THE ISSUE: Reparations for slavery

OUR OPINION: Candidate sees pitfalls in supporting reparations.

Where do they end?Sen. Barack Obama is being targeted by opponents and critics as a candidate who changes positions for political expediency. He has attempted to avoid the race issue as defining his candidacy. He is the Democratic nominee for the presidency, not the African-American candidate.

In large part, Obama has staked out positions that make him appealing to a broad section of the American populace. He has been cognizant of American demographic and political reality, knowing he will not be elected by running on so-called African-American issues. The Obama candidacy thus has caused friction between the candidates camp and some longtime African-American leaders. Notable is the recent controversy surrounding Jesse Jacksons harsh words about Obama.

The Illinois senator is in the race to win. To do so, he must avoid some pitfalls -- such as the issue of reparations for slavery.

Obama has been asked recently about the matter, making headlines by opposing the concept of some kind of direct government payments to the descendents of slaves. He states that government instead should seek to improve the lives of African-Americans by boosting the economy, health care and education for all.

In response, officials treat the Obama position as little more than politics, somehow finding it unconceivable he could oppose reparations.

Kibibi Tyehimba, co-chair of the National Coalition of Blacks for Reparations in America, told The Associated Press: Lets not be naive. Sen. Obama is running for president of the United States, and so he is in a constant battle to save his political life. In light of the demographics of this country, I dont think its realistic to expect him to do anything other than what hes done.

In fairness to Obama, his critics on reparations should acknowledge that his position has been consistent. He took the same stand during his 2004 bid for the U.S. Senate.

As for reality, political and otherwise, it is unrealistic to think that the U.S. government is to pay reparations to any and all who might think they are due such.

Obama was asked recently by a Native American journalist about the matter of reparations not to African-Americans but to the tribes and their descendents. Where would this end?

While Obamas broad statement about building better lives for all through education, health care and a strong economy are long on ideals and short on specifics, his approach is the right one.

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