Smeagol
DP Veteran
- Joined
- Jun 14, 2012
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I think slavery was a bad thing but concurrent with the kidnapping and trafficking of Africans to America to be cruelly exploited was the colonization of Africa by Europe, which made staying there almost as bad for blacks. Some make a plausible argument that the CURRENT conflict in parts of Africa is a consequence of the artificial borders and creation of adversarial relationships between tribal groups instigated by European colonists.
You can't undo history. Although I wish slavery had not occurred, I think voluntary immigration of Africans would have been good. I think offering Africans the opportunity to work in America for pay and share in its prosperity like European immigrants would have been great. Remember, black Americans ended up making some signification contributions to this country. The first American to give his life for America's independence was a black man. The medical doctor who created blood banking, which has saved countless lives was a black man. The engineer who drew up the plans for our nation's capital and also inventor of the clock was a black man. The pioneer who founded the City of Chicago was a black man. The inventor of the parachute release mechanism used in the early space program was a black man. The inventor of dry cleaning was a black man. I could go on but needless to say, blacks have contributed greatly to America without whom I don't believe the country would be as great. Some may disagree.
Lastly, although its not talked about much, over time blacks in America have become significantly European. I did some genealogy research recently and found out there's a very strong likelihood my great-great-great grandfather was not only White but the former Speaker of the House, third in succession to the Presidency of the United States. He is just as much my ancestor as my black enslaved ancestors he owned. The blacks in America today are not just "black" but are also a part of America's white heritage.
You can't undo history. Although I wish slavery had not occurred, I think voluntary immigration of Africans would have been good. I think offering Africans the opportunity to work in America for pay and share in its prosperity like European immigrants would have been great. Remember, black Americans ended up making some signification contributions to this country. The first American to give his life for America's independence was a black man. The medical doctor who created blood banking, which has saved countless lives was a black man. The engineer who drew up the plans for our nation's capital and also inventor of the clock was a black man. The pioneer who founded the City of Chicago was a black man. The inventor of the parachute release mechanism used in the early space program was a black man. The inventor of dry cleaning was a black man. I could go on but needless to say, blacks have contributed greatly to America without whom I don't believe the country would be as great. Some may disagree.
Lastly, although its not talked about much, over time blacks in America have become significantly European. I did some genealogy research recently and found out there's a very strong likelihood my great-great-great grandfather was not only White but the former Speaker of the House, third in succession to the Presidency of the United States. He is just as much my ancestor as my black enslaved ancestors he owned. The blacks in America today are not just "black" but are also a part of America's white heritage.