It's (finally) time for reparations. It's time for the US to pay its debt.

[Anonymous]

It truly amazes me that you believe people of color are unable or unwilling to do what they need to in order to get ahead without a cash payout.

You give them no credit at all for their determination and perseverance.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Do the reparations ever end? Because dumping money on someone's head doesn't make them fiscally responsible. The last plan I heard called for ten years of payments. I can guarantee that would be extended again and again for various "reasons."

Second, how about details. Who is entitled? How "Black" do you need to be. Someone who recently immigrated hasn't spent decades in the system. Why would they be entitled to the same benefits as the generationally poor? Even social security doesn't work that way.

What reparations have ever been paid?

The author included her opinion on who should be eligible.

Some railroad paid some reparations to slaves' descendants in the 90's.
------------------------

No, no reparations.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:What about Native Americans??!!

I'm personally all for it. We've paid reparations before, to the Japanese, to Aleuts of Alaska, Rosewood victims, Tuskegee victims, NC Eugenics victims, etc. This is not new.

In all those cases, they were payments to direct victims for specific actions. In some cases it was their heirs. This is the first time that an entire race has asked for payment for indirect victims of general actions going back 400 years. This is very new.

It's also the first time that reparation demands ranged well into the trillions. One estimate is for $100 trillion, which equals the total household wealth in the United States. Yes there are people who propose to bankrupt the entire United States in order to line their own pockets. And you wonder why the proposed homeless paupers find the request to be, umm, novel?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:What about Native Americans??!!

I'm personally all for it. We've paid reparations before, to the Japanese, to Aleuts of Alaska, Rosewood victims, Tuskegee victims, NC Eugenics victims, etc. This is not new.

In all those cases, they were payments to direct victims for specific actions. In some cases it was their heirs. This is the first time that an entire race has asked for payment for indirect victims of general actions going back 400 years. This is very new.

It's also the first time that reparation demands ranged well into the trillions. One estimate is for $100 trillion, which equals the total household wealth in the United States. Yes there are people who propose to bankrupt the entire United States in order to line their own pockets. And you wonder why the proposed homeless paupers find the request to be, umm, novel?

Lower home values are in redlined areas create current victims.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I’m black, a descendant of slaves, and I have no desire to receive reparations. To me, reparations are an easy way for white people to absolve their feelings of guilt. It also threatens to maintain the status quo.

I don’t want money thrown at me. I want systemic change. I want to work with peoples of all colors to improve our institutions of government and our public policies, and eradicate that which sustains racism. I want a future in which my kids and grandkids are respected as human beings. I want them judged by their intelligence, empathy, and work ethic - not by the color of their skin.

Money doesn’t buy that.

Respect is earned based on personal achievements and good behavior. If they have that they will be respected.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Lady, how much damn money do you want me to pay you?

Great question. A congressional study would be the best approach to defining criteria and programs, but here is what I’d like to see done:

First, the US should issue an apology that recognizes the impact of white supremacy in US policies over the last 400 years. Also, update k-12 curriculum to more accurately reflect black history in the US and incorporate programs to reduce implicit bias.

Then, to “atone” for the atrocities, the US government should create a portfolio of investments into black communities (programs to increase homeownership, education, and wealth). The actual impact of white supremacy was trillions of dollars (various estimates range from $2T to $100T+). I’d like to see that paid out over time.

$300B per year over the next 20 years (re-evaluate every 5 years):
- $25B for predominantly black PK-12 districts (that is the current gap in spending)
- $10B for training programs
- $10B for community college & HBCU
- $5B for high-quality childcare for those in training/school
- $75B for business loans/grants
- $75B for homeownership programs, prioritizing people who live in redlined neighborhoods (equity grants to reduce gap in homeownership - 43% vs 73%)
- $80B for personal investments or opportunity accounts - $2k pp per year (median white family has 86x assets as median black)
- $20B for rehabilitation programs for inmates

~40 million Americans would be eligible if criteria is having one enslaved ancestor and identifying as black for the last 10 years.

That still doesn’t cover the current wealth gap of $267k pp, but it’s a great start towards recovery.

My sources:

https://www.vox.com/2014/5/23/5741352/six-times-victims-have-received-reparations-including-four-in-the-us

https://www.latimes.com/opinion/op-ed/la-oe-brooks-reparations-20190423-story.html

https://www.nytimes.com/2019/05/23/business/economy/reparations-slavery.html

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/4791140_Forty_Acres_and_a_Mule_in_the_21st_Century

https://www.vox.com/policy-and-politics/2018/10/22/17999558/cory-booker-baby-bonds

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B07XVF3X9D?storeType=ebooks

(I’m typing on my phone - please excuse typos)

Regardless of the merits for reparations, the likelihood that we will spend the foregoing sums solely to benefit 12% of the US population does not seem realistic. What is far more realistic is a serious of programs that benefit those, of all races, who are in the bottom 20% of our economic ladder.

