Obama Opposes Slavery Reparations

[cc5k]

Obama Opposes Slavery Reparations

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama opposes offering reparations to the descendants of slaves, putting him at odds with some black groups and leaders.

The man with a serious chance to become the nation's first black president argues that government should instead combat the legacy of slavery by improving schools, health care and the economy for all.

"I have said in the past _ and I'll repeat again _ that the best reparations we can provide are good schools in the inner city and jobs for people who are unemployed," the Illinois Democrat said recently.

Some two dozen members of Congress are co-sponsors of legislation to create a commission that would study reparations _ that is, payments and programs to make up for the damage done by slavery.

The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People supports the legislation, too. Cities around the country, including Obama's home of Chicago, have endorsed the idea, and so has a major union, the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees.

Obama has worked to be seen as someone who will bring people together, not divide them into various interest groups with checklists of demands. Supporting reparations could undermine that image and make him appear to be pandering to black voters.

"Let's not be naive. Sen. Obama is running for president of the United States, and so he is in a constant battle to save his political life," said Kibibi Tyehimba, co-chair of the National Coalition of Blacks for Reparations in America. "In light of the demographics of this country, I don't think it's realistic to expect him to do anything other than what he's done."

But this is not a position Obama adopted just for the presidential campaign. He voiced the same concerns about reparations during his successful run for the Senate in 2004.


Democratic presidential candidate Sen. Barack Obama, D-Ill. speaks, Friday, Aug. 1, 2008, during a town hall meeting in St. Petersburg, Fla. (AP Photo/Mike Carlson)

Full article here:
Obama Opposes Slavery Reparations

[sista]

"Let's not be naive. Sen. Obama is running for president of the United States, and so he is in a constant battle to save his political life," said Kibibi Tyehimba, co-chair of the National Coalition of Blacks for Reparations in America. "In light of the demographics of this country, I don't think it's realistic to expect him to do anything other than what he's done."

exactly.... looks like another attempt to quash his overwhelming support amongst african americans... even tho I disagree w/ his stance, not the first thing he's done/said that I disagree w/ him on....

But this is not a position Obama adopted just for the presidential campaign

nope, but that's not how the MSM is playing it...

[cc5k]

Originally Posted by sista

exactly.... looks like another attempt to quash his overwhelming support amongst african americans... even tho I disagree w/ his stance, not the first thing he's done/said that I disagree w/ him on....

Well, you may be right about that... I don't know. The article goes on to say that the definition of "reparations" is so loose that opposing it still leaves the possibility to have a lot of common ground with supporters (i.e. policies that help inner city folks, etc.) Obama's position (whether genuine or forced) is very similar to mine, so I give him the thumbs up.

[sista]

of course you do, you don't think decedents of slaves should get reparations....

[TUCKER]

""I have said in the past _ and I'll repeat again _ that the best reparations we can provide are good schools in the inner city and jobs for people who are unemployed," the Illinois Democrat said recently."

I'd say this is one form of reparations. Of course I'd also say this is the typical run of the mill, middle of the road, Uncle Tommy, talking loud and saying nothing, coming close to the ass but not kissing it, routine, I aint trying to alienate the majority, type mindset Obama has displayed throughout the whole campaign. Even adopting this position he aint talking bout doing nothing different than anyone else before or after him. I thought he was supposedly running on a campaign based on change! He aint trying to do nothing to upset the existing apple cart!

Should he win, he'll be the typical milktoast president that the country might need after 16 years in the bushes! Should he win it, except for taking the blame for the f**ked up economic state the country is in now, the only distinguishing thing about his presidency will be the fact that a faux Black man finally reached the highest pinnacle of politics in the united states. Because he doesn't identify with anyone, he'll wind up screwing everyone.

But of course he'll get my vote because he might well be "THE LESSER OF TWO EVILS!"

[KHARMA]

Originally Posted by TUCKER

""I have said in the past _ and I'll repeat again _ that the best reparations we can provide are good schools in the inner city and jobs for people who are unemployed," the Illinois Democrat said recently."

Finally!! We can agree on something!

[TUCKER]

Originally Posted by KHARMA

Finally!! We can agree on something!

I wish that were the case my dear, but I think you agree with Obama, not with TUCKER.

[cc5k]

Originally Posted by TUCKER

Should he win it, except for taking the blame for the f**ked up economic state the country is in now, the only distinguishing thing about his presidency will be the fact that a faux Black man finally reached the highest pinnacle of politics in the united states. Because he doesn't identify with anyone, he'll wind up screwing everyone.

That's a little harsh. Sensitiveguy isn't here to lick Obama's balls as usual , so I'll step in and defend him. "Faux Black man"?? Why the "faux"? You been hangin out with Jamal and starstruck lately? He sure looks black to me. And like he said in one of his speeches, he sure feels black when he's trying to catch a cab.

You've been around long enough to know there will never be the perfect candidate, but Obama is as about as close as I've ever seen. To here you refer to him as "the lesser of two evils" is a little disappointing. You have another politican in mind that you'd rather have in his place?

[cc5k]

Originally Posted by TUCKER

I wish that were the case my dear, but I think you agree with Obama, not with TUCKER.

LOL... don't give up hope KHARMA, the day will come.

[cc5k]

OK, fess up... who "rated" this thread with 2 stars? We never use that feature on BFRU. LOL!

[sista]

Originally Posted by cc5k

That's a little harsh. Sensitiveguy isn't here to lick Obama's balls as usual , so I'll step in and defend him. "Faux Black man"?? Why the "faux"? You been hangin out with Jamal and starstruck lately? He sure looks black to me. And like he said in one of his speeches, he sure feels black when he's trying to catch a cab.

and its that last part that has whyt folx up in arms.... sometime this week, i'll post the link from that 'progressive whyt' website about how whyt folx are saying he shouldn't refer to himself as african american because he's half whyt....

these muthafuccas are scared as SHYT!!!

[TUCKER]

Originally Posted by cc5k

He sure looks black to me.

If it were a matter of complexion, I'd agree wholeheartedly, but alas, its not!

And like he said in one of his speeches, he sure feels black when he's trying to catch a cab.

Again, that is someone elses perception of him, not his own. I've yet to hear him say he "IS" Black!

You've been around long enough to know there will never be the perfect candidate, but Obama is as about as close as I've ever seen.

He has his selling points, but his middle of the road political strategy and the crap he was touting about "CHANGE" is going to make a mockery of his intent, if he has good intentions to begin with.

To here you refer to him as "the lesser of two evils" is a little disappointing.

I thought that assessment was kind.

You have another politican in mind that you'd rather have in his place?

Of course, GARY COLEMAN. LMAO