Well first of all the decendents of slave owners benifiet from slavery both psychologically and economicaly. The country benfiet from slavery seeing as though slavery was a 20 billion dolalr a year industry (adjusted for inflation that's tens of trillions of dollars).

So everybody should benfiet from slavery EXCEPT blacks? Typical white attitude.

As for Obama. He's just a tool for white people. A politicain being political. Nothing more nothing less.

I was one of the 5% of African Americans who preferred Hillary to Obama but I agree with him on this issue.

Reparations are a waste of time. It is time the African American community took responsibility for its own problems

Why must we be responsible for our ancestor's mistakes? Slavery was terrible and I believe we all understand that. However, paying reparations to African Americans is utterly ridiculous. When did the last known slave die? Show me one person who was directly effected by slavery and I will not only eat my hat but pay reparations myself.

If descendants of slaves (4-5 generations past) are entitled to reparations, then let's discuss reparations for the American Indian. While we're at it, let's get some reparations for me (Irish descendant) since "my people" were for all practical purposes abused and held down in the late 1800's and early 1900's.

I, for one, will not hold anyone presently living responsible for the abuses of the past.

And what reparations will be made to the slaves called women? They, too, are still suffering economically from their early days as servants to men.

Why is this being asked of Obama?

Did you ask McCain what he thinks about reparations?

Has McCain, in his 26 years in office, ever supported anything remotely close to reparations … for native americans, asian americans during WWII, people in ANY foriegn land (Europe, Isreal, Asia)?

Cnn — don't try to place this political burden on Obama's shoulders.

Obama is talking about American black history as if he knows anything about it. He doesn't! He did not come from the kicked-around poor African American background that others did. He never had a slave ancestor. His father was an African immigrant who paid Obama's way through privileged schools and colleges.
I personally find it offensive that Obama tries to exploit the Civil Rights movement for his own political gain, having contributed nothing to it himself. And I am dissapointed in the media feeding the myth that Obama is in any way a poor, downtrodden, underprivileged Civil Rights hero…

"People say he can't run and get elected if he says those kinds of things," Randall said. "I'm like, well does that mean we're really not ready for a black president?"

That question in itself is borderline racist. Thinking in terms of one and not thinking in terms of division is the right way to achieve unity, not going by these Machiavellian action sweeps. Think and act in one dimension, and we will move forward the fastest. We always come up with these ideas about getting past it, and then it doesn't happen simply because we haven't agreed with the right way to go about it. The way that works best is to think positive. Cynicism about intent is a problem, and that is why we need government transparency. Then the people will be heard the right way.

Yes,for what? The African-Americans of today has more options for advancment than the minority white Americans.If they want a hand out go to the United Kingdom and Spain they started the trade long before the United States was a country. African-Americans are no more african than I'am German.Maybe I should get a free check for being a German American? What more do you people want? If you are un able to get ahead thats your problem not mine and not the tax payers us Whites should recieve Afirmative Action, given that we are the new minority.

My people (blacks) need to understand that apologies can be empty. Second, reparations will not repair broken schools, families, and communities. We cannot rely on a government that was designed to rule the poor with an iron fist, and to not even acknowledge the existence of people of color. Obama is prepared to help Americans. Again, he cannot be the president of black America. I wonder why the black community always believe that somehow all successful figures should "give back," somehow. The "give back" syndrome is not expected of white politicians. I will be interested in other comments.

It's obviously clear not to raise this issue of reparation over slavery this time,hence particularly Barack Obama as a black American is running for presidential seat.Actually black Americans should not have allowed this reparation matter to come up this time if they really want Barack Obama to win the oncoming presidential election in November 2008.
Michael Ogu,
Dortmund,Germany.

I am ashamed of the image some African-Americans have given our color. The statistics are appaling- school drop outs, teenage pregnancies, obesity, prisoners, saggy pants, serial monogamy.HIV/ AIDS, indolence, selling dope, ear-deafening music, divorces, indecent dressing, etc
Obama's achievements should be a good model.
Monetary reparations is not the answer. FREE YOURSELVES OF MENTAL SLAVERY!!!!!!

It would be adding insult to injury to just fork out "reparation " payments, etc. These are very important but radical structural reforms re. housing, education and poverty are the really hard work that would give meaning to "reparation". OBAMA is right.

i think i have and understanding of reparations and what it entails. I dare to ask the question. What institution do we have ready to make use of all that money? If not, that money will go those store owners who do not live in the black community. If so, the community will remain as it is now. It is best that the government focuses on rebuilding the school system that are in the inner city and provide an education that i sgeared toward building the balck community,not just training to get a job.

Obama backs the gang of 10 compromise !!!!!!!!

Obama wants to make sure we keep our oil. McCain wants the oil companies to ship our oil onto the world market.

Obama wants to make sure the affected states have a say in the matter. McCain does not care

Obama wants to invest in the auto industry in Detroit. Mc.Cain does not have a clue.

Obama wants to make sure legislation regarding solar, and wind technologies are seriously invested in. Mc Cain does not have a clue.

McCain wants to distract the people, Obama wants to discuss the issues.

this is a time for all american to improve he lives od all american not just one race ..t

As a black person, I think Obama is right in that the best reparation blacks can get would be better schools. It's better to know the past but never dwell in the past. Obama's historic Presidential bid is prove that America has come a long way. It also proves the point that if you really work hard, you'll get ahead. I think people who dwell in the past, who make a living out of the depressing conditions of the black community aren't helping the very same people that they claim to represent. Al Sharpton is a "professional black man" - meaning that he makes his living by BEING black. He isn't visionary, he is not a chosen leader, and I would add that Don Imus has done more for blacks (with his charities and camp for the youth, among others) than Sharpton could ever do.

Ok, this just drives me NUTS!!!! If reparations are indeed given to those affected by slavery then will that be the final time that slavery or racism is ever brought up? NO!!!! How much does the United States pay each descendent of a slave? Who pays it? Do my taxes go to pay this? I sincerely hope not since my ancestors had nothing to do with this!

