Sheila Jackson Lee: “I appreciate it, only to make sure that I can now flow with the concept of the time. But the headline reads: ``Why I…”

“I appreciate it, only to make sure that I can now flow with the concept of the time. But the headline reads: ``Why I support reparations--and all conservatives should.'' I know my friends are listening here on the other side. Gary Abernathy. And I will take some excerpts from this. He acknowledges that he is a conservative. And I can venture to say that his credentials can be documented. But he says, in spite of the bill that I have offered--has an apology--he takes note of that, he even indicates that he may not be that enthusiastic about that. But he says, ``In fact, it could be argued that the idea fits within the conservative philosophy,'' meaning that the notion of reparations is worth discussing because he says, ``In fact, it could be argued that the idea fits the conservative philosophy.'' He goes on to say, ``But it is undeniable that White people have disproportionately benefited from both the labor and the legacy of slavery, and--crucially--will continue to do so for generations to come.'' None of this is said with anger. It is only setting forth facts. When slavery was abolished after a bloody Civil War, African Americans were dispersed into a world that was overtly hostile to them. ``Reconstruction efforts were bitterly resisted by most Southern Whites, and attempts to educate and employ former slaves happened only in fits and starts.'' Remember, this is a group of people in the millions who simply were set free. Freedom is precious.…”