Of Apolgies, Reparations and Black People in America

The United States House of Representatives just recently issued an official apology to African-Americans for the harm done them and their ancestors by slavery, segregation and discrimination. Barack Obama declares that words are not enough he wants to see “deeds”. As co- sponsor of a bill establishing a commission to consider cash reparations to all black people in America, it’s not much of a leap to anticipate what is to come if he is elected.

Enough is enough! This House does not represent me and I reject the entire notion of apologies and reparations. Without question slaves suffered inhumanely, yet from Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation forward, the slave’s ignominy has been a singular blessing for his progeny. Yes a blessing, for as a result of the “peculiar institution” the descendent of slavery is a citizen of The United States of America. Regardless of race or creed or history, to be born a United States citizen is an act of penultimate providential grace envied the world over.

Every African-American having slave blood coursing his veins, were it not for slavery, would likely be an African. To be born black in Africa is to be virtually condemned to, per Hobbes, a life “nasty, brutish and short”. In Rwanda and Uganda warring tribesmen have butchered more than a million souls. In Darfur, the Arab Muslims systematically attempt to eradicate the black population. Throughout black Africa, violence, corruption, starvation and sickness are the rule rather than the exception. Offer anyone $100,000 and a one way ticket to any African nation in return for his US passport and you will get few takers.

African-Americans are a remarkable blessing to America. Where would we be without jazz, the blues and the unique black sense of humor and style? Black labor helped build this nation. Today’s African-American has struggled mightily to achieve what he has. Should Barack Obama be elected in November it will represent the culmination of that struggle. I would be a fool to imply the climb has not been difficult and often sorrowful, yet we mustn’t forget that this struggle is of a piece with America itself from the original settlers of Jamestown Island to the Irish to the contemporary Vietnamese immigrant. This nation and its people owe nothing at all to African-Americans save the rights and liberties guaranteed all Americans. Any and all misery or indignity endured by black citizens at the hands of our society has been more than offset by the privilege and opportunity of being a part of that society