House holds first congressional hearing on reparations in 12 years

The House of Representatives held a hearing on a bill that would commission a study on possible financial reparations for descendants of slaves. Errin Haines Whack, national writer for The Associated Press, joins CBSN to discuss.

[trajantrajan]

So if it’s been 12 years that means it was never discussed during Obama’s era?

[jasonshane]

This is absolutely ridiculous. I'm not paying a dime for something I had nothing to do with. Might be the issue that forces me to stop paying taxes. = file exempt!!!

[jomolololo]

But nothing for the Native American Indians ? What a JOKe

[ischar]

These mf do not speak for me.... I want my damn check!

[theParanormal]

Slavery ended in the US over 150 years ago, Why should people that never owned slaves be forced to pay people that were never slaves ?

[Jake]

Our Country can't afford this, sorry. My family was here then, Who going to pay this

[blackknight]

THE DEBT IS : $$$ 777 TRILLION DOLLARS.

[juliejulie]

Hey at least y'all wasn't put on reservations with your families and tribes annihilated in

[deedeewinfrey]

I'm of native American descent, they stole our land in the name of god...and never paid for it. All I want is an apology from the USA...then we can heal. What's in the past is past, money will not change the truth.

[Htimez]

How is this called "Red & Blue" when it is nothing but Dark Blue propagandists?

[zacharyhunkele]

So lets assume that people are guilty until proven innocent and then still make them pay. Words can't describe how morally wrong that is. Not to mention that it turns the whole constitution on its head. I can't believe that this discussion is even happening.

[johnclark]

I would be okay with slaves getting reparations to put them on there feet but now it is not right it’s racism

[cathleengilliland]

What about reparations for the Native Americans. Not trying to demise what has happened in the past to Black's and the lack of equality Today. I feel like once this gain's headway then we need to also talk about other minorities..we should always be moving forward not backwards.

[sambradley]

If there was equitable distribution of wealth then all descendants of people who suffered transgressions would be paid off. 😐💰

[walterarchibald]

I'm totally in favor. But, how is the question. What Mitch McConnell said was horrible! Trump has made America a place where racism is almost OK. Maybe starting with an anti-racism campaign would produce answers toward healing, by first acknowledging the truth.

[sambradley]

I don't think there's any amount of money that can truly redeem a society that was built on the sweat & blood of all the marginalized peoples. 😐

[sumego]

R.Kelley needs some reparations. Where is Danny Glover? NBA draft needs some subsidized federal reparations - those poor boys are hurting.

[YoungBohemith]

Lmao yall really think yall gonna get reparations 😂😂😂

[sambradley]

We should fight for equitable distribution of wealth & resources (man made & natural ) & that would solve the reparation situation. 😐💰

[CrowdPleeza]

If reparations do happen it should be in some form that generates wealth over a long term. Don't just give out checks for people to spend.