Rating: 
Summary: Here's a place to start for reparations
Review: According to the National Cotton Council in Memphis,"By 1830 the US was second only to England in the amount of cotton it consumed. By 1860 America's cotton crop reached almost a billion pounds or about two thirds of the world's total supply. Cotton exports were financing 60% of total US expenditures for imports of manufactured goods, sugar, coffee, railroad iron and other products." Also, "...altogether the US cotton industry today supplies more than $20 billion in products and services, and contributes better than $50 billion to the nation's economy."This is the foundation of our present economy as Randall Robinson so eloquently points out. He reminds us where the labor came from to create the foundation for our wealth as a nation. I think $50 billion is a good place to begin in figuring out The Debt. Thank you Mr. Robinson.
Rating:
Summary: Not about emotions but all about facts
Review: Mr. Robinson, thank you for your in-depth research. My only criticism is that you are much too kind. The book, The Debt - What America Owes To Blacks, provides a very accurate accounting of historical fact. Those who have attempted to undermine or negate what you have written supplied no historic evidence to support any of their claims. Perhaps the very name of the book causes instant negative emotion for some readers and probably criticism before it is even read. The Debt - What America Owes To Blacks analyzes the American history of African Americans. The treatment of African Americans has neither been truly acknowledged nor atoned for in America. Those who believe that Mr. Robinson is really asking for monetary compensation in the 20th/21st century for the atrocities of the enslavement of an entire race have totally missed the point. My understanding is that Mr. Robinson is asking America to admit that wrongs occurred and to apologize. By making such an admission, America can begin to heal itself. An apology recognizes that: (1) wrongs have been committed; (2) wrongs were committed by America; and (3) provides provisions for atonement and restitution to correct the wrongs. Inclusive programs such as Affirmative Action and Quotas, as well as social programs such as welfare, Medicare, Medicaid and food stamps do not address these wrongs nor were they meant to. These programs only recognize that all Americans, including the underprivileged, regardless of race or sex, should be included in some form of society. Despite these programs, African Americans still find major difficulties in terms of locating fair housing, obtaining education, employment and the like. What everyone needs to understand is that the effects of racism are not so easily erased. A group of people were forcibly removed from their country against their will, beaten, raped, treated like animals and deprived of their own dignity. When America as a country decided that slavery was "wrong," it "freed" the slaves without any resources. With no money or property, African Americans were, again, destined for servitude. The difference being that this time they were, regrettably, to surrender their freedom not as a result of violent, physical oppression per se but forced by economic realities to surrender their freedom. The reason(s) African Americans were not paid for their labor via property or money is symptomatic of the institution of racism. Certainly, one cannot argue that African Americans did not earn their keep; after all, African Americans provided free labor to America for years. Therefore, when America decided to integrate the freed slaves into society, they also should have included retroactive payments for services rendered. As a result of America not fulfilling its obligations, African Americans have not, as a whole, embraced their position in society and fulfilled their obligations to themselves, nor can they fulfill their obligations to anyone else. Once again, Mr. Robinson thank you for your courage and insight.
Rating:
Summary: A Must Read for All African Americans
Review: This book is a must read for all African Americans. Randall Robinson speaks from the heart and deals with issues that America prefers to keep undercover. Not only will you receive a rewarding education, but you will be charged to move ahead. A deep appreciation of the African Diaspora and the suffering will force you to look at your everyday life and existence different. You will look at the world differently, no matter what status you hold or think you hold in life. It will be a shame if this is not a must read for the entire body of the African Diaspora. No more excuses, put down Jet, Ebony, turn off the junk e-mail and read this book. Now!
