| Senate passes apology for slavery, segregation
Posted: 6/18/2009 1:47:22 PM | WASHINGTON — The Senate has unanimously passed a resolution apologizing for slavery and racial segregation and sent the measure to the House.
Iowa Democrat Tom Harkin first introduced the measure years ago but wanted it passed Thursday on the eve of Juneteenth - a day of celebration commemorating the end of the Civil War and the release of African Americans from slavery. He said the House is to take it up soon and that a formal celebration will be held next month in the Capitol Rotunda.
The Senate has passed such nonbinding but highly symbolic resolutions before, apologizing for such things as the internment of Japanese-Americans during World War II.
The resolution passed Thursday includes a disclaimer saying that nothing in it supports or authorizes reparations by the United States.
Good, can we be done with this and move on now? And not ever bring up the subject of reparations. | |
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| Senate passes apology for slavery, segregation
Posted: 6/18/2009 5:00:11 PM | | I really wonder what difference it makes coming so long after the fact. We had the same deal in Canada with the current government issuing an apology over the way Aboriginal people were treated in residential schools. That and slavery were terrible things,but what closure does an apology now really bring? | |
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| Senate passes apology for slavery, segregation
Posted: 6/18/2009 5:58:59 PM | With the native sin Canada it is a slightly different story...some of them are still alive. But with slavery? How many of them are still alive? None.
When do gov'ts stop apologizing for the acts of their ancestors and start living in the here and now?
When do certain "races and religions" start doing the same?
Ah well...always someone around to play the "victim" card. Maybe I'll start using it myself, as an oppressed minority. | |
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| Senate passes apology for slavery, segregation
Posted: 6/19/2009 12:06:15 AM | At the federal level:
On 1988, the Congress passed and Reagan signed an Act for apology to the Japanese-Americans held in detention camps.
On 1993, the Senate passed a resolution for apology for the illegal overthrown of the Kingdom of Hawaii.
On April, 2008, the Senate passed a resolution for apology to the Native-Americans.
On July, 2008, the House of Representatives passed a resolution for apology to the African-Americans for slavery and institutionalization of Jim Crow legislations.
At the State level:
It's been passed resolution apologizing for slavery on New Jersey, Connecticut, Alabama, Florida, Maryland, North Carolina and Virginia.
I believe, a resolution is pending on Missouri. | |
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| Senate passes apology for slavery, segregation
Posted: 6/19/2009 1:19:04 AM | I think it's a little harsh to say descendents of slavery don't need to have this atrocious part of their history ackowledged by the highest power in the land. To say they are victims is actually correct; how else can you explain the overall lower standard of living African Americans suffer, the higher incarceration rates, the lower life span and education levels, compared to their Caucasian brothers? The effects of slavery and a millenium or two of discrimination don't disappear because Obama is the in the White House.
I know that when my government in Australia was elected, one of its first acts was to offer Aboriginals an official apology for stripping them of their rights, taking their children from them, putting them in homes where they were sexually and physically abused, using them as cheap labour and killing them outright. Just last week, an Aboriginal died in custody when he literally boiled to death during a 3.5 car ride from a country town to a city. He had been arrested for drunk driving; he hadn't even been tried yet. He was put into the back of a van with no air conditioning and one faulty air vent and a 600ml bottle of water. It was so hot he suffered third-degree burns from touching the floor. He died of heat stroke.
Atrocities such as this still happen in my very civilised country. I'm sure you can find examples of such discrimination still in America.
But anyway, the emotion let loose by Prime Minister Rudd's apology was enormous and, for many, incredibly cathartic. | |
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| Senate passes apology for slavery, segregation
Posted: 6/19/2009 3:17:08 AM | the misconception is that it's so long ago. it was not until the civil rights legislation in the 60's that african americans were entitled to fannie mae mortgages--by then the segregation was already "institutionalized". it was actually written into federal lending law, after world war one that these mortgages were only available to "white people". in certain states, eastern europeans (moi) and sicilians were not considered "white" either. no doubt that also contributed to the "mafia". i believe it was in CA, that a Japanese man took it to the courts to say he was "white" because he was not "black". all this to get a da-mn mortage just like every other soldier and his family!
it just amazes me that most americans were not aware of this. but they've only started teaching it in the classrooms recently. i was exposed to this knowledge via public tv about 6 years ago. i was familiar, however, with redlining, which came afterwards to keep the institutionalization of racism going. my mom got her jewish face plastered all over the nyc newspapers fighting against redlining with her catholic friends from the newman club, bless her feisty soul!