There is no way that this can ever go through. You would then have to look at reparations for women (since they couldn't vote and weren't put on the same level as men from the beginning) as well as people of the Jewish religion, right?

Come on already! Let's get past this and move towards another solution!

Before any descendants of ex-slaves could ever collect reparations from the US government, the Constitution needs to be amended. As of right now, the 3rd clause of the 15th Amendment basically prohibits the US goverment from paying anyone for anything arising from The Emancipation.

The clause was written to prevent former slave owners from suing the goverment for loss of property. The language states that the US "…shall incur no debts arising from the Emancipation.." Look it up and see for yourself.

McCain up by 21 in Kentucky..Kentucky? What does that tell you; we've got a long way to go in this country….race does matter.

Mr Obama will say and do anything to get elected. He has no friends only people and groups that he uses when he needs them and their Money and then under the bus when they become to diffacult to control.
You can not trust such a person with the fate of the U.S.A. and the lives of it's people. This Man is only out for himself and will not cry one tear when he distroys America to fill his own pockets and agenda.

How is America to look forward, to grow stronger together, overcoming the obstacles of a slow economy, rising gas and food prices etc., if we continue to look behind us and use excuses instead of hard work to propel us into a more prosperous future? Part of the reason this country is in the shape its in today, is allowing the continued misuse of helpful "handup" systems - turning them into "handout" programs that encourage, regardless of race or gender, laziness, dependency, whining and excuses. We look at third world countries and say "Feed a man a fish for a day and he is hungry the next. But teach a man to fish, and feed him for a lifetime" - this principal can readily be applied to this country's population and their education, welfare, housing, foodstamps, etc. REAGARDLESS OF RACE - Get off your butt America and use your hands to work, not to collect handouts.

Dear Mr.Obama,
I must commend you for your success, and I feel, as a person who adheres to Republican Party principles, with the vote that I gave for you in the primary, I contributed to that success. However, I will not, in good conscience, vote for you in November because of your policy stands on the issue of "reparations" to African-Americans. I read a disturbing article this morning in relation to your position, and I feel that your reasoning isn't justifiable. Firstly, the statement "that the best reparations we can provide are good schools in the inner city and jobs for people who are unemployed", is a "universal" view that anyone can grasp, but not everyone has been through the African-American experience. It seems to me, that we, as citizens of the U.S. have a on going problem with the mentioning slavery itself, let alone compensation for the buying and selling of human beings. I, your wife and children, Mr. Obama, are children of those who were bought and sold, and if other ethnic groups don't have a problem accepting my tax dollars to support there repartions package and the consistant reminder of what they have experienced (Jews and the Holocaust, the Japanese concentration camps during WW2, and the land grabs of the Native-Americans by the U.S. are examples), you and anyone supporting you shouldn't have an issue with the mentioning of the "African "Holocaust" (in relation to reparations). Secondly, if President Reagan can apologize to the Japanese for what the U.S. did to Japan in WW2, Pope John Paul II apologized for the Roman Catholic Churches involement in the Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade, and the many apologies given to the Jews for what happened to them in Germany, who are you to say that an apology to African-Americans will "not particularly be helpful in improving the lives of black Americans. Reparations could also be a distraction."? If the House presents a resolution that embodies an apology to a people that our government feels we have wronged, this is the beginning of the process toward healing and "change" for the better.

Also, you might want to fix the url since it still has the incredibly misleading & biased title in it.

There goes the black vote !!!

Way to change your headline, you lousy hacks. You should be ashamed.

I think he hit it right on the money… there is no better solution then self empowerment..

I agree with Obama, apologize and move on. Reparations in this instance are discriminatory, pandering to one group does not fix anything, helping an entire less fortunate demographic does. Obama sees the big picture here.

While slavery hurt the nation and a specific group of people, it was also abolished 145 years ago by the Emancipation Proclamation as a result of a civil war that killed and injured a population that felt slavery was wrong. A great president (Lincoln) lost his life. If we start down the reparation road, the nation will then again suffer (a cold civil war) since many other peoples have also been wronged during our nations history.

What about the Asians forced into work camps during WWII
Impressment into service of immigrants during the Civil War and WWI
Native Americans (women & children included) were virtually wiped out - some tribes were (I lost ancestors on the Trail of Tears).

Like Obama was suggesting, create jobs, improve healthcare, send our kids to school (they really need it), and provide jumping off points for all the less fortunate. People don't need hand-outs, they need education and a helping hand. Providing those is what has made this nation great.

Give a man a fish and he eats for a day. Teach a man to fish and he eats for a life time.

Obama's getting 95% of the black vote. It doesn't matter what he says, he's betting that he won't lose that. Look for a "reparations" bill coming in the first Obama administration.

One thing Obama has been consistent in is his lying.

The blacks were not treated any worse than the Indians. think about it!
We all need to stop thinking of the past and look into the future. All races of folks have been treated badly one time or another. Yes, Fix the schools and educate. Is the key answer.

Obama: Slavery apology, reparations not enough..?
Seriously!? I can't believe you used such an incorrect and intentionally misleading headline. You know I used to have respect for CNN. Then I thought that maybe some of your reporters were just ignorant of the facts. But lately I have come to realize that you are actively giving false information just to stir controversy. Don't you people have a since of ethics? How about just professional pride in your work?

I never write these kind of letters, but as I said earlier I used to have respect for CNN and it's a shame what your network has turned into.

I agree with Obama. Spend the money on fixing up the school. McFlipFlop answer is to remove affirmative action programs at the same time of enhancing programs that promote white dominance over minorities.

