Reparations Means HOLDING the Clintons (yes, Hillary and Bill) Accountable if the Nomination is Stolen from Senator Obama

Tonight on Anderson 360, there was a dialogue between Rep. Holmes-Norton (Obama Supporter) and Rep. Tubbs-Jones (Black Clinton Supporter). They were discussing comments by Representative Clyburn calling Bill Clinton's remarks "bizarre." I applaud Rep. Clyburn because he is speaking truth to power. For pundits to state that Obama cannot win the election without the white vote, while suggesting that Clinton could win without the Black vote is a gamble I am confident the Democrats do not want to take.

In the debate between Rep. Holmes-Norton and Rep. Tubbs-Jones, it was suggested that Black
people would not hold the Clintons accountable for their blatant racism and race bating.

But, reparations means HOLDING the Clintons (yes, Hillary and Bill) accountable if the nomination is stolen from Senator Obama. The Black Elite are banking on the fickle nature of the Black Electorate. It was even said during the course of debate that Black people will "forget" this and remain committed to the Democratic Party. But, how could you remain committed to a Party that is not committed to you? How can you forget the actions of a Party that clearly state your lack of value?

If we do not hold the Clintons accountable, then we deserve to be mistreated. If we do not hold accountable those Black leaders who support Clinton despite the overwhelming support of their constituency for Obama, we deserve to be abused.

Reparations means holding the Clintons (yes, Hillary and Bill) accountable if the nomination is stolen from Senator Obama. And as the last Democratic President, the Clintons are the Standard Bearers of the Democratic Party. So, ultimately reparations also means holding the Democratic Party accountable if the nomination is stolen from Senator Obama.

We must come to realize that neither Party has our interests at heart. Just at the Republican Party is deemed to be racist, the Democratic Power can now be seen in its "racist glory." The Clintons are so self-serving that they will bloody up Senator Obama so that he cannot win the general election...so that she can run again in 2012. But, to attain reparations we must ensure that the irreparable breach Rep. Clyburn described actually comes to pass.

Reparations means holding the Clintons (yes, Hillary and Bill) accountable if the nomination is stolen from Senator Obama. And, the Clintons are the Democratic Party - so, reparations means holding the Democratic Party accountable if the nomination is stolen from Senator Obama. This breach is the opportunity we need to empower the Community and attain our reparations...because, by this breach we may begin to take a closer analysis of policy and platforms - rather than simple Party Affiliation.

What do you think? How should Party Affiliation impact the Black Community? Can the Black Community afford to be governed by strict Party Allegiance? Chime in on our Reparative Forum. Or, join our Facebook, LinkedIn, BlackPlanet or Plaxo groups. Together we can make advances for political and economic empowerment.

Come and Get Your Reparations!

Reparations Means Acknowledging that There ARE Winners and Losers in the Sean Bell Murder Trial

Today, a NY City "Judge" issued his verdict acquitting three New York Police Officers of murdering Sean Bell. You know...frankly, I am not surprised. Are you surprised? Are you shocked that the police are free to kill Black people? Is it hard to understand how in the 21st Century, with pundits telling us how far we have come with race relations in this Country, that the benchmark for "fairness" is trained police having the right to unload 50 shots and stand justified?

Reparations Means Acknowledging that There ARE Winners and Losers in the Sean Bell Murder Trial.

Who are the winners? Well, the NYPD - who, after Amadu Diallo and Sean Bell, are more confident that they are free to shoot (and kill) unarmed Black males with Government approval. The winners are these officers, who will not (as of now) serve time for their crime. The winner is the City of New York, who will not - as yet - be held liable and responsible for this malfeasance.

Who are the losers? Well, how about Sean Bell who is dead? What about his fiancée? What about his children and his parents? What about his friends who also were shot...all of whom see no justice? The losers are the Black Community, who is reminded that their lives are of no value to the larger society and that their lives can be taken at any moment - with no consequences.

