Ta-Nehisi Coates: Why Precisely Is Bernie Sanders Against Reparations?

[myrna minx]

373. Thank you for being patient with folks like me who have a learning curve.

As you well know, the blindspots can be huge - and then when we finally see - it's so woefully embarrassing.

I've tried to stay away from the primary fray, but I had to come by and acknowledge this important issue.

I've been a huge Bernie supporter for years - enjoying his "Brunch with Bernie" talks on the Thom Hartmann show. He does reflect many of my values, but, while he does have a great civil rights track record - in the age of Trayvon Martin, Tamir Rice, Sandra Bland, Eric Garner and Freddie Gray, the lack of acknowledging this modern day human rights and life or death issue when he kicked off his campaign, understandably rang flat with many.

I can only imagine how that appears to one of the most reliable voting blocs in the the Democratic Party - People of Color - especially when speaking of revolution.

When Bernie was confronted by BLM at Netroots, I saw passionate young people demanding comment from what was suppose to be the most progressive candidate running for President. If *HE* didn't recognize their plight, who on earth would?

In Seattle, I didn't see a BLM as conspiracy of Sarah Palin infiltrators, I saw young women who were coming into their own, who were finding their political voice, and making their mark. Again, if the the revolutionary didn't recognize the life and death issues of our PoC, who the hell would?

I really, truly think he does care about PoC, and I think he's evolving on many current civil rights issues, but I understand why his kick-off campaign rang hollow for many. The financial solutions aren't the panacea when, Tamir Rice was just an innocent child playing in a park.

I do think he's trying, though. As am I.

I wish things were different. Just know you have an ally with me.