I can not believe people discuss paying off generations for mistakes! Slavery was not right!! Very true!! Why don't the folks who sit around and cry racism get out of America and go back to the third world countries they were abducted from? I am sure there are plenty of Big Mac's, video games, HUD housing, welfare, and free healthcare clinics in those other countries, right?…..
Why do poeple in our generation think they are owed something? Why not teach people to work? People in need should have a hand up not a hand out! Bring back the teaching trade work camps! NO matter what color they are: teach these people a trade, make them hold jobs, and make them get off welfare!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Get rid of the mindset that people can sit back and let the government pay them to whine……go to work!

It would be like the LOTTERY. Those who get reparations would misuse it and become poorer than before. There are NO slaves now, so what are we paying for; Incidents that happenes over 150 years ago in other generations? And why stop there, there are dozens of other inconsistancies? Closing gaps between white America and black America is called work and character.

I happen to agree with Senator Obama on this one. Reparations would benefit black America, but at the same time, will it close the gap between black America and white America? It might have the opposite affect and make matters worse.

I don't plan to vote for Sen. Obama, but I'm relieved that he hasn't taken the all-so-popular stance in the African-American community that persons who were never held as slaves should be payed by persons who never held slaves. I admire Obama's stand even in the face of opposition from some of his most fervid supporters.

I Think Obama,s right in a way because even if there is repriations, where,s the funds going to come from(probably tax money)It probably would be a good idea to apply some of that to stuff like universal heathcare, home ownership,and good jobs for our communities,and decent transportation for jobs that are not in the neighborhood.

I like the idea that reparation will be an excuse for some to say they have paid their debt. I don't think there can be a way of bringing back those millions of lives lost under the brutal legacy of slavery and Jim Crow. I don't think there is anything we can do to erase the struggle of Africa pre-determined by the 400-year of slavery. Then, why do we talk about reparation? I think that word should not be even mentioned. Apology is appropriate. Of course, followed with repentence-indicating deeds.

This is something I can actually agree with Obama on. Black leaders should be ashamed of trying to get any form of reparations. They were not enslaved. Their ancestors were. If they aren't happy about the possibility of money going to inner-city schools instead to help raise the education levels as well as other help toward poor communities in general, then that is unfortunate.

Last week's article about AIDES in the black community was astounding. Some people on here said it was because black people are not getting the right education or medical treatment as the majority. Well, here is your chance and you would rather money than a controlled spending toward such services? Do yourselves a favor black leaders and become effective… become relevant. Stop blaming the majority, and start helping your people.

Thank you Obama for at least denying reparations for descendants of slavery. Quite frankly that would involve a large number of us. Slavery ended generations before the current people were born. People cannot claim they are denied something because of generations before were enslaved. When they go to a job interview, they are not denied because somehow the employer got their family records, found slavery, and took advantage of it. Lawsuits would have been flying. People get greedy and want money and materials while doing nothing on their own part to get it. It is always easy to blame someone else for your troubles. Look at what you can do and have been able to do. By the way, people of all races have problems and just as some whites are rich and educated so are some blacks. It just doesn't reach all of us as we would like.

Welll, if there should be reparations to Blacks, descendants of slaves, who will qualify? What evidence of their ancestors will be necessary? What paper work will be necessary? Will Octaroons get reparations, whatever that will be? Will those who qualify have to prove that their ancestors were slaves? Many who would be eligible couldn't provide documentation to prove it. All black people, including those who are recent immigrants, may now endure some discrimination and hardships because of their color. Should our government provide reparations to anyone who is a different color than white, and has endured discrimination and poverty? Indians, Mexicans, East Indians, Middle Easterners, Orientals, etc.? How about the Irish, who were treated worse than the slaves during the Civil War? They were poor, and many still are as a result. Shure and begorra, I think our government may go broke.

The reason why the issue of slavery won't go away for generations is because the U.S government refuses to apologize and accept responsibility for their role in slavery. I believe some form of reparation is necessary to start the healing process.

Wasn't affirmative action a form of reparation? Where would this end? It seems clear to me that the only way to move forward is to look ahead and not behind.

Oh medias!!! what is Mc Bush Cain position on the issue? It's not because Obama is black that he must go for the so called "reparation".
How would that work? How do we define "reparation"? To who must the reparations be paid? As a package? cash? what exactly?
Please explain each candidate position before lashing out on Obama. He offered what will be "reparations" for him. More schools, better education for the poor, etc…. There is an apology set already, that's a beginning, more should be done to give a chance to poor people in term of education, health care, home owning, etc.. and also Educate the parents to be with their kids and children. Reparations don't imply that all these people will suddenly be rich, a lot has to be done in term of education. So what is Mc Bush Cain saying about that?

I think both senator obama and Vernellia have good ideas i believe both ideas would work. I must say if we used Obama's method to repartions I would be concerned that those few of us who like to blame the white man for everything that's wrong in our community would find it convenient to use that frame of thinking in this cenario if there wasn't immediate changes. Vernlllia idea says everyone who's of african descent and affected by this would get reparations directly therefor leaving nothing on the table to discuss when it come's to the contrast of our economic state and the countries economic state, placing us all at level playing field.

CNN you guys are hypocrites: people write their comments, you accumulate them, take your time to go pick which one you want people to pos, you manipulate the opinions of real people. But you let people like Mr. Glenn Beck go on your television say some of the most hateful things a human being can say because you want all segments of the market.

You take the liberty to put a copy of Obama prayer in Jerusalem on your site, but you are ready leave out the posts that you "deem appropriate for posting". Many of the comments you leave out are opinions that are just as good in a democracy as yours, many of them are even better than yours!

This Network used to be the best. People around the world use to say, let turn on CNN, they have real news, but you have lost your differentiation, you have just become a second or third choice substitute.

At least one thing he's right on.