My father - Krim Ballentine - is a retired Chief Deputy US Marshall, former Asst. Police Commissioner, had designed and organized a police force, and has over 30 years of law enforcement experience. My mother - Rosalie Ballentine - is a former Attorney General. And, we spoke about this.

Yes, there are legal loopholes that could allow for these men to be acquitted. But, legal loopholes do not equate to justice. The Judge indicated that the police officers story was more believable than the victims' story, and said prosecutors did not prove - beyond a reasonable doubt - that the shootings were unjustified.

You see, this is why Reparations means acknowledging that there ARE winners and losers in the Sean Bell Murder Trial. There is no way you can tell me that 50 shots at unarmed men can be justified. Maybe you can justify 1-10 shots. With 5 officers shooting, 10 shots are easy. But, you cannot tell me that "New York's Finest" - with the rigors of their training - do not know how to discern a scene. Ok, maybe they believe that Bell and his friends are armed...maybe. But, how do they not realize - in the midst of this "gun fight" - that no one is returning fire? Again, police officers are trained to remain calm. These men were detectives, who "earned" that status because of their so-called "abilities." Again, how do you justify 50 shots at unarmed men. How do you justify one officer emptying two clips?

Reparations means acknowledging that there ARE winners and losers in the Sean Bell Murder Trial. The Status Quo has won and the people have lost. But, from defeat comes the opportunity for recommitted vigilance. From the ashes comes rebirth. Every loss provides lessons for us to achieve victory. These times cause us to band together, and we can harness the potential power of this unity and channel it for good.

This is reparations: finding rallying points, banding together and promoting the Cause of our people. So, question: what do you think we can do to defend the Community from police brutality? Log onto our Reparative Forum and voice your thoughts.

Come and Get Your Reparations!

Reparations Means Revisiting the "Talented Tenth" Theory

The Talented Tenth of the Negro race must be made leaders of thought and missionaries of culture among their people...The Negro race, like all other races, is going to be saved by its exceptional men. The Talented Tenth

For many years, I have had a bit of a problem with this so-called "Talented Tenth" theory. The premise is decent, yet the adage holds true: power corrupts, and absolute power corrupts - absolutely! That is the state of Black Leadership. By and large, they are our race's "exceptional men," and they have been made "leaders" among us (their people). What has proven extremely problematic and downright disturbing is the chaos into which they have led us.

Reparations means revisiting the "talented tenth" theory because it is not all it is cracked-up to be. Our "exceptional men" have led us on a course to greater disparities in educational level, income level, access to health care, access to housing, political disfranchisement, and etc. They have turned their backs on the community, instead using their exceptional ability to stash $90K in their freezers and land positions at big energy lobbying firms. They have chosen to slam others of the community for the sake of book sales. They leave one academic plantation to teach at another.

So, where did this theory go awry? With integration came our demise. Now, I do not wish for forced segregation. But, there must be something for the people living together. First, the Bible says how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together. Second, look around: you will find a Jewish Community, a Hispanic Community (and within that a Salvadoran, Mexican, Puerto Rican, Bolivian, et al), a Chinese Community, an Italian Community, an Irish Community, a Russian Community and on and on and on...

Why is it that these other ethnic groups live together? Have they caught on to something that we have missed? Yes, we still have a Black Community. But, how many of the "Talented Tenth" live amongst their brethren? How many of our "exceptional men" still live amongst those this theory claims to uplift?

In the aforementioned communities, rich and poor Jews live together...rich and poor Hispanics live together...rich and poor Italians live together. And, together they help each other...together, their communities thrive. But, what about us?

This is why reparations means revisiting the "talented tenth" theory. We have all the tools we need to uplift the Black Community. And if we revisit this "talented tenth" theory, we might be able to draw benefit from it. This is the mission of Simmonds Ballentine, LLC...to bring together the best and brightest of our race and provide exceptional (and culturally/historically conscious) service. What if we were to take the young bright minds of our people and engage them in economic and political empowerment? What if you bright and energetic Blacks join us in building the Community? Can you imagine what the Black Community would look like if your skills and talents were employed in nonprofit and business development in the Black Community? I think it would be beautiful.

