“Perhaps after a serious discussion and debate – the kind that HR 40 proposes – we may find that the country can never fully repay African Americans. But we stand to discover much about ourselves in such a discussion – and that is perhaps what scares us. The idea of reparations is frightening not simply because we might lack the ability to pay. The idea of reparations threatens something much deeper – America’s heritage, history, and standing in the world.”

“Perhaps after a serious discussion and debate – the kind that HR 40 proposes – we may find that the country can never fully repay African Americans. But we stand to discover much about ourselves in such a discussion – and that is perhaps what scares us. The idea of reparations is frightening not simply because we might lack the ability to pay. The idea of reparations threatens something much deeper – America’s heritage, history, and standing in the world.”

— Ta-Nehisi Coates