Amen to Bayou Joe for this:

The only ones using the Race issue are the Obama supporters and Obama himself. I have seen many blogs, insinuating that if you are not for Obama you must be a Racist. Many Texans experienced the
hatred and intimidation when they came to support Hillary at the Caucuses. The media hoopla surrounding Obama and the failure of the mainstream media to challenge Obama on issues during the debates also was handled as if they are afraid of the Afro-American
community.
Many people that I know have expressed the idea that if Obama does not get the nomination, there will be riots in the streets of our major
cities. So tell me who is using the Race issue to divide America.

He's absolutely right. More positive ideas of moving our nation forward, instead of McCain's horribly bitter and unsubstantiated rhetoric.

A vote for Obama is a vote for common sense.
Obama '08

As a African-American man, I think Obama is right. Reparations would reinforce the idea that we cannot achieve our fullest potential without government help, which is much more detrimental. I think African Americans would be better served by better educational opportunities and equal treatment under the law.

I disagree with reparations. The fact that we have a black candidate shows this country has made great strides since the 1960ies. I'm not saying we are there yet but give me a break. ANy reparations ought to have the cost of the civil war and reconstruction in todays dollars deducted.

Not a nickel, not a penny. Where is our payment for the hundreds of thousands killed in the civil war. The nerve of these black "leaders"

Reparations sounds like another way to get free money to me. But if we do pay them, make sure you only charge people who are descendants of slave owners. My family came here in the 1840's, and the only thing they owned was a bakery.

If they really want to play that card, why don't we have the Egyptians pay Reparations to jews?

I agree with Obama. I agree we need to do more for those who are descendants of slaves, such as improved schools and other equity. Much of peoples' conditions can be improved with self reliance and discipline. Giving people who didn't directly suffer will only add to a feeling of entitlement and waiting for others to solve their problems. In addition, those who will not receive such a payment should not be penalized( and they will as it's all our tax dollars we're talking about ) for the mistakes of their ancestors or others. People can no more be rewarded for a past wrong to their ancestors than punished for the sins of their ancestors. We can only move forward to improve the conditions today.

How many people here in America presently were slaves? Were non-blacks the only slave owners? Every ethnic group has suffered some form of persecution. Some refuse to put theirs behind and move on with life. Others continue to let it serve as a distraction. Why don't we all concentrate on making life better for ALL by improving schools, healthcare & creating new jobs. .

I suppose an "official apology" will mean something to someone but since there are no former slave owners or former slaves living today, I don't know who should apologize and to whom. Bequeathing generational victimization is the sort of inherited hatred that fuels conflicts in the Middle East. Do we really want that in the U.S.? Can't we lift ourselves up and move forward?

There are opportunities in the U.S. today that former slaves and victims of prejudice prior to the civil rights movement dreamed of and people of all races fought and worked for. Those who aren't educating themselves and taking advantage of the opportunities (regardless or race or gender) need to focus on improving their own skills - skills that will make them a marketable commodity. Be prepared when the opportunity arises and go for it. Learn from the past but leave it in the past. It's the only way we can be part of the solution to the problems that remain.

Here's a thought: Obama could NOT run on merits (he has yet to DO anything in any office he's been elected to)… so he ran on his color.

Race is always a safe bet… you can always allege racism.

Why the hell do we wait for a black candidate to ask for reparation for blacks? Look at the crap he's got to deal with. We as blacks must concentrate in helping him to get the white house then think about ways we can make changes towards reparations for our future and out children’s future.

We as asking for way too much at this particular time and expecting a savior. Well, Obama is no savior is human like everyone else who is trying to find a better way to help this nation get back on track.

The reason the oil drops when the republicans and the powers that be talk about drilling is because they are manipulating and have folks who manipulates the stocks “It’s just a lot of hogwash”
Who the hell do they think they are fooling?

No! There won’t be $$ bills to dish out or to get back to Africa. What makes any of us thin that they want us there? Let us concentrate our minds and thoughts, prayers and help to make the country we live in a better place, with a better economy, schools, health care, AIDS ETC., PEOPLE READ BETWEEN THE LINES.

I thank black people should be paid. This will set a precedence. My genetic make up goes all the way back to Africa, along with 90 %of the population. I know I have had relatives many generations back that were held as slaves sold in Egypt. I am sure in the genetic line their were relatives held as slaves in the U.S as well as other areas of the world. So yes lets pay slave decedents because all u.s. citizens who have been here for many generations would be eligible including white people.

Glad to see Obama is not pandering to all. But what is he really risking? If Obama is sure Clinton woman who doesn't even like him will end up voting for him, Obama could be confident about the African-American vote - nuts and all.

So much for the simplistic strategy: divide and conquer.

Eliminate the only qualified candidate- Hillary Clinton- and the rest is easy.

With the best candidate out of the picture, even the one-eyed man can be king- this year, in this climate, with the Nation is the sorry state that it is in.

Obama can sleep walk his way to the presidency.
Yeah right.

In this all important year- swiftboat your best to install your worst- and then force all democrats to vote for the one they do not trust or believe in.

Great strategy. Way to go DNC. At least African Americans are happy. That's what counts after all.

We coulda had Hillary……….I told you so.

I agree that it is not the answer. i know everyone wants something for nothing but i am 66 yrs old and i had nothing to do with slavery and i know most black people alive today were not slaves.
if you want to get technical about the whole thing then there are indians who should get the same thing for being placed on reservations. The list could go on and on about different cultures.
This would divide the country more than it has ever been between blacks and whites. They want more all the time and i can not see someone benefiting from this situation.
Maybe they should start their own black casinos and maybe they can make money from that to cover their heritage.

Randall's last quote disturbs me. Is she saying that a black president that doesn't get in line with the popular view of the black community is not really black?

It's getting tiresome, every time Obama puts forth a view that isn't that popular among black people, that there's someone there to say he's only saying that now to get elected and someone else to say he's not really black. Guess what. People are people, regardless of color, and different people have different views. Get over it.

Obama is just a tiny seed of a bigger implant/agenda…

He believes in reparations…

No conspiracy here, just seeing with my EYES WIDE OPEN….

