Reparations is easiest broken down: Repair Nations. Not speaking from a Christian perspective makes reparations seem selfish. Not speaking from a Nationalist perspective is paramount to wishing to be fixed by someone other than ourselves. Our perspectives are skewed & we're about to launch another "we shall overcome" type movement, marching & looking for additional handouts. Reparations is an issue of self-sufficiency, not finding some new crutch on which to lean.
At times, you'll hear people arguing against reparations. They'll say: Reparations aren't needed...this stuff happened so long ago. Why can't you people just get over it?
Well, here's a retort: "why can't you people just get over it?!" It seems as if there's still need for repair on both sides of the color line. Did you see this:
Obama Effigy Hung From Noose
It seems to me that reparations is still needed. Minds still need to be changed. Christianity is supposed to be a religion of love. Yet, still our beloved faith is perverted by those who would use it as a bludgeon to oppress others. Christ calls us to be reconciled, one to another in love. Yet, this gentleman spews his hate. As Dennis Brown said: "Love and Hate Can Never be Friends"
Dennis Brown 'Here I Come'
Here folks, is your proof that reparations is still needed. All we need is to look at the anger and hatred that is being uncovered by the prospect of a "Black President." Just like an unhealed wound, Obama's candidacy is the curious child picking at a scab...the wound now throbs with pain.
If we are to truly see CHANGE in America, we must begin "Taking Steps Towards Reparations." If we do, we will reap beautiful fruits. Let's get to work - for the sake of our Country.
Many of you know I am hard on Barack Obama. And, I will continue to be - not because I dislike him...I have nothing against him: I've actually met him and think he's a nice guy. My issue is not with him...my issue is with us - Black people.
My criticism is because we cannot afford to simply rubber stamp any candidate - including a Black one. Yet, in the absence of any real choice (any choice that the majority will research) - and being faced with the lesser of two evils, it's a catch twenty-two. Do we elect the Black candidate (lesser) and at least have a Black man? Or, do we vote against the Black candidate (lesser) and prevent America from blaming Black people for the mess that will come, regardless of if it's McCain or Obama?
To achieve reparations requires us to make tough choices that may seem far fetched. But, that's the reality.
Yet - as I say constantly - I am race-first...not anti-anyone. But, I understand that of all Americans - Black Americans have long been furthest from the Cause of Liberty. And, ultimately Liberty is what we want. So, I must think thus: what puts us closer to the path of Liberty?
Honestly, the best thing would have been for Senator Obama to have lost the Democratic Primary. For or goal is to "capitalize on the new American political landscape." The problem is as Brother Malcolm said:
The black man in North America was sickest of all politically. He let the white man divide him into such foolishness as considering himself a black "Democrat," a black "Republican," a black "conservative," or a black "Liberal"...when a ten-million strong black vote bloc could be the deciding balance of power in American politics...
Right now, Blacks are stuck in the Democratic Party. Not because we necessarily agree with their platform, but essentially because that's what we know. We don't challenge either Party on issues of particular concern, specifically to the Black Community. We simply accept their "cookie-cutter policies" hoping that one day 'ole massa will do right by us!
If Obama had lost in the Primary - if Hillary was allowed to steal the election, maybe Black people would have awakened to a new sense of awareness: neither Party has the interests of Black people at heart...neither has a solution. Maybe if he had lost, the stranglehold of the Democratic Pary would have been loosened, and we would have begun to challenge all Parties to speak to our issues. But, he won...so we move forward.
And, still hoping for a political awakening forces me to realize that only an Obama victory even has the potential to fulfill that goal. For, if he were to loose, the only thing we would do is blame racism - specifically Republican racism. This, in turn, would deepen our blind allegiance to the Democratic Party - leading us further down the road to serfdom.
This is why Obama must win. Or, maybe herein lies yet another angle for why he must not? What do you say?
I fear that a Black president would be an excuse for some to say, "We've paid our debt," and to avoid the much harder work.
Today we commemorate the 45th Anniversary of the so-called "I Have a Dream" speech. I say "so-called" because the speech was over 2/3 complete before Dr. King starts speaking about a "Dream."
