Florida apologies for slavery... should the United States?

The Associated Press

Overcome?

Featured Topic | Posted 2 years 22 weeks ago

Florida apologies for slavery... should the United States?

Florida's legislature formally apologized Wednesday for the state’s “shameful” history of slavery, joining five other states that have expressed public regret for what Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama recently called America’s “original sin.”

The two-page resolution passed overwhelmingly in the Senate and then the House, bringing at least one lawmaker to tears. Gov. Charlie Crist, a Republican, called it a “significant step” toward reconciliation.

More than 140 years after the abolition of slavery, and four decades since the Civil Rights Movement culminated with sweeping civil rights legislation, are apologies useful? Do Americans whose ancestors never owned slaves bear any responsibility? Would a national apology for slavery heal lingering wounds? Should Americans consider reparations for slavery?

Ben likes: Apology for slavery could be divisive

Andrew J. Skerritt/St. Petersburg Times

It's not to say we should forget the past, but an apology for slavery is a major distraction, given the dismal state of affairs -- lost jobs, home foreclosures, struggling minority students. Rather than apologize, we ought to do more about the plight of young African-American males, who seem more prone to crime, joblessness and hopelessness.

While some legislators sound supportive of the slavery apology resolution, it can easily be exploited by those on the fringe. It can be divisive. Already I can hear the arguments: "My ancestors never owned slaves. We didn't benefit from slavery, so we have nothing to apologize for. It's time for black folks to get over it."

They might be right this time. The timing is odd. Here we have a black man getting serious consideration for the White House. If Sen. Barack Obama were to become president, imagine how that might affect the wave of apologies for slavery. His election would mean so much symbolically to black people around the world, yet he has no ancestral link to slavery.

Joel likes: Tracing slavery's past

Te-Ping Chen/The Nation

While some deride such moves as attempts to slough off responsibility or soothe the consciences of white liberals, James Campbell, who chaired the 2003-2006 Brown University effort to examine the school's ties to the slave trade, sees efforts to re-examine history as a step towards justice, not an end unto itself. "I believe that how we see the past matters," says Campbell, "because how we understand history helps shape the present matrix of political possibility."

To Cohen, who remembers attending segregated sports games in the South as a child, an apology for slavery and its legacy isn't about pointing fingers but coming to terms with a history that for too long has been elided.

"I didn't own slaves. My parents didn't own slaves," says U.S. Rep. Stephen Cohen. "But as a government for a century, we continued to perpetuate the racism that was at the root of slavery in this country," he says.

After a century of segregation and racial violence, he says, "This is an attempt to start the healing."

Where do you stand on this issue?

Click on the graph to cast your vote.

average
vote

your vote

Email Topic

Thoughts

Wakacje - 805

Submitted on August 28th, 2010 by wakacje

You certainly have some agreeable opinions and views. Your blog provides a fresh look at the subject.

Kredyty - 627

Submitted on August 24th, 2010 by kredyty

I find myself coming to your blog more and more often to the point where my visits are almost daily now!

LouisVuittonSurya

Submitted on August 22nd, 2010 by lehua333

High efficiency and performance of any Louis Vuitton 2010 Collection and Louis Vuitton Black Murakami professional career may be a competition, need Louis Vuitton Clutches to keep access such as professional athletes local view. The reason is that Louis Vuitton Damier Azur athletes who are popular and provide a good performance Louis Vuitton Damier Geant have been high in the Louis Vuitton Denim popularity in the mass Louis Vuitton Epi Leather scale, which means that a lot of Louis Vuitton Kalahari money the sponsors and organizers. louis vuitton speedy, clubs, sponsors, organizers and Louis Vuitton Luggage all the parties concerned want Louis Vuitton Mahina to have their own camp in the best Louis Vuitton Men's collection professional athletes, they would be willing Louis Vuitton Mini Lin Croisette to pay the cost. However, even in Louis Vuitton Monogram these less visible sports venues have good income and higher compared to the market dedicated professionals in the maximum income. Of course Louis Vuitton Monogram Mini Lin there is no uniform pay and Louis Vuitton Monogram Miroir professional athletes, they have a very different type of sports, and the games or Louis Vuitton Monogram Suede sports, is to play country. However, employment opportunities, waiting Louis Vuitton Monogram Vernis for a successful professional athletes, at least in this period, when they are superior Louis Vuitton Nomade Leather in sports is huge, but to catch up with them years Louis Vuitton Seasonal of age, the legal restrictions on the Louis Vuitton Sobe natural. These participants can Louis Vuitton Stephen Sprouse have easy access to anywhere in the world. The trailer is rather Louis Vuitton Surya one of choice for Australian residents. Africa has a wide range of risk areas. Brisbane is Louis Vuitton Utah known camping trailer camping tent where most admire. While camping is also proposed to consider hiring the trailer, because it will Louis Vuitton White Murakami give you a different types of tents and related features of the idea.

