A number of years ago, we had a discussion on the subject of 'reparations.' I dipped my toes into those swift-moving waters back then, which was something new for me at the time. I hadn't really posted much on political issues up until that time, but felt compelled to add a .02.
My post was in response to someone asking: "Why should I be required to pony up cash to some stranger for something my family may or may not have done to his family?" Legitimate question, if viewed only through the lens of zero-sum/'win/lose' metrics. I mentioned to that poster that "reparations" could mean many different things, and be expressed in many different ways.
"For instance," I wrote... "If you aren't a bigot, but you hear someone in your family saying bigoted things, stand up/speak up- and tell them differently. THAT is an act of reparation... even if I'm not there to witness it. If you see a person of color get ignored in a department store- while you get served immediately- have enough character to send that clerk directly over to that ignored customer. You'll help out a fellow citizen AND perhaps teach another a valuable 'character lesson' lesson in the process. THAT'S a reparation, too."
These 'little daily acts' are 180° opposite the 'little daily ways' in which POC's have historically been treated. And with each small 'daily act at a time,' America repairs the torn fabric of our social construct. When one examines that historical tapestry under a magnifying glass, every sewn-up tear, every patch, every frayed (yet intact) hem is clearly visible (...which is as it should be...), but the fabric is made stronger by the addition of effort.
I just finished reading an article at Slate . It was reporting that the Great-great grandsons of Stonewall Jackson have asked the mayor of Richmond to remove their ancestor's monument from the shared public space it occupies. In my opinion, THIS is an act of reparation.
Forget "40 acres and a mule." We're long past the point where something like that could ever be a 'game-changer' or 'playing field leveller.' A cash payout of any sort or any amount would be woefully inadequate recompense for the centuries of oppression, opposition, terrorism and predation that has been Our American History as it concerns Americans with African roots.
Where Human values, higher ideals, and the soul of a nation is concerned, money is cheap.Deeds are the only currency of value.
And honoring the wishes of Stonewall's own progeny in 2017 is something that could heal and repair.
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The only way 'reparations' of any lasting value can work is through acts of conviction, sincerity and character.
The Good Book instructs us: "By their deeds, ye shall know them."
If Stonewall's great-great grandkids can see value in relocating publicly-funded statuary as an act of national healing who am I to argue?
For that matter... who are any of us to argue with them?
While you may think that whites are more racist than blacks, I am of the opinion that blacks are more racist than whites.
We talk all the time about white racists. Those talks typically are always about how whites are racist against blacks. No one really wants to talk about racism if it involves Native Americans, Hispanics, Asians, Muslims, etc.
That seems to be a false and narrow-minded narrative to me.
Who would be in more danger? A black man walking through Shaker Heights or a white man walking in E. Cleveland?
Look bro, racism is running rampant throughout this country, but it is not limited to one side. There are racists, bigots, and prejudiced folks on all sides.
To deny that is to deny the truth!
Stop w/the generalizations and grouping of entire classes/races and start focusing on the individual.
Until one does so, one is no better than those he despises.
Thanks for sharing Clem ... made me look at reparations in an entirely different light ... I was like the dude that asked the question ....
I've always said that anyone can give money ... thats easy ... giving your time IMO is the greatest gift one can give .. we all have a finite amount of that ...
Another great gift any of us can give is like u said ... an act of kindness ... and thats 100% FREE to give ... a smile .. a kind word ... a hug ... it can come in many many forms ...
Thanks again ... i love learning and i just learned something pretty valuable as far as I'm concerned ...
Another great gift any of us can give is like u said ... an act of kindness ... and thats 100% FREE to give ... a smile .. a kind word ... a hug ... it can come in many many forms ...
This is a great point. For example, I was at Lowe's today on Two Notch [I know you live in the Columbia area now and are familiar w/the area which is almost all black] and I was checking out and the lady was acting polite and kind. I smiled at her and we just started talking. I felt good and her eyes told me she felt good.
This type of thing happens all the time to me. I come on here and read all the "hate" posts from both sides and think that there is no hope for our country. I read all the BS articles on Yahoo and think the same thing.
Then, I go out in the community and while some blacks act like total dicks, most are cool as hell and we talk sh##. Thank God most people aren't as messed up as some on this board and that those that the media highlight.
I live in a middle class mixed race suburb. My town is 36% white. I live in a black neighborhood. My neighbors are all nice people with friendly kids. I prefer to hang out at the minority bar rather than the white bar, because the minorities are friendlier.
I have never seen all this angst you all go on about.
