US to Apologize for Slavery

[VirusType2]

A branch of the US government is expected today to offer black Americans what it gave American Indians earlier this year: an apology for their past mistreatment.

A formal apology to black Americans for "enslavement and racial segregation," sponsored by a white Jewish congressman who represents the majority-black city of Memphis, is slated for a vote today in the House of Representatives.

Background/More Info

If the apology passes today, the Senate would need to approve it before George Bush could sign the measure into law. A formal apology to American Indians for their centuries of abuse at the hands of the government passed the Senate earlier this year but has yet to receive a vote in the House.

The US government has apologised for the abuse of ethnic minorities at least twice in the past. In 1988, Congress admitted culpability in the forced internment of Japanese Americans during second world war, and an apology to native Hawaiian peoples was approved in 1993.

Six US states - Virginia, Maryland, New Jersey, Florida, North Carolina and Alabama - have approved separate apologies for slavery during the past 18 months.

source:
http://current.com/items/89148584_us_house_of_representatives_to_apologize_for_slavery

Well, I think it's about time. What do you guys think?

Slavery was abolished in the US in 1865 under the 13th amendment to the constitution. Racial segregation persisted in the southern states for up to 100 more years thanks to biased rules known as Jim Crow laws.

Every time I'm reminded of slavery - it doesn't seem that long ago that it happened. And that's part of what I find so crazy.


I think it's going to pass today

(July 30, 2008)

 

[Kula Meenur]

Lol sounds like K-Rudd's apology to the aborigines earlier this year

 

[-Psy-]

"Ya. Sorry guys."

Meh.

 

[nurizeko]

Well, I think it's about time. What do you guys think?

The sentiment is right but it won't change a thing.

Maybe it'll help many of the apologized to minorities though to come to terms with their race and history, and learn that hey, they don't have a monopoly on ancestors who had it shit.

 

[Kula Meenur]

^this.

 

[Mr Stabby]

The US government as an institution does share some of the blame for slavery and segregation. But it is somewhat meaningless that the people doing the apologizing had nothing to do with slavery or segregation.

 

[VirusType2]

I'm not sure it will change much, but I just think that it's the right thing to do. I think the government owes them that much at least. Admitting that it was wrong.

The way they were treated as sub-human. We have more rights and protections for pets and animals.

 

[Tyguy]

This is asinine. How many times is th eUS government going to have to apolozige for slavery, as WELL as buttraping the american indians? All this will end up being is a giant strokefest.

 

[Saturos]

There's no need for apology. All apologies were final after the Emancipation Proclamation was signed over a hundred years ago. This 140 year old pity-party is getting ridiculous.

If American blacks were never enslaved, the majority of them wouldn't be over here in the first place. They'd still be chucking spears at one another and wearing loincloths.

Futhermore, it was people from their OWN, race that SOLD them to the white slavedrivers.

/end of rant

 

[CptStern]

The US government as an institution does share some of the blame for slavery and segregation. But it is somewhat meaningless that the people doing the apologizing had nothing to do with slavery or segregation.

well segregation is pretty recent ..while I dont think there's anyone in office at that time still in congress it's still pretty recent in many people's minds ... there was Strom Thurmond ..he championed segregation and opposed many civil rights measures and he only passed away fairly recently. he was in office almost till the end


reminds me of congress apologising for not doing enough about lynching ..some congressmen and many americans opposed apologizing

http://halflife2.net/forums/showthread.php?t=84128&highlight=lynching

If American blacks were never enslaved, the majority of them wouldn't be over here in the first place. They'd still be chucking spears at one another and wearing loincloths.

you should just shut up lest you continually prove how stupid you really are

 

[The Monkey]

The US government as an institution does share some of the blame for slavery and segregation. But it is somewhat meaningless that the people doing the apologizing had nothing to do with slavery or segregation.

As you said, it's the institution, not the people that's apologizing. That the only logical thing to do.

 

[Saturos]

you should just shut up lest you continually prove how stupid you really are

Spouting random insults without evidence to disprove my theory only shows a lack of intelligence on your behalf.
How about finding some information to disprove my statement then if your so confident in yourself?

 

[CptStern]

Spouting random insults without evidence to disprove my theory only shows a lack of intelligence on your behalf. How about finding some information to disprove my statement then?

perhaps I should turn back the clock stop the portuguese/spanish/english/dutch from enslaving blacks and sending them to america and then WAIT 500 years and then take an assessment as to how blacks are doing without slavery ..this is absolutely retarded reasoning and I'm equally as retarded for even lowering myself to reply to this idiotic post

 

[Saturos]

perhaps I should turn back the clock stop the portuguese/spanish/english/dutch from enslaving blacks and sending them to america and then WAIT 500 years and then take an assessment as to how blacks are doing without slavery ..this is absolutely retarded reasoning and I'm equally as retarded for even lowering myself to reply to this idiotic post

Strike 2.