Forty-five years ago, Dr. King mounted the steps of the Lincoln Memorial to demand justice. As he said, he came to "cash a check." Forty-five years ago he said, "when the architects of our republic wrote the magnificent words of the Constitution and the Declaration of Independence, they were signing a promissory note to every American was to fall heir.
"This was a promise that all men would be guaranteed the inalienable rights of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. It is obvious today that America has defaulted on this promissory note insofar as her citizens of color are concerned. Instead of honoring this sacred obligation, America has given the Negro people a bad check, which has come back marked "insufficient funds." But we refuse to believe that the bank of justice is bankrupt. We refuse to believe that there are insufficient funds in the great vaults of opportunity of this nation."
Watch and listen to the speech as you read on:
Forty-five years ago, Dr. King did not simply espouse a Dream where "little Black boys and Black girls will be able to join hands with little White boys and White girls and walk together as sisters and brothers." Racial reconciliation is the culmination of this Dream. But, in Dr. King's "Dream" this reconciliation cannot happen until this nation rises up to "live out the true meaning of it's creed: 'We hold these truths to be self-evident: that all men are created equal."
You see, Reparations will help us to realize the Dream.
We will not all be created equal until the child born in the ghetto has the same chance to achieve greatness as the child born in the suburbs. We will not all be created equal until a Black person going to a hospital has the same chance of survival as the White person in the same hospital. We will not be created equal until "Black Culture" is part and parcel of American Culture, and not treated as some sort of "sub-culture."
Reparations will help us to realize the Dream.
The dream is not realized simply because a Black man stands as the Democratic Nominee. And, the "fierce urgency of now" is this: the opportunity for us to make progress on overcoming racial disparities is slipping away.
You hear pundits, preachers and politicians alike declaring that this moment marks the "Post-racial" era. They want you to believe that Obama's nomination will open the flood-gates of opportunity for Black people. But, the National Urban League tells a different story.
Take the housing crisis for example. Urban League President Marc Morial states:
In fact, according to 2006 Home Mortgage Disclosure Act data, more than 50 percent of blacks received subprime loans compared with less than 18 percent of whites.
People will use Senator Obama's nomination (on the Anniversary of the "I Have a Dream" Speech) as a testament to the "progress" that's been made. They will all be proud of the "Color Blind Society." But, United for a Fair Economy states in their "State of the Dream 2008" report:
Because people of color are disproportionately poor, many individuals will be helped by some of the proposals. But the "color-blind" nature of the policies will not have any effect on closing the racial economic gap. In fact, race is conspicuously absent from the Democrats' agenda.
Reparations will help us to realize the Dream. Affirmative Action has failed us. And, Black Presidential candidates are not the solution. Yes, it feels good. But, feeling good "don't pay the bills."
Those who have read the entire text of this "I Have a Dream" speech realize that he's arguing for a form of reparations. Yet, while we compare Senator Obama to Dr. King on this (now doubly) important date in history, we're faced with the fact that Senator Obama is against reparations. He says:
If we have a program, for example, of universal health care, that will disproportionately affect people of color, because they're disproportionately uninsured," Obama said. "If we've got an agenda that says every child in America should get — should be able to go to college, regardless of income, that will disproportionately affect people of color, because it's oftentimes our children who can't afford to go to college.
Yet, United for a Fair Economy says again:
Moving everyone one rung up the ladder won't change the fact that those on the lower rungs are disproportionately people of color.
And, those on the lower rungs will continue to be on the lower rungs...moving the ladder up higher doesn't manifest equality - only a higher standard of inequality.
Tonight, you will hear them speak of racial progress. Yet, as Bill Reed points out:
White households’ average net worth of $468,200 is six times that of black households’ $75,000. Blacks’ plight is not being represented in political parties’ platforms and if nothing is done to accelerate black progress, it will take blacks 6 years to close the high school graduation gap, 71 years to close the disparities in college graduation and 581 years to close gaps in per-capita income gap and 1,664 years for the one in home ownership.
If you haven't seen enough, here are some more sites:
All of this, and they lull us to sleep by saying that Barack Obama is the realization of Dr. King's Dream.
