Democratic hopefuls embrace new meaning of reparations for slave descendants

[WeekiWater]

Several Democratic presidential candidates are embracing reparations for the descendants of slaves — but not in the traditional sense.

Over the past week, Sen. Kamala Harris of California, Sen. Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts and former Housing and Urban Development Secretary Julián Castro spoke of the need for the U.S. government to reckon with and make up for centuries of stolen labor and legal oppression. But instead of backing the direct compensation of African-Americans for the legacy of slavery, the Democratic candidates are talking about using tax credits and other subsidies.

NBC News

[beachbum bob]

1. doesn't sound like a good issue to get wrapped up. Many democrats do not have "white guilt"

what was affirmative action all about?

[exboyfil]

2. Sounds like a straight path

to a Trump reelection to me.

[LovingA2andMI]

4. You Think???

Really? Can you detail why African/American Descendants of Slaves that built this country we called America without pay and though great sacrifice are not entitled to any form of reparations since the promised 40 Acres and a Mule were never received?

Equally, the same question would apply to Indian-Americans who are the Original People of this land who were also forced to work in suffrage without pay building this land we call the United States of America?

Look forward to reading your answers.

[WeekiWater]

3. I don't see it as a white guilt type of thing.

Equal opportunity does not occur by unchaining a slave. It’s not possible. Yes, affirmative action is a part of it. Clearly limited in scope and not enough.

[LovingA2andMI]

6. Who says this is about "White Guilt".....

You? As neither Harris, Booker, Castro, or Warren has made their calls for Reparations about any perceived "White Guilt"?

[Panich52]

7. Idea for reparations -- tax relief instead of some payment

Have to admit, I thought reparations question was answered long ago. I also agree with Warren that First Americans should be included to some extent.

Since I'm sure the deficit is part of some opponents' argument, give those with proven slavery ancestry (high percentage of Native bloodline) a decent deduction on taxes, probably for limited time.

Just an idea...

[WeekiWater]

8. I do feel reparations can come in many forms.

Taxation will be a difficult one without it being a payment anyway. A part of systemic oppression is hurdles of said group to be able to reach economic equality. That leaves many African Americans with a very limited income tax liability, if any at all. That doesn’t mean the tax code couldn’t be used as the vehicle, and it might be one of the best vehicles, but due to economic oppression it would still be a straight payment to many. It would be a bit offset by the many African Americans who do have more of a tax liability. It wouldn’t be a gain doing it like that. More of a shifting of numbers.

[Panich52]

9. True. Complicated issue with even more complicated solutions

[totodeinhere]

10. The devil is in the details.

Who would get the tax credits and who would not? Who qualifies as a recipient? What about recent immigrants with African descent? Or would you have to prove that you had ancestors who were slaves, or would simply being of African decent be enough? And how would you qualify. Would you need to submit a DNA test? What about people who are mostly of another race but whose DNA shows that there was someone of African descent on their family tree? Many questions and few answers at this point.