Reparations Means Truly Honoring Dr. King's Legacy

I keep saying this: Senator Obama's campaign is about a great deal more than the presidency. It is, as he said, for "a more perfect Union."

Today we remember that 40 years ago, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was assassinated. And, many gathered in Memphis to remember this day and the man. Many also criticized Senator Obama because he was not in Memphis, but chose rather to be in Indiana.

I too felt a slight twinge, however as I heard his speech I thought of the statement being made. Reparations means truly honoring Dr. King's legacy. It does not mean heading to Memphis to hold hands and sing "We Shall Overcome." It is not about being at the site of his assassination and walking his last steps. It is not even about talking solely about the man.

Dr. King understood that the movement was more important than any one person. And, the movement is still more important than any one person.

When we remember Jesus Christ, it is not enough to simply go to the site of His Crucifixion and return home. It is more important to carry forth the message of love and redemption, right? And, who would not be compelled to say how much of a more dedicated and Christian life they will live while standing on that Holy Ground? Yet, who - once returning home - actually follows through?

We can all live good lives when everyone is looking!

So, as we remember Dr. King it is important to set foot on hollowed ground. But, it is more important to carry forth the message and to pass forward the mission. And, the message is not only for Black people. The message is not only for Memphis. The message is also for Indiana, and for the Nation. Indeed the message is for the world.

Reparations means truly honoring Dr. King's legacy. And, Senator Obama took that message to a people who otherwise might not have been exposed to that coverage. Days like this should be days of "remembering action." What is the point of remembering the struggles and sacrifice if we do not bring to bear the present applications?

What would be the point of remembering Christ's Crucifixion if we were not compelled to serve others? Should we use His Crucifixion as an opportunity to carry His message to others? In that same vain we should use King's assassination as an opportunity for us to carry his message to others.

So, let us talk about why Dr. King was killed. Let us engage in dialogue about the issues that still plague us. Let us give ourselves to the noble cause of perfecting this Country.

Come and Get Your Reparations!

Reparations, Albert Wynn and the Bigger Picture

I'm certain everyone has heard about the disgrace of congressman Albert Wynn (little "c" on purpose). If not, check this out.

Now, it is bad enough that Albert Wynn has no qualms with ethical improprieties. But, because we're after our reparations: let us look the implications for the Black Community.

On their website, the Congressional Black Caucus salutes Mr. Wynn for his years of "dedicated and earnest service to his constituents." Well, his constituents were largely Black, and middle-class (at best). However, he is heading to a lobbying firm that is not geared around social interests, but energy concerns. Mr. Wynn is the Chair of the Energy and Commerce Subcommittee, and many fear he may be selling his elective position on the committee for personal/corporate benefit.

But, maybe this move is not simply for personal benefit. Maybe he is looking out for others on the Congressional Black Caucus? After all, their press release praising Mr. Wynn's service also said, "We look forward to working with him as he embarks on a new career."

Before this story broke, I was already looking into the CBC. I found it strange that Mr. Wynn is the head of the CBC's Political Action Committee, where the mission is: to increase the number of African Americans in Congress; to support non-Black candidates who champion our interests; and to promote African American participation in the political process—with a special emphasis on young voters. I thought it was strange because the head of the PAC was unable to execute the mission for himself. Or maybe: was he acknowledging that he does not champion our interests?

Reparations demands that we see the bigger picture. What does this say about the CBC? Do they mean what they say (when they praise Al Wynn)? Or, are they simply saying what sounds good (when they claim to champion our interests)?

What does this say about their PAC? To validate the PAC's mission they say: "We achieve this mission by pooling political contributions from people like you and using the money to make our voice heard in key campaigns." But, can we really trust them with our money? Can we trust them to use it wisely? We need to watch them all closely.

Reparations means that we must hold our so-called leaders accountable. The buildup of this web is our fault, and is ours to untangle. So, we should contact Ms. Keiana Barrett at 202.226.8119 and see how they feel about their March 28 release in light of these revelations on Mr. Wynn. We should also contact the CBC's Political Action Committee and ask them for transparency and a clear accounting of monies raised and how they were used.

These leaders make their rise at the expense of the people. While supposedly doing the peoples business, they organize for their pockets. We must end the free ride, now.

Come and Get Your Reparations!

Reparations and THE Reason (Pat Buchanan) Dialogue is Needed

Okay, I admit: I'm a bit late on this.

