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Kamala Harris Says She’d Sign a Reparations Bill if Elected President: What That Means and Why It Matters
In a 2020 conversation with Reverend Al Sharpton, Kamala Harris, then a presidential candidate, made a bold promise that still resonates today. When asked if she would sign a bill to initiate the process of paying reparations to African Americans if elected, Harris didn’t hesitate. “When I am elected President, I will sign that bill,” she declared. This statement highlights her commitment to addressing one of the most complex and controversial issues in American history: reparations for slavery.
But what exactly does this mean? And why is it such a hot-button topic?
What Are Reparations for Slavery?
Reparations for slavery refer to the compensation or restitution given to African Americans to address the centuries of injustice, exploitation, and systemic racism stemming from slavery. It’s more than just a paycheck—it’s about recognizing the deep, long-lasting impact that slavery has had on African Americans, including economic disparities, educational inequalities, and ongoing discrimination.
The idea behind reparations isn’t new. It dates back to the post-Civil War era when the famous promise of “40 acres and a mule” was made to freed slaves—a promise that was never fulfilled. Today, reparations could take many forms, from direct financial payments to investments in education, housing, and healthcare for African American communities. The goal is to repair the damage done and provide a path toward equality and justice.
Harris promised Al Sharpton that ‘when’ she is elected president, she will assuredly sign the Bill to give reparations, paid for by the people that never OWNED slaves, to people that never WERE slaves!
Out of her mind! pic.twitter.com/IKUYKjIc6J
— 🇺🇸ProudArmyBrat (@leslibless) September 2, 2024
Why Do Some People Support Reparations?
Supporters of reparations argue that it’s a necessary step toward healing the nation’s deep racial wounds. They believe that the effects of slavery didn’t end with the Civil War or the Civil Rights Movement; they’ve been passed down through generations, manifesting in systemic inequalities that persist today.
For many, reparations are about accountability. It’s an acknowledgment of the wrongs committed and a commitment to addressing the inequalities that still exist. Proponents also see it as a way to close the racial wealth gap, which is a direct result of centuries of economic disenfranchisement of African Americans.
Why Do Some People Oppose Reparations?
Opposition to reparations is rooted in several arguments, ranging from practicality to principle. Some people believe that it’s impossible to assign blame or responsibility for historical events that occurred generations ago. They argue that the people alive today weren’t directly responsible for slavery and that reparations could create further division rather than unity.
Others worry about the financial cost and logistical challenges. How do you determine who is eligible for reparations? How much should be paid? And where would the money come from? These are complex questions without easy answers, fueling much of the opposition.
There’s also a broader philosophical debate. Critics argue that focusing on reparations could perpetuate a victim mentality rather than empowering African Americans to succeed in today’s society. They believe the focus should be on policies that promote equality and opportunity for all, rather than compensating for past injustices.
Should People With No Cultural or Ancestral Ties to Slavery Pay Reparations?
This question often comes up in discussions about reparations, and it’s a tricky one. America is a melting pot, with people from diverse backgrounds, many of whom have no direct connection to the history of slavery. Should these individuals bear the financial burden of reparations?
Supporters of reparations would argue that it’s about the collective responsibility of the nation. The benefits of slavery were not isolated to a few; they helped build the wealth and infrastructure of the entire country. As such, reparations are seen as a national obligation, not just the responsibility of those with direct ancestral ties to slavery.
Opponents, however, may feel that it’s unfair to ask people with no historical connection to slavery to pay for the sins of the past. They argue that reparations should be more targeted, focusing on those who were directly harmed, such as through discriminatory housing practices in the 20th century.
What’s Next?
Kamala Harris’s pledge to sign a reparations bill if she were elected president was a significant moment in the 2020 campaign, and it continues to spark debate. While Harris is now Vice President, the conversation about reparations is far from over. Whether or not reparations will ever become a reality remains to be seen, but the discussion is crucial in understanding how America grapples with its past and moves forward toward a more just future.
In the 2024 election cycle, Harris mentioned she has not changed her positions.
In 2020, then-candidate Joe Biden made a similar promise. No such study has been conducted by the Biden-Harris administration during their nearly four years in office.
Middletown police arrest Canadian man in felony theft scam targeting senior
MIDDLETOWN, Del. — Middletown Police arrested a 24-year-old Canadian man on September 3 for his involvement in a felony theft scam in which he posed as a bail bonds agent to steal money from a local resident.
Alan Labranche-Bolic, of Quebec, Canada, is accused of participating in a scheme where a victim was deceived into believing their daughter had been arrested and that a fake attorney, named “James St. Patrick,” would handle the bail arrangements. The victim was instructed to pay $20,000 as the first installment of the bail.
Labranche-Bolic, posing as a bail bonds agent, arrived at the victim’s home and collected the money. Later that day, the victim was contacted again and asked for an additional $30,000. Middletown Police set up a sting operation and arrested Labranche-Bolic when he returned for the second payment, recovering the initial $20,000.
Labranche-Bolic faces multiple charges, including felony theft, attempted theft over $1,500 from a senior, and conspiracy. He is being held at Howard R. Young Correctional Institution on $24,000 cash bail.
Authorities are urging residents to be cautious of similar scams and to contact local law enforcement before making any payments in such situations.
Delaware State Police arrest Dagsboro pair for felony theft
DAGSBORO, Del. — Delaware State Police have arrested Cody Hudson, 40, and Tara Higgins, 45, both of Dagsboro, following an investigation into multiple thefts involving stolen skid steers in Delaware and Maryland.
Between May and July 2024, the Troop 4 Criminal Investigations Unit looked into several thefts in the Frankford area, where suspects targeted commercial properties and stole skid steers. On September 3, detectives learned that the Worcester County Sheriff’s Office in Maryland was investigating similar thefts in Berlin.
Working with Worcester County deputies, Troop 4 detectives identified Hudson and Higgins as suspects in both the Delaware and Maryland thefts. On September 4, a search warrant was executed at a property on the 31000 block of Swamp Road in Dagsboro, where police recovered one of the stolen skid steers along with additional stolen property from Maryland. Hudson and Higgins were arrested without incident.
Both suspects were transported to Troop 4 and charged with multiple felonies. Additional charges from the Worcester County Sheriff’s Office are pending.
Boston Police District B-3 hosts Coffee with a Cop at Almont Park
BOSTON — Boston Police Department’s District B-3 held its monthly “Coffee with a Cop” event at Almont Park in Mattapan, offering local residents an opportunity to engage with law enforcement in an informal setting.
The event, held under clear skies, featured conversations between community members and officers over coffee. City Councilor Erin Murphy and representatives from the Sheriff’s Department were also in attendance. A playful dog added a lighthearted touch to the gathering.
The coffee hours are part of District B-3’s ongoing efforts to strengthen relationships with the community. Those interested in attending future events can contact the District B-3 Community Service Office at (617) 343-4717.
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Publish date : 2024-09-02 02:01:00
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