Real issue 'blowing in the wind'

Not to be the twice dead horse, but I'm gonna. I have been following the current debate over the Horowitz advertisement, "Ten Reasons Why Reparations for Slavery is a Bad Idea -- and Racist Too," and during all of the commotion, I have found that the real issue has been blinded by Mr. Horowitz's racially and historically inaccurate portrayal of African Americans. The objection seems to be over the way in which Horowitz presented his thoughts and not the issue on paying ancestors of former slaves reparations. I find it interesting that every article I have read deals with the content of the advertisement, and not the actual debate of reparations. I don't think it is safe to say that all of those who have responded with criticism fully understand the reparations issue or why there is debate over the issue in the first place. While almost all of Mr. Horowitz's examples are altered or inaccurate to a certain degree, as was pointed out in the exceptional column by Tyrone Simpson in the April 20 edition of the IDS ("Horowitz Manipulates, Distorts in Ad"), two key points are in fact correct and remain reasons why reparations have not obtained greater appeal at the federal level. \nFirst, the problem of dealing with who is responsible to pay for such reparations is a constant concern. At first glance it is easy. Yet, the major immigration movements did in fact occur after the abolishment of slavery. Do the ancestors of these immigrants pay? What about Native Americans who are the most devastated populations in the country? Is it fair to ask them to pay again? Or those of Jewish faith, who have been persecuted since the beginning of time, do they pay again? Finally, to say that natives of Africa initiated the slave trade is false, but to say that there was no involvement is also false. Should not the ancestors of these individuals pay as well? And how difficult is it going to be, if you put these limitations on a bill, to prove an individuals ancestry? \nSecond, while Horowitz's numbers are, to quote Dubya, "fuzzy," the ancestors of slaves do inherit a greater standard of living than anywhere else in the world. While they continue to be oppressed in this country, many find it hard to accept this idea. However, it is unlikely that any American regardless of color would wish to take up residence in any of the sub-Saharan nations. \nThese two reasons go to show why there has been such heavy debate in the legislative branch in all levels of government, from the Chicago city council to the Hill. Yet, because of Horowitz's negativity, the real issue is left blowing in the wind. Martin Luther King Jr. once wrote in his letter from a Birmingham prison, "Who prefers a negative peace which is the absence of tension to a positive peace which is the presence of justice." It sounds to me like legislatures around the country are attempting to pay reparations to offer this positive justice. However, while the idea is a step in the right direction, it doesn't offer justice, but a payoff. The nation is saying, "If we pay African Americans, all will be well." Reparations aren't the solution. As T.S. Elliot proclaims, "The last temptation is the greatest treason: To do the right deed for the wrong reason." True equality will only come under the strains of time, not the confinements of the dollar.