Rating: 
Summary: Money isn't the answer
Review: Mr. Robinson's account of the history of American slavery is certainly on the mark. But I don't understand how someone who is as well-educated as he, can't see past the nose on his face as far as government aid to blacks. Has the past 40 years of welfare, housing, food stamps, Medicaid, Smart-Start, and all of the other liberal programs designed to "help" blacks escaped his notice? If handouts were the answer to all of the wrongs done to blacks (and the wrongs are numerous), why are there more poor blacks now than when the civil rights movement started? Why do young black men have a better chance of going to prison than to college? Monetary reparations are not the answer. Getting the government out of the lives of all Americans is the answer. The American black is no more or less free than any other American. If you choose to live off of government money than you have to live by government rules. Stealing money from others will do nothing to help blacks. If Mr. Randall can do it without reparations then anyone else can too.
Rating:
Summary: 8,000 years of Slavery Built Civilization.
Review: This book does exactly what the author stated he would try to do. Here's a direct quote from his introduction: "Here my intent is to stimulate, not to sate. To pose the question, to invite the debate." At least he was honest. The 250 pages that follow were an ethnocentric view of world history that did indeed bring up questions and stimulate some thought in the direction of the author's cause. His views and arguments were interesting, if not creative. One inference I didn't enjoy was his claim that African Americans suffered more than "any other race in history". I finished reading the book three days ago, and my conclusion is as follows. Borrow the book, but don't spend money on it, -unless you can get it at a significant discount. But the real question is; is it worth your time? Well, maybe. This is a book written by a man intent on bringing guilt to white people, and hand-outs to African Americans. The author would have done a better job if his intentions weren't so transparent. To me he came off as a whinner. In-between the whinning and loose historical references, he does brings up some valid points, by showing how some subliminal, though powerful, forms of oppression in American culture contribute to the undermining of African American self-perception. What really undermines African American self-perception is the belief that African Americans will stop living in the past when, and only when they get paid. It was obvious that he manipulated history to further his views. Unfortunately, when he did, it caused the book to lose credibility. I gave the book 3 stars because I feel it would be educational to someone who knows nothing about the plight of the modern day African American. To those who know something about it, -don't expect any new arguments from this guy. Enjoy.
Rating: 
Summary: No Guilt, Just Reality
Review: I had always considered myself knowledgable about the history and plight of African Americans. However, while reading Randall Robinson's The Debt, I became aware of far more history than was taught to me in school. It is with this historical account that Robinson brings to light the necessity of reparations for African-Americans. Does it really matter if one was living during the time of slavery and Jim Crow? No, because bias and acts of racism still exist today. Robinson's account is not written like a history book with dry accounts; he uses his own and other's experiences to present his case. The only fault I found was a lack of solutions in presenting reparations to the government and the means to do so. I was hoping to learn of a step-by-step format for bringing reparation to African-Americans. However, I plan on reading more and continue to create a deep understanding for the plight of African-Americans. I do not feel guilty, for I have not practiced the negative behaviors of racists in this country and others. What I want to do now is find out, in depth, what I can do to remedy the damage.
Rating:
Summary: Brillant MIND&BOOK
Review: MR.RAndall Robinson is a Man that i have seen countless times on tv with the REv.Jessie Jackson.he is a very bright mind.who brings to the table this book that is long overdue.i can't stand to hear folks say that Slavery was over 200 years ago.cuz the affects aren't over.being African-American in America can cause Mental break downs.Repairations are giving to everyone else but African-Americans.for the folks who ask why still remember? well two weeks ago CBS ran the Thomas Jefferson movie.it's funny how African-AMerican Fathers are Labled as deadbeats and whatnot.but the President of the United States Fathered up to 6 Children with this WOman and how much ALimony did he pay? sadly she was his Properity? that mind state hasn't died.folks want to be treated fairly but it's not gonna happen sadly.yhis book doesn't say Hate anyone it says it's time to wake up and smell Reality!as the Rapper ICE CUbE once so well put it Their More Brothers in State PEn than in PENN STATE.that's the Repairation Money.to hide the ugly past.and slowly ignore the HUMAN PROBLEM THAT HAUNTS AMERICA.