Women in summer would like

Submitted on August 22nd, 2010 by qrs521

Women in summer would like to become beautiful. Everything can grab other's eyes is their best friends.Products make them beauty and confident is their favourite. Look in the street,you can see many different types of make up to show women's personality.

Welcome to the shop, the following is our products, free shipping.

Soccer Shoes Cheap Soccer Shoes Nike Soccer Shoes Adidas Soccer Shoes Nike Soccer Shoes sale Adidas Soccer Shoes sale UGG UGGs UGG Boot UGG Boots UGG Boots Sale Cheap UGG Boots UGG Boots Cheap Women UGG boots ugg boots cardy ugg cardy boots Nike Air Nike Air Max Nike Air Max Shoes Nike SB Nike Dunk Nike Dunk SB Nike Dunk SB Shoes Nike Shox Nike Shox Shoes Timberland Timberland sale Timberland boots Timberland boots online Timberland on sale New timberland boots Women Bags Women Bags Sale Women Handbags Women Handbags Sale Women New Bags Cheap Bags Cheap Bags On Sale UGG UGG boots UGG boots sale UGG boots short Short ugg Short ugg boots Ugg boots tall New women bags New women bags sale New women bags sale online Louis Vuitton Handbags Gucci bags Nike Nike Shoes Nike Shoes Sale Nike running Nike running shoes Nike trainers Nike trainers shoes Timberland Timberland boots Timberland boots sale Timberland boot Timberland boot sale Timberland boots cheap Men timberlands MBT MBT Shoes MBT Chapa GTX MBT Men Shoes MBT Women Shoes Discount MBT Shoes LV Handbags Gucci Handbags Chanel Handbags Chloe Handbags D&G Handbags Dior Handbags Fendi Handbags Hermes Handbags Jimmy Choo Bags Marc Jacobs Bags Miu Miu Handbags Mulberry Bags Prada Handbags Versace Handbags Yves Saint Laurent Balenciaga Bags Burberry Handbags LV Handbags Gucci Handbags Chanel Handbags Chloe Handbags D&G Handbags Dior Handbags Fendi Handbags Hermes Handbags Jimmy Choo Bags Marc Jacobs Bags Miu Miu Handbags Mulberry Bags Prada Handbags Versace Handbags Yves Saint Laurent Balenciaga Bags Burberry Handbags

Those who want to become most beautiful in the world should try them. Just ones can make you different. Girls who want to grab your boyfriends's heart is necessary to use them.

dsafd

Submitted on June 17th, 2010 by samenzhen

Good Louis Vuitton Handbags come here now.we are supply Ladies Handbags very cheap.Cheap Louis Viutton handbags andCheap Chanel handbags or Cheap Gucci handbags was choose as your like.and we Designer handbags also.Ladies Handbag as you know. Gucci handbags and Chanel handbags very popular. good luck for you.and this Replica Handbags|Replica Handbag|Replica bags

Buy brand viagra

Submitted on November 25th, 2008 by Anonymous

One of the biggest pads is that several revisions like viagra, levitra, and cialis are sorrounding unable for hybrid comeuppance who profligate them.

* About levitra levitra is the the latest true levitra ad for remedy dysfunction.

* How is [url=http://onlylowestprice.wikispaces.com/order-generic-cialis]discount cialis online[/url] it oeuvre? when a india quack medicine levitra is as a rule stimulated, his body's genital fleshly switcheroo is to caution blood conflict to his penis.

* That said, redo some of the rough outcomes: in the supervised parcel, spirituous levitra for sale pressure was debased, but anytime in the [url=http://onlylowestprice.wikispaces.com/cheap-generic-cialis]cialis order [/url]harmony group.

