If you ever want to see me get wound up, just bring up the idea of slavery reparations. Now, I will likely betray my Liberal roots on this one, but let's get something straight here. Lincoln freed the slaves, all of whom are long since dead, in 1865. IF there were ex-slaves still alive, there could be a convincing argument made to grant recompense for suffering and lost opportunities. Clearly, though, that is no longer the case.
The issue of reparations now is nothing more than a money-grab. Since when should we even consider what will be little more than lifestyle upgrades for the descendants of ex-slaves? I find it represhensible that this issue is even taken seriously by a segment of the population. I have no problem with creating programs to enhance the understanding of what slaves experienced, but since we cannot address the suffering of those who actually SUFFERED, reparations should be a dead issue. Unless you live in Houston.
Last week, the Houston City Council defeated a resolution, by an 8-7 vote, that would have thrown the city's support behind an effort to create a Congressional commission. This commission would recommend remedies for slavery (137 years AFTER the fact). Now, the Houston chapter of the National Black United Front is protesting outside the Montrose home of Councilman Michael Berry. Berry cast one of the majority votes, and while he is white, he has worked hard to build bridges to the black community.
"We are sick and tired of every time you turn around someone is making promises to the black community but no one stands for those promises," said Khallid Greene III, a minister at St. Savior Church.
The protesters, who held signs and chanted off and on for 35 minutes, came to let Berry know "if he thinks we're going to vote for him as mayor, he needs a checkup," Greene said.
Berry was elected to an at-large seat on the council in December and announced last month he will run for mayor next year. Njeri Shakur said Berry's efforts to reach out last fall, including a campaign pamphlet with pictures of 16 black ministers and leaders who supported him, were just "an illusion to get black votes when he is insensitive of the needs and concerns of black people."
Kofi Taharka, chairman of the National Black United Front's Houston chapter, said he's upset Berry would not meet with slavery reparations supporters before the council vote. Taharka said Berry, who is white, is establishing a bad track record on issues important to blacks, including affordable housing.
Berry, speaking to reporters inside afterward, said the group that yelled at him from the sidewalk represents an extreme element of the black community.
Berry said he wants to focus on more important issues such as improving infrastructure in black neighborhoods and cutting taxes. He called the slavery resolution "extremely divisive."
Berry said he's been intimidated and his mother has received obscene phone calls and threats over his vote.
The black community in Houston has some legitimate gripes that they would be better served expending their energies on. Reparations is a non-starter. It looks like what it is: a blatant opportunity at a money-grab. Do we really need to be devoting public resources to enhancing the lifestyles of one segment of the community. I didn't think so....