Let me guess, the white tax payers have to pay for this. What a crock of crap. I dont own any slaves, my father and grandfather didnt have slaves. I dont know any slaves or children of slaves. What a joke, stop with the oppressed cry and pull yourself up. My father, didnt have father and he ended up with 2 college degrees and made his way out of the poor areas of Philly to do so, these folks should do the same and stop making excuses. They will always have them.

Despite how Senator Obama feels about the reparations of slaves to the decendants, Improving the school systems is a obligation of it's own and does not address the slave reparations issues.

IMO, it does no one any good to look for a hand-out. Step up and take personal responsibility. I am as liberal as they come but reparations is too far.

Obama is right. There is a legacy that has to be addressed. The way to address it isn't by offering a one time hand out, but by helping people to become more independent and employable, and providing good jobs that can sustain them. As with most issues, Obama offers thoughtful answers to thoughtful questions. He doesn't grab the quick fix. I hope he gets the opportunity to implement his ideas, for all our sakes.

As a black man I agree with President Obama 100% on the issue of reparations. We can't put the failures of collective black society on the shoulders of one man. Even President Obama. We blacks need to focus on what WE do versus what the government need to do for us.

"Change happens from the bottom up, not the top down"
-Barak Obama

WHAT - No sly angry comments from the peanut gallery saying "we still don't have our 40 acres and a mule?"

Who cares about this. I want to see CNN write about John Edward's mistress and love child.

obama is right on this. no question.

I agree with Obama. We should stop looking behind and look ahead, focusing on bettering healthcare, education, race relations and the lives of all americans.

I'm sorry— but unless you were actually a slave or an "immediate" family member (ie: spouse or child), then I think "reparations" are really a slap in the face to the people who really were slaves. What makes some person 4-5 generations removed worthy of reparations (for slavery or anything else). It's like saying you're going to give reparations for those interred during World War II– if you weren't there in one of those camps or weren't an "immediate" family member, then you don't deserve any money paid to you. To just start shelling out money multiple generations down the line is really no more than a money give-a-way to those who want to complain in hopes of getting some "free" money. My relatives 4 generations ago were American Indians who were forced off their land and marched onto barren reservations. But I wasn't there– I didn't suffer what they went through– I don't deserve any money for their misery. Thanks to the hard work & encouragement of my parents, I was able to pick myself up, go to college, and get a decent job. I am self sufficient. There is very little reason any other minority can't do the same. There are programs for every other minority out there to help you through school and whatever you need to get yourself educated and employed. All this constant whining for money for something that happened 50-75-100 years before you were even born is really getting old. Take responsibility and get an education and a job. Quit expecting a free handout.

As a black male myself, I also think reparations in the form of some monetary payment is a horrible idea. To imply that putting money in the pockets of African Americans today repairs all that was the result of slavery is ignorant. The solution that we need to be working for is one that over time will erase the lingering effects of the racism that resulted from the history of African Americans in this country. We're talking about deep core changes to infrastructure that are going to have to come naturally as a result of thoughtful policies drawn up with Americans as a whole in mind…policies not to be manipulated and undermined by "the man!" The last thing I want for any die hard "conservative" (picture Bill O'Reilly), who are the historical roadblocks to us making any progress on these issues, to have as a weapon to throw in my face is, "you got your check, what more do you want?" I don't expect a windfall cash settlement, or changes that take effect overnight, or (again) changes that are aimed specifically at African Americans.

I like what Obama is saying on this issue, simply for the fact that a presidential candidate is saying anything at all about it specifically for a change. Bill Clinton was the last and most successful at tackling any of the issues pertinent to the concept of reparations. There was a little tough love involved even in that and some didn't like it, but he was moving in the right direction. People, we are talking about education reform, welfare and other social program reform, healthcare reform, and other issues that we all care about but don't quite realize the power of those viscious cycles that carry on from generation to generation. We are talking about breaking cycles. Yeah, at the heart of these issues is the almighty dollar. But, the true problem to solve is where to invest those dollars. If Obama is smart, which I believe he is, he will ditch the word "reparation" from henceforward, tackle those issues if elected, and explain after it's all said and done that it amounted to what reparation seekers should have been working towards all along. Then he can smile and say to a better America, "now that didn't hurt so bad did it?"

What is moderation?

Gez isnt it time for us to stop seeing color! OBAMA is dead right! reparations would only increase racism and hate!

OBAMA 08
YES WE CAN

And let's be honest - a one time cash payment of reparations is not going to repair the damage done to the black community. Obama is exactly right. Looking for and implementing systemic instutional change in health care, education, job training and creation, etc. is the ONLY way to close the racial gap. It will improve the current generation's lives as well as the many more to come.

This is exactly what I suspected all along. Congress was mistaken to to vote for an apology to descendants of slaves. That apology might give legal ground for pressing the subject of reparations. I think we paid our debt when 600,000 men died during the civil war.Blood trumps dollars.Johnson's program and all the employment and job quotas settled the matter. If many blacks haven't caught up it is because their leaders have failed them.They have constantly been told they can't help themselves and need the government to make connections for them.Their children grow up in families where they are taught to hate the authorities and then they wonder why their children are school drop outs,drug addicts and pushers,criminals and kill each other on the street corners.Giving them money would set them back further.They spend their money on gym shoes and gold jewelery and electronics and cars.They have been supporting Obama be cause he represents anoher free lunch. They know he can't be honest when he speaks about it so they will hang with him unless he convinces them he won't do it.They will squander everything including our economy.Wake up citizens.They have been blazing this path for 40 years.If Obama is elected with a Democratic congress get ready to open your wallets.

Good for him. I am proud that Obama is interested in helping to improve schools and edcuation and other issues rather then give out free handouts.