IF african american soldiers were given the same rights to housing as "whites", perhaps this would never have perpetuated into what it is today. instead, they built high rise ghettoes and made a good education dependent upon "real estate taxes".
as to australia, they may have apologized, but the situation is grave. it is the INSTITUTIONALIZATION of racism, moreso than individual prejudices that must be addressed. otherwise, people can "apologize" until the cows come home. | |
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| Senate passes apology for slavery, segregation
Posted: 6/19/2009 4:46:31 AM | I agree, serenity, racism is institutionalised here, as it is in every part of the world. I agree the situation surrounding Australian Aborigines is grave, but I do think the official apology did a great deal in making people think even for a minute about conditioned viewpoints.
There are plenty here who don't think an apology was necessary; our curent prime minister's predecessor was against it, mainly I think because he feared any financial repercussions.
But the build up to the apology and the day it happened was big news in this country and meant a great deal to millions - of all colours.
Words can be extremely powerful, as you all know. | |
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| Senate passes apology for slavery, segregation
Posted: 6/19/2009 5:29:59 AM | I accept that for you, stratdigger, any apology would be unnecessary. But it could make a difference to some people's attitudes. It might even make them examine how they think about other races. And there are some to whom it would make an enormous difference - a government acknowledging and apologising for an evil act. Yes, some of it happened a long time ago but its echoes are still being felt.
It can't hurt to apologise, can it? Take away any fiscal responsibilities that might occur through an apology - which has not happened in Australia - how can it hurt to apologise on a moral or emotional level? | |
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| Senate passes apology for slavery, segregation
Posted: 6/19/2009 6:22:25 AM | Actually the apology for everything that happened AFTER slavery should go along w/ this...
But since I'm certain that this particular will likely never pass...I won't hold my breath.. | |
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| Senate passes apology for slavery, segregation
Posted: 6/19/2009 6:28:09 AM |
"I am sorry that some people that I did not know hurt some people that you did not know. I truly hope this makes you feel better
Why would anybody need or want your apology...
Your not inPower, you have no abilty to subjugate a race of people.
You have as much power a a fly at Juneteenth BBQ. | |
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| Senate passes apology for slavery, segregation
Posted: 6/19/2009 6:34:09 AM |
Actually the apology for everything that happened AFTER slavery should go along w/ this...
But since I'm certain that this particular will likely never pass...I won't hold my breath..
The apology is all encompassing, covering slavery and the subsequent Jim Crow laws.
(AP) The House on Tuesday issued an unprecedented apology to black Americans for the wrongs committed against them and their ancestors who suffered under slavery and Jim Crow segregation laws.
http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2008/07/29/national/main4305876.shtml | |
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| Senate passes apology for slavery, segregation
Posted: 6/19/2009 6:37:16 AM |
Black Americans today have the exact same opportunities as all other Americans.
.. you mean as in the case of how so many were treated after the floods in New Orleans .. yeah ... sorry .. I watch the news.
Until there is No racism .. until such Hate groups as the KKK and others like them are made illegal and actually punished for Their hate crimes .. then there is No such thing as "equal opportunity".
I am sorry for what my ancestors did. Certainly doesn't mean that I would ever do the same .. still .. it saddens me that people find an apology so threatening to their sensibilities..
I'm sorry. If I could undo it all - I would. I can assure "you" - I will never take part in any action that causes any one or any group such devastation as my ancestors did.
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| Senate passes apology for slavery, segregation
Posted: 6/19/2009 10:52:12 AM | I would be interested in hearing from descendants of past slaves or those who had suffered the indignities of segregation if a government resolution acknowledging and apologizing for something like this means anything to them.
Not a question to provoke a debate at all but for information. I'm just curious if it really is more than a symbolic act for them. If they receive a satisfaction in the acknowledgement of the wrongs done. If they feel it honors their ancestors. etc.
