Slavery In America

[stormiestl]

Here is an axcerpt of an article
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http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2007/01/16/politics/main2365138.shtml Slavery Remarks Spark Outrage

(AP) A Virginia state legislator is sparking outrage over remarks made arguing against a proposed apology by the state to the descendants of slaves.
Republican delegate Frank D. Hargrove, in comments published Tuesday in The Daily Progress of Charlottesville, Va., said slavery ended nearly 140 years ago with the Civil War and added: "I personally think that our black citizens should get over it."
The newspaper also quoted the 79-year-old lawmaker as saying: "Are we going to force the Jews to apologize for killing Christ?"

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Frankly, I agree with the man. None of us living today had anything to do with slavery. Even if our anscestors did, WE did not. I agree. Get over it. But they all need to consider this: If you were not brought here to begin with, where would you be now? You would be sitting somewhere in Africa maybe in South Africa or drinking some monkey blood or hey you could be catching Ebola or Aids. Perhaps you would be tring to get to some other country so you would have the chance to be someone's servant or you could be living in a hut in the middle of nowhere without your chance for an education, without electricity, without the freedoms and the rights you have now. The US did not start slavery. The tribal chiefs and other countries started slavery long before we did. So now I suppose they will want a WORLD appology. GET OVER IT! We are all afforded the same education and the same opportunity to do with our lives what we want. I am tired of hearing the poor me attitude. We are all a part of this country, black, white, red, yellow and every other color under the rainbow. This country is a melting pot. There are many races and nationalities that make up this country and more