In the year 1860, 8,000 freed black men owned 20,000 black slaves in America. Black slaves were sold to slave traders from Black tribes in Africa who conquered others and sold the slaves for European technology and material goods. Black people today do not deserve reparations, they were not slaves. Slaves do deserve reparations. They are all dead.

I agree with Obama in this one. If the goverment was to give a reparations then by all means use the money to improve the life of poor blacks as a whole. The reparations will not change Jim Crow, and the after -effects of slavery. That will alway be a part of are lives, but if we use the money to improve the way of life not only for poor blacks, but poor in a whole then in time those things will change. I pray that in my life time that Jim Crow will be no more, but look at the statement made from people from West VA, they would never vote for a black man anyway so you tell me. Jim Crow is alive and is amoung us.

Wait and see…next thing you know McCain will be FOR reparations just so he can be opposed to Obama.

Reparations only work when those directly affected are still alive. Current examples include American citizens who were sent to internment camps during world war II for their asian ancestry. We missed the boat for slavery reparations by about 150 years.

If you want to give reparations to every African American affected at some point in their lives by post-Jim Crowe era racism and the "after-effects" of slavery, prepare to write 40 million checks.

I'm white, my family was poor, I'm not racist. What debt is it that I have to repay? I feel for people who still experience the struggles of their ancestors, but I don't feel it is my responsibility to give them money for it. I struggle with the fact I didn't come from a rich family, should rich people have to pay me? My irish ancestors were descriminated against, should other white people have ot pay me? To "close the gap" between white people and black people, shouldn't we focus on creating opportunities for all people to be successful?

yes we can, I do not need no reparation or any money.I need better school, better education, and better jobs. I am with barack on that issue. let us invest for the long term of our society. Quick cash is not the way. Get more education empowering yourself for better future.

I agree with Barack on this one. We should be improving the life of the african americans–all of them–instead of just writing checks to the great grandchildren of slaves. Interesting the way Lou Dobbs spent ten minutes last week showing Obama's photo on a one dollar bill, then a five, then a ten, then a twenty, then a fifty and finally a one hundred dollar bill….just so he could ridicule the candidate and push his own opinion about the Obama candidacy. Dobbs is about as "independent" in this race as Glenn Beck is…..:)

African American's that beleive they are owed something because of somthing that happened long before ANY of us were alive need to get over it. Slavery was an awful thing. I cannot even imagine it, but it was not my fault, so My tax dollars should not be used in that way. Good luck! I am not an Obama fan but I am glad he got something right.

Obama is absolutely right on this subject

He's right. America should OWN UP to it by saying sorry and giving proper education to all children, no matter their race or background. But seriously, I'd give someone reparations to people who were actually enslaved, but those people are dead. This would be a waste of money, no one deserves to be paid for their great-grandparents' suffering.

For once I agree with the man!

It is sad that as far as we have come as Africaian Americians, Blacks, Colored Persons, Negros, Non-non person, (N….) there are those still looking for what belonged to those directly beaten, inslaved, and denyed. We are still acting like victims and Not the Over Comers that I know that I am. Here some Reparations Live as an Over Comer! Make More with less and Live Better.

How about first making reparations to American Indians for the theft of their lands and attempted genocide of their people?

He does whatever he needs to do as a politician- just like Rev Wright said.

Then he will refine his position later- to cover up his lies and flip-flops.

That is called pandering for votes… doing what is politically expedient at the time.

Obama stands for winning… not for principles

Will the people who are going to PAY for this, get to have a vote on it!!What will the consequences and repercussions be from this mess?What amount will be considered PAID in ADVANCE?

Flip Flopping again Mr Obama….

Oh, like he wouldn't change his mind IF he is elected (God forbid). He knows it would be political suicide to say he is for reparation. He doesn't have to cater to the African American vote because a majority will vote for him no matter what because of his skin color, so opposing now doesn't matter. However, the best predictor of future behavior is past behavior, so there is no doubt in my mind if elected he will flip flop his view on this issue.

obama is a very, very intelligent guy, i think he is a blessing to not only america but the would at large, it is the case of showing a man how to catch his own fish instead of giving him a fish, most people would not understand it because most people dont understand complicated isues

The only people that would benefit would be car dealers and shoe company's. The last thing black people need is to become even more dependent on the goverment than they already are. Personal responsibility and hard work will do more than reparations would ever do. Quit looking to the goverment to do for you and do for yourself.

Slavery reparations would be an interesting proposition. Just how would they be able to trace their ancestry back to the early 1800's when many don't even know who their daddies are.

Reparations for slavery -

No one i know owned slaves or was a slave. We cannot re-write history we can only learn from it. It is what we do with this knowledge that creates the history for tomorrow.

Apparently Europe did not learn from the holacaust and therefore permitted eastern european death camps a few years back.

That to me is the greater crime.

Money doesn't erradicate social debts, enlightenment does.

I think it is disgusting that the people of this country think that the Black Americans deserve "reparations" for their "slavery". Slavery ended a long time ago. The problem is attitude and the desire to do better.

Are tribunals going to be held and the decendents of the slave owners going to pay the reparations? Who is going to do the research to find all the decendents of slave owners or even the decendents of the slaves? Will I have to pay the reparations even though my family had NOTHING to do with slavery? How about the people who just came to this country? They had nothing to do with slavery! Are they going to be made to pay as well?

Who is going to decide who gets what as part of the reparations? What if someone is half-black or one-fourth black? Is that person getting the entire reparation or 1/2 or 1/4?

This is ridiculous! Yes, slavery did happen. Yes, it was a terrible thing. This is in the past. (Well not really if you look at some of the recent reports of what is going on around the world as far as slavery in Central and South Amercia as well as the sex slavery that is occurring. )

SLAVERY IS ILLEGAL IN THE USA. Let's get over it, rise above it and MOVE ON. Let's look at the current situation in our country and help everyone become literate and responsible citizens of our society!

