Reparations Will Neutralize the Crabs in the Barrel

Today, I read a blog posting by Washington Post Blogger Darryl Fears. And, it is funny that even among our so-called leaders we see crabs in a barrel being displayed. But, there is hope.

Reparations will neutralize the crabs in the barrel. No more will you have to look over your shoulder for the Lamb Chop Sing Along Negroes trying to cut you down. Once we dispose of these misleaders, we will be able to see progress regardless of political persuasion.

Frances Rice is a prime example of why we (so far) must be proud of Condoleeza Rice and Colin Powell. Her and I actually had an "e-argument" over the Obama issue (read it here). Despite their stature, they have refused to be used as a pawn against their people. Many believe Colin Powell will officially endorse Barack Obama - eventually.


And, Condoleeza Rice has raved about his candidacy and what it means.


Yet, we continue to be our own worst enemy. Using promises of self-gain, "the man" always searches for one of us to sell out and serve as validation for their attacks. And, some of us oblige...

Reparations will neutralize the crabs in the barrel so that we can finally understand how that "rising tide raises all boats." Reparations will neutralize the crabs in the barrel so that we might finally see some progress in the Black Community.

Come and Get Your Reparations!

Reparations Will Define our Patriotism

This is an important Independence Day Meditation. Happy Fourth of July...Part One of a two-part revolution for the promise of America.

We all must realize the attack on our freedom...the questioning of our allegiances. People need to understand the asinine nature of the debate. Earlier this week, Barack Obama gave a speech defining his patriotism. Defining his patriotism?!

Reparations will define our patriotism!

How can anyone with sense question the patriotism of Black Americans? At a bare level, why are we still here? After enduring the horrors of slavery, the nightmares of Jim Crow, and enduring racial disparities, why would we still be here - but for love of Country?

Why would anyone fight to be accepted by a Country and a Government - but for love? Who would engage in nonviolent struggle against their enemy? And, even if it had been your enemy...how could one face an enemy with nonviolence - but for love? Would that not truly embrace the command of Christ?

Reparations will define our patriotism! Once you and I seize opportunities to engage in dialogue about the struggles of our people, we will demonstrate our patriotism. The very experience of being Black in America is the definition of our patriotism.

There were African people involved at every stage in the development of this Country. Africans fought in the American Revolution. Africans (mulatto Alexander Hamilton) signed the US Constitution and made great contributions to the organizational structure of this Nation. And while it may be difficult for most of us to remember our ties to these early events, the connection is there.

While we may not have come in to Ellis Island, we were imported from Africa, landing at port after port along the American Seaboard. And, we are the only immigrant class who did not leave in search of a better life. Yet, we are still here...we must love our Country!

Our patriotism was earned in the horror of the slave, through the bludgeoning of the average Black man trying to support his family. Our patriotism is soiled in the blood of those Black Martyrs who gave their lives that the Constitution might belong to us, their heirs. Our patriotism was won, simply by surviving against a government and private sector system trying its best to exploit and/or suppress us. Our patriotism was given to us by those ancestors who had nothing more to give than their struggle to become fully American. Our patriotism embraces Juneteenth as Part Two of America's journey to embrace and embody the ideals of the Declaration of Independence, and the US Constitution. Our patriotism it unquestionable, and is above reproach.

Reparations will define our patriotism as we embrace our particular American Experience. We will never satisfy White people based on their idea of patriotism. But, we have a different American Experience. And, all of us our entitled to set our own standards.

Come and Get Your Reparations!

Reparations Will Defeat Racism in the Justice System

Here is an obscure story that you probably will not hear about.

In late 2007, Joe Horn of Pasadena, Texas shot and killed two Afro-Colombian men in a fit of vigilante justice. There's even a blog devoted to him: check it out. Not surprisingly, but tragically, the Grand Jury today chose not to indict the killer. Harris County District Attorney Kenneth Magidson said:

I understand the concerns of some in the community regarding Mr. Horn's conduct. The use of deadly force is carefully limited in Texas law to certain circumstances ... In this case, however, the grand jury concluded that Mr. Horn use of deadly force did not rise to a criminal offense.

Reparations will defeat racism in the justice system. What is the level of deadly force that rises to a criminal offense? And, if Mr. Horn's act did not rise to a criminal offense, what kind of killing is criminal? How can it be self-defense if he shot them in the back? "F" the racial motivations, we are dealing with simple logic.

Here is a man who ignores the instructions of the 911 operator to stay in the house, and goes outside seeking a confrontation. Listen to the call:


Reparations will defeat racism in the justice system. This was premeditated murder. He was not being robbed, so it cannot be self-defense. He was not protecting his own property. And, he was repeatedly warned to not go outside.

When we get our reparations, no one will be able to use nuances of the law to kill Black people. When we get our reparations, we will be able to live without fear of the Justice System. You keep watching like this is a game...next time it could be you on the wrong end of a White Man's gun (civilian or police).

Come and get your reparations!