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SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) -- Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama opposes offering reparations to the descendants of slaves, putting him at odds with some black groups and leaders.
The man with a serious chance to become the nation's first black president argues that government should instead combat the legacy of slavery by improving schools, health care and the economy for all.
breaking news - national news - world news - azcentral.com (broken link)
Irish and Scots were the first slaves sold in America. They arrived in 1612 African slaves didn't arrive until 1619. White slaves were sold for 5 pounds each and African slaves for 20-50 pounds each and therefore African slaves were treated better. During the reign of Cromwell more Irish slaves were sold than African until the British put an end to the slave trade. The Irish were the first slaves in America and I don't hear any of them needing reparations. Inner schools suffer because they don't have any taxes to provide for the programs. Cut off the socialist programs and force people to work and that would change. I am Scottish and Irish and I have relatives that were sold as slaves and I do not need reparations. I am glad I am in the US and think my success is the single most important reparation I can give my ancestors.
It would probably be more accurate to say that the first “recorded” sale of Irish slaves was in 1612, because the English, who were noted for their meticulous record keeping, simply did not keep track of things Irish. The disappearance of a few hundred or a few thousand Irish was not a cause for alarm, but rather for rejoicing. The first load of African slaves brought to Virginia arrived at Jamestown in 1619. English ships which made a stop in Ireland en route to the Americas,typically had a cargo of Irish to sell on into the 18th century. Few people today realize that from 1600 to 1699, far more Irish were sold as slaves than Africans. From 1625 onward the Irish were sold, pure and simple as slaves. There were no indenture agreements, no protection, no choice. England shipped tens of thousands of Irish prisoners after the 1798 Irish Rebellion to be sold as slaves in the Colonies and Australia.Slave traders went toIreland to kidnap Irish girls around twelve years of age and transport them to the new world. Once there they were raped by their English "masters" and, later, forced to breed with Black men - as the English officers found the Irish girls "cold" and they needed to be whipped into submission, where "half caste" girls, who had been trained to their perversions from childhood, were much more to the English taste. Its estimated that tens of thousands of Irish children, both boys and girls, were kidnapped to supply this vile trade.
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) -- Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama opposes offering reparations to the descendants of slaves, putting him at odds with some black groups and leaders.
The man with a serious chance to become the nation's first black president argues that government should instead combat the legacy of slavery by improving schools, health care and the economy for all.
breaking news - national news - world news - azcentral.com (broken link)
As a descendant of slaves, I agree with him on this. It's long past time to heal America and all Americans. Reparations would not only serve to further divide the races at a time when the country is falling apart at the seams. Reparations would only serve to reopen the wounds that have begun to heal.
America is already bankrupt and I'd rather see our tax dollars go towards eradication of illegal immigration, and dealing with a multitude of problems that are key to our very survival as a nation.
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) -- Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama opposes offering reparations to the descendants of slaves, putting him at odds with some black groups and leaders.
The man with a serious chance to become the nation's first black president argues that government should instead combat the legacy of slavery by improving schools, health care and the economy for all.
breaking news - national news - world news - azcentral.com (broken link)
He has always had and maintained that position. That puts him at odds with a number of other African Americans. However the race card theme of this week will help keep that pace in tact. To that he owes thanks to the McCain campaign who helps keep the Obama base in place while he McCain appeals to another pool of voters.
I agree. When you keep giving people hand outs they don't appreciate what is given to them. When people have to fight and earn it, they respect it more and are less likely to give it up foolishly.
This is just one of the reasons I can't stand the guy
In a 2004 questionnaire, he 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."
What debt do I have? No one I'm descended from owned slaves - with the exception of one line of my ancestors, none were even in this country. I (and the tax dollars I pay) do not owe anyone reparations.
But, if we're going to go there, why isn't anyone discussing the reparations for women? As a descendant of many women (and being one myself), perhaps I'm owed for the generations that were held back by men.
Just more political carp, designed to stir up the "downtrodden". Just like Social Security, health care, rising gas prices and the border. None of them care about any of those issues, after election day.
This is just one of the reasons I can't stand the guy
In a 2004 questionnaire, he 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."
What debt do I have? No one I'm descended from owned slaves - with the exception of one line of my ancestors, none were even in this country. I (and the tax dollars I pay) do not owe anyone reparations.
But, if we're going to go there, why isn't anyone discussing the reparations for women? As a descendant of many women (and being one myself), perhaps I'm owed for the generations that were held back by men.
Just more political carp, designed to stir up the "downtrodden". Just like Social Security, health care, rising gas prices and the border. None of them care about any of those issues, after election day.
? I dont understand your post. His 2004 statement - the "much harder work" means moving on to lift the entire country "by improving schools, health care and the economy for all." This needs to be done anyway. He is not for slavery reparations.
? I dont understand your post. His 2004 statement - the "much harder work" means moving on to lift the entire country "by improving schools, health care and the economy for all." This needs to be done anyway. He is not for slavery reparations.
Maybe I am not as well educated as some. In fact I know that I'm not. This said it seems like reparations and congressional apologies are not addressing whats really wrong. In fact its insulting.
Whats wrong? When you tell a race of people that they are not good enough, smart enough, motivated enough to make their lives better on their own that pure and simple is degrading... Don't worry black america we the elite know your plight better than you. Let us carry your weary souls upon our shoulders and make the right decisions for you.
How about this instead.
We are going to change inner city schools to make them on par with any in the country. We will enforce the laws on school grounds not just go through the motions. We will teach you to read and write and how to do math as well as anyone else in this land. We will create trade schools and clinics to help you make good adult decisions when you graduate.
Reach out to the parents and ask what help do you need. You tell us and we will do our best to make it happen.
No I don't think an over paid civil service worker whose sole function is to justify their job is the answer.
How do reparations address the fact that too many black americans are passed through the system uneducated? How much money will buy a long term fix?
Its been shown time and time again that simply throwing money at a problem is no fix.
I am not sure where Obama really stands but this is my stand.
How do apologies improve the lives of those who need the help?
1. reparations are meaningless and no amount of money can pay for slavery and the after effects
2. Lets just focus on education, wealth, health improvements for aa, latino's, asians, and poor whites across the country...Its silly to offer preferred treatment unless your a Indian..
3. Does anybody think Obama would curry votes supporting reparations in Ohio/ Pennsylvania and backwards wv?
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