What is up with reparations?

"Kids of color are the most vulnerable in our broken government school system."

It is term which keeps popping up from time to time. And this year in some caucus locations in Minneapolis, it came up again. Now first off, let me clear the air. If I had the power to go back in history and change slavery, I would in a heartbeat. It was definitely a huge smudge on our history. That being said, I will also say this. Most people who now live in this country did not have ancestors who were slave owners. That being said, we still have some things that all of us need to fix.

Reparations. The group Neighborhoods Organizing for Change would like this issue addressed once again. There was a pretty good article on this issue in a recent article of MinnPost. I am going to agree with something this group had to say. Not all of it, but some of it. They are very disappointed in how black kids are being treated in the school system. And charter schools, only seem to favor white kids. 

Here is what I agree with. Kids of color are the most vulnerable in our broken government school system. A big part of reparations would be to give these kids a fighting chance by allowing them to attend a school which will help make them successful. A good education is the fastest ticket out of poverty. HOWEVER, change will never happen so long as the teacher's union has a choke hold on our school system. Kids of color will continue to be victims of this broken system. 

Here is where I disagree with Neighborhoods Organizing for Change. They were upset that the City of Minneapolis was able to find $600,000 to upgrade a police station, but no more money for education. Here is the problem with that statement. The City of Minneapolis spends more per pupil than just about any other district. And the results in Minneapolis are abysmal. History has shown there is very little correlation between money spent and results obtained in education.

We can't go back in time and change the past. Like I said, if I could I would. We can however, shape the future. Put an end to this generational poverty by offering all kids, regardless of color, a chance to succeed. And we know how to do it. We have seen schools in the heart of Minneapolis who are not tethered to the government system, have marvelous results. For about half the cost. Graduation rates of close to 100%, and kids actually know relevant stuff once they graduate. In other words, they graduate ready to compete in a world economy.

That is the kind of reparations we should be talking about. It is realistic and possible - and long overdue. And a game changer. For Neighborhoods Organizing for Change, put that position forward and see what happens. I think you will be pleasantly surprised by the number of people who will agree with it - and stand with you to make it happen.