40 acres and a mule?

[librasoul22]

Originally posted by Munchkin03
Freed slaves were NEVER PROMISED 40 acres and a mule. An abolitionist Congressman suggested it as a New Dealish way to get the freedmen on their feet. He ended up being assaulted by a Congressman from S. Carolina--with a cane.

Everyone likes to whine about the "benefits" (if that's what you want to call them) that Native Americans receive. Most of these people have probably never been on a reservation, where they can see for themselves the poor conditions our country calls "subsidies" for Native Americans. Alcoholism, domestic violence, illiteracy, and crime are RAMPANT. The same people who complain about Native Americans receiving reduced prices in housing, education, and other social goods (hey, after the HORRIBLE treatment Natives receieved in their OWN LAND, the government almost owes it to them) are no doubt the same people who think that if affirmative action weren't in place, they would have gotten into law school/been hired/gotten that home loan.

And why should Russell Simmons, or any PRIVATE CITIZEN, be obligated to give money to anyone? You don't see Donald Trump doling out funds to Appalachia, do you? The government created the ghettoes--and it's their responsibility to something about them.

Um, is there an echo? lol

Leslie...that would be a good point except for one thing. If the past gets swept under the rug, how is anyone gonna learn from it? It is one thing to "dwell" on the past, you are right, that is counter-productive...it is a whole 'nother thing to make sure that you are educated and focus on how you can eradicate the results of that past. The only way to do that is study the atrocities that occured and acknowledge that this country wasn't founded by the noblest of people.

Anyway, doesn't it suck that the "American Dream" is all about getting ahead and suceeding...and for Blacks the American Dream is about "getting equal"? Doesn't seem right, does it?