Race Relations in the US

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Comment by James M Booth on April 5, 2008 at 5:12pm

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Taking a cue, or a clue, from someone I count as a good friend, though he and I have yet barely communicated, I learned something from him that I am embarrassed to say never occurred to me in 63 slow-witted years of living on this planet, and I am SO glad he thought of it and that I found out about it before I got another day older.


There has been considerable discussion, though not enough in my estimation since nothing has yet been decided, whether or not America should apologize for slavery.

Apologies, however sincere, without substantial reparation and compensation I agree still have a hollow ring - especially in the case of U.S. race relations - but something each of us CAN do, and I hope you will join me in this, is to simply say "thank you" to people of colour.

Thank you to Blacks for, among other things, building the U.S. economy with the strength of your backs and legs, and spirits.

Thank you to Latinos for, among other things, showing us how to mine gold and silver so that we could become a wealthier nation.

Thank you to Native Americans for, among other things, showing us how to farm and harvest crops in this land so we would not starve.

Thank you to Asians for, among other things, building the railroads without which the transcontinental economy would never have developed as it did.

Thank you to all people of colour for continuing to point the way when it comes to resistance.

Thank you all for refusing to die.

None of you owe me anything, but I owe you all at least that much.

Thank you.


James M Booth

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