I recently read two articles about the movement seeking reparations to Black Americans for slavery. The first
article was by a lawyer preparing cases to get money out of our government. That gentleman blamed many of the ills
of the modern black man, such as illegitimacy, high prison populations, and high unemployment, on the centuries of
slavery and oppression. Now I seem to remember an article by Dr. Thomas Sowell quoting a study that found that
Black per capita illegitimacy in the 1950’s was lower than that of Whites. They found that the trend did not
reverse until the 1960’s and Lyndon Johnson’s various welfare programs. The same study looked at the other
problems and traced them not to slavery, but to the Great Society. If this be the case, it is the Democratic Party
that should be paying reparations for their commie, crackpot, un-American ideas.
The second article quoted several prominent Blacks who attended the “Millions for Reparations” rally in Washington,
D. C. Each of these quotes is both risible and frightening in its way.
The article mentions that a protester was seen carrying a sign that read, “Apologize White America.” What should I
be apologizing for? I have Black friends and neighbors. I have never owned slaves. If this is the sort of guilt
that goes down the generations, then maybe I should look at history. Let’s see.I had two great-great-grandfathers
who served with the Union Army during the War Between the States. Those ancestors helped free the slaves.
Perhaps they would like me to apologize for that? These Black protestors could be slaves on some plantation right
now instead of being protestors bused into Washington. These are probably the same people who are bused from
precinct to precinct on Election Day. That way, their Democratic candidates can win. Remember, vote early and
often.
If the signs set my mind reeling, imagine what these quotes do. According to New York City Councilman Charles
Barron, “I want to go up to the closest white person and say, ‘You can’t understand this, it’s a black thing.’ and
then slap him, just for my mental health.” I happen to be cynical enough to believe that I do understand this
drive for reparations, and it is NOT a Black thing. It’s a money thing. It’s a power thing. It’s a con game.
And worst of all, it’s a buying votes thing. That is why it will eventually come to pass. Just as Social Security
and Medicare are used to buy the votes of senior citizens, reparations will be used to buy Black votes.
Louis Farrakhan also had an opportunity to address the crowd, “America owes the black people a lot for what they
have endured. We need land for political independence, we need millions of acres. We need payment for 310 years
of slavery, of destruction of our minds and the robbery of our culture.” Mr. Farrakhan owes America a lot for what
we have had to endure from him, including his consorting with enemies such as Mouamar Qaddafi and his atrocious
mathematical inflations and fabrications. Why was this called “Millions for Reparations” when there were only
reported to be 2,000 to 3,000 demonstrators? Was Mr. Farrakhan in charge of attendance? As for needing land,
perhaps Mr. Farrakhan should investigate Zimbabwe? Much of that country’s land is coming under new ownership.
U. S. Rep. John Conyers was quoted, “We want reparations - not next century, not ten years from now, but now.
These wrongs can only be corrected in the House of Representatives, only Congress can do what we want now. All
congressmen ought to be here today.” Has anyone else noticed how powerful the individuals calling for reparations
are? Is it just my imagination, or is being a member of the House of Representatives more powerful than I am
likely to become? A New York City Councilman wields more power, and probably gets paid more than this poor pen
pusher.
The absolute clincher for me was the quote from Kobina Abew, identified as an American citizen from Ghana. What
she said is not important. What astounds me is that this woman is part of the reparations movement, or at least
attending in support of the movement. The woman is a naturalized American citizen born in Africa. Her ancestors
were never slaves here. She came to this country, and she wants reparations for what happened to other people.
Councilman Barron, if this isn’t about the money, then you’re right. I don’t get it.
F. B. Knight is Curmudgeon-in-Residence at the Attila the Hun School of Management. He can be reached for questions
at
fbk@attilathehunschool.net.
