by Heidi Christian Rockwell

Created on: September 02, 2008

Should America Pay Restitution to the
Descendants of Slaves

I read this and it made me angry. People need

to go back and read their history books. America

did not go and capture the slaves and bring them

to America. Slave ships started capturing people

as early as the 1600's, and selling them as slaves.

The slave Ships came from Italy, France and Spain.

The Dutch were involved as well. They first came to

America and captured Native Americans. They were

looking for routes to China and came to the New

World. Then they went to Africa and many other

countries and captured more people and sold them

into slavery. It was not our government.

Slavery was common practice all over the world.

Slaves were sold worldwide. Slavery is still

practiced in some third world countries. Contrary

to popular belief, most slaves were treated very

well and became a part of many families. They were

clothed and fed and were respected by their owners.

Most slaves took their owners surname. And After

the civil war many stayed on with their families.

Mostly rich farmers that could afford to buy them.

Not the ordinary folks that struggled to survive.

Our country took a human rights stand for the slaves

and in the process we lost seven hundred thousand

family members. Again SEVEN HUNDRED THOUSAND

soldiers DIED! So that slaves may be free. Where

is the restitution for all of us that lost our

families, what did we fight for?

Entire families were killed and died in POW camps here

in the U.S. Our family lost approximately 700 members.

They left wives and children and grandchildren with no

means of support.

If anything we should pay to have the slaves descendents

go back to their uneducated, famine, Aid's ridden, no jobs,

healthcare or decent housing country. It seems they don't

appreciate what they have here and how lucky they

are to be here and to be an American. They have forgotten

what our country has already done for them and the

sacrifices that have been made for their freedom.

The Civil War almost distroyed our country and if we

had not fought for the rights of freedom for the slaves,

they would probably still be indentured slaves. I say our

country has paid the price with our lives and our blood.

I guess it isn't enough.

If there were any slaves here today, they should be paid,

not their decendants, they have reaped the rewards of

their ancestors.

This is the greatest country in the world, there is no

reason to be looking for a free handout. Its time get off

it and make your way. It looks like an excuse or crutch.

There are many people that have came to the United

States and become very successful with less than any

slave, working just as hard.

The Civil War ended in the mid 1860's. Almost a hundred

and fifity years ago. At least ten generations ago. Our

whole country has suffered. It is unfortunate and sad

what happened to our country and all of the lives that

we lost. America is not to blame and should not have to

pay. Its like suing the people that rescued you. Absurd.

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