I guess when I heard it I was in a daze - unable to believe such idiocy could come out the mouth of anyone "respected" enough to be a commentator on what seemed to be a credible station (MSNBC). But, my friends at the AfroSpear have called me to consciousness.

Here are Pat's comments:

“Barack says we need to have a conversation about race in America. Fair enough. But this time, it has to be a two-way conversation. White America needs to be heard from, not just lectured to. This time, the Silent Majority needs to have its convictions, grievances and demands heard. And among them are these:

First, America has been the best country on earth for black folks. It was here that 600,000 black people, brought from Africa in slave ships, grew into a community of 40 million, were introduced to Christian salvation, and reached the greatest levels of freedom and prosperity blacks have ever known. Wright ought to go down on his knees and thank God he is an American.

Second, no people anywhere has done more to lift up blacks than white Americans. Untold trillions have been spent since the ’60s on welfare, food stamps, rent supplements, Section 8 housing, Pell grants, student loans, legal services, Medicaid, Earned Income Tax Credits and poverty programs designed to bring the African-American community into the mainstream."

What is mind-boggling is that Pat Buchanan claims to be a conservative. For a conservative to be siting welfare, food stamps, poverty programs and the like to be touted as efforts by White Americans to uplift the Black community is beyond comprehension.

In one of his blog postings, Pat says:

"What are Barack’s moral credentials to instruct white folks on what they must do, when he failed to do what any decent father should have done: Take his wife and daughters out of a church where hate had a home in the pulpit?"

This begs the question: would Pat agree that there are very few decent White fathers in past generations? I mean, did they remove their wives and children from those churches who called Blacks inferior? Did they remove their families from those circles that said Blacks were deserving of maltreatment, deserving of lynching? Did those fathers stop their families from being corrupted by public lynchings? Maybe this picture will help you answer that question:

Look at all of those decent fathers, harvesting their "strange fruit." Or, is Pat Buchanan saying that the words spoken by Jeremiah Wright are worse for the Country than the actions of this photo and numerous other similar actions.

Reparations means you take this email address: LindaMuller@Buchanan.org and let her know what you think of Pat Buchanan's ridiculous comments.

Come and Get Your Reparations!

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!

Reparations: Black - Brown Relations

Oh, what a day!

It's funny. In a world where it's taboo for a man to cry, I must admit that this campaign has caused me to tear up on more than one occasion. Today was another such occasion.

Today, Governor Bill Richardson endorsed Senator Obama. And, overtly he had remarkable and beautiful things to say about the Senator. Yet, larger than the language is the symbolism.

Another Clinton supporter - noted Latino community activist Adelfa Callejo - stated that Senator Obama has a problem with Hispanics "because he's Black." There has been a divide wedged by the powers that be to pit Black against Brown, when both of us are in the same boat.

So what is the larger context? Governor Bill Richardson's endorsement is TREMENDOUS! It is a courageous stance…almost as courageous as Barack Obama’s speech. It was a tough move for the Governor to make, but it showed that he’s not afraid of the issue, and is willing to stand with Obama’s appeal for reconciliation and advancement of our Great Union.

We do have separate issues, that must be dealt with singularly. Yet, we do have shared concerns that are best served by a consorted effort. The key is knowing when to join our efforts and when to work on our own.

As a Nationalist, I always have said that we must only stand with those who are willing to stand with us. Governor Bill Richardson showed that he too understands the issues of race in America, and is willing to stand with Senator Obama and not hang him out to dry. With all the history behind the Governor's relationship with the Clinton family, this is a bold move and should be applauded. In the larger context, I see this as the highest profile Brown political leader standing alongside the highest profile Black political leader. To hear him tear up as he made his endorsement made me tear up as well. As a Republican, I wish we had a leader exhibiting that kind of courage on the issues that rest at the core of what hinders our Country from being all it can (and should) be.

So, he - as a Brown man - stood with Obama. Maybe now we can go forward together, Black and Brown, working for change in America and pursuing the perfection of our Country.

Here's a video of today's endorsement:

Reparations and "A More Perfect Union" - Pt. 3

Okay. This is proving to be larger than life. A few issues need to be discussed.

Reparations means pursuing a more perfect Union. How do we do this? We must first find the places where our Union is weak.