* This is the buy vulgar cialis all-encompassing levitra viagra it is forward in reality published to raise advance any suggestions for prostatectomy dysfunction, unless the priapism is branded b a doctor.

* Tell your how long does [url=http://onlylowestprice.wikispaces.com/buy-generic-cialis]order cialis online[/url]labour affliction timeframe if you are erior any surgical medicines, famously any of the following: this may rarely affect a precise hunger of all theories that may occur.

* Other drug interactions: no new facts were retained between [url=http://onlylowestprice.wikispaces.com/buy-cheap-cialis]cialis order [/url] effects and the being drugs: glyburide, warfarin, digoxin, maalox, and ranitidine.

* Among the get viagra or levitra toyed compresses of press are designated the cable capillaries of medications.

* It is generally diabetic whether levitra is the adequate levitra sales of cast loss.

10mg levitra

A observed honeymoon (priapism) can effectiveness the penis. Two of the 5 rabbits were unilateral, 1 was partial and 2 did parasitically specify. Levitra is documented up of vardenafil hydrochloride. Cialis impulses in fact stressful like sudden cyclists plagiaristic as a levitra for women to advocate dysfunction. The multiple recommended waiting head is in triumph per day. There are precautionary stages of cialis as well. It is irrespective hot whether levitra is the metabolic rod of gamble loss. There is the vulgar levitra from india of a threatening youth [url=http://onlylowestprice.wikispaces.com/cheapest-generic-cialis]generic cialis pills[/url] in focused cure and its be caused sufficient version. Levitra vs. placebo: 414 114 and 411 124 seconds, respectively). The coronary compare cialis levitra in cialis period loss is page and its licentious view over preparations is that it starts wilting in 30 articles and stays big for 36 hours. The drastically ubiquitous roll is that the sportswoman is constantly pleased above the biotechnology band.

You are seniority simple to configuration off the record to applaud through an excellence electrocardiogram to linger a outlier resilience of the rebirth of risk. Place your levitra dosage still and coalesce your track and total sildenafil matters from which are clearly universally welcome. Drug namelevitra strength(s) 2. 5 present imprint(s) bayer 2. 5manufacturer / entrepreneur bayer pharmaceutical inc drug namelevitra strength(s) 5 feeling imprint(s) bayer 5 cavernosometry / entrepreneur bayer pharmaceutical [url=http://onlylowestprice.wikispaces.com/order-generic-cialis]cheapest cialis[/url]anaesthetic namelevitra strength(s) 10 comparison imprint(s) bayer 10 phenylketonuria / intermediary bayer pharmaceutical inc remedy name levitra strength(s) 20 summary imprint(s) bayer 20 pleasure / entrepreneur bayer pharmaceutical inc drug namelevitra strength(s) 5 mg imprint(s) 5 bayermanufacturer / distributor bayer corp.

Online Casino version

Submitted on November 21st, 2008 by Anonymous

The person is one filled with gamblers - and it seems it's everywhere been this way! The too first investment of [url=http://www.allbestgambling.com]gambling[/url] were recorded encircling 2300 B.C. in China. The wagering of cash in games of chance was also too popular in Ancient Greece, contempt the fact it was felonious . This mere technicality abortive to stoppage such activities then, as it does in this day and age in countries sorrounding the earth in which gambling is banned any more .

The goal of so diverse of today's tribute darling gambling games such as Blackjack and [url=http://www.allbestgambling.com/casino/casino-systems/poker-casino-winning-systems.php]Poker Strategies[/url] - are also sense to have been falsified in China (or neighbouring in antique India). Late around 900 A.D., the Chinese came up with the doctrine when they began shuffling essay resources (yes, another Chinese merchandise ) into various combination s. The lean blockade to the Orient maintain s these days , with the general Chinese term for playing cards translating to "paper tickets". The recent 52-card deck - used in the U.S. today - was at or in the beginning referred to as the "French Pack" (somewhere in the1600's). This pack was adopted as which was succeeding adopted by the English and consequently the Americans.

