So we can agree with Mr. Blow that reparation “isn’t at all an outlandish idea,” and even that it is “an exceedingly reasonable proposition .” Unfortunately, that doesn’t make it possible. That said, however, if the goal is to do what is most likely to make a better life for black Americans, reparations in the form of direct per capita payments makes little sense, even if it had any political legs. For the descendants of those slaves, the question before us now is whether to pursue atonement for yesterday or tangible gains for tomorrow. A schism has opened up on the left, in which some have become consumed with chest pounding, while others champion a continuation of liberals’ historic goal of delivering the goods that will mean something to real people. Hopefully, any reparations commission will focus on things that are most constructive, such as grants to start businesses or go to college, so real justice can finally be done.

Source: New York Times June 20, 2019 18:56 UTC