what do you think about Virginia apologizing for role in slavery.?

Question

do you think other states should follow suite.

neb s, you sound a little upset, could you elaborate

Answer 1

But what does it actually mean? I feel none of the other states will follow suit and it could open the door to greater problems

Answer 2

I think it is ignorant and ridiculous. The peole that currently reside in Virgina do not and have never owned slaves a day in their life. Why should they be held accountable for something that someone that is dead and buried did? I wouldn't apologize for something your grandparents did or for that matter something you did. I would also not want to accept an apology from anyone other than the person that did it. To me it would be hollow because it is only a publicity stunt.

As for people doling out apologies, why don't the governments along the coast of Afirica make formal apologies. After all it was their ancestors that initiated the slave trade because they wanted the rifles and gold that the Europeans brought with them. At first the tribes in Africa would go to war with each other and acquire prisoners. Then they would trade these prisoners for jewels, gold , and weapons from the Europeans. Eventually the tribal leaders got greedy and started trading their own people. The way I see it that makes them just at, if not more culpable than America for the slave trade.

Also, I belive France owes the apology as far as American settlers go. The French were the first to go to Africa and start an open slave trade route. The Americans bought them once they got here.

I believe that if anyone is going to start issuing apologies it should be first, the Afircan nations along the Atlantic Coast, secondly, the French, and thirdly America, in that order. That is of course, if any apologies should be issued at all.

Answer 3

It's the new psychology of Political Correctness:
Instead of feeling inferior because you're not tall,or because you're not beautiful,or you're not as clever as everybody else,or you aren't good with the opposite sex,or a brilliant conversationalist. DON'T WORRY! It's not YOU!
It's your ancestors that make you feel inferior.
These uneasy feelings you get when you're trying to impress a girl at a party are not the REAL you!
They are caused by some berk getting himself killed by walking in front of a horse and carriage somewhere out in The British Empire three hundred years ago!
You can tell where these politically correct people are coming from:
Does anyone ever apologise for Soviet Socialists' slaughter in cold blood of sixty million innocents?
Does anyone ever apologise for the slaughter of seventy million innocents by the Chinese Socialists?
No,indeed not! We are too busy making sure that we pronounce Peking as Beijing so that we don't upset their delicate sensitivities;and become riddled with middle-class guilt.
Read ADLER and find out why you feel uneasy,or guilty,or inferior.
It's because of something in Yourself that gives you these feelings.But you can do something about them!
Do you know why the Nazis get such a bad press?
It's because they never kissed Joe Stalin's A**e.
All these politically correct jerks are left-over Commies who thought that Communism would triumph,and now they trying to create another dictatorial system.
This is why Ronald Reagan and Maggie Thatcher are so HATED by these so-called liberals.
Reagan broke the back of Communism (with Maggie's support)
That is why they will never be forgiven.
Funny how you can make jokes about Reagan's Alzheimers and Maggie's present mental state.
Anyone else and you'ld be howled down.
That's all folks!
Let's be thankful that Africa is now run by a bunch of Saints and Father Christmases.

Answer 4

I think it is about the same as the ancestors of George Washington apologizing to Great Britain for George's role in the US winning their independence. NO, I do not think other states owe an apology to the people that are distant offspring of former slaves. They are not the only offspring that had ancestors that were abused and mistreated. Get over it.

Answer 5

Why don't we all just get together and have a big "group hug". (sarcasm)

We can all apologize to each other for the oppresion we've caused for each other...because....if you look back through your lineage (family history)...you will find that oppresion has taken place.........it's not all about slavery in one time frame.....it's about ..GREED....RICHES....POWER....and that was the motive for the people that KIDNAPPED from other tribes and SOLD them into slavery.
What do I think? That tribe in Africa will never apologize.

To all "apology" supporters that put down USA and live here..........
Why the heck have'nt you left yet? .....ok, I get it....
This is the only country you can ....Burn our flag, on our soil......trample family values....and....(here's the kicker)....rally against the very freedoms that afford you a chance to rally!!!....and still be ALIVE!!!!!

Answer 6

It is silly. The State of Virginia, today, bears no responsibility for the actions over 140 years ago.
It is just a feel good measure.

Answer 7

I thought it was one of the dumbest things ever.

its like this, my daughter goes and breaks your arm. So, i punish her. But then i apologize for her, but she never does. Whats the point of the apology?

EDIT: Ok, its like this. I go up to you, and say, force you into something, like a sexual act and you don't want to. But i force it upon you. Ok, now, lets say the state prosecutes me, and says sorry for my actions. Does the apology mean anything if it didn't come from me? But wait, to dilute the apology even more, the state apologizes to your great grand children. Its just stupid, the apology means absolutely nothing

Answer 8

I think they are stupid. They are not responsible for slavery! They didn't do it, and they haven't a RIGHT to speak for the people responsible for slavery! The people who committed the crime aren't sorry! They're dead!
No one has a right to apologize for another's action. It means NOTHING when they do. Only the guilty party needs to be sorry, but they never were, were they?
Also, who are they apologizing to? I never knew a slave. Have you?

Answer 9

I think its stupid.PC politics at their worst.

Nobody living today in any way,shape or form,had anything to do with slavery.This is just a matter of politicians scoring points and stirring ill will for their own gain.

BTW,I am a liberal,one who thinks government has gotten a little ridiculous.

Answer 10

As long as we see a marriage certificate Sally Hemings and Thomas Jefferson.

Bet Sally didnt look anything like Aunt Jemima.