House Apologizes for Slavery

From the Washington Post:

The House yesterday apologized to black Americans, more than 140 years after slavery was abolished, for the "fundamental injustice, cruelty, brutality and inhumanity of slavery and Jim Crow" segregation.

The resolution, which passed on a voice vote late in the day, was sponsored by Rep. Steve Cohen (D-Tenn.), a white Jew who represents a majority-black district in Memphis.

...A total of 120 lawmakers, including two Republicans, co-sponsored the resolution, Cohen said.

In February, the Senate apologized for atrocities committed against Native Americans, and the body apologized in 2005 for standing by during a lynching campaign against African Americans throughout much of the past century. Twenty years ago, Congress apologized for interning Japanese Americans in concentration camps during World War II.

Congress has considered a similar apology for the slavery and Jim Crow eras, a gesture long sought by African Americans. Such efforts were always bogged down by concerns that the apology would prompt a greater call for reparations for slavery.

In recent years, black activists seeking reparations for slavery have gotten private companies, such as banks, insurers and railroads, to apologize for playing a role in bankrolling, insuring, capturing and transporting slaves.

...Several states, including Virginia, North Carolina, Florida and Alabama, have issued apologies for slavery.

"They had a greater moral authority on this issue than the United States Congress," Cohen said. "I'm proud we did this as a part of this Congress."

I'm not against apologies like these, but I wonder what they accomplish.

There are no former slaves alive to accept an apology.

It's a different case with Jim Crow laws. There are people alive who suffered because of discrimination and segregation. The apology might mean something to them.

However, when it comes to apologizing for slavery, it's a bit strange.

I would be uncomfortable accepting an apology for something that wasn't done to me. Similarly, I wouldn't take credit for something I didn't do.

Relatives of mine fought in the Civil War. Does that mean I deserve thanks?

I didn't play a role in freeing the slaves or protecting the Union. I personally didn't sacrifice in any way.

It wouldn't be appropriate for me to be thanked for what was achieved by the victorious North. Other than my bloodlines, I have no connection to the Civil War era.

It's the same with descendants of slaves. They are detached from the experience of slavery. It's a distant connection.

I wonder when Congress will get around to apologizing to women, for centuries of abuses and second-class status.

It might not be long before Congress issues a formal apology to ILLEGAL immigrants, for failing to allow entry into the U.S. on demand.

Will Congress ever apologize for standing by while millions and millions of babies were aborted?


Think of all the wrongs committed by Americans of past and present generations. On the other hand, think of all the good.

I don't see the point of the apology.

Is it really about a day of reckoning for the country; or is it showboating by politicians?