who immigrated voluntarily after 1864 and were never slaves, but those people suffered through Jim Crow and everything else, so pay them and move on. Using a cutoff date would prevent a fresh wave of immigration intended JUST to take advantage of the reparations.
But pay. Pay up, and make it right. My partner's ancestors were GIVEN 160 acres in Pennsylvania just for having white skin and a penis (women weren't eligible) and his family has had the benefit of that in every generation. So let's quit pretending there isn't a "white skin advantage" and let's quit pretending that the Black families kidnapped, raped, murdered, and robbed -- robbed of their labor in generation after generation -- don't deserve some reparation.
I DO NOT SUPPORT "reparations" like projects that are supposed to benefit all Black Americans -- things like loans or grants to revamp decaying black neighborhoods or schools. First, the politicians will skim off quite a lot of that for themselves or companies that kick back to them. Second, it replaces money those neighborhoods/schools/whatever should have been getting in the first place!! Third, it implies black Americans don't deserve the direct personal reparations that Japanese Americans got. It's ethically wrong, though of course the politicians who will profit think it's just a GRAND idea. Boo!
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Comments
Good answer.
by jangobean on December 20th, 2006
What about to the families of those who were lynched in the mid-twentieth century?
by Halskiisaklink on December 20th, 2006
Based on that logic, all victims of hate-crimes, regardless of their ethnicity, deserve a check from the government.
by easthill on December 21st, 2006
It does not happen often, but at times the government does admit it was wrong and attempts to remedy it with financial reparations, i.e. Japanese internment camp victims, downwinders from atomic testing in the Nevada, etc. These payments were made directly to the victims. While it does not "fix" what the government did, especially if they died, it at least removes some of the sting felt by the victims and their descendents (I would assume), espcecially if the government issues a formal apology to go along with the money.
by easthill on December 21st, 2006
In the latter case, it also helps pay for the funeral(s).
by Halskiisaklink on December 21st, 2006
Agreed, but interesting to note that the detachment of responsibility, not surprisingly, only applies to African Americans and not to other groups that the government is even now compensating. Should Native Americans be given tax dollars paid by everyone for wrongs committed against them solely by whites? What of immigrants who arrived afterwards? How do I know my ancesters are guilty? Maybe they were against taking indian land.
by -O-uknow on March 3rd, 2007