There are many government run programs that are focused on helping the minorities of this country! If the programs are not working, then something else needs to be done. If people do not like what is being offered in this country and all they can do is complain about it, then leave! You do have a choice. Go somewhere else where you think you will be happy!

Before we start to provide money to descendants of slaves,may be we should pay the native americans for the land we stole from them and from them. Slavery was part of our history, those living didn't create it nor did they suffer it.

Why on earth should the Federal government give reparations to people who were not directly slaves themselves. If you want to talk about reparations lets talk Native Americans. Start making your own reparations by taking advantage of the ability to be successful and less I want and give me.

I agree with Senator Obama on this one.

Obama again lives up to his aim to speak for all Americans and not individuals groups.

Can McCain say that with all the lobbyists, especially from the oil sector, supporting his campaign??

This is the best idea yet from the Obama campaign. How could anyone debate this? The past is past, we cannot fix what has already taken place. But we can improve the state of the inner city black community by funding their schools and helping burdened families pay for healthcare and college for their kids!

Does anyone else notice that Obama says "I've always said" or "I've said in the past" or "This has always been my position" alot. It's hard to believe since he changes his positions every week. He's a fraud. McCain '08
Hillary 2012

People need to stop asking for handouts and thinking the world owesyou something. America gives every person a chance to better themselves. Take advantage of the opportunities and stop making excuses. The people looking for reperations are the ones that think it's the goverments responsibility to take care of them and redistribute wealth. Go to school, get a job and stop complaining.

If they don't like that, give them a oneway ticket to any african country of thier choice. See if the people living there wouldn't jump at the opportunity to come to America to take advantage of the opportunities here.

First of all, Obama is BI-RACIAL. He is NOT black!!!!

Second of all, if anyone in this country deserves reparations it should be the Native Amerian Indians! I need not go into details. We all know the history!!!! They deserve to control this country!!!!

Guess what: you have a choice! If you don't like this country, then go back to your "native" country! No one is making you stay here!!!

He speaks against reparations for Black people but i bet he doesnt oppose the reparations given the Jews in the form of an enitire country being stolen and handed over to them.

He just threw arican americans under the bus…just like Rev Wright, just like his grandmother, just like the Dem party now supporting offshore drilling….who is next? AMERICA?

Obama is losing the minority vote…little by little.

Obama is right; reparations are like proposed tax credits for people who want to put their kids in private schools. They aren't enough to solve the problems of those who really need help, and they would undercut attempts to fund other programs that might actually help solve those problems at a societal level.

Suppose the lingering after-effect of slavery was that descendants of slaves had no access to transportation. Reparations would not be enough to pay for a car, and yet it would undercut funding for public transportation. So you'd have folks who still need help and a government that could with justification wash its hands of the issue, saying "we paid off our commitment to you."

Barry Obama is afraid that if the subject of reparations comes up, someone is going to go digging in his ancestral background and allege that his father's Muslim forebears caught and sold Africans into slavery. Could it be alleged that they sold the slaves which were later bought by his mother's forebears.

How would this alleged information play out in the black, African-American community?

More Reparations than is already given ?

I am 100% in agreement with his decision. You can't go back and make things better. You can acknowledge the error where you are and make efforts to move forward. Since the Government has planned on settling this with money, who do they plan to pay and how do they know who's going to receive it? It will be wise to invest the money for the good of the future generations.

When the British cut my reparations check, I'll be sure to throw some to the African-American reparations fund…til then, get lost.

He is all about the black man so lets not kid ourselves. It is the white americans that need to wake up befor it is to late to turn back. You will see more money fro blcak projects than white once he gets in there WAKE UP AMERICA.

There is nobody alive today who either owned a slave or was a slave. Why on earth should anyone have to pay money to anyone because of something that happened 140 years ago? The very idea is stupid!!

As a Black male, I am not too keen on this whole idea of reparations. I am also not so sure that it can be done through schools and jobs.

Fact: My father could not buy the home he wanted because he was Black.

Fact: The home he did buy made him a substantial profit.

Fact: The home he wanted, when sold 17 years later, would have made twice the profit–setting up his family of four for the rest of their lives.

This form of systemic racism and bias is what injure growth in the Black community. I don't have he answers, but I think home ownership opportunities represent fertile ground for making up for these kinds of atrocities.

Just sharing thoughts here.

Black people should at least get free college tuition, student loan forgiveness for the bull crap we've had to put up with here in America not too mention what our foreparents had to deal with under the Overt practices of slavery and jim crow. We should also be given dual Citizenship with an African Country of our choice.

These black leader need to let go of that bogus idea of reparations. Given blacks a lump sum of money is an asinine idea. How much to give? If the money is divvied out is it just a one time thing? What of black people who are born after that date? Or should it just be a rolling debt given to each black at birth? It's such a quixotic and myopic idea and borders on ludicrous.

Blacks have so much opportunities in the US to succeed. There is no other place on Earth where a Black can attain the type of success millions have. Just look at Obama, he is an embodiment of that.

Ok, first of all like the article said Barack Obama is running for president of the United States that means there are a whole slew of problems he will have to address. First of those problems is cleaning up the mess the Bush administration made during their 8 year White House rule. Just because Obama doesn't support the reprations idea doesn't mean he has forgotten about the Black community. Like he said "I have said in the past — and I'll repeat again — that the best reparations we can provide are good schools in the inner city and jobs for people who are unemployed" also his idea of universal healthcare would African-Americans also since many do not have healthcare or cannot afford these days. Also Barack Obama is trying to bring people that means people of all races; that means Blacks, Whites, Indians, Asians, Greens, Blues, Reds, whatever. If Obama just suddenly started to only appeal to the things the black community wants that would seriously hurt his reputation as that would just become old fashioned favortism. Also that would just divide the racial boundary lines he's trying to break even further because then everyone else in the country will begin to think that he is favor African-american's issues over everyone else's. Don't get me wrong though, I'm also a Black American and I believe that alot of things are due to us that we should've had long ago; but that doesn't mean Obama should just care about only OUR issues there are alot of problems with other races in this country as well. Latinos have their issues just like we do especially the illegal immigrants that are already living here who are also having problems. So in short to anyone who is Black that is reading this let's not expect so much too soon we will get the things we diserve but this is going to take some time, because if he becomes president it's not going to just happen overnight and so forth we have to give it time.