Being on the outside of this issue in that I have not had ancestors that were wronged, I want to relate to how these types of acknowledgments make those that are affected in some way more directly feel. | |
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| Senate passes apology for slavery, segregation
Posted: 6/19/2009 11:49:53 AM | I believe that a apology can be symbolic as recognition of wrongdoing yet, from the Inquisition and the consequences of the Nazi regimen -as a parallel and comparative unjust development of society- there is nothing that can be done for make up, other than to learn from the experience to avoid repeting our shortcomings.
I believe the important, more than the apoligy and/or reparation itself, is to learn to leave the past behind and look for the similarities that bring us together rather than to focus in the differences than set us apart. | |
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| Senate passes apology for slavery, segregation
Posted: 6/19/2009 4:26:33 PM |
WASHINGTON — The Senate has unanimously passed a resolution apologizing for slavery and racial segregation and sent the measure to the House.
Iowa Democrat Tom Harkin first introduced the measure years ago but wanted it passed Thursday on the eve of Juneteenth - a day of celebration commemorating the end of the Civil War and the release of African Americans from slavery. He said the House is to take it up soon and that a formal celebration will be held next month in the Capitol Rotunda.
The Senate has passed such nonbinding but highly symbolic resolutions before, apologizing for such things as the internment of Japanese-Americans during World War II.
The resolution passed Thursday includes a disclaimer saying that nothing in it supports or authorizes reparations by the United States.
Good, can we be done with this and move on now? And not ever bring up the subject of reparations. Why do people worry so much about stuff like this. These apologies are really just a trend at this time in history. I can't understand wasting much thought on it. And the same being concerned about reparations. I lived in the US for 50 years. I truly never realized what a racist place it is until I lived outside of it for a few years. Wow, does distance give a new and broader perception. Especially reading online forum posts, blogs, chat rooms, etc. America is so deeply hung up on racial issues, and guess what, it is mainly the white people who have the problem.  | |
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| Senate passes apology for slavery, segregation
Posted: 6/19/2009 4:54:51 PM | I don't think I should have to apologize for anything. I wasn't alive back then. I think our Senate needs to be concentrating on things more important than a problem that doesn't exist.
You can't legislate people to stop being racist. You can however teach people be mentally stronger, and to not let racism get them down. | |
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| Senate passes apology for slavery, segregation
Posted: 6/19/2009 5:17:09 PM |
You can't legislate people to stop being racist. You can however teach people be mentally stronger, and to not let racism get them down. So, don't try to do anything to change things, to end racism, just teach people to be 'mentally stronger' so they can deal with it? Brilliant.  | |
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| Senate passes apology for slavery, segregation
Posted: 6/19/2009 7:59:13 PM |
America is so deeply hung up on racial issues, and guess what, it is mainly the white people who have the problem.
I would be very interested in seeing some supporting data to that statement, isemene.
Considering that a bi-racial man whom, many consider and call an African American, was just elected to the highest office of this land which you enjoy bashing from afar on a myriad of topics.
Exit polls: How Obama won
By DAVID PAUL KUHN | 11/5/08 12:27 AM EST
Barack Obama, who will be the nation’s first African-American president, won the largest share of white support of any Democrat in a two-man race since 1976 amid a backdrop of economic anxiety unseen in at least a quarter-century, according to exit polls by The Associated Press and the major television networks.
Obama became the first Democrat to also win a majority since Jimmy Carter with the near-unanimous backing of blacks and the overwhelming support of youth as well as significant inroads with white men and strong support among Hispanics and educated voters.
The Illinois senator won 43 percent of white voters , 4 percentage points below Carter’s performance in 1976 and equal to what Bill Clinton won in the three-man race of 1996. Republican John McCain won 55 percent of the white vote.
Fully 96 percent of black voters supported Obama and constituted 13 percent of the electorate, a 2-percentage-point rise in their national turnout. As in past years, black women turned out at a higher rate than black men.
A stunning 54 percent of young white voters supported Obama, compared with 44 percent who went for McCain, the senator from Arizona. In the past three decades, no Democratic presidential nominee has won more than 45 percent of young whites.
Soooo, Obama received 96% of the black vote and 43% of the white vote. McCain received 55% of the white vote and 3 & 1/2 % of the black vote.
Pay particularly close attention to the 'young white vote'...almost 10% higher went to Obama (the bi-racial candidate)...than any democratic nominee has received in over 30 years. To me, that would suggest that white people are teaching their kids that skin color doesn't matter...it's what's in their heart and that's the way white people voted across the country.
