Reparation

Boy, there's a subject that hasn't been in the headlines for awhile. The act of paying money to someone or some group that has been wronged. The last I remember it being a big issue was whether or not the U.S. Government should pay reparation to those Japanese Americans interned during World War II.

Now it seems there is a movement afoot to pay reparation to the descendants of slaves. Of course it is being politicized since Obama is opposed to it. According to an AP article he feels the best reparation that can be made is providing good education leading to good jobs. As one would expect, many in the black community are opposed to his way of thinking and suggest he is voicing his opposition merely because he's running for President.

They forget, perhaps, who's pockets are going to be picked for these payments. The taxpayers. You and me. I understand the issue regarding the Japanese Americans. Our government did this to our citizens and those who were directly affected were to receive the payments.

Awarding monies to descendants of those wronged is a whole different subject. What happened centuries ago does not affect those living today. What happened cannot be undone, as egregious as it was. To pay money to salve the national conscience does not make sense to me. It can be better used in providing what Obama suggests - education and opportunity.

What would we be looking at in the way of numbers? How would it be proven who is and who is not a descendant? Where would it stop? What group would be next? The Indians? How does one get on the handout list?

Dwelling on past wrongs doesn't make them go away. It's that old "never again" mantra with a price tag.

I pay my taxes. I had nothing to do with what happened those many years ago nor did the people who would be receiving the payouts. I would not be inclined to accept such a payment even if offered and I would not like to see my tax dollars spent in this manner when there are so many all encompassing needs.

Money can't buy everything and it sure as heck can't change history.