 

[CptStern]

what happens at strike three? you go away?



cant come up with legitamate reasoning to back up your statement can you?

 

[Saturos]

what happens at strike three?

Yooouuuuurrr out bitch! Take your ass to the dugout! (any other forum but politics)

cant come up with legitamate reasoning to back up your statement can you?

Yes. Why does it seem that people in places like Haiti and Africa aren't taking any initiative to either improve the standard of living in these countries or leave? (i.e. health, crime, etc) Because it's either extremely hard for people in these countries to leave, and/or they are governed by shit dictators. (past and present)

Also, even though many of them would have liked to see improvement in the quality of their lives, it's safe to assume that the great ancestors of this generation's African Americans would still be in these places today if some sort of intervention was never to take place simply because of economical reasons. (Again, past and present.) Why don't you think people of today's proverty stricken nation's don't ever just leave these places?

It is possible that back then, slavedrivers with money pulled them from these conditions at a cost to their freedom. However, it's not like they had a choice. Many of them were owned already by other tribesmen. Nevertheless, many blacks back then would say that it was a blessing to them that they were pulled from said shitty conditions, and many actually loved their masters. Likewise, many masters treated them as if they were family.

 

[Tyguy]

plus they tok arrrreee jooooobs

 

[CptStern]

damn I accidentily deleted a lengthy post I had written ripping saturos a new hole


anyways I'm not rewriting my post because I've already wasted enough time on this idiotic topic and I feel stupider for it ..I like colours, they are so nice


but I will aim my sights on this jem of a statement

Nevertheless, many blacks back then would say that it was a blessing to them that they were pulled from said shitty conditions, and many actually loved their masters. Likewise, many masters treated them as if they were family

this is an example of just how simplistic your reasoning is ..please provide a source that proves "many" blacks were happy to be slaves ..you wont find any and even if you do it'll be a small minority because man values freedom above all else ..and a gilded cage is still a cage ..you wont understand this but it's not my responsibility to educate you

 

[Saturos]

anyways I'm not rewriting my post because I've already wasted enough time on this idiotic topic and I feel stupider for it ..I like colours, they are so nice

what kind of mental patient are you Stern? Wait, didn't you used to work for a mental institution? That explains alot about YOUR character then.

but I will aim my sights on this jem of a statement

You have toe jam problems? Wut?

this is an example of just how simplistic your reasoning is ..please provide a source that proves "many" blacks were happy to be slaves

I'd love to. Right after my afternoon jog and study hour though.

..you wont find any and even if you do it'll be a small minority because man values freedom above all else ..and a gilded cage is still a cage

This I can agree with. Which is why the eventual Emancipation Proclaimation.

..you wont understand this but it's not my responsibility to educate you

No. I understand EVERYTHING about you Stern, and your brand of education is bad for young growing minds. Promise me you'll never become a school teacher will you?

 

[Mr Stabby]

ITT Historical revisionism

 

[CptStern]

what kind of mental patient are you Stern? Wait, didn't you used to work for a mental institution? That explains alot about YOUR character then.

yes because "mental" is contagious just like the coodies

I'd love to. Right after my afternoon jog and study hour though.

suuure you will ..and what's the big deal I mean if you're sure it's true then it must be easy to find

This I can agree with.

yet that doesnt apply to blacks because in your opinion most were grateful to be owned by another human being ...."you're such a wonderful massah I is so glad you owns me.massah ...please dont beat me any mo"

Which is why the eventual Emancipation Proclaimation.

yet by your logic the white man was doing blacks a favour by enslaving him because without the white man's benelovent whips and shackles blacks would still be chucking spears at each other ..you dont even understand what it is you're saying, how do you expect us to understand

 

[Mr Stabby]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Slave_rebellion
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Haitian_Revolution

 

[CptStern]

it was a happy rebellion with party hats, bloody spears and cake

 

[Saturos]

yet that doesnt apply to blacks because in your opinion most were grateful to be owned by another human being

sweeping generalizations galore.

Would I say that those who loved and respected their "former" master, and I say that because I'm sure that there were many of them who grew attached to their families after the EP was signed. That doesn't mean there were bastard rednecks out there that did take advantage of them. In a perfect world, we'd all be happy with one another, but such a place does not exist does it?

yet by your logic the white man was doing blacks a favour by enslaving him because without the white man's benelovent whips and shackles blacks would still be chucking spears at each other ..you dont even understand what it is you're saying, how do you expect us to understand

Your missing my point entirely. I'm aware that there were bastards back then who treated them poorly. I'm focusing on those who treated them more like family rather than property. Those who actually "welcomed" them and gave them an opportunity to leave if they wanted too.

To keep this thread on track, what does this all have to do with anything? The average/majority of African Americans don't seem to be much happier today than they were when they were slaves. Numbers don't lie. You can look up the average numbers of African Americans that has a well paying job, a college education, and stable family etc. Not many. Instead, many of them are on welfare and taking unscrupulous advantage of child support while having 5 or 6 kids. At least the majority back then was more productive. Futhermore, what about city districts known for it's outrageous crime levels? What is the average demographic in these areas? What about the unemployment rate?