Now, my problem is not with Obama. This is the mainstream and the media using this situation to their benefit. This is the mainstream using this historic moment as another opportunity to further neutralize the political power of the Black community.
Reparations will help us to realize the Dream.
Forty-five years ago, Dr. King did not speak out simply so that Black men could run for President. Dr. King spoke out demanding equality. So, I say to you today, my friends, that the dream is yet to be achieved. I say that we still have much work to do. I say, go ahead and support Obama if you like. Yet regardless of your choice, to realize the dream we must become vigilant. We must organized if we are to protect ourselves from those who will day that "racism is dead."
In a 2004 questionnaire, Senator Obama told the NAACP, "I fear that reparations would be an excuse for some to say, 'We've paid our debt,' and to avoid the much harder work."
Well, I agree. And, I fear that a Black president would be an excuse for some to say, "We've paid our debt," and to avoid the much harder work." So, let's get to work!
Last night, we were to discuss the Rising Tide Theory and Senator Obama’s stance on reparations.In our response, we called Obama’s position naïve.Well, some people have considered our response a bit harsh and unfair to Senator Obama.Some say that we ought to wait until he wins the election before we start making demands.So, to address this issue we scheduled last night’s Reparative Talk Radio program: “Does a Rising Tide Really Lift All Boats?The Obama Doctrine.”
We were all set to discuss the issue and present the foundation for a viable reparations plan that could be promoted by a presidential candidate.I think it is quite possible to extend such a tax exemption for the same amount of generations as were enslaved (i.e. four generations of slaves = four generations of exemption).What do you think?If you don’t mind, would you enter your thoughts here?
Yesterday, technology struck: difficulties with our internet service precluded us from completing the show.So, I would like to apologize to all of you for the confusion and hope you will continue to support our efforts.
Ok...if you read the blogosphere you'll see many people outraged that Obama has voiced his opposition to Reparations. Now, I definitely understand why he made that stance. As Jeremiah Wright said, "Barack Obama is a politician, and he does what politicians do." How can we believe that he would say anything different?
Now, what Senator Obama says sounds nice. And, frankly as US President that is the most we can - and should - expect him to say. Nevertheless, we must understand that in this instance a rising tide may raise all boats, but some boats will still be sinking.
Reparations will protect us from Obama's naiveté. If one person stands 5'6" and another at only 5', and we put them both on the same 4" platform, the first person will remain 6 inches taller than the other, right? That is the shortsightedness of Senator Obama's thinking on this issue.
Black people are at a disadvantage. Those in the race of capitalism do not need any head starts. If indeed the race goes to the swift, why not find ways to put everyone at the same starting point and let competition determine who wins?
So, reparations will protect us from Obama's naiveté. Because, there is no way that programs to help "all" Americans will ultimately benefit Black Americans. For, through programs to benefit all Americans, Black Americans will continue to be behind...we will continue to be at a disadvantage.
Yet, I am not one to call for greater government intervention into the affairs of Black People. I believe that greater intervention comes at the detriment of our community. Ultimately, the solution will come from within ourselves. Especially being of the minority, there is no way that the Federal Government will ever do anything for the distinct benefit of our interests.
We must remember, Senator Obama is running for President of America...not of Black America. And, he will not do anything specific for Blacks simply because he's Black. The only way he will be justified in doing anything specific for Blacks is if the Black Community is active and engaged, forcing Obama to address our concerns.
Reparations will protect us from Obama's naiveté because if we as Black people put all our hopes in him, we will be lost. As Professor Vernellia Randall said to The Huffington Post: aid to the poor in general won't close the gaps poor blacks would still trail poor whites, and middle-class blacks would still lag behind middle-class whites. Instead, assistance must be aimed directly at the people facing the after-effects of slavery and Jim Crow laws.
The best response for obtaining reparations comes from the Late Emperor of Ethiopia, Haile Selassie:
The people themselves must come to realize their own difficulties in the development of their community and try to solve them by collective participation following an order of priority and taking their potentiality into account.
