Reparations for Slavery

By Kempion

Here we go. This is likely to be the most controversial commentary I have written to date.

Let's look at a world that never saw the scourge of slavery:

Ancient Egypt would never have risen.

The Great Wall of China would never have been built.

Without slavery, there never would have been an American Civil War.

WHAT?!?!? How can I say such a thing? We all KNOW the American Civil War was fought over the sovereignty of states. This is true, however, without slavery; the confederate states would never have had the economy to even consider a rebellion. Sugar and cotton and many other agricultural products made the southern Untied States a viable nation on its own. Of course, the work was done by slaves.

Is this not a great argument for reparations? Nope. The truth is that no one alive today was ever a slave and suffered that brutality that many slaves endured. It should be noted that the vast majority of slave owners treated their 'property quite well considering they were viewed as being subhuman. So, the argument of the brutality towards slaves is a rare occurrence at best. Yes, there work was hard and the working condition deplorable but the brutality towards slaves is primarily a myth propagated to make slavery in these Untied States look that much more sever than it was... not that it wasn't harsh and bleak.

One argument in favor of reparations is the economic impact that slavery gave to the Untied States. In the days leading up to the Civil War, indeed the South was prosperous but nowhere near as prosperous as the industrialized north. Take a look at the south today. Is it an economic powerhouse? There was no lasting benefit to slavery. It quite literally was a day-to-day existence. The wealth that was generated by slavery was a long time in developing and was quite tenuous. In bad growing years, the south suffered economic woes that put many wealthy people in the poorhouse. The truth about slavery is that it never was the economic factor it is claimed to be today.

Was slavery wrong? From today's standards, yes. Should there be reparations? Well, let’s go back to that world that never knew of slavery. Where would African-Americans be today if it weren't for slavery bringing their ancestors here? That's right, Africa or not even alive. Where the poverty, famine and mortality rate would probably have killed off most of the African-American ancestors. Living in this free and prosperous nation is a benefit like no one other. Should there be reparations? No.

Now, as I usually do, let's delve into the politics behind the movement that seeks reparations. What's the motivation? Its professed that slavery has made America biased and has propagated racism which makes it nearly impossible for African-American to succeed here today. I don't doubt that racism is alive and well, however, it is surely on the decline as our people become more and more educated.

There are numerous educational and professional benefits that are designed specifically for African-Americans. Is this not a form of reparation? I bet more has been spent on these programs and more wealth generated than was ever made on the backs of slaves.

Now, if you believe in your heart of hearts that you cannot make it in this country simply because of your skin color, then I have an offer you can't refuse. If you are so disenfranchised with this country and feel there is simply no hope for you here, then we will help you make a new start anywhere in the world that you want to go. Anywhere, that is, except the western hemisphere... after all your roots aren't here.

Here's the deal: The United States government will pay each and every African -American born before January 1st, 2003 the sum of $100,000 and will buy each and everyone of those applying for reparations a one-way ticket to anywhere in the world that they want to go. Sell your assets, cash out, and get your check and go.

Told ya it was going to be controversial.