Black Farmers Miss Chance to Appeal Bias

[Rose Siding]

WASHINGTON -- Black farmers who missed deadlines for appealing discrimination claims against the government can't have another chance at compensation, a federal appeals court ruled Friday.
....
At issue is the 1999 settlement of a class-action lawsuit by black farmers who alleged the Agriculture Department had routinely denied them loans because of their race. The department agreed to pay $50,000 to any farmer who could show he or she was discriminated against and agreed to unlimited payments in extreme cases.
....
The farmers argued they missed the deadlines either because of mistakes by their lawyers or because they were not notified of the appeal deadline. U.S. District Judge Paul L. Friedman ruled against the farmers in June 2003 and March 2004.
....
Rep. Steve Chabot, R-Ohio, said earlier this year he will pursue legislation. A spokesman did not return a telephone call on Friday seeking reaction.

http://www.newsday.com/news/nationworld/wire/sns-ap-black-farmers,0,5440001.story?coll=sns-ap-nationworld-headlines

[fasttense]

1. Well, as long as it was fair. :sarcasm: n/t