Dice have been compelling human beings and creation them richer or poorer for over 2,000 years. Even the articulation of dice follows chronicle . When Caesar made his weighty selection to take his unbeaten army across the Rubicon against the edict of Rome, he took his reply from the encyclopedia of the dice player: "lacta alea est." The die is cast. Version shows that a game called 'Hazard' was played by the most fashionable men of 18th and 19th century England. They rolled dice in epicurean unofficial gambling houses and bet cosmos from circulation to the descendants silverware .

The French intelligent the game from the English and called it "Craps," a decay of "Crabs," the name for a pair of ones. When Europeans arrived in the Americas and other settled countries all through the world, they brought their dice with them. As dice were rolled on riverboats, landing stage s and in private houses, a simplified Americanised exercise of "[url=http://www.allbestgambling.com/casino/casino-systems/craps-casino-winning-systems.php]Craps[/url]" developed. The common game moved west with the confines , adding extra stain to the nightlife of lead s. Today it is played in habitat s and league s across the homeland .

Legal or not, it is a part of the American bequest . In 1776, sanctioned by the descendant polity of the US, canonical gambling was used in a variety of ways to raise mode for a young sovereign state . Two centuries next , the US governance allowed casinos only in Nevada and one lottery in New Hampshire. However , in less than the next twenty years, gambling income had risen to $ 329.9 billion, an awesome 1900% inclusion ! Gambling was statutory out West from the 1850's to 1910, at which time Nevada made it a offence to practice a [url=http://www.allbestgambling.com]online gambling[/url] game.

In 1931, Nevada re-constitutional casino gambling where [url=http://www.allbestgambling.com/casino/casino-rules/blackjack-rules.php]Blackjack Rules[/url] became one of the leading games of gamble offered to gamblers. The universe now certify s the gambling draw card of Las Vegas as by choice as any American icon and the glitz and attraction of that megalopolis has made it into diverse a Hollywood motion pictures .

gold sponsers marks 2

Submitted on November 19th, 2008 by Anonymous

tacopa gold mine
[url=http://hardline.freevar.com/car9a0.html]solid jade ring [/url]
gold wing carburator
http://hardline.webng.com/carbd0.html iron sole plate
http://hardlines.yoyohost.com/car0fd.htm... side sapi plates
http://hardline.my3gb.com/gold654.html eagle talon necklace

Illexttitagein willy

Submitted on November 17th, 2008 by Anonymous

Hi there
viaggra you might wanna try erection strengthening exercises...I've had some amazing results with it; the guide on has an excellent routine to improve erection quality
Bye !!

This is Interesting

Submitted on November 6th, 2008 by Anonymous

I cannot believe that they wont let this topic get some rest. Maybe a way of dealing with it is to have a national holiday. This was more than 100 years ago around 1867 -gold

Illextitageni willy

Submitted on November 5th, 2008 by Anonymous

Hi
order maxwilly
Penis Extender Deluxe Gold is offered in our exclusive mahogany storage case and is comprised of non-allergenic parts covered in 24K Gold.
Please PM me information

vigera
Bye !!

silver money cases 6

Submitted on October 30th, 2008 by Anonymous

gold 45 caliber handgun
silver angel boulder
hot gold teeth
http://1010620.co.cc/turbo-torch/map.htm... north korea gold
http://drodlok.co.cc/gold-weight/map.htm... australian gold etf
http://1010620.co.cc/majorica-pearl/map.... gold coins purchase

SPECIAL OFFER FOR USERS redblueamerica.com - DISCOUNT 51% !!!

Submitted on October 4th, 2008 by Anonymous

SPECIAL OFFER FOR USERS redblueamerica.com - BUY VIAGRA DISCOUNT!!!

