Actually, Reparations Do Not Go Far Enough

The government should invest in Black survival, not a one-time payment just to call things even

Jeremy Helligar
GEN

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Photo: Wikimedia Commons

Republicans are so predictable. When presented with measures to improve the lives of the marginalized, the anti-progress party can be counted on to oppose them using pretzel logic. God and the Constitution are the GOP’s favorite standbys, trotted out to back up objections to everything from marriage equality to the recent U.S. Senate impeachment trial of President Donald Trump to, apparently, reparations.

Former NFL star Herschel Walker cited God last week in explaining his opposition to paying reparations for slavery to Black Americans. Speaking during a February 17 virtual congressional hearing on House Resolution 40, legislation to create a committee to evaluate reparations proposals, Walker mixed denial (slavery ended “over 130 years ago,” he reminded those watching, so surely ongoing systemic racism must be a Black myth) with theology. “My approach is biblical,” he said. “How can I ask my Heavenly Father to forgive me if I can’t forgive my brother?”

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