Instead of trying to justify reparations, maybe Eugene Kane should be asking African-Americans if they have anything to be thankful for?

Milwaukee Journal Sentinel columnist Eugene Kane again seems to be championing the idea of paying reparations to today’s African-American’s for the slavery some of their ancestors experienced in America almost 150 years ago. He says:

This country has never come face-to-face to the ramifications of what it meant to have enslaved black slaves for centuries, viagra sale malady and how much that impacted on the progress of black people in America today.

First let me say that slavery was an unmitigated evil. People should never be judged by the color or their skin. And I wish every black person in America success.

However, hospital in the spirit of the season, purchase I think it might be helpful to note that today’s African-Americans live in what the Human Development Index ranks as one of the top 10 most “developed” countries in the world.

Meanwhile, 29 of the 31 lowest ranked countries are in Africa.

Should today’s African-Americans be grateful that their ancestors were dragged from Africa in chains?

No.

Should they maybe consider the bill paid in full by the 360,000 Union soldiers who died to make it possible for them to live freely in a country that gives them almost limitless possibilities compared to what they would have had if they still lived in the countries of their forefathers?

I would say, yes.

5 comments November 20th, 2006