Way Long in Coming:
An Apology for Slavery by
The State of Virginia
Americans seldom apologize for any wrongs they have done. Throwing a rock and hiding the hand is the good old fashion American way of denying their ignobilities and indignities. But, last week, however, Virginia took the first step and as a state that was a part of the slave states, it apologized for having enslaved other human beings.
CNN reported that, "Sponsors of the resolution say they know of no other state that has apologized for slavery, although Missouri lawmakers are considering such a measure. The resolution does not carry the weight of law but sends an important symbolic message, supporters said."
In Europe, award
winning columnist Sifelani Tsiko reported that "...
a visiting European delegation of Christian leaders formally apologised to
Africa for crimes committed during the slave trade and the colonial era."
[See Europeans
Apologised]
CNN reports that Missouri is thinking about writing their own legislation
similar to that of Virginia's. What is the big deal to say that what America
did to Africans who were forced to come here and develop this nation was
wrong? Maybe if the nation apologized for that act, maybe the nation can see
its way to apologize for the many atrocities that it has done around the
world; atrocities that are now returning to us in terrorism.
Maybe we can then learn to talk with people and not use military might to bring chaos and confusion to others. That is the hope that states may lead the way and show this out-of-control federal government what actions are appropriate for a responsible people to take.
Simond Griote
2/24/07