It is well known to you all that recognizing one's problems and striving hard to challenge them is a mark of an attempt at self-sufficiency. Self help in the benefits to be acquired through education, will save the individual from asking someone's assistance.
It is our responsibility to do the work necessary to obtain reparations. To be fixed by someone else would only replace one form of dependence with another. So no, I do not want Senator Obama to endorse a government sponsored reparations plan - not yet. We're not ready...and frankly that would let society off the hook. But, I will say that the Senator's public statement is quite shortsighted.
Tonight, we had an amazing Talk Show! The topic was: "The Value of a Black President."
Many people have asked, "why are you bringing up these issues now? Can't this wait until after Barack is elected?
Well, like Dr. King, let me tell you Why We Can't Wait:
...We are confronted with the fierce urgency of now. In this unfolding conundrum of life and history, there is such a thing as being too late...Life often leaves us standing bare, naked and dejected with a lost opportunity. The tide in the affairs of men does not remain at flood - it ebbs.
Or, as Mos Def said: Tomorrow may never come...for you or me this life is not promised.
Reparations means recognizing the true value of a Black President. And, that value is only measured by the impact on the Black Community. For, if a Black President has no impact on the Black Community, then that president might as well just be a president.
Achieving our reparations means recognizing the true value of a Black President. And, that value lays in the opportunity that a Black President affords the Black Community...the opportunity for political empowerment - because as Brother Malcolm X said, "the cornerstones of America are politics and economics." The value of a Black President lays with the possibility to inspire Black Youth, to give peace to our Black elders and galvanize the rest of us.
We are not out to derail Obama's candidacy. And, is there anything wrong with trying to use this season for the benefit of the Black Community? Is there something wrong with using this opportunity for the benefit of Black People?
White women have it clear. They understand the value of Hillary's campaign. They understand that her candidacy served to inspire them to believe that the "glass ceiling" can - and will - be broken. And, they are using her candidacy to force both Obama and McCain to address their issues and actively court their votes. What's wrong with us? Reparations means recognizing the true value of a Black President.
I have been debating on how I would frame this posting. And, have concluded that the best way would be to simply quote a passage from The Autobiography of Malcolm X.
The black man in North America was sickest of all politically. He let the white man divide him into such foolishness as considering himself a black "Democrat," a black "Republican," a black "conservative," or a black "Liberal"...when a ten-million strong black vote bloc could be the deciding balance of power in American politics...
Reparations means capitalizing on the new American political landscape. With the nomination of Barack Obama, we are seeing the truth of this statement. And, that truth is becoming manifest in a new American political landscape.
For decades the "Battle Map" has been the same, with Republicans and Democrats fighting over the same states every year. As we listen to news reports, we hear of Obama's 50-State strategy. They say his strategy is possible because Senator Obama's base is not the traditional base (Hillary's "Hard-working Americans"). His base is comprised of young (& new) voters and Blacks. Because of the large numbers of Blacks that are turning out, Senator Obama is able to expand his electoral map allowing him to be competitive in the South, on the East Coast, and out West.
Reparations means capitalizing on the new American political landscape. And, it is time for us to organize so that we can assert our prowess. Brother Malcolm continues:
The polls are one place where every black man could fight the black man's cause with dignity, and with the power and the tools that the white man understands, and respects, and fears, and cooperates with...If a black bloc committee told Washington's worst "nigger-hater," "We represent ten million votes," why, that "nigger-hater" would leap up: "Well, how are you? Come on in here!"...Why else is it that racist politicians fight to keep black men from the polls?
There is no excuse for our Community to be in such a sorry state. No amount of racism can deter the will of an organized, cohesive black vote bloc. He continues:
Whenever any group can vote in a bloc, and decide the outcome of elections, and it fails to do this, then that group is politically sick. Immigrants once made Tammany Hall the most powerful single force in American politics...America's black man, voting as a bloc, could wield an even more powerful force.
With growing disparities on the basis of race, with shortcomings of and injustices in American Society magnified on the basis of race, we must inject our issues into the debate.
