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Obama Against Reparations for Slavery

Prefers schools, jobs; opposes legislation backed by NAACP

By the Associated Press

Posted Aug 2, 2008 8:01 PM CDT

(AP) – Barack Obama opposes offering reparations to the descendants of slaves, putting him at odds with some black groups and leaders. The man with a serious chance to become the nation's first black president argues that government should instead combat the legacy of slavery by improving schools, health care and the economy for all.

"I have said in the past—and I'll repeat again—that the best reparations we can provide are good schools in the inner city and jobs for people who are unemployed," the Illinois Democrat said recently. Some two dozen members of Congress are co-sponsors of legislation to create a commission that would study reparations. The NAACP supports the legislation, too.

Barack Obama pauses for a moment while speaking at the National Urban League Annual Conference in Orlando, Fla, Saturday, Aug. 2, 2008. (AP Photo)

In this May 6, 2008, file photo, Barack Obama greets supporters as he arrives at a primary election night rally in Raleigh, N.C. (AP Photo)

Barack Obama smiles as Marc Morial, President and CEO of the National Urban League, speaks a a conference in Orlando, Fla, Saturday, Aug. 2, 2008. (AP Photo)

Democratic presidential candidate Sen. Barack Obama, D-Ill., addresses attendees of the National Urban League conference in Orlando, Fla., Saturday, Aug. 2, 2008. (AP Photo)

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Obama Against Reparations for Slavery

Prefers schools, jobs; opposes legislation backed by NAACP

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White House to Budge on Birth-Control Mandate

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Obama Against Reparations for Slavery

Prefers schools, jobs; opposes legislation backed by NAACP

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OTHER STORIES ON OUR RADAR

Barack Obama • black community • slavery • NAACP

MOST POPULAR STORIES

[ By Views ]

[ By Comments ]

More Newser Stories

Obama, Others Won't Return Ponzi Cash

Receiver wants the $1.8M Allen Stanford gave to politicians

Chinese VP Arrives in Washington

Xi Jinping, China's next president, to meet with Obama

Detroit Bust Would've Been Better Than Bailout

Ex-Prez Bush says bailout his idea, and a good one

Obama Unveils $3.8T Budget, Targets Rich

Budget would institute 'Buffett Rule,' boost infrastructure

White House to Budge on Birth-Control Mandate

'Accommodation' for religious employers will likely be announced today

About Us

Site

Newser By Users

Community

Site Maps

Tools

More News

What is Newser?