Emery McClendon: Reparations, Who Flipped the Switch?
For some the subject of reparations has been a topic in the Black community for many years. To many it means another free handout from Uncle Sam.
As recently as ten years ago Congress got in on the discussion as then Michigan Representative John Conyers sponsored House Resolution 40 calling for a study of reparations during each Congressional session until his resignation in 2017. That’s as far as it has gotten until now. Several Democrat Presidential candidates have weighed in on the subject recently.
Now Representative Shelia Jackson Lee is carrying the torch for reparations in Congress in the absence of John Conyers, with the blessing of Speaker Pelosi.
It’s significant that the hearings will be held on June 19Th, 2019. The day that Blacks in Texas celebrated Juneteenth.
That’s when they learned about the Emancipation Proclamation as the word finally arrived in Texas. It became a day that is celebrated by commemorating the end of slavery in America by Black’s nationwide.
It is ironic that Blacks are still calling for reparations in 2019. They have had many opportunities to put themselves on equal footing with other Americans, and to pursue the American Dream. However, since the end of the Civil War, Black’s have failed to do so.
They also failed during the Civil Rights era, and during and after LBJ’S “Great Society.” Those were supposed to be times of refreshing for Black’s. What Happened?
Throughout the years, Black leaders have failed to bring their communities to prosperity by expressing and teaching sound principles that lead to economic growth. They have also failed to help their fellow citizens utilize the resources available to every American regardless of ethnic background.
The policies of LBJ caused more poverty in the Black community. It caused more Black’s to look for a handout, and not seek a hand up through self determination. It essentially caused more Black’s to become dependant on the government.
Successful Black’s, such as actor Danny Glover, are calling for reparations during a period in our history when illegals are being handed benefits that were intended for our disadvantaged citizens, to help them in times of need. They are draining resources and our economy at an alarming rate.
Why are Blacks still seeking reparations during a time when our national debt is soaring?
Why are Blacks seeking reparations in the 21st century when slavery ended after the Civil War? Why is Congress (and others) all of the sudden getting in on the act? Will these hearings focus on the Black Slave owners paying their just due for owning slaves?
Reparations should not be a topic of discussion in today’s America. Progress and success should be our focus as we strive to acheive the American Dream, and pursue our economic desires. We should be focusing on keeping America great, not on another huge socialist payout.
Congress should be reminding Blacks that opportunities do exist, and that they have existed for generations, for every American to take advantage of. It’s up to the individual to discover these opportunities to succeed.
One will succeed not because of an economic handout, but because each individual has the desire to do so.
Let’s flip the switch from reparations to personal responsibility. The latter will bring about lasting generational results.