If we can raise more people up we will have increased productivity and buying power. It’s an investment in our economy.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:What about Native Americans??!!

I'm personally all for it. We've paid reparations before, to the Japanese, to Aleuts of Alaska, Rosewood victims, Tuskegee victims, NC Eugenics victims, etc. This is not new.

In all those cases, they were payments to direct victims for specific actions. In some cases it was their heirs. This is the first time that an entire race has asked for payment for indirect victims of general actions going back 400 years. This is very new.

It's also the first time that reparation demands ranged well into the trillions. One estimate is for $100 trillion, which equals the total household wealth in the United States. Yes there are people who propose to bankrupt the entire United States in order to line their own pockets. And you wonder why the proposed homeless paupers find the request to be, umm, novel?

Currently, there is "residual harm" from all of the various forms of oppression that have happened over the last 400 years.

slavery - loss of language, religion, family, history, culture
Jim Crow - segregation, monuments to celebrate white supremacy
redlining - further segregation

Segregation has led to decreased wealth, health, education, opportunity, etc. -- measurable harm in almost all aspects of life.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Lady, how much damn money do you want me to pay you?

Great question. A congressional study would be the best approach to defining criteria and programs, but here is what I’d like to see done:

First, the US should issue an apology that recognizes the impact of white supremacy in US policies over the last 400 years. Also, update k-12 curriculum to more accurately reflect black history in the US and incorporate programs to reduce implicit bias.

Then, to “atone” for the atrocities, the US government should create a portfolio of investments into black communities (programs to increase homeownership, education, and wealth). The actual impact of white supremacy was trillions of dollars (various estimates range from $2T to $100T+). I’d like to see that paid out over time.

$300B per year over the next 20 years (re-evaluate every 5 years):
- $25B for predominantly black PK-12 districts (that is the current gap in spending)
- $10B for training programs
- $10B for community college & HBCU
- $5B for high-quality childcare for those in training/school
- $75B for business loans/grants
- $75B for homeownership programs, prioritizing people who live in redlined neighborhoods (equity grants to reduce gap in homeownership - 43% vs 73%)
- $80B for personal investments or opportunity accounts - $2k pp per year (median white family has 86x assets as median black)
- $20B for rehabilitation programs for inmates

~40 million Americans would be eligible if criteria is having one enslaved ancestor and identifying as black for the last 10 years.

That still doesn’t cover the current wealth gap of $267k pp, but it’s a great start towards recovery.

My sources:

https://www.vox.com/2014/5/23/5741352/six-times-victims-have-received-reparations-including-four-in-the-us

https://www.latimes.com/opinion/op-ed/la-oe-brooks-reparations-20190423-story.html

https://www.nytimes.com/2019/05/23/business/economy/reparations-slavery.html

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/4791140_Forty_Acres_and_a_Mule_in_the_21st_Century

https://www.vox.com/policy-and-politics/2018/10/22/17999558/cory-booker-baby-bonds

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B07XVF3X9D?storeType=ebooks

(I’m typing on my phone - please excuse typos)

Regardless of the merits for reparations, the likelihood that we will spend the foregoing sums solely to benefit 12% of the US population does not seem realistic. What is far more realistic is a serious of programs that benefit those, of all races, who are in the bottom 20% of our economic ladder.

If we can raise more people up we will have increased productivity and buying power. It’s an investment in our economy.

Libs already done that with Obamacare - more people in the pool, cheaper the health insurance. All ended up crap. Those that don't want to work get it for free, lower middle class can't afford it. Here goes your ''pool'' of ''buying power''.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:It truly amazes me that you believe people of color are unable or unwilling to do what they need to in order to get ahead without a cash payout.

You give them no credit at all for their determination and perseverance.

I want them to have an equal starting position - an equal opportunity to succeed.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:What about Native Americans??!!

I'm personally all for it. We've paid reparations before, to the Japanese, to Aleuts of Alaska, Rosewood victims, Tuskegee victims, NC Eugenics victims, etc. This is not new.

In all those cases, they were payments to direct victims for specific actions. In some cases it was their heirs. This is the first time that an entire race has asked for payment for indirect victims of general actions going back 400 years. This is very new.

It's also the first time that reparation demands ranged well into the trillions. One estimate is for $100 trillion, which equals the total household wealth in the United States. Yes there are people who propose to bankrupt the entire United States in order to line their own pockets. And you wonder why the proposed homeless paupers find the request to be, umm, novel?

Lower home values are in redlined areas create current victims.

That's not a direct victim of a specific action. The Tuskeegee victims were deliberately infected with a serious disease. That's very specific.

Your home value is the consequence of many different factors that vary greatly. If you personally could not get a loan in the 1970s, you are a direct victim. All others are indirect victims.

These are not small distinctions. Gigantic lawsuits are won or lose on these distinctions.

And in response to "lower home values" there are people who claim they are "owed" every home and bank account in the United States. Can you at least disavow the more extreme proposals?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:It truly amazes me that you believe people of color are unable or unwilling to do what they need to in order to get ahead without a cash payout.

You give them no credit at all for their determination and perseverance.

I want them to have an equal starting position - an equal opportunity to succeed.

They have the same opportunity I have. Or, you have. Allow them to take advantage of it.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:What about Native Americans??!!

I'm personally all for it. We've paid reparations before, to the Japanese, to Aleuts of Alaska, Rosewood victims, Tuskegee victims, NC Eugenics victims, etc. This is not new.

In all those cases, they were payments to direct victims for specific actions. In some cases it was their heirs. This is the first time that an entire race has asked for payment for indirect victims of general actions going back 400 years. This is very new.

It's also the first time that reparation demands ranged well into the trillions. One estimate is for $100 trillion, which equals the total household wealth in the United States. Yes there are people who propose to bankrupt the entire United States in order to line their own pockets. And you wonder why the proposed homeless paupers find the request to be, umm, novel?

Currently, there is "residual harm" from all of the various forms of oppression that have happened over the last 400 years.

slavery - loss of language, religion, family, history, culture
Jim Crow - segregation, monuments to celebrate white supremacy
redlining - further segregation

Segregation has led to decreased wealth, health, education, opportunity, etc. -- measurable harm in almost all aspects of life.

The point is that this is on fact a new type of reparation qualitatively and quantitatively very different from the examples provided.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I’m black, a descendant of slaves, and I have no desire to receive reparations. To me, reparations are an easy way for white people to absolve their feelings of guilt. It also threatens to maintain the status quo.

I don’t want money thrown at me. I want systemic change. I want to work with peoples of all colors to improve our institutions of government and our public policies, and eradicate that which sustains racism. I want a future in which my kids and grandkids are respected as human beings. I want them judged by their intelligence, empathy, and work ethic - not by the color of their skin.

Money doesn’t buy that.

What about opportunity gaps?
e.g., predominantly-black K-12 school districts spend $25B less than similarly-sized, predominantly-white districts.

What about the wealth gap?

Tax the f**k out of the wealthy. Give to everyone else. That will work a transfer from wealthy whites to poor people of color. As the poor have more money and the ultra-wealthy have less, that should improve the opportunity gap.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I’m black, a descendant of slaves, and I have no desire to receive reparations. To me, reparations are an easy way for white people to absolve their feelings of guilt. It also threatens to maintain the status quo.

I don’t want money thrown at me. I want systemic change. I want to work with peoples of all colors to improve our institutions of government and our public policies, and eradicate that which sustains racism. I want a future in which my kids and grandkids are respected as human beings. I want them judged by their intelligence, empathy, and work ethic - not by the color of their skin.

Money doesn’t buy that.

What about opportunity gaps?
e.g., predominantly-black K-12 school districts spend $25B less than similarly-sized, predominantly-white districts.

What about the wealth gap?

Tax the f**k out of the wealthy. Give to everyone else. That will work a transfer from wealthy whites to poor people of color. As the poor have more money and the ultra-wealthy have less, that should improve the opportunity gap.

That will certainly help the people who need it the most, but why can't we acknowledge that poor white people still have "privilege" over poor black people? Not sure why people aren't willing to acknowledge that even if they don't want to give reparations.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:What about Native Americans??!!

I'm personally all for it. We've paid reparations before, to the Japanese, to Aleuts of Alaska, Rosewood victims, Tuskegee victims, NC Eugenics victims, etc. This is not new.

In all those cases, they were payments to direct victims for specific actions. In some cases it was their heirs. This is the first time that an entire race has asked for payment for indirect victims of general actions going back 400 years. This is very new.

It's also the first time that reparation demands ranged well into the trillions. One estimate is for $100 trillion, which equals the total household wealth in the United States. Yes there are people who propose to bankrupt the entire United States in order to line their own pockets. And you wonder why the proposed homeless paupers find the request to be, umm, novel?

Currently, there is "residual harm" from all of the various forms of oppression that have happened over the last 400 years.

slavery - loss of language, religion, family, history, culture
Jim Crow - segregation, monuments to celebrate white supremacy
redlining - further segregation

Segregation has led to decreased wealth, health, education, opportunity, etc. -- measurable harm in almost all aspects of life.

The point is that this is on fact a new type of reparation qualitatively and quantitatively very different from the examples provided.

If you look at the measurable wealth gap -or- the value of "40 acres and a mule" it's all substantial.