But, the access to power that our education has afforded us has corrupted us. And, integration has aided that corruption. With the individualism of society, the "Best of this race" grew to become self-serving. Brother DuBois says, "If we make money the object of man-training, we shall develop money-makers but not necessarily men." Hmmmm....Maybe that's why the "best of our race" stashes money in the freezer?

Again, reparations means revisiting the "talented tenth" theory. We must begin to use our abilities for the benefit of the Community. We have to build our nonprofit organizations and strengthen our Black Businesses. We should provide them with service that helps them to be on par with their mainstream counterparts and become sources of economic and social empowerment for the Global Black Community. DuBois was correct: we do need education...we do need to empower those of our race who are successful in completing their educational pursuits. as he says, "The Talented Tenth of the Negro race must be made leaders of thought and missionaries of culture among their people...and Negro colleges must train men for it." The mainstream (White) educational system cannot do this work. Why? Because, we must empower them with a consciousness that deepens their commitment to the Cause of the Black Community.

If we redress the "talented tenth" theory, we can re-engage those of our race who have the knowledge to build the institutions needed for reparations. So, I hope you will look to the right and join a group. I hope you will download a flyer from our Google Group and promote the Cause. I hope you will engage in the discussion and recruit your friends. The Community is waiting on YOU!

Come and Get Your Reparations!

Reparations Means Mastering New Technologies for Grassroots Organizing

Tonight, I took part in the first Reparative Talk show. It was quite an experience. In "The Revolution Will Not Be Televised," Joe Trippi talks about how modern (internet) technology is empowering people to activism. For instance, Reparations: The Blog allows us to engage in debate on reparations. The mainstream media will not address this issue. And, if they do - they tend to gloss over the idea and misconstrue the meaning. But, because of the internet - and the blog - we are able to shape the debate any way we see fit.

Reparations means mastering new technologies for grassroots organizing. Just think at what you are a part of here at Reparations: The Blog...you are a member of a global community of people - united around the cause of political and economic empowerment of the Global Black Community. Many of you are members of our Facebook group, our Google group, or our LinkedIn Group. Through these groups, members of our community can interact with each other. You Are Not Alone! It's funny: many of us are isolated and think we are the only ones who feel as we do. However, because of the connectivity of the internet you can link with others who share your commitment and ideals. Amazing!

And, because reparations means mastering new technologies for grassroots organizing, we then add talkcasting. When you create a talkcast, you are actually recording a live podcast. Through Reparative Talk we do not need to worry about radio sponsors or sensors. We do not have to worry about Hot 97 or 92Q or Sirius Radio or any other radio venue not accepting us or cutting our programming. We have been empowered to "get the message to the people." And, we are empowering you to share the message with others. You can visit our TalkShoe Page and download this show. You can email it to others. You can share it on your Facebook page.

So, you see: Reparations means mastering new technologies for grassroots organizing. And, I have not mastered them yet...but we are making the effort. I must apologize to those who tried to listen to the show tonight. I experienced a few technical difficulties. But, we carried on with the show and I present it - humbly - for your critique. Join our Google Group and provide your feedback for how to improve the show. What needs to be added? What should be the format?

I enjoyed the opportunity to use this medium. And, I believe you will enjoy the possibilities. So, check it out...

Come and Get Your Reparations!

Reparations Means Empowering New Leadership

You know why we have not seen much progress? Do you know why you are fed up with the so-called movement? Do you understand why disparities in healthcare, education, and home ownership exist? What about the disparity in the rate of incarceration? I'm sure you'll agree: the answer is simple.

Reparations means empowering New Leadership. Those who claim to speak for us have lost touch. They have clung to their power for their own benefit and to the community's detriment. They refuse to "pass the torch." So, now we must snatch that torch.

Marcus Garvey once said, "you are not out-numbered only out-organized." You have the power to organize. And, on our Google Group you will find the tools. View them, download them, improve them...make them yours. By doing so, you start to embody what Reparations means.

