Dear Jason Hutchins and Courtney Culmer:
I was impressed at the good balance FAMU has taken in providing columnists for opposing views on the matter of reparations for slavery of Africans in early North America (Feb 07 issue of the FAMUAN).
To begin with, Jason, I would like to express my thanks for your standing up for your principles in opposition to many other Black Americans who feel reparations are due. In your defense, I would like to cite Ezekiel 18:20a, of the King James Version of the Bible, which says: “The soul that sinneth, it shall die. The son shall not bear the iniquity of the father, neither shall the father bear the iniquity of the son.”
This would seem to oppose Courtney’s good article, and in fact, I oppose her opinion in principle myself, but she is right: Some reparations are needed, but I would like to suggest that the “reparations” she mentions go to persons of *any* race who are impoverished and trying to struggle. This would truly embody the American way of pursuing our freedoms – and the view of many religions, which seek to help the less fortunate.
Courtney, to you I would say that Jason has a point in his suggestion that some problems may be our fault as individuals, and implore you to not worry about affirmative action: We minorities (I am part American Indian) have flourished, as Gov Jeb Bush promised, after his abolishment of certain affirmative action set-asides, replaced by “affirmative action” for poverty or merit/achievement.
Once again, thank you for writing good articles: I think it would be nice if every American had at least four (4) Acres and a mule: This would help fulfil President George W. Bush’s goal of every American having home ownership.
Gordon W. Watts, Age 36Email: Gww1210@aol.com821 Alicia RoadLakeland, FL 33801-2113863-688-9880 / 863-687-6141 / 863-686-3411http://hometown.aol.com/gww1210Alumni, FSU, BS Degree with HonorsBiological and Chemical Sciences, Class of 2000