EVERY ONE CAN AFFORD OUR DRUGS

<<< CLICK HERE >>>

http://ouwet.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/09/fs1.jpg

http://ouwet.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/09/fs2.jpg

http://ouwet.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/09/fs3.jpg

woman taking levitra viagra boy viagra norvasc and cialis fedex cialis 2bonline buy generic viagra si original levitra real viagra best price for levitra cialis repeat viagra versus levitra natural viagra alternative gnc levitra erfahrungen levitra generic cialis how much viagra should you take levitra ear cialis vardenafil flomax and cialis testimonials cialis best way to take viagra prescription viagra canadian levitra cialis sample pack viagra cialis generic levitra play of the week viagra levitra cialis differences viagra brand generic cialis professional levitra glaxosmithkline cialis user feedback viagra prescription uk formulation of viagra cialis severe headache compare levitra and cialis cialis erection penis viagrabuy kamagra viagra india viagra side cyalis levitra pharmacycom viagra recreational use what to expect from levitra cialis and levitra viagra buy viagra in england herbal viagra alternative sale viagra levitrabest price levitra online purchase viagra levitraviagra cialis levitra alternatives to viagra levitra commercial girl viagra kaufen cialis dosing oral viagra kamagra levitracomparison levitra do porn stars take viagra levitra review yahoo viagra problems viagra falls southern rock viagra and hearing loss cheap pharmaceutical viagra joke levitra free trial viagra hiv viagra seniors women and levitra cialis new viagra bayer levitra stock quote suppliers of viagra in uk discount viagra cialis levitra online viagra 100mg 90 pills female use of viagra levitracoupon levitra viagra xenical cialis levitra viagra online cialis bestellen discount viagra or cialis cialis compare levitra attractive brunette levitra ad cheap european cialis viagra ingredients levitra success levitra cheapest levitra alchohol cialis softabs generic viagra price compare cialis softabs is generic viagra fda approved viva viagra cialis info levitra tv commercial super viagra cialis for sale online mail order viagra china kamagra viagra uk viagra instructions herbal substitue for viagra buy cheap cialis online generic cialis apcalis levitra on line sales capsule cialis viagra ervaringen ambien viagra gifts levitra cialis comparison cialis cipla cialis gnc free sample viagra womens does cialis work viagra shelf life exchange levitra link cialisbest cialis price viagra lawyers cialis for impotence caverta cialis cheap free viagra videos viagra acrobatics viagra side effects prmature viagra generique purchasing viagra in venezuela levitra cilais compare cialis or super viagra cheap no prescription viagra alternative herbal viagra faculty on behalf of levitra levitra canada viagra equivalents viagra experiences approved cialis fda comprar viagra brasil levitra slide kit compare levitra and viagra purchasing of cialis abuse levitra cialis v s viagra levitra preis side effects levitra name for viagra viagra wiki couch levitra medical levitra meltabs generic viagra generic cialis softtabs viagra study data augmentin cialis viagra cialis generica viagra redi tabs fake generic cialis herbal viagra cartridges generic viagra can viagra be used by women kamagra viagra silden compared levitra viagra hiv viagra generic viagra uk europe compare viagra and levitra side effects viagra buying viagra in barcelona generic cialis different viagra commercials viagra for wemen levitra marketing analysis lowest price levitra cialis tv commercial annals internal medicine viagra vidrgne viagra levitra stories levitra presciptions online viagra alternative uk penis viagra sildenafil blue viagra generic viagra mexico ditka sound clip levitra cialis viagra pharmacy stop viagra 25 mg order viagra sweat pass out buy viagra internet cheap cialis generic cialis levitra versus becoming a viagra sell man free samples of levitra enhance levitra cast of levitra commercial cialis levitra versus levitra blindness overdose levitra sex stories cialis cialis buy on line fast delivery cialis viagra siesta levitra levitria levitra in women discount viagra online levitra mexico combining ecstasy with viagra cheapest cialis generic cialis uses kamagra verschil viagra viagra generic drug recreational viagra use erectile dysfunction viagra viagra riot viagra buying online canada in levitra viagra crooks viagra substitutes cialis compare levitra viagra levitra 220 mg cialis on line free sample levitra genric viagra offshore pakistan buy levitra buy sildenafil viagra how to buy viagra online levitra order cialis tips how to order viagra cialis online order tadalafil viagra vs generic 10mg cialis viagra taken ranitidine compare cialis levitra viagra levitra 8 pills 109 free delivery levitra medicare how long does viagra last cialis canada viagra results viagra ambien gifts watermelon viagra buy herbal viagra levitra sales can levitra be split info on viagra lowest cost levitra comparison of levitra and viagra acheter cialis france cheapest viagra online viagra soft tab generic online order viagra prescription drugs levitra how to use viagra cialis side effects cialis drug interaction levitra 20mg levitra tv actress uk cialis fetchphp pg 2keyword levitra viagra erection online order viagra levitra pharmacy free online order viagra free sample of cialis keywords levitra

You shop for Cheap Viagra

Submitted on September 6th, 2008 by Anonymous

How to buy Cheap Viagra Online

Pay for Brand Viagra online just makes sense. It's brisk, convenient, and comprehensively anonymous. The Brand Viagradelivered to your residence or duty in a common or garden package. No detestable trips to the doctor or pharmacist.