Empowering New Leadership means capitalizing on current and emerging technologies. Through our Google and facebook Groups and the LinkedIn Network, there are plenty of opportunities for you to connect with others who share your passion for the community. We will even have a conference call this coming Monday (4/21/08) at 9pm EST, on Talkshoe.com, where we will discuss further ways for you to take charge.

Reparations means empowering New Leadership. And, many of you reading this have been looking for ways to become more involved. Many of us have been waiting for this moment. Your dreams of true progress for the Global Black Community no longer need to be deferred.

We are waiting on you. Come and Get Your Reparations!

Reparations Means Re-charting the Course of the Movement

I have received many comments from readers across the community. Some have question the need for Reparations. Many call it a diversion from the true needs of the Black Community. Some say that reparations will harm our community more than it will help. Others believe that the government will never give us reparations. Most say the issue has been around for so long that no progress can be made.

You know something: Reparations Means Re-charting the Course of the Movement!

Much of those thoughts are true. The reparations debate as we know it has been (and is) a waste of time. As we say in the header to this blog: "Not speaking from a Nationalist perspective is paramount to wishing to be fixed by someone other than ourselves." How can we accept the solutions of those who have no understanding of the problem? That would be - and has been - very harmful to our community.

Also, I - personally - do not want any government check. If the government was really smart, they would quickly give Black people a Reparations Check. Why? Because, if they did there could never be another argument for injustice, inequality and/or the need to address disparities. The moment they give us a check we would loose all leverage to push for change. The response would be: "what more do you want? We've given you Reparations!"

This is why Reparations Means Re-charting the Course of the Movement. No progress can be made if we're looking for those external to our community to act in our favor. And, the movement does seem pointless: struggle for no purpose. Frederick Douglass said, "without struggle there is no progress." So, we must struggle if we want change. But, without progress what's the point of the struggle?

We are going to change the idea of what Reparations means. Re-charting the course of the Movement, we will bring purpose to the struggle and make progress. So, we need your help. On Monday, April 21st at 9pm ET, we will have a little Reparative Talk and invite you to join the discussion. We also have forums (see links to your right) where you can engage in discussion with people across the African Diaspora. So, get involved and let's make it happen. As Senator Obama would say: yes, we can!

Come and Get Your Reparations!

Reparations and Discussions on Race in America

Tonight I watched the documentary: Meeting David Wilson on MSNBC. After the documentary they had a discussion on race in America. Now, it was only a start. And, some may be slighted that they were not chosen to be on the panel. But, this is only a start. This is just the tip of the iceberg. I applaud MSNBC: not because anything profound was stated, but because a barrier was cracked.

Reparations are found in discussions on race in America.

No, these discussions are not the end...they are only a means to the end - a start point or foundation from which we may proceed. As David A. Wilson (Black David) stated, the conversation tonight was very academic. The conversation threw around Ph.D-level terms that average Americans will not understand. And, understanding comes not at collegiate levels but amongst common sense circles.

Reparations are found in discussions on race in America. Not to say that the solution is that "we need to talk." But, I do say that we cannot find the solution until we talk...until we uncover what is really wrong and know how deep the wounds are.

Many say the Country has made strides to resolving problems. But, where have those solutions gotten us? Have disparities shrunk or increased? Part of the problem is that we must realize the errors of some of the so-called affirmative solutions that we - ourselves - proposed.

Dr. DeForest B. Soaries, Jr. asked the question: what happened to the Black community that resisted and fought to protect their community? Some would say that what happened was integration. Not to say that there should still be segregation. But, forced integration has had its own set of demonizing effects that forced segregation had on our ancestors. And, absent the need to stay together we have lost all togetherness. There is a military strategy that says: divide and conquer. So, a people that had once triumphed against the odds now divided, has been conquered.

This is why reparations are found in discussions on race in America. But, the discussions must not end with one televised event. They must continue in our homes, community centers, churches, institutions, civic groups, and between groups across various communities.

