News-Record.com

It would be nice to think that, if an apology accomplishes anything, it is to finally put the past behind and look to a better future. But that hope is pretty anemic, too.* Doug

Well! Using that standard Doug certainly makes a point. However, since Friday, Don Imus has apolized 1789 times to ever human on the planet. As you can see the apology has accomplished nothing.

By the way! When do you expect Liz Edwards will apolized to Monty for not getting rabbit insanity shots?

Dear Mr. Clark,

I think in a short space you have well covered many of the problems that go with trying to match an apology for an act committed by a past generation with current remedies or reparations. And then there is the inconvenient fact that I (we) did not commit the sins of my (our) fathers. Slavery, the slavery our ancestors were a part of, and present day slavery, should be denounced and renounced. But I do not know if I can apologize for the sins of another. I can express deepest regret. I can want to make things as right as I can. But I cannot express a true apology nor seek forgiveness for a sin or a crime I did not commit. I can express sorrow, or deep and profound regret that it happened, and a commitment to work hard that it would not happen again, and I can even try to make it right if possible, but the latter is really tricky, as you have pointed out. One way we can "bring forth fruit worthy of our repentance" is to work to alleviate all forms of slavery that exist today. We turn a blind eye to much of what is going on in the world. There is neither credibility in apologizing for slavery, nor credibility in demanding such apologies, if current slavery is not being addressed.

Thanks for writing, Rev. Gillespie. Very good points. You're absolutely right about slavery in all its forms that exists today without moving us to action. It's inexcusable.

"According to Anti-Slavery International, the world's oldest human rights organization, there are currently over 20 million people in bondage."

Rather than symblic regrets about historical slavery, perhaps we should do something to actually free those 20 million people around the globe who are suffering slavery today. Perhaps, Ms. Adams could focus her efforts and energies in helping free those that are in slavery today. that would be more meaningful to those sad souls than ending collective-bargaining restrictions for state employees.

Slave Trading on Africa's West Coast - The enslavement of the Dinkas in southern Sudan may be the most horrific and well-known example of contemporary slavery. According to 1993 U.S. State Department estimates, up to 90,000 blacks are owned by North African Arabs, and often sold as property in a thriving slave trade for as little as $15 per human being.

Child "carpet slaves" in India - Kidnapped from their villages when they are as young as five years old, between 200,000 and 300,000 children are held captive in locked rooms and forced to weave on looms for food. In India—as well in other countries—the issue of slavery is exacerbated by a rigid caste system.

Shackled laborers in Pakistan - By the commission's estimates, there are still roughly 50,000 bonded laborers in southern Singh. Many of those freed now reside in the city of Hyderabad in makeshift camps. Most are afraid to return to their homeland, however, for fear they will be recaptured and enslaved again.

Beyond the Emancipation Proclamation - Accounts of human beings as modern slaves extend beyond those described here, and include young girls sold into prostitution in Thailand and slave chattels in Mauritania. Though most Americans believe slavery was abolished with the Emancipation Proclamation more than a century ago, the horrors of human beings held in bondage flourishes today.

Any apology for slavery - in any instance - is completely ridiculous.

No one alive today had ANYTHING to do with it; NOTHING. I think it's a ridiculous notion and am appauled that my representatives in the house and the senate feel it's necessary.

This is one of the most ridiculous items to hit political agenda - and folks, WE PAY THEM TO DO THIS.

I am outraged!

*APPALLED

Vince, the resolution did two things: One, it apologized for the role the NC General Assembly had in "perpetuating slavery" and, two, expressed regret for the "hardships exerienced, past and present, on account of slavery."

Are you still appalled?

Slavery is an UGLY part of American history, no doubt. But, seeing as there is NO one alive today who can accept responsibility for those actions - it makes ZERO sense for our government to spend God only knows how much money to draft an "official" apology for something that happened that long ago. I'd be LESS appalled if they were to offer an apology for the way they allowed blacks to be treated in more recent history - 40's, 50's, 60's - where we still have people living from this time.

I saw a great question earlier - Imus has apologized to the women from Rutgers - more than once - and he seemed genuinely sincere; did it make a difference? It doesn't appear so.

To answer your question, yes - I am still appalled.

The apology was for the role of the North Carolina General Assembly as an institution, that was around during slavery.

Doug, why is an apology without an attached reparations budget definitionally "anemic"? Can't you say you're sorry without ponying up?

I would have voted against it solely on the grounds that it perpetuates a culture of grievance. An apology per se I have no problem with, but like lots of things that are supposed to create "closure," this will only open up the floodgates for Adams and her cohort of Civil Rights tycoons.

I see your point, brian. My view is that an apology offered on behalf of someone else lacks meaning. In this case, it's said that the institution of the General Assembly is offering an apology for its own past actions. Maybe. But the General Assembly consists of 170 individuals who represent the people of North Carolina today. Those people had nothing to do with slavery. Some may have perpetuated racism and some may be bigots; if so, they owe personal apologies to those they've harmed. But their elected representatives can't offer an meaningful apology on their behalf.

Nevertheless, as I said, I would have voted for the apology hoping it would not obligate the state to get into the business of handing out reparations.

We have recently learned that payments by the City of Greensboro, authorized and directed by Mitch Johnson, to a contractor were apparently made "to maintain good relations with the contracting community". (By the way, didn't Mitch lie to the city council about this matter, and shouldn't he be subject to being locked-out of his office for lying to his superior?) It has been argued that payment was illegal as it was for goodwill, not goods and services. Apparently, there is case precedent in North Carolina that prevents municipalities in making such payments for goodwill. Would the same case law apply here to the payments being suggested by Ms. Adams, as they are not legal claims?

Clearly, at least to me, any apologies by the legislature would lead to financial claims for restitution by Ms. Adams. So, what would the law say to this?

Doug, on the continuity issue, I agree with you. My reason for supporting the apology is that a wrong with long-term consequences was done, and some well-meaning people may feel that an apology is due from an institution representing the state. So as a matter of manners and of recognizing the wrong done, I say apologize.

But on balance, I say don't apologize because saying you're sorry provides an opening for those for whom saying you're sorry isn't enough without funds (for something, for some reason).

In my view there are four conditions to an apology:

1. You actually regret your action.

2. You accept responsibility for the results of your action and admit your misdeed.

3. You acknowledge those your action adversely affected and ask for their forgiveness.

4. You promise to ensure that you will not repeat these actions.

Applying these standards to slavery

1. I have never participated in slave trade.

2. While I regret that slavery ever happened, I cannot responsibility for it in any way.

3. Slaves were treated badly, but since I took no part in the treatment, I do not need forgiveness. To whom would I apologize?

4. Slavery is prohibited by the US Constitution. I have not and will not violate this prohibition.

Meaningless apologies abound in our politically correct world. Jane Fonda, John Kerry, Mike Nifong, Imus, Rosie O'Donnell, Mel Gibson, and Michael Richards (Kramer) all apologized. None of those apologies could meet the above conditions.

Restitution to the descendents of slaves would be a difficult proposition. All blacks living in the US are not descendents of slaves. Barack Obama? Should whites descended from indentured servants be included? What of mixed race individuals? Where would the money come from? Taxes? Corporations? Arab countries who sold slaves? The European Union whose governments conducted it?

Apologizing for slavery is an empty, feel good act of political theater.