Obama says he opposes slavery reparations, ANOTHER FLIP FLOP???

[IEATV8S]

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) - 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.
There's enough flexibility in the term "reparations" that Obama can oppose them and still have plenty of common ground with supporters.
The NAACP says reparations could take the form of government programs to help struggling people of all races. Efforts to improve schools in the inner city could also aid students in the mountains of West Virginia, said Hilary Shelton, director of the NAACP's Washington bureau.

"The solution could be broad and sweeping," Shelton said.
The National Urban League - a group Obama is to address Saturday - avoids the word "reparations" as too vague and highly charged. But the group advocates government action to close the gaps between white America and black America.
Urban League President Marc Morial said he expects his members to press Obama on how he intends to close those gaps and what action he would take in the first 100 days of his presidency.
"What steps should we take as a nation to alleviate the effects of racial exclusion and racial discrimination?" Morial asked.
The House voted this week to apologize for slavery. The resolution, which was approved on a voice vote, does not mention reparations, but past opponents have argued that an apology would increase pressure for concrete action.

Obama says an apology would be appropriate but not particularly helpful in improving the lives of black Americans. Reparations could also be a distraction, he said.
In a 2004 questionnaire, he told the NAACP, "I fear that reparations would be an excuse for some to say, 'We've paid our debt,' and to avoid the much harder work."
Taking questions Sunday at a conference of minority journalists, Obama said he would be willing to talk to American Indian leaders about an apology for the nation's treatment of their people.
Pressed for his position on apologizing to blacks or offering reparations, Obama said he was more interested in taking action to help people struggling to get by. Because many of them are minorities, he said, that would help the same people who would stand to benefit from reparations.

"If we have a program, for example, of universal health care, that will disproportionately affect people of color, because they're disproportionately uninsured," Obama said. "If we've got an agenda that says every child in America should get - should be able to go to college, regardless of income, that will disproportionately affect people of color, because it's oftentimes our children who can't afford to go to college."

One reparations advocate, Vernellia Randall, a law professor at the University of Dayton, bluntly responded: "I think he's dead wrong."
She said aid to the poor in general won't close the gaps - poor blacks would still trail poor whites, and middle-class blacks would still lag behind middle-class whites. Instead, assistance must be aimed directly at the people facing the after-effects of slavery and Jim Crow laws, she said. "People say he can't run and get elected if he says those kinds of things," Randall said. "I'm like, well does that mean we're really not ready for a black president?"


My Way News - Obama says he opposes slavery reparations, apology

BUT IN 2007 IT WAS A DIFFERENT STORY!!!!!

A Presidet Barack Obama would force American taxpayers to compensate "victims of slavery"


2007-04-04 10:06:55 - Barack Obama quietly supports reparations for slavery; at least that is what his closest supporters believe

CONTRARIAN COMMENTARY FOR APRIL 4, 2007

BARACK OBAMA: IS AMERICA READY FOR REPARATIONS?

OBAMA'S SUPPORTERS SEE REPARATIONS IN THEIR FUTURE IF BARRY O IS ELECTED

READY TO PAY? OBAMA'S THE WAY

(CHICAGO)(April 4, 2007) Is America ready to pay reparations for slavery? What is that you say, "Doesn't Senator Barack Obama oppose reparations
for slavery?" Well, no. He doesn't.

In fact the reparations crowd in Washington and Chicago is salivating at the prospect Obama might stumble into the White House and put them on track for a reparations gravy train for slavery which took place centuries ago.

To tackle the topic, first, a simple question: is Obama opposed to reparations? Indeed, the question is not so simple. Nothing is ever simple and straightforward where Barry Obama and words come together. Obama's pirouettes on the question of reparations would enchant any balletomane; his position always depends on who is asking and who is listening. And who is watching.

Prior to his election to the U.S. Senate in 2004 Obama opposed reparations for slavery. After his election, Obama subtly changed his view, stating he was against "just signing over checks to African-Americans," leaving open the possibility of other forms of reparations would be acceptable to him (Chicago Tribune 11/14/2004).

Second, whom does Barry O "hang" with? Well, Obama hangs with the reparations crowd. Now guilt by association is certainly unfair. But if you hang with the reparations crowd, they must see something in you they like. Indeed they do. U. S. Representative John Conyers, Chairman of the House Judiciary Committee, is reportedly waiting for Obama to be elected so Conyers can rush a reparations law through Congress. (The Hill, 3/13/ 2007) Hmmm. Does Conyers know something we don't?

Finally, the most telling indication that Obama has a secret addiction to reparations is reflected in those who support him and those whom he supports: the most notorious race-baiter on the Chicago City Council, Alderwoman Dorothy Tillman.