I say let the study of reparations be done and see what good we can pull out of it. We have to make some drastic changes to improve the plight of many Black Americans. It is not hard to see that slavery has done some serious damage to the black community that is still in need of repair. I don't think that a handout is the answer, but rather programs to address the specific ills that plague Black America. When will we have a President that has the gumption and gall to say the buck stops here, let's make this right?

Who Cares!!!

Ask him what he thinks tomorrow. He will change his answer I'm sure. Whatever it takes to get elected is OBAMA'S biggest talent. How about a town hall debate. :)) What is Obama hiding? why not debate!!!

Hillary supporter
McCain 08

this is a very smart man

if you make reparations,you leave no room left to improve current racial bs.money cannot replace equality,but,it may help.obama's correct.there are better ways to 'repay' past failures ,and investment in entire communities,as americans only, will be less divisive.

Obama says he wants to improve urban education. I've a hint, Senator: take your kids out of private school, and send your kids to your local public school. If more, better parents took that responsibility as their own, the entire discourse surrounding the task of public education would improve, as would the meaning of the phrase, "shared sacrifice."

How can you trust anything Obama says when he changes his mind so frequently?

The American economy is in the cellar. We are in no position to pay reparations for sins committed by a subset of our ancestors over 100 years ago! My mother immigrated from England to the U.S. in the 60s, my father's paternal grandparents came from Germany while his maternal lineage is Cherokee. My husband's parents both immigrated from Germany in the 50s. Why should my family, none of whom were even in this country 100 years ago except the Cherokee who were being murdered in this country at the time, pay money to the offspring of slaves?

Also, with all of the mixing of races, who gets paid? Do blacks who immigrated here in the last 100 years get paid? Should we try to get money to help pay for reparations from the European slave trade nations? Should we get money from the African villages who captured and sold their neighbors to slave traders to help pay for this?

Let's get real and quit wasting time and money on this effort. I think the U.S. Government should apologize for this horrific practice and work to equalize life in the U.S. of A. for all Americans. Good schools, health care, good jobs for everyone. If we pay for reparations to blacks, we should return lands stolen from the Indians to the Indians - instead of sticking them on a chunk of lifeless dirt in the middle of nowhere. Then the African Americans who wrongfully live on Indian land could use their reparation check to pay for their move.

Well, that's the first intelligent thing out of Nobama's mouth. Let's hope he doesn't flip flop on this issue like he does on the rest.

I'll be waiting for my check to make reparations for the ill treatment of my ancestors. Slavery was atrocious, but people have been refused jobs or promotions or housing, etc, because of an accent or because they look Asian or whatever. These things are still going on, while slavery has been abolished for 150 years. If we put a dollar sign on reparation, can we deduct from the government's bill any welfare, food stamps, medical coverage, etc? Just asking…

How can you expect a black candidate, not from the south or the inner city, who is Ivy league educated, to support reparations? It is almost laugh worthy to suggest such a thing. Truth is, although slavery ended in the 1800s, the mental slavery of Jim Crow laws ended only 40-50 years ago. How can we expect blacks to build wealth in 50 years when it took settling whites almost 200 (1700-1900)? By the way, those 200 years were without slavery and such. That is why white people, with their handed down affluence, not just monetary, but systems of education, networks, etc, will do anything to protect it. Including, but not limited to, calling out those who believe in reparations or inner city blacks, as loud as they can. Unfortunately, the people in the middle are not smart enought to see through the crap. Including one presidential candidate who bought into the crap system when he decided that he wanted to be educated by it.

You don't have to believe in your government to be a good American, you just have to believe in your country (and keep paying taxes).

LOL, Reparations? For what? Not one person that I know alive today is responsible for slavery in this country. The fact is that every race has kept slaves as well as been kept as slaves in the history of human kind. African's were one of the first races of people to invent the concept of slavery. In Egypt and other African countries foreigners were captured and forced to labor as slaves. If whites in this country owe the black man reparations then the black man owes a whole bunch of Hebrews reparations!

Obama is correct. We need to provide better schools and less discriminative towards Black people. I live in a small town with sizable balck people live in poor condition and fewer jobs. Giving compansation is like giving fish to poor. We better teach them how to fish.

Clueless on the stump. Obama 08

I agree with Obama. The reperations black america should recieve is better schools and communities. Anyone who thinks we should get money directly is idiotic. Plus by doing this, you will damage race relations in this country for decades. White people are already upset that they are losing jobs to minorities "unfairly" due to affirmative action, what do you think they would say/do if their tax money went to paying black people personally?

He is just trying to make white people vote for him. He got this line from Ted Kennedy

If the African community get reparations for slavery, what about the Irish. How quickly we forget about how these people were treated, or the people from China? There would be no end to it, and we are already so far in debt thanks to the Republicans.

Obama's response on reparation is quite appropriate. In a country like the USA you cannot overdrum the past mistakes and be elected. You will only drum fear and apprehension in the majority. You must love all Americans to be fit to be their President. That applies to all nations, and the reverse is the error many leaders are making in developing countries. Those who have done otherwise, had used force and foul tactics. I believe Americans and the world are more civilized than that. You all still need to work and pray constantly for peace and stability in this election and after, if the wonderful strides US has made in civilization, which has resulted in Obama's nomination, and what appears to be his election is not to be eroded.

Americans had already started to change the world politics and psyche through this election. It means Africans will be willing to elect a patriotic white. This applies to other nations as well. God bless America. The world is proud of you. You are indeed world leaders.