Dr. Michael Eric Dyson continuously hit the nail on the head of the need for love as the method for a solution. So true, and I have no argument with that point. I only offer an article I wrote in June of 2006:

James 5: 1-6

Look here, you rich people, weep and groan with anguish because of all the terrible troubles ahead of you. 2 Your wealth is rotting away, and your fine clothes are moth-eaten rags. 3 Your gold and silver have become worthless. The very wealth you were counting on will eat away your flesh in hell. This treasure you have accumulated will stand as evidence against you on the day of judgment. 4 For listen! Hear the cries of the field workers whom you have cheated of their pay. The wages you held back cry out against you. The cries of the reapers have reached the ears of the Lord Almighty. 5 You have spent your years on earth in luxury, satisfying your every whim. Now your hearts are nice and fat, ready for the slaughter. 6 You have condemned and killed good people who had no power to defend themselves against you.

Those who build wealth by cheating others of their pay will face God's wrath. Their wealth and long line of accumulated "old money" will testify against them before the Lord. "The wages (they) held back cry out against (them). The cries of those who harvest (their) fields have reached the ears of the Lord Almighty."

This is why Reparations should be paid. Not for our sake, but for the sake of the souls of those who earned their living by "wringing the sweat from the face of another," as President Lincoln said, and from those who inherited the wealth from the cheating of others. As the rich man who shunned Lazarus (Lk. 16:19-31), those who have already reposed have already had to come before the Lord. They wish for someone to come and tell their descendants to change their ways. Because for those who are still living, there is yet hope.

The hope is that they would avoid the "terrible troubles ahead of (them)." They inherited wheat, but also the tares that were mingled therein. The inherited wealth, but they also inherited the sin by which that wealth was accumulated. Just as we inherit the sin of Adam, so have they inherited the sin of slaveholding, slave-profiteering and Jim Crow.

Our plea for Reparations is thus one of compassion; one of love for mankind. For our God does not delight in the death of the sinner but that he should repent and live. We seek Reparations for the sake of your soul, indeed for the soul of our very Nation and World.

Reparations for any other reason is wrong, in fact I would say for any other reason, Reparations is selfish. All the reasons being currently espoused do focus on revenge. Vengeance is the Lord's and He will definitely repay. As Christians, we need not be concerned with justice being done, for we know that the Supreme Judge of All will execute justice. Yet because of love, we are concerned with seeing our fellow man saved from the fire and "terrible troubles ahead of (them)."

Ergo, we seek Reparations not from dislike or hatred, but from a deep and burning love. We seek Reparations not to penalize those who weren't directly responsible, but to see the redemption of those who indirectly benefited and likewise inherited the stain of blood left in attaining their wealth.

We seek Reparations because it is our duty as Christians to admonish fellow believers to not stray from the faith. It is our duty to gently restore those believers who have wandered astray. So, we endeavor to do this work with love in our hearts, with hope for redemption and with faith in His Word. We are confident that to push for Reparations is right because it is said that "if someone among you wanders away from the truth and is brought back, you can be sure that whoever brings the sinner back will save that person from death and bring about the forgiveness of many sins." So, humble we take on this task, trusting in the Lord's mercy.

God told Adam at his expulsion from Paradise that, "by the sweat of your brow shall you earn your bread." Who can fly in the face of the Almighty God and deny that to base your economy on earning your bread from the sweat of another man's brow is a sin - a disobeying of God's commandment. Reparations is thus not a political issue, but a spiritual issue. For truly, no law can legislate such an action. However, where there is sin, we know there must be atonement - not for the sake of the one who has been wronged, but for the sake of the one who performed the wrong. In love, I call on everyone to support Reparations on this basis - that our Nation may heal, and that we may all live together in peace and love, both now and in eternity.

David Horowitz gave us his "10 Reasons Why Reparations for Blacks is a Bad Idea for Blacks - and Racist Too." By God's grace you may see the ONE reason - that trumps all reasons - why it is a good idea for whites, and for all mankind.

Come and Get Your Reparations!