Yes, it is not their fault they are struggling almost as much today as they were back then, but it is the fault of the rest of the American demographic races and cultures who speak of free handouts. Whites should blame themselves for what they have become for belittling them all this time and not giving them the credit they (as well as every American) need to succeed themselves, and by credit I mean respect in their ability to sustain themselves with minimal support from the expense of taxpayers.
They are most capable, (Bill Cosby is a successful African American for instance) but the rest of American voters and politicians are taking the lazy way out by just giving them what they want rather than doing what's best for them. (Even if they protest. Your mama never lied to you and said medicine tasted good did she?)

 

[Atomic_Piggy]

Nevertheless, many blacks back then would say that it was a blessing to them that they were pulled from said shitty conditions, and many actually loved their masters. Likewise, many masters treated them as if they were family.

Excuse while I lol.

 

[Saturos]

Excuse while I lol.

A folly now that I think about it. That didn't quite come out and sound the way I had hoped.

Not all of them were possessive assholes. How's that?

 

[Qonfused]

Take your ass to the dugout! (any other forum but politics)

No. Please keep him here.

 

[DEATHMASTER]

Oh yeah, isn't Saturos racist or something? Based on past threads.

 

[lefty]

please provide a source that proves "many" blacks were happy to be slaves

They'd sing while picking cotton

goddamn saturos, where do you live, Georgia? Oh, Florida. Not much of a difference.

 

[Pesmerga]

Excuse me, but **** off about Florida. This state is the greatest state in the nation and it's nothing like Georgia, Alabama, or Mississippi.

You're all scum bags, but Dragonshirt especially.

 

[CptStern]

You're all scum bags, but Dragonshirt especially.

lol



here's undeniable proof there's Happiness in Slavery

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4g86KUHGlOg

...oh wait

 

[Absinthe]

Is that Trent raping a keyboard?

 

[Krynn72]

lol @ saturos being racist again.

The way I see is is like this. No child should be forced to inherit the responsibilities of their parents. But for them to do it of their own will shows a certain level of honor and provides acknowledgment of the past errors that everyone else is too proud or ashamed to admit was wrong or ever happened. Its the same here with the current government. Its a step forward, and if we're lucky, maybe now we as a nation can put our past conflicts behind us and work better together in the future.

 

[CptStern]

well put :thumbs:

 

[Remus]

maybe now we as a nation can put our past conflicts behind us and work better together in the future.

Or not...

 

[Krynn72]

Whatever, so long as black people and white people do it together!

 

[Saturos]

You're all scum bags, but Dragonshirt especially.

I know.

I try to be a good little boy though. I do! It just seems that people are always trying to piss me off though.
Yes, I do too believe "forgive, but never forget". I'm a much more patient person irl than I seem to be online.

lol @ saturos being racist again.

No. There are plenty of sorry and irresponsible "white trash" people that get under my skin too.
Color and/or ethnic background means absolutely nothing to me when it comes to debts and responsibility.
I'd enslave a "white man" if he owed me tons of money and refused to pay. Of course I would try to behave in a civilized manner first and work out a deal with him before resorting to such extremes, but If I ever felt like he was abusing my trust and scoffing behind my back with his buddies about it...well, if people are going to act like animals then I'd treat them like animals.

Of course this is all assuming the proper legal system procedure won't work in my favor, and in many cases, today's legal system is not for the honest man anymore.
I AM a peaceful and honest man who enjoys having a good laugh, and maybe some practical jokes with my good chums every now and then, but I also have a vengeful right hand if someone tries to screw me over like some kind of sneak thief.

Also, people who wouldn't understand my reasoning in the two paragraphs above are the ones I am usually most wary of when choosing who to be business partners or friends with. Possible enemies even.

 

[Krynn72]

You should probably stop talking. Every sentence you write reveals more of your true self. And frankly, you shouldn't be flaunting the fact that you're a moron.

 

[Saturos]

You should probably stop talking. Every sentence you write reveals more of your true self. And frankly, you shouldn't be flaunting the fact that you're a moron.

Right back at'cha buddy. At least I'm honest with myself.

I should have not said anything and just remained anonymous though shouldn't I? Just like everybody else does on the internets. It seems like online community members are happier that way. No wonder why online social groups took off so successfully in the 90's. *sigh* What a waste. I wanted to have some pals here. I hate being enemies with people. It's so lonely being the one with right ideas all the time. Just like those who are at the top who are lonely.

Oh, f**k you too Krynn.

 

[Krynn72]

Please, tell me how I am being moronic here. How am I being dishonest with myself?


And just so you know, being a racist, homophobic and generally ignorant person isnt going to win you any friends. Internet or no.