Originally posted by: Yoda Is Your Father
The slave might have spent it on a slap up meal and some hookers for all we know. Saying he would have passed it along to his offspring is an assumption. I think the money should be given as a symbolic gesture to some kind of scheme or project aimed at promoting true equality. And I don't mean some stupid gimmick like an 'I love black people day', I mean an actual government funded project with serious commitment from all involved. Exactly what that is, I don't know, but I don't see why somebody should be able to go and buy themselves a new BMW courtesy of the government because their great grandfather had a bad life. What happened back then is awful, and I am ashamed to be a white westerner at times because of the way we have treated (and in some cases continue to treat) other nations, but this just smacks of people cashing in to me.
The slave might have spent it on a slap up meal and some hookers for all we know. Saying he would have passed it along to his offspring is an assumption. I think the money should be given as a symbolic gesture to some kind of scheme or project aimed at promoting true equality. And I don't mean some stupid gimmick like an 'I love black people day', I mean an actual government funded project with serious commitment from all involved. Exactly what that is, I don't know, but I don't see why somebody should be able to go and buy themselves a new BMW courtesy of the government because their great grandfather had a bad life. What happened back then is awful, and I am ashamed to be a white westerner at times because of the way we have treated (and in some cases continue to treat) other nations, but this just smacks of people cashing in to me.
The reparations game is a dangerous one. Black people are not the only ones to have ever been taken advantage of. The Roman government still exists, why not pay reps to the descendants of their slaves?
My family comes from Ireland. How's about London sends me some Pounds Sterling and we'll call it even?
I'm more inclined to agree with YIYF on this, however I believe reps shouldn't be paid to anyone.