Haven't heard of Dorothy Tillman? You better learn about Obama's #1 supporter. And fast. You really should know who she is. Tillman has almost single-handedly made a joke of the City of Chicago in the public finance industry over her preoccupation with slavery and reparations.

The REST of the story!

A Presidet Barack Obama would force American taxpayers to compensate "victims of slavery"

[Black Power]

This is so depressing. I might kill myself if he wins.

I actually told my boss the other day that if taxes get any higher I am going to not care to go for a promotion because I wouldn't end up netting any more money. That's IF Oblammy wins. Keep in mind I am not rich and I don't make very much money. I am 24 years old and trying my best (for now). I should just claim that I am a half black half Mexican woman and see if I can get reparations and a welfare check

[salvageV6]

I wonder if the half-white and half-black Obamination would have to pay out of one hand to rake in some with the other?

Might help explain some of his pathetic flip flopping on this issue.

Well it certainly explains him talking out of both sides of his mouth.

[IEATV8S]

[G. Price]

From the U.S. Constitution. Amendment 14, section 4

The validity of the public debt of the United States, authorized by law, including debts incurred for payment of pensions and bounties for services in suppressing insurrection or rebellion, shall not be questioned. But neither the United States nor any State shall assume or pay any debt or obligation incurred in aid of insurrection or rebellion against the United States, or any claim for the loss or emancipation of any slave; but all such debts, obligations and claims shall be held illegal and void.

I wish someone would read this and put this issue to rest.

The only thing that scares me is the Lib's in the U.S. Supreme Court no longer believe that this is the document that they are charged with enforcing.

[Gothmog]

I wonder if there is a NON ISSUE out there that can really rile up the racist republican base...hmmm what could it be...what would really rile up those rednecks in the red states???

Hmmmm

[G. Price]

Originally Posted by Gothmog

I wonder if there is a NON ISSUE out there that can really rile up the racist republican base...hmmm what could it be...what would really rile up those rednecks in the red states???

Hmmmm

Please explain how being opposed to reparations and being concerned that a Presidential candidate may be for reparations is racist.

Thats really a very weak argument. If all you have is the race card then you know you are on the losing side of this one.

[IEATV8S]

[The Blob]

Originally Posted by IEATV8S

On Jesse Jackson's radio show this morning (don't ask ) there was a caller "Bob" who could have been you. Jesse gave the guy like 20 minutes... even held him through a break... and clearly enjoyed talking to him.

Bob made every point any conservative would make and Jesse answered them all straight up without any sidestepping, double talk, or accusations. And some of what he (Jesse) said even made a small amount of sense. I actually gained a little respect for him this morning.

[IEATV8S]

Originally Posted by The Blob

On Jesse Jackson's radio show this morning (don't ask ) there was a caller "Bob" who could have been you. Jesse gave the guy like 20 minutes... even held him through a break... and clearly enjoyed talking to him.

Bob made every point any conservative would make and Jesse answered them all straight up without any sidestepping, double talk, or accusations. And some of what he (Jesse) said even made a small amount of sense. I actually gained a little respect for him this morning.

That I would like to hear, any links to his show, or just try my luck?

[The Blob]

I don't know where you can find it online. If you find a link, post it.

Edit:

Here is the link to the radio show. I can't listen to any of it because my computer is all focked up but maybe its there or maybe it will be in the archives next week.

Jesse Jackson - Keep Hope Alive

[Gothmog]

Originally Posted by G. Price

Please explain how being opposed to reparations and being concerned that a Presidential candidate may be for reparations is racist.

Thats really a very weak argument. If all you have is the race card then you know you are on the losing side of this one.

reparations? Never happen EVER. It wont even be debated.

[G. Price]

Originally Posted by Gothmog

reparations? Never happen EVER. It wont even be debated.

Nice try at deflection. Now answer the question.

[Gothmog]

Originally Posted by G. Price

Nice try at deflection. Now answer the question.

I'm strongly against reparations, but I DONT CARE ABOUT THIS ISSUE SINCE IT WILL NEVER COME UP...

just like ole Rick Santorum was upset about gay marriage because he thought it would lead to man marrying animals next...me I DONT CARE CAUSE THAT WILL NEVER HAPPEN EITHER

[G. Price]

Originally Posted by Gothmog

I'm strongly against reparations, but I DONT CARE ABOUT THIS ISSUE SINCE IT WILL NEVER COME UP...

just like ole Rick Santorum was upset about gay marriage because he thought it would lead to man marrying animals next...me I DONT CARE CAUSE THAT WILL NEVER HAPPEN EITHER

Still deflecting and not answering the question.

I don't care if you think this will ever come up. Answer the original question.

[Gothmog]

Originally Posted by G. Price

Still deflecting and not answering the question.

I don't care if you think this will ever come up. Answer the original question.

what's racist about reparations. If you wrong someone and make them whole again with a monetary judgement, what does that have to do with race?