Mitch McConnell's reparations comments belittle the issue

(CNN) - If you've heard of "40 acres and a mule," then you know that the concept of America paying reparations for the enslavement of black people is by no means a new idea.

The concept has been discussed since 1865 when the promise to repay -- I use that term loosely -- former slaves was made by Union Gen. William T. Sherman and then backed by President Abraham Lincoln and Congress.
As we know, the promise would be broken (when President Andrew Johnson withdrew the offer).