I totally agree with the comments in this article, made by the Honorable Fred Mitchell. Actually, his comments corroborate my own comments made in a previous article on the same issue. It's good to know that my government is taking an informed approach on their position, and using the people's thoughts on the issue as a guide. That speaks to a real democratic desire by this government to involve the people in every decision. As a Bahamian, I am proud of the way this government is going about this. Further, as a Bahamian, even if my government decides to go against my thoughts on this matter, I would never be so stupid as to label them "dumb black racists."

Properly defined, a "racist" is someone who believes that one race is superior to another. Consequently, it is beyond me that anyone can label Mr. Mitchell, or anyone else that is pro-reparation, a "dumb black racist," without providing evidence that the accused person is in fact "racist." Even so, if Mr. Mitchell were in fact a racist, what would his color have to do with it? A racist is a racist no matter what color he/she may be. Therefore, it seems highly likely to me, that anyone who feels it necessary to highlight a person's color prior to accusing them of being racist, is themself an utterly ignorant racist.

Now further on reparations, it is clear that reparations are good for all Bahamians, no matter what color or ethnic background you come from. At the end of the day, there is a good lesson to be learned by everyone standing to be affected by this potential legal settlement. The way I see it, this issue is not about the money, and it's not about a refusal to let go of the past. Rather, this issue is about the "principle" of a matter that can be "proven" in Court and it represents an attempt by would-be plaintiffs, and also would-be defendants, to further acknowledge and further settle an injustice beyond a mere verbal, "we're sorry." I reiterate, reparations are good for ALL Bahamians, even those of Chinese decent. It's good for us all!

Most of you are missing the point that these European governments themselves are now admitting culpability to the repercussions of slavery. No one is trying to divide blacks against whites; the lawyers are seeking a mutual settlement in the matter. Additionally, this is no different from a wrongful death lawsuit, because while "money" wont bring back a loved one, it will help to minimize the psychological and other damages caused by the wrong. This is not about playing a "blame game", it's actually being sought in an effort to move forward.

It means that white professors at Canadian universities are teaching students of every ethnicity, that people of African decent were wronged and are entitled to reparations. It means that i am not spewing African American propaganda; I am stating facts based on university research, completed by white people themselves.

Just as you did not come from Europe, our ideologies are Bahamian, not African American. And by the way, you can insult me and call me and other black intellects any name you want, its still not going to change the fact that you are one racist ignorant fool. Every time I see that big "S" in your logo, I cant help to think that it must be for "Stupidman". You can't even argue your point without sounding worse than a 10 year old. Just look at your silly posts.. How old are you?

Just as you did not come from Europe, our ideologies are Bahamian, not African American. And by the way, you can insult me and call me and other black intellects any name you want, its still not going to change the fact that you are one racist ignorant fool. Every time I see that big "S" in your logo, I cant help to think that it must be for "Stupidman".

At least you are admitting "the blacks" are owed money.

If it can be proven in a Court today, any profit or gain that was wrongfully acquired should be awarded to the descendants of the victims who never received justice. There should not be any "letting it slide" because of time.

For example: If you can prove Tom's grandson has a car that was stolen from your grandfather, you are not doing your grandfather or yourself any favor if you don't ask for his property back! If it was never stolen, your grandfather may have willed it to you.

So stop letting these sorry excuses for human beings get away with brainwashing good people to think that demanding what is rightfully ours, is somehow pointless. I say get the reparations, and forgive them simultaneously. Not one or the other.

Yes they should be.

If it can be proven in a court that the sons or daughters of a tief are well off because of their parents thievery, then the descendants of the victims who never got justice, should be able to recover damages in court.

Under no circumstance should wrongful gain be washed clean by the death of a criminal or slave owner.

They are responsible to the extent that they benefited (and continue to benefit) economically from the crimes of their ancestors. It should be noted that some leaders of European governments today are now apologizing for slavery. So needless to say, Caricom governments are simply saying "make the apology tangible; show us the money.

The Bahamas is not the only country in the region or beyond that is debating a departure from the jurisdiction of the Privy council. As a matter of fact, the Privy council themselves are questioning their relationship with us, so go figure,

You say that reparations amount to crumb catching? I beg to differ, Reparations amount to getting up from under the table and demanding the full part the meal that was wrongfully taken away from us in the first place. Reparations expose those who are already at the table, but without merit,

Finally, we are an imperfect people but that does not mean we should continue to bend over and let other imperfect people have their way with us, We need to free ourselves from the evil ideology that says we are not capable of fixing our problems ourselves, Every Bahamian should look in the mirror and ask themselves the question, "Am I capable of taking care of myself, or am I stupid?"

Rather than highlighting our past or current flaws, I say lets go after the reparations which are legally due to us, and then hold each other more accountable for the future development of our country, Lets foster the notion that says "yes we can." What's so wrong with that?