U.S. politics is ruled by special-interest blocs and lobbies. What group has a more urgent special interest, what group needs a bloc, a lobby, more than the black man?...The government has departments to deal with the special-interest groups that make themselves heard and felt. A Department of Agriculture cares for the farmers' needs (neglecting the needs of Black farmers). There is a Department of Health, Education and Welfare (while the health, education and welfare of the Black Community flounders)...There ought to be a Pentagon-sized Washington department dealing with every segment of the black man's problems
With the nomination of Senator Obama, we have the platform by which to bring change to the Black Community. Reparations means capitalizing on the new American political landscape. With the electoral map changing, it will force both Parties to compete on this new landscape of young and Black voters. With both Parties having to compete, we have the opportunity to present our platform and demand that our votes be earned. We must realize what Brother Malcolm said:
The cornerstones of this country's operation are economic and political strength and power. The black man doesn't have the economic strength - and it will take time for him to build it. But right now the American black man has the political strength and power to change his destiny overnight.
Reparations means capitalizing on the new American political landscape. And, we are seeing the potential power of the Black vote. It is on us now to organize. The opportunity has been placed before us. It is for us to seize the moment. So, join us. Become a member of one of the groups to the right =>
On tonight's Reparative Talk episode, we talked about how reparations means recognizing the urgency of now. We have witnessed history. America has at least nominated a Black Man for the Presidency (although Clinton still has not conceded).
Countless of us have said - and now say - we never thought we would see this in our lifetime. How long will it be before we see this again? Why should we wait? The mere fact that we have NO IDEA when this tide will rise again explains Why We Can't Wait (as Dr. King wrote).
So - clearly, reparations means recognizing the urgency of now. And, now, while we have the attention of the media...now, while we have the ear of mainstream society...now, while the Nation is grappling - yet again - with issues of race, we must force the issue and use this moment for "social opportunism" and bring some true benefit to our community.
This is truly an historic time. And, this time calls us to rise to the challenge. As Dr. King said,
We are now faced with the fact, my friends, that tomorrow is today. We are confronted with the fierce urgency of now. In this unfolding conundrum of life and history, there is such a thing as being too late. Procrastination is still the thief of time. Life often leaves us standing bare, naked, and dejected with a lost opportunity. The tide in the affairs of men does not remain at flood-it ebbs. We may cry out desperately for time to pause in her passage, but time is adamant to every plea and rushes on. Over the bleached bones and jumbled residuesof numerous civilizations are written the pathetic words, "Too late." There is an invisible book of life that faithfully records our vigilance or our neglect. Omar Khayyam is right: "The moving finger writes, and having writ moves on."
Reparations means recognizing the urgency of now. And, we cannot allow this urgency to become cliche'. We cannot allow this sense of urgency to be bastardized into a Kumbaya moment...to coalesce into an atmosphere of "we have arrived...we have overcome." Because with the fierce urgency of now confronting us, we cannot be too late. We cannot procrastinate and miss this opportunity. We cannot think there will be another time like this. Tomorrow may never come. Today is all we can see. So, we must seize the day and embrace the time...indeed we must become "caught up in the concept," forcing these issues to be dealt with so that we might see realchange for the empowerment of our community.
I must be fair. By now, it should be clear that I am a supporter of Senator Obama. However just as one should not be labeled un-patriotic for criticizing America, I should not be labeled anti-Obama now that I will criticize him.
Reparations means not being afraid of the harsh realities of race. Reverend Jeremiah Wright said, "God damn America..." until she treats her people fairly. Now, what is wrong with that? The Bible states that we will all be damned if we mistreat those who have been placed in our care.
In the Gospel of Luke, chapter 12, verses 42-48 our Lord says:
I'm talking to any faithful, sensible servant to whom the master gives the responsibility of managing his household and feeding his family.If the master returns and finds that the servant has done a good job, there will be a reward. I assure you, the master will put that servant in charge of all he owns. But if the servant thinks, 'My master won't be back for a while,' and begins oppressing the other servants, partying, and getting drunk – well, the master will return unannounced and unexpected. He will tear the servant apart and banish him with the unfaithful.The servant will be severely punished, for though he knew his duty, he refused to do it.But people who are not aware that they are doing wrong will be punished only lightly. Much is required from those to whom much is given, and much more is required from those to whom much more is given.