Let's look at the coverage of this speech and the racist tone of the media. No one questioned White pastors when they called Hurricane Katrina God's judgment on New Orleans in specific and the Country in general. Just perform the following Google Search, and see what is out there. So, why is Reverend Wright worthy of condemnation but White pastors have never been denounced? There was no endless cycle of media clips depicting John Hagee, Pat Robertson, David Duke, Billy Graham or any of the numerous other controversial White pastors who have made seemingly outlandish comments. But, this is all surface.

As I said, reparations means pursuing a more perfect Union. So, let us dig a bit deeper and look at the argument of "preaching hate." Critics and the larger public say that Jeremiah Wright preaches hate. They ask, how can parents allow their children to grow up in these churches and be "indoctrinated by hate."

That may be a valid question. But, those same critics would be faced with the rebuttal argument: what about the hatred that was/is preached by White Churches? What about the pastors that preached the racial inferiority of Black people and condoned - even encouraged - slavery, colonialism and segregation? What about the Christian heritage and Terrorism by the Ku Klux Klan?

So, I ask those critics: what about you? For by and large, your parents were raised in those churches, heard truly hate-filled preaching, and they stayed in those churches. So, what about you: how did you turn out? Were you damaged by that preaching? And, if we were does that mean you are still damaged? Did you demand that your parents leave those churches? Did you walk out of those churches in protest? These are the answers to the arguments of Jeremiah Wright's critics.

Remember, reparations means pursuing a more perfect Union. So, let's now examine the so-called "Black hate." This fiery preaching comes from the foundations of the Black Church. The Black Church was born during American Slavery. As part of American Slavery, Black preachers were forced to examine the hypocrisy of the larger society. Because of their bondage Black Clergy were compelled to read the Old Testament and the experience of the Ancient Jews as a direct parallel to their own. Egypt and Babylon became synonymous with America and the West. Pharaoh became a reference for the slave master and the rulers of this system.

We were compelled to read the New Testament with a keen eye to the sheer hypocrisy. In his Inaugural Address as President of the Confederacy Jefferson Davis once said, "Slavery was established by decree of Almighty God. It is sanctioned in the Bible, in both Testaments, from Genesis to Revelation." Slave masters, and society, used St. Paul's words ("Slaves obey your master" and “Let slaves regard their masters as worthy of all honor") to control slaves. Yet, Black Clergy saw this in the Holy Scriptures:

"For as many of you as have been baptized in Christ, have put on Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek: there is neither bond nor free: there is neither male nor female. For you are all one in Christ Jesus" (Galatians 3:27-28; cf. 1 Corinthians 12:13)

So, that legacy of criticism has continued. And, that legacy must not be ignored - but cherished, and considered. Why? Because had it not been for that criticism of society - that pulling on the soul of the Nation - there would have been no en to slavery. Without that tug on our conscience, there would have been no end of Jim Crow. And unless you're willing to argue that the end of slavery and Jim Crow were not good things, we must agree that the critical nature of the Black Church is something that has been a blessing to America. Embrace your blessing, America.

Come and Get Your Reparations!

Reparations and "A More Perfect Union" - Pt. 2

Again, I want to take the opportunity to applaud Senator Barack Obama for the stance he took in his speech yesterday. As the coverage continues, the importance of this speech continues to grow. On C-Span radio this morning, a lady (against Obama's speech) - after stating that Blacks need to learn to mix with Whites - mentioned that we need to "get along." I say, there can be no "getting along" without this discussion.

Reparations means pushing for a more perfect union. Perfecting this Country is the duty of every patriotic American. That being said, Senator Barack Obama must be a patriotic American.

As a Black man, I recognize this to be a much needed discussion. It is one that should have been had decades ago. Yet, as they say: better late than never.

As a Republican, I am thrilled to hear this discussion. It is a discussion that should have been led by the Republicans - had we been true to our history. It was the Republican Party that was born as the anti-slavery party and pro-Civil Rights Party. It was the Radical Republicans who pushed Reconstruction, and pushed for passage of the 13th and 14th Amendments. I do not say that to tout the Party, but to call it to account - to remember its foundations. The Republican Party had started that national dialogue, but with Lincoln's assassination and society's fatigue in dealing with the tough issues of race the dialogue ended.

But, reparations mean pushing for a more perfect union. Herein lies an opportunity for the Republican Party to reclaim its legacy. For those of us, Black conservatives, it behooves us to follow the lead of Senator Obama and push the Party to reach for a more perfect union and engage in this dialogue. This is not a dialogue only for Democrats or Republicans; it's not only for Blacks or Whites. This is a discussion for America.

Come and Get Your Reparations!