Statement by the Committee to Advance the Movement for Reparations
We, the undersigned, take strong exception to the Op-Ed, “Ending the Slavery Blame-Game,” published in the New York Times, April 23, 2010 by Harvard Professor Henry Louis Gates, Jr. There are gross errors, inaccuracies and misrepresentations in Gates’ presentation of the transatlantic European enslavement system. Moreover, we are duly concerned about his political motivations and find offensive his use of the term “blame game.” It trivializes one of the most heinous crimes against humanity—the European enslavement of African people. Gates contradicts his stated purpose of “ending” what he refers to as a “blame-game,” by erroneously making African rulers and elites equally responsible with European and American enslavers. He shifts the “blame” in a clear attempt to undermine the demand for reparations.
The African Holocaust or Maafa, as it is referred to by many, is a crime against humanity and is recognized as such by the United Nations, scholars, and historians who have documented the primary and overwhelming culpability of European nations for enslavement in Europe, in the Americas and elsewhere. In spite of this overwhelming documentation, Gates inexplicably shifts the burden of culpability to Africans who were and are its victims. The abundance of scholarly work also affirms that Europeans initiated the process, established the global infrastructure for enslavement, and imposed, financed and defended it, and were the primary beneficiaries of it in various ways through human trafficking itself, banking, insurance, manufacturing, farming, shipping and allied enterprises.
Dr. Gates is correct blame game is appropriate.
ReplyDeleteDo for self. No amount of so called reparations will change the condition of African Americans. The Africans, our brothers sold us to steal our land and property. We in the New United Republic want our land back. Our group seeks Restitution from this government in the form of Econonic aid equal to Israel, Military assistance, Political Recognition at the UN and World Court if necessary, treaties and trade agreements.
There are many who consider Reparations as being paid trinkets for the wholesale Murder, Criminal Deportation, Theft of Land and Property, and other crimes against our people.
Join Us, the bigots are not going anywhere, the racist are not going anywhere, failed schools and school systems are not going anywhere, black on black crime is soaring, black unemployment through the roof, Oh, will they extend your right to vote next time around? You can continue this blame game childs play, we are about the business of Religion, Repatriation, and Restitution join us, and Live! Visit our website www.thenewunitedrepublic.com
Respectfully Submitted