While Steve Bien-Aimé's column was more thoughtful and made a better argument in favor of reparations than most do, I still see his opinion as ridiculous. It's no secret blacks as well as other minorities aren't on a level playing field with whites when it comes to many issues. But how are they going to make things equal when asking for hand-outs? Do you think reparations will bring any respect to blacks? Reparations will just further the thinking of many that blacks can't cut it in a white world and need help.

I agree that education in inner-city environments and other predominantly black areas don't have the same advantages as many predominantly white suburban areas have. But this issue should be corrected by better funding and better programs funded by the whole country, not specific groups like whites. If blacks or any other minority group want things to be equal, like it or not, they're going to have to step up and work harder. While this may be unfair, it's really the only answer.

Reparations just help blacks or minorities look like charity cases. And while they may have to work harder, it's not impossible for blacks and minorities to get ahead in life.