[enlightenment06]

1) This is where law goes out the window, and morality ( and emotion) come into play. Any attempt or effort to maintain or spread slavery is seen evil by many African-Americans ( I would say all, but I don't want to speak for everyone). Even if the Constitution did not permit the federal government such powers, you can't expect us to just say "oh well, that's the law." Just as the Constitution regarded Blacks as 3/5 a person for tax reasons. It ties into being taught to hate yourself. How can you tell someone "love the United States, just forget that the foundation of the country is built upon your misery." Doesn't make much sense.

3) I say my people meaning family members who told me how it used to be. I also read books, most notably John Hope Franklin, J.A. Rogers, and Carter G. Woodson. Contrary to Fox News propoganda, Rev. Al Sharpton and Jesse Jackson do not speak for all of Black America, nor do we follow their "lead". These are not the days of Malcolm and Martin.

As far as knowledge of self goes, that's a whole 'nother thread. Check out "Miseducation of the Negro" by Carter G. Woodson. Also check out "N*gger" by Randall Kennedy. I can suggest more titles if you like.

9) Yeah it would be nice if everyone were treated by the content of their character. Unfortuneately we as Blacks still do not have that luxury. We didn't create race, we didn't create the inherently racist culture of this nation, we didn't create white supremacy or western european world domination. However you have to understand that this is the world we live in and we're trying to, as Talib Kweli said in his song "Get By" (check that out too, and "The Proud", they're off his new album "Quality"- oooh, also check out "Nature of the Threat" by Ras Kass and "Mr. N*igger" by Mos Def off his "Black On Both Sides" Album)

10) I agree.