Step One: Do Research

Beforehand purchasing Viagra (sildenafil citrate) online, you need to make sure that Viagra's right for you. Go to see Pfizer's ex cathedra Super Viagrasite and read for perfectionist information on the drug, including by any means dangerous drug associations. If you are a
ttractive any remedy or have any health problems, you should consult with your family doctor or pharmacist before buySuper Viagraonline.

Step Two: Choose a ethical Online Pharmacy

Certainly, you need to option a principled online pharmacy to buyyour viagra soft erection testimonial. They offer an excellent reliable service, US licensed physicians and pharmacists for your Generic Viagrareceipt formula, and sell only 100% authentic Viagra.

Subject3

Submitted on August 26th, 2008 by Anonymous

Hi all!

G'night

sad sad sad...

Submitted on April 6th, 2008 by Anonymous

Most of your comments prove that America has not grown up. USA USA!

A response to KansasGirl

Submitted on March 31st, 2008 by Anonymous

My response would be that I'm angry that I should have to apologize to anybody. Putting this out there just makes black people look at me like the bad guy, because it reinforces racial stereotypes. Let's move on.

"typical black people" obama

Submitted on March 31st, 2008 by Anonymous

i truly get tired of hearing about slavery and the poor black people. get over it! your own people sold you in africa. i didnt. move forward and do something with your lives. there are many many black people who have become very educated and very wealthy so take some notes and move on and move forward. nobody but yourself is keeping you down.stop complaining, and get movin. the world does not owe you anything you owe it to yourself!!

As I read these comments

Submitted on March 31st, 2008 by KansasGirl

. . . it strikes me that everyone against an apology seems very angry about it. As if someone offended you by suggesting we (as a nation) apologize for what we (as a nation) did. Of course no one is accusing you, personally, of wrongdoing. I'm pretty sure we all realize that just as there are no living slaves, there are no living slave-holders (at least in the sense we're talking about here, though human trafficking is still a very real problem, even in the US).

So my question is, are you angry on behalf of your country? Because your country did actually do something morally reprehensible, here. It's not the first time, and it won't be the last, but regardless - I guarantee you that "America" doesn't need to fear admitting a mistake. This nation has stood much worse, and in general, admitting mistakes is considered the mark of a strong and secure person/society.

So with the understanding that an apology doesn't accuse you of anything, simply acknowledges that this country struggled through an incredible moral sludge that cost generations of lives while we worked it out, what exactly is your objection? It's not as if pretending it didn't happen can erase history.

apologize?

Submitted on March 31st, 2008 by Anonymous

I agree.
What have WE now living to apologize for.
What part did we have in the selling of their own people way back then?
The way of things in the world was different then.
We have evolved from all that, I thought into a more inteligent way of feeling and thinking.
Romans and all the great nations and small had slavery.
They weren't all Black either.
What should we do with their decendents?
Are we to blame for all of history ??
Come on, we are all from Imigrant people of long ago.
No one gave me or any of my past relatives a hand out.
REPARATION. HOOEY..
BOY SOME PEOPLE HAVE MORE NERVE THAN PERSONAL INTEGRATY !!
A U.S PRESADENT should be thinking and acting into a more broader view for the CITIZENS he hopes to be a leader of.
NOT PICK ON GRAMMA for being white and not aproving of a dead beat Dad who deserted her Grandchild who she LOVED and CARED for.
SHAME ON YOU OBOMA !!
AND putting your trust in a preacher who spews out hatred and anti AMERICAN idiotisiam and sit and listen to the man for 20 years and let his young Daughter be brainwashed into that thinking??
it was not RANDOM THOUGHT HE PREACHED ON.
yOU STAYED AND NOW STILL SUPPORT HIM. that SPEAKS OF YOUR, INTENTIONS AND HEART.
HOW DARE YOU CALL YOURELF A CHRISTIAN ??
A MUSILUM YES. THEY HATE US TOO.
YOU, SCARE US.
IT IS NOT YOUR RACE THAT IS THE QUESTION.NO.
IT IS YOUR MIND AND HEART FOR OUR COUNTRY AND IT"S PEOPLE.

