thoughts on slavery apology?

**tapout** · 03-18-07, 09:32 PM

i just found this article to be interesting, i wasnt aware this was being debated by state legislators

SLAVERY APOLOGY RIGHTS NO WRONGS ...
Friday March 16th 2007 7:36 AM

The Baltimore Examiner Newspaper, The Examiner
Mar 16, 2007 3:00 AM (7 hrs ago)

BALTIMORE - Being able to apologize for a wrong is very important. It should be one of the first things parents teach children. Civil society in no small part rests on the ability to say “I’m sorry.”

But people cannot apologize for things they did not do. Nor should they unless they want to strip apologies of any meaning. Can a wife apologize for her husband’s adultery? Can a cancer victim apologize for being sick? Those examples make no sense.

The same goes for apologizing for slavery — now being debated in the General Assembly.

The resolution says in part, “The State of Maryland expresses profound regret for the role that Maryland played in instituting and maintaining slavery and for the discrimination that was slavery’s legacy.”

Slavery wrecked tens of millions of lives. It tars the U.S. image as a land of freedom for all. But how can today’s citizens apologize for their ancestors’ actions? Should those who immigrated to the U.S. 10 years ago also apologize?

At best, the resolution offers symbolic restitution. Can anyone seriously believe that long-dead former slaves benefit from this apology? If, as George Orwell wrote, using language poorly corrupts thought, this statement, if passed, paves the way for more illogical legislation and debates, at the very least.

If anything it is morally appalling for state legislators to debate a slavery apology while ignoring structural reforms like school choice. Giving children vouchers to leave the Baltimore City Public School System — where only half of those who enter high school graduate and where thugs regularly disrupt classes without fear of punishment — would contribute far more to diminishing the legacy of discrimination than any statement of regret. That would take moral courage.

Unfortunately our legislators care more for feel-good platitudes than righting wrongs. That is something we the people deserve an apology for.

**Piggybank Cop** · 03-18-07, 09:42 PM

Not responsible for anything before 1947, and 99.999999999999999999999% of anything after.

How about a vote of thanks for freeing the afore said individuals.

**Terminator** · 03-18-07, 10:21 PM

I have only been alive for 28 years. I am not apologizing for shit. When I'm sober I'll come up with a more intellectual reply.

**JohnnyReb** · 03-18-07, 10:33 PM

I'm not going to say I'm sorry for something I never did. I'll acknowlage it was wrong but no more then that.

**bmf95b** · 03-18-07, 11:17 PM

I say no. Plus did'nt Prez Clinton already do something like that.

**Hannibal** · 03-18-07, 11:24 PM

Hey Lazy Fed (FSCF, or whatever) I'm sorry.

There. Feel better. Good. Me too.

**JLK** · 03-18-07, 11:24 PM

ok, i'll apologize to my slaves. wait i don't have or never had any. apology resended.

good article. bet that went over like a wet fart in church in certain circles.

**Rhino** · 03-18-07, 11:29 PM

I can't believe what I'm hearing. Of course the US should apologize for slavery!

I believe anyone who was ever a slave in the US should go to Washington and provide the date, time, location, and the name of their "owner", and the US government should compensate them accordingly if it proves to be true.