America is a blessed land - much has been given to us. And, if we believe Christ - much is thus required. So, how can we condemn Reverend Jeremiah Wright for stating the prevalence of racism in America?
Is it not true that this Country has been oppressive? Has not America oppressed Native Americans, Blacks, Chinese, Japanese, Hispanics, and even the Irish, Jews and Italians? Are not people still oppressed by crippling government programs, unjust applications of the law, poor education, poor health care and poor housing - among others? Is America smart enough to know that people are suffering? Raise your hand if you think this Country is really blind to the sufferings of people and the stark racial disparities affecting our society. Or, do you feel they simply turn a blind eye?
These issues obviously still strike chords; otherwise, Jeremiah Wright's comments would not be such a huge story. So, if these issues still strike chords - Senator Obama - are we really bringing change to America if we give in to the pressure?
Reparations means not being afraid of the harsh realities of race. Reparations means not backing down from the truth. As free men and women, we should be able to speak our minds without being condemned. Criticize him - yes, but condemn?
For Barack Obama to step away from Jeremiah Wright is almost as if he stepped away from our struggle. His previous stance in the face of the Clinton juggernaut was one commanding respect and instilling pride. This shift of stance stinks of the kowtowing of yesteryear, when Blacks could not say anything that might offend White people.
Reparations means not being afraid of the harsh realities of race. And, those realities are at times offensive. Yet, this has always been - is, and will always be - larger than Barack Obama. And, despite this let down the movement for reparations must continue. So, we continue to support Senator Obama for the sake of the dialogue that's provoked - in hopes that further progress may be made towards our goal.
Here's the beautiful thing about the Democratic Primary: we are now engaging in long over-due discussions on race. God willing, we may be able to engage in frank discussion. For this is the "reparative" process.
Reparations means addressing the issues of race in America. This issue has not been resolved. And, no resolve will come unless there is dialogue When Michelle Obama said that for the first time in her adult life she is proud of her Country, the media and mainstream was aghast. Now, when Reverend Jeremiah Wright (pointedly) criticizes America he is regarded as un-American - despite having served as a US Marine. But before we can make a judgment, we must regard this with a critical eye.
Why is it not ok to at times be ashamed of America? Have we not been ashamed of those we love? And, when they commit shameful acts should they not be regarded as shameful? Yet, even in that shame do we not still have feelings of love? What Michelle Obama struck in that statement was the reality of being Black in America.
Now, we have the issue over remarks made by Reverend Jeremiah Wright (Senator Obama's former pastor). But, the remarks of Jeremiah Wright would not seem so controversial if there were more understanding of the Black perspective. Maybe the words of Frederick Douglass can relay this to you:
What, to the American slave, is your 4th of July? I answer; a day that reveals to him, more than all other days in the year, the gross injustice and cruelty to which he is the constant victim. To him, your celebration is a sham; your boasted liberty, an unholy license; your national greatness, swelling vanity; your sound of rejoicing are empty and heartless; your denunciation of tyrants brass fronted impudence; your shout of liberty and equality, hollow mockery; your prayers and hymns, your sermons and thanks-givings, with all your religious parade and solemnity, are to him, mere bombast, fraud, deception, impiety, and hypocrisy -- a thin veil to cover up crimes which would disgrace a nation of savages. There is not a nation on the earth guilty of practices more shocking and bloody than are the people of the United States, at this very hour. (full text)
All of the holidays of National importance have that sort of duality. "Independence Day" does not commemorate Black independence, and Juneteenth is not a holiday of National importance. Columbus Day for the Black man commemorates the opening of new lands for oppression...vast deposits for the burgeoning of the African Slave Trade. Thanksgiving reminds us of our shared plight with the Native American, also a victim of the this Nation's Birth. This list is endless.
Reparations means addressing the issues of race in America. We can never have reparations - on either side of the color line - without having a candid discussion on the perspectives set in place due to the historical and current experiences that shape our lives in America.
What does provide a sense of pride in America is that this is a Country where we can have that discussion, repair what's broken and prove beneficial to ourselves and the world.
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