Reparations for ancestral crimes
We can't change the past, but we can make changes to end the systemic abuse and neglect that still exists today. It requires us to be better than our predecessor. After all, they worked hard so we could be greater than them.
Although no payment would ever be enough to correct the tragic history of racism and slavery, as a symbolic gesture meant to heal the wound that divides us I could get behind a one time, first and final reparation payment of $24,000 to be paid to each person who submits a signed letter claiming grievance and stating a determination to end race and skin color politics.
Furthermore, I support a single payment of $2,400 be paid to each person who does not file a grievance claim if they sign a letter stating a determination to end race and skin color politics.
How did I arrive at these numbers? How much is enough? Some people would say it is insultingly too little. It's almost certainly true. I chose an amount that is within the range that the government has spent on other programs. This would not be an insignificant expense, but it would be possible.
Is it fair? If the government gave people reparations it would be an admission of guilt. No one alive today feels responsible. For these reasons, I don't see support for reparations coming from the majority of people. It is viewed as a theft, a wealth transfer and a renewal of institutionalized racism. The detractors aren't wrong.
I still support it as a once and final arrangement because I think it could become a demonstration of our collective will to move past racism. My desire is to unify people and I think we can afford this measure. Realistically the redistribution of wealth would be short lived. Most people would spend $24,000 in less than a year. The entire economy would enjoy a collective, defacto, tax refund, and if people stand by their commitments, the social benefits could endure forever.
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Art by Candra
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