Rating: 
Summary: Short on specifics
Review: I've long been interested in the question of restitution/reparations, and consider it a serious failing of our nation that this issue hasn't been considered or debated. So it was with great expectation that I read Robinson's book. I was hoping it would do two things: show that restitution is necessary, and show that it's possible. Unfortunately, it only did the former (and not as effectively as other books I've read). It lacked a serious and thorough analysis of legal and political precedent, the policy choices that would be necessary, and what political forces would need to align to make this happen. As a result, the argument sounded more argumentative than authoritative. If I hadn't already been in support of restitution, this book wouldn't have convinced me.
Rating:
Summary: The Debt: What America Owes to Blacks
Review: This is a book everyone should read. It will definitely stir up emotions - defense only to those who have closed their eyes and ears to truth. It is time for us as white Americans to ask the question - "Why do we continually try so hard to destroy a people whose only difference is the color of their skin?" It is amazing to me that when a people tell the truth that the oppressor doesn't like they are relegated to the position of one who is inferior and should not be heard. Truth does win out, many times after those who speak it are long gone. I commend Mr. Robinson for speaking the truth - hopefully more will open their ears to hear, let it sink in and one day realize that all people are created equal in the eyes of universal intelligence. It seems to be only those with limited intelligence and an addiction to power over those not in one's "elite" group who speak the loudest and force those not within the "group" to consider us not equal.
Rating:
Summary: Debate This Man And His Ideas At Your Peril.
Review: I began my life with all the advantages; I am white, I am male, and I came from a great set of Parents who believed in, and provided the means for my education. By most measures I would be labeled a Conservative. This book is not about meaningless reference points that group individuals. Mr. Robinson makes an eloquent, articulate argument that I would love to see anyone debate him on its merits. I believe the challenger would emerge more composed if they walked through a spinning propeller, than to debate that the factual history and it's attendant atrocities, need not be addressed, and then amends made. My Father served in World War II and the Korean War. His service deserves all the respect his actions command. That service is irrelevant to this issue. My ancestors came over after the slaves were "FREED". This defense is not only pitiful and pathetic, but also specious as the concept of giving that which you have no right to posess is arrogant, it is an abomination. This book did not offend me; I would gladly designate my tax dollars to making a gesture to the black community, which has systematically been destroyed by White America. I do not believe the black community can ever be compensated for the victimization they were/are subjected to. Whether or not my ancestors participated in The Slave Trade is meaningless. Just as every child born today is instantly burdened by the National Debt of this Country, we who are here today must deal with the disaster that is The US History to destroy black history, culture, and Family. I do not suffer from "White Guilt". I am enraged at the level of hypocrisy that our children are taught. The fictional history, as revisionist is too mild. Read the Declaration of Independence. It was written by and for White, Male, Land-Owning, Moneyed, and in case of the majority of those who signed it, guaranteed their "right" to own, to use as currency, to rape, to kill, to torture, and to do whatever else amused them, with their human property. How can you stand as a white person inside the Jefferson Memorial and feel anything other than rage if you are alone, or shame if you stand with one of his victims, in front of the larger than life statue of one of the Country's greatest hypocrites. And don't raise your eyes, as the walls have all those words, the words that denied rights to, slaves, non-whites, poor whites, women, and children. We hold these rights to be self-evident that all white male land/slave-holding men are falsely elevated to their self-serving equality. That the pursuit of their happiness and wealth is unrestrained by any morality other than that which is convenient and expedient. Washington, Jefferson, The Young Turks Who Perpetrated the Armenian Genocide, Lenin, Stalin, Pol Pot who butchered Cambodians by the millions, Hitler's Holocaust, what a bunch of Founding Father Role Models! The Genocide that took place during the centuries of slavery is the greatest mass murder in History. The US is not alone in its responsibility. However being the richest most powerful nation on Earth, we have responsibilities. They are enormous, the solution boggles the mind. But if there is a Country that can do it, it is ours. All it requires is honesty about our History and the Will/Character to do what is right. Mr. Robinson, my email address is above, I would be honored to be a part of your quest...
|