So, although I'm conservative...I'm in agreement with all of those parents...skin don't mean a ratz azz...and, it's what I've preached to my kids...That's why, I'm opposed to Obama...his ideology...not, color.
As much of politics in America revolves around the almighty dollar, i.e. liberals believe it should be redistributed toward the 'common good', while Republicans/Conservatives, et. al. believe it shoud be more toward the actual dollar earner keeping, reinvesting, growing and prospering from the dollar...there simply exists a HUGE divide.
I did a thread search on secession and found one. Last replied to on April 08...I'm going to revive that thread soon and ask some of the same questions, especially with how 'we' feel today...well over a year later.
~ds~
~ds~ | |
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| Senate passes apology for slavery, segregation
Posted: 6/19/2009 8:04:31 PM | as is, how about the minority hate groups? what about women that discriminate against men? for your info, per capita more whites than blacks were killed by katrina. how about the discrimination against white men by affirmative action? the list goes on but you never consider that. typical of the diversity hypocrite. blame whitey for everything. fyi, blacks that were brought across in the slave boats were PURCHASED from black slave traders. kunta kinte was captured by blacks and that's why you just saw his eyes in "roots"
re apologies and reparations, why should i apologize for something i had no hand in. my family fought for the union to free the slaves. whites put their lives on the line to help escaped slaves make it to canada, won't read about that in the pc history books. i could write pages of the real truth but it won't matter, sanctimonious hypocrites like yourself are comfortable in their hate. | |
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| Senate passes apology for slavery, segregation
Posted: 6/19/2009 8:18:21 PM |
I would be interested in hearing from descendants of past slaves or those who had suffered the indignities of segregation if a government resolution acknowledging and apologizing for something like this means anything to them.
Here’s what Sen. Roland Burris, the only African American senator and the great great grandson of slaves said about it:
Some in the black community will dismiss this resolution. Some will say that words don't matter -- that the actions of our forefathers cannot be undone," Burris said. "But words do matter. They matter a great deal."
Burris acknowledged that the reparations disclaimer concerned him. "I want to go on record making sure that that disclaimer in no way would eliminate future actions that may be brought before this body that may deal with reparations." he said.
Brandie | |
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| Senate passes apology for slavery, segregation
Posted: 6/19/2009 9:07:46 PM |
Burris acknowledged that the reparations disclaimer concerned him. "I want to go on record making sure that that disclaimer in no way would eliminate future actions that may be brought before this body that may deal with reparations." he said.
Well OP, guess you have your answer then...no, we can not put 'it' behind us...at least not yet. There still exists those who are bitter and want the 'white man' to pay.
Howz about we do this...we figure out how much exactly...or, approximately within reason...the dollar figure that slavery contributed to the USA's GDP prior to its abolishment (in other words, Jesse Jackson and Al Sharpton's racist rhetoric). Then, we calculate how much the country has already invested in righting that wrong. (hint: President Bush's budget outlay for the EEOC alone in 2006 was $331 million)...we will add up and total the number of dollars spent since 1964 on affirmative action, etc. etc. Subtract the greater from the smaller, and every non African American US citizen (i.e. native american, japanese american, irish american, etc.) will be imposed a tax increase that goes directly to the "fund of reparations".
Perhaps, we can repay our debt in 3 or 4 years. Whatever...however long it takes...BUT, then the question becomes..."Are African Americans ready to be self reliant?" Because afterall, my "obligation" will have been absolved...and it's all on 'them' now. Right?
Does anyone here see the derisiveness rather than the short-sighted victory here? Or, what if the amount the US government has spent already on affirmative action programs, et. al. have cost more that what slavery contributed? Are African Americans prepared to repay what they've been overpaid?
Does human dignity really boil down to the dollar? Is there another country in the entire world where whites are the majority, yet blacks have roles and leadership positions in education, government, law enforcement, infrastructure, engineering, medicine, military, small business, etc. etc. etc.? I would be very interested to learn where that is. Regardless of a stained history of slavery, or not.
~ds~ | |
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| Senate passes apology for slavery, segregation
Posted: 6/19/2009 9:12:11 PM |
Good, can we be done with this and move on now? And not ever bring up the subject of reparations. Yes it's always healthy to quash conversation about anything one doesn't agree with.
It is sad to see people so dismissive of such a huge issue. | |
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