In an episode of the Black Lawyers Podcast, Democratic Representative Jasmine Crockett suggested a new approach to reparations for slave descendants.
Crockett, a former civil rights and criminal attorney, proposed granting the people a temporary exemption from paying taxes as a form of reparations. She presented various options for compensating living relatives of enslaved individuals.
During the episode, Crockett mentioned hearing from an unidentified celebrity that Black people should be exempt from paying taxes. This should be for a set period of time instead of receiving monetary reparations.
This is from either the state or federal governments. Newsweek found it difficult to identify this celebrity.
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“One of the things they propose is Black folk not have to pay taxes for a certain amount of time because…that puts money back in your pocket,” she said. “If you do the no-tax thing for people that are already, say, struggling and aren’t really paying taxes in the first place, it doesn’t really matter.”
Crockett is also of the opinion that reparations should be exclusive to slave descendants rather than other Black Americans.
“This is something that definitely needs to be thought through, but when you have people that aren’t even willing to do the studies, aren’t willing to invest to make sure that we can roll this out the right way,” she said.
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“Everybody hypothesizes about what reparations will do on both sides and then there’s a breakdown. Because one side says it’s going to be the best thing since sliced bread, the other side says it’s going to be disastrous, instead of actually getting the data to show us these are the problematic parts, these are the not-so-problematic parts, and us actually crafting a thoughtful way forward.”
Right-wing groups have shared a video of Crockett’s statements on social media channels. End Wokeness uploaded a shortened version of Crockett’s comments on X (previously Twitter). Right-wing personality Paul A. Szypula wrote on X: “We pay Crockett almost $200k a year to be in Congress and spout this nonsense. Unbelievable.”
ALSO READ: Expert Warns That California and New York’s Reparations Efforts Are Counterproductive
Others have shown more restraint and support for Crockett, with X user Shahid Raazaq writing: “It’s essential to examine the root causes of why certain groups may not be paying taxes in the first place and work towards comprehensive solutions that promote economic equity and justice.”
User Sheez wrote: “Jasmine is quickly becoming my favorite person in Congress. I would listen to Ms. Crockett all day. She is such a poised, educated, GENUINE person. I’m impressed by her bravery, her patience and persistence.”
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