If people acted in real life (my life) like most of you act, I would pack up and move away. To some uppity white suburb somewhere.
Virginia city, site of two Civil War battles, cancels upcoming reenactment weekend
A city in Virginia has canceled its upcoming Civil War reenactment weekend Friday amid the growing tensions over memorials of the Confederacy and events that unfolded in Charlottesville, Va., a week ago.
Manassas city officials canceled the event, which had been set for Aug. 25 to Aug. 27, “for the safety of our residents, visitors and reenactors,” a statement from the officials read, according to FOX5DC.
"Recent events have ignited passions in this country surrounding the Civil War and the symbols representing it. The City of Manassas is saddened by these events and abhors the violence happening around the country," the statement read.
DUKE REMOVES ROBERT E. LEE STATUE, DAYS AFTER IT WAS VANDALIZED
Last weekend, a woman, Heather Heyer, 32, was killed after a vehicle rammed into a crowd of people protesting white nationalists in Charlottesville. The man suspected of driving his car into the crowd, James Alex Fields Jr., 20, has been charged with second-degree murder among other charges.
Union and Confederate soldiers face off during the reenactment of the Battle of First Manassas/Bull Run in Manassas, Virginia July 23, 2011. The event commemorates the 150th anniversary of the first major conflict of the Civil War.
Two Civil War battles were fought in the city of Manassas, Virginia. Counterprotesters were demonstrating against the white nationalists who were demonstrating against the removal of a Confederate Gen. Robert E. Lee statue from a park in Charlottesville.
Virginia Gov. Terry McAuliffe Issues Executive Order That Violates First Amendment
by Michael Patrick Leahy
19 Aug 2017
Virginia Gov. Terry McAuliffe signed an executive order late Friday halting demonstrations at Lee Monument in Richmond for the next 90 days. That order violates the First Amendment.
“In spite of weeks of preparation, the city of Charlottesville was the target of an act of domestic terrorism that cost one woman her life, and had a helicopter accident lead to the deaths of two state troopers,” McAuliffe said in a statement that accompanied the executive order:
In the aftermath of this tragedy, several groups have requested permits to hold similar-styled events at the Lee Monument in Richmond. State and local officials need to get ahead of this problem, so that we have the proper legal protections in place to allow for peaceful demonstrations, but without putting citizens and property at risk. Let me be clear, this executive order has nothing to do with infringing upon first amendment rights. This is a temporary suspension, issued with the singular purpose of creating failsafe regulations to preserve the health and well-being of our citizens and ensuring that nothing like what occurred in Charlottesville happens again.
The statement added: Governor McAuliffe will issue a related executive order convening a task force, headed by Secretary of Public Safety and Homeland Security Brian Moran to study the safety concerns that arose from the events of August 12th. The Department of General Services will craft their new emergency regulations based on the recommendations of this new task force, which will be issued within three months.
Citing “the power vested in me as the Chief Executive by Article V of the Constitution of Virginia and the laws of the Commonwealth,” McAuliffe ordered the following:
No demonstrations shall be authorized at the Lee Monument in the absence of a permit issued by the Department of General Services. The term “demonstrations” includes demonstrations, processions, picketing, speechmaking, marching, vigils, and all other like forms of conduct, that involve the communication or expression of views or grievances, engaged in by one or more persons, the conduct of which is reasonably likely to draw a crowd or onlookers. This term includes the display of flags, banners, or other demonstratives designed to communicate a message.
Limiting free speech and the right to assemble is ignorant and dangerous.
I am going to raise Holy Hell the next time BLM assembles.
Funny how you'll raise holy hell on BLM but won't raise holy hell or use that sort of language toward the nazis. You've spent more time attacking us than the nazis.
Says a lot.
“To announce that there must be no criticism of the President, or that we are to stand by the President, right or wrong, is not only unpatriotic and servile, but is morally treasonable to the American public.”
People have no problem w/them killing cops, looting stores, robbing people, attacking and beating innocent whites, starting fires, dropping bricks off of overpasses onto oncoming traffic, etc, etc.
They're terrorists and if you are on their side, then I despise you!
“To announce that there must be no criticism of the President, or that we are to stand by the President, right or wrong, is not only unpatriotic and servile, but is morally treasonable to the American public.”
Vambo, I might not like your opinion on the issue but at least you have a stance on something.
I dunno how you put up with this fence rider all the time.
“To announce that there must be no criticism of the President, or that we are to stand by the President, right or wrong, is not only unpatriotic and servile, but is morally treasonable to the American public.”
