Prepare to be utterly shocked and astonished.
Remember how California commissioned a task force dedicated to studying the impact of slavery and Jim Crow and formulating a plan to provide reparations to the descendants of those who were affected by these policies? As the task force did their research, Democrats in the Golden State stood on their porcelain pedestals to virtue signal about how much they love black folks and to further position themselves as champions for social justice.
But it turns out they were just kidding about all that reparations stuff.
California Governor Gavin Newsom announced recently that he has chosen not to endorse the cash payments recommended by the state’s reparations task force, which could reach as high as $1.2 million for a single recipient. Newsom stated that addressing the legacy of slavery requires more than cash payments. While he praised the task force’s work, he declined to endorse any specific recommendations, emphasizing the need for systemic changes to ensure an inclusive and equitable future for all Californians.
Newsom noted that the task force’s recommendations encompassed critical action items that the state government has already been working on, such as breaking down barriers to voting, addressing hate, enacting law enforcement and justice reforms, and promoting economic mobility. He emphasized ongoing investments in various areas, including housing, education, healthcare, and beyond, to address disparities and improve equity. Newsom pledged to continue collaborating with the legislature to advance systemic changes following the task force’s submission of its final report.
The governor further stated:
The Reparations Task Force’s independent findings and recommendations are a milestone in our bipartisan effort to advance justice and promote healing. This has been an important process, and we should continue to work as a nation to reconcile our original sin of slavery and understand how that history has shaped our country.
The task force’s recommendations include specific cash payments based on different types of historical discrimination. For example, black residents affected by redlining would receive compensation for each year they lived in California during the period of redlining, while those impacted by over-policing and mass incarceration would receive compensation for each year between 1970 and 2020.
The total payout for eligible individuals could reach up to $1.2 million. The recommendations will be submitted to the California Legislature, which will decide whether to implement the measures and send them to Newsom for approval. Critics argue that the potential costs of the program could be exorbitant, placing a significant burden on taxpayers.
Right. So no reparations, then.
I would give myself a pat on the back for having already called this earlier, but even Stevie Wonder could have seen that Newsom and his merry band of Democrats were never going to follow through on this promise. In fact, Democrats in general are never going to pass anything meaningful in the way of reparations because it is too valuable an issue politically.
The Democratic Party has frequently positioned itself as the party of racial justice, relying on promises of reparations to garner support from the African American community. Dating back to the civil rights movement of the 1960s, Democratic leaders have pledged to address the long-standing racial injustices through reparations programs. However, despite controlling the presidency, Congress, or both for significant periods, Democrats have consistently failed to deliver on these commitments.
Critics argue that Democrats have often used the idea of reparations as a political tool to attract black voters during elections rather than sincerely pursuing substantive action. Not only has it helped them maintain a hold on the black vote, it has helped the endear themselves to well-meaning whites who would like to see something done to improve the conditions in which many black Americans live.
By making promises without following through, Democrats have been able to maintain a loyal voting bloc without delivering on their assurances. This approach allows them to maintain the perception of being the party that champions racial justice while avoiding the difficult task of implementing a comprehensive reparations program.
By using reparations as a political tool to attract black voters without following through on their promises, Democrats have perpetuated a cycle of unfulfilled expectations and missed opportunities. But as long as they continue getting the votes, they do not care.
