Reparations means Addressing the US's "Birth Defect"

I haven't heard this story on any of the major media circles...maybe we'll hear it later tonight. But, you need to know. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice has now chimed in on Senator Obama's speech on race.

Many have criticized Condoleeza Rice for - simply - being a Black Republican, and also for being associated with President Bush. Yet, she - especially as Secretary of State - has shown that she has not forgotten the struggle. And, it might be a superficial gesture. But, it was a gesture that she did not have to take. And, it is a gesture that gives more wind to the dialogue on Race in America...providing a platform for us to engage the larger society in a meaningful discussion.

Reparations means addressing the US's "Birth Defect."

Today, the Secretary of State called slavery this Country's "birth defect," stating: "Africans and Europeans came here and founded this country together - Europeans by choice and Africans in chains. That's not a very pretty reality of our founding."

The stage is being set for us to engage in a new debate about what reparations means. Addressing the US's "birth defect" is key to understanding the legacy given us by America's founding reality. At every turn we should be pushing our organizations to engage in inter-community discussions. Senator Obama has sparked the discussion on the National scene and within the Democratic Party. Condoleezza Rice has now given platform for the Republican Party to engage this discussion. (Hear it in her own words: here) Are we ready to engage?

Come and Get Your Reparations!