Something that I just have never been able to "get," is that I think most blacks (their families, actually) in the US have actually been here longer than many whites. You would think that should give them even greater ties to America. Now don't get me wrong, I know that in most cases, their ancestors were brought her as slaves, but then so were many Irish (not as slaves, but indentured servants), and their lives were nothing to speak of. But the simple fact is that slavery ended a very long time ago.
And American history is filled with things that American citizen who just happen to be black have accomplished.
Of course, there's the much touted George Washington Carver. But there are many others as well, far to many to count and list here. One example that's made a huge impression on me is Dr. Charles Drew, the man who developed the procedure for blood transfusions. Think of the number of lives his research saved. But the reason that he made such an impression on me is the fact that he bled to death after a car accident, when he was refused a blood transfusion because he was black.
I guess what I'm saying is that for the race baiters and warlords, it's important to reinforce the belief that all blacks are victims of slavery, and that this country is their enemy: That individual black people can't accomplish anything without them. And that if they were to actually study the amazing contributions that blacks have made to American society (often while being resisted by that society), then those race warlords are afraid that black people will realize the level of opportunity that America provides, and the fact that they can do anything that they set their minds to.
There's NO reason that a recent (legal) immigrant from Jamaica or the East Indies who happens to be black can succeed here, but 4th and 5th generation black people can't. Let me rephrase that... There shouldn't be. But there is. The race warlords work to ensure they have their job security, by trying to keep black people from succeeding! And then blaming it on America!
Mark Mark
Excellent response, MarkL. Enjoyed reading it.
The latter half of the statement is an urban legend. Some years ago I attended the annual enshrinement dinner of the Science & Engineering Hall of Fame (I'm currently President of that organization). The honoree that year was Dr. Drew. His grand-nephew accepted the award on his behalf. The nephew stated that although this claim was made on M*A*S*H, it was not true. Dr. Drew was taken to a hospital and given the best treatment available there. He died anyway. It's regrettable that he died, but a false claim doesn't help matters.