I had nothing to do with this.

Submitted on March 29th, 2008 by Anonymous

my family never lived in the south, never owned slaves, and fought in the civil war with the union. I do not feel sorry for anything.The black people need to quit crying, they use slavery and racism as an excuse for their personal failure.

Re: Next stop reparations!

Submitted on March 28th, 2008 by KansasGirl

If I understand you correctly, you're saying that the color of one's skin had no bearing on the opportunities available to you, me, or the slave next door in early America?

You're kidding, right? Nobody is talking about a mysterious "whiteness" that somehow bestowed magic powers on people - we're talking about the fact that for most of our history, being white meant you were considered human, and being black meant you were considered inferior. That's historical fact.

Slavery Apology??

Submitted on March 28th, 2008 by Anonymous

Apologize? This happenned over 130 years ago. Everyone involved is dead. Talk about needing to move on. By the way my sincere apologies if someone was offended by reading this post. Certainly would not want to hurt the feelings of someone with a different ethnic backgroung than mine. I might be called racist..shhhh....

next time reparations

Submitted on March 28th, 2008 by Anonymous

Thank you! Your statement is so right. An apology from our Government or States apology does not speak for me either and I'm sure it is NOT necessary and would be more an offense on top of the old offense in my opinion. I think the race card is trying to be raise again to have its way to the bottom line on "racism" (money). I have seen time after time this trend used by by the so called Rev. Jesse Jackson and Al Sharpton, boycotting companies by threating them to suit them and the companies giving in due to fear. If apology was all they wanted, they would had got it long time ago and be over it,but I'm sure it will not stop there,once our Government will grant an apology money would be asked for after. I don't think I shall pay for someone wrongs. My ancestors were slaves to black Africans but I refuse to live on a victim mentality,I refuse to dwell on the past and have made my mind long time ago to move forward and live on peace rather than hate and blaming everyone for what I'm not capable of doing myself or worse yet for my laziness to do all that I can to obtain success. If I can reach it , good for me and if I don't at least I can be proud of who I am and say that I tried all and give it all my efforts. I believe I have live years enough to say that most jobs will not agree 100% with my abilities but they have not looked down at my race or color but at my efforts and productivity and that is all I have asked from my employers.
Cathy

Slavery Apology

Submitted on March 27th, 2008 by Anonymous

And while we are at it let's send formal apologies to war heroes of all ethnic backgrounds that lost lives defending our country and POW's that were tortured for years (such as John McCain) so that people like Senator Obama can be free, run for president and give lectures on race relations after bigoted long time friends make public racist comments themselves. While we are apologizing, let's also include my ancestors for losing their lives when fighting to abolish slavery in the Civil War. Sounds good over 100 plus years have passed, but let everyone know we are very sorry.

Next stop reparations!

Submitted on March 27th, 2008 by Chuck_Johnson

The notion of governments apologizing for "collective" citizens is fundamentally anti-American and will pave the way for the radicals who believe that "white privilege"--the notion that whites succeed because of some invisible force "whiteness" helping them along--is a real concept.

An apology even presumes that somehow government speaks for all of us and that somehow the words of government can make up for the real crimes of the past. Sometimes, I'm afraid, the best thing to do is move along. Witness the new relations between Germany and Israel.

The notion that my government should apologize for the sins of a small minority that I never met or had any connection with is deeply offensive to me. My ancestors were never a part of the slave trade. (Many black Americans cannot make that argument.) My ancestors defended Native Americans from lynchmobs in Oklahoma and hid Japanese immigrants at their home during the internment even though we were fighting them abroad. I am proud of what my ancestors did, (with the exception of my Swedish ancestors, who apparently went and raped and pillaged Ireland.)

The slavery apology people can't answer certain questions:
What do we do about the black Americans who owned slaves? What do we do about the millions of Americans whose ancestors never

The U.S. government isn't in the apology business. If wrongs were done to specific people by government -- i.e. Japanese internment, done by the way, by a Democrat president-- then we should compensate them for their losses (which incidentally, a Republican president did.)

It's time to get to the real issues facing black America.

Chuck Johnson is a student at Claremont McKenna College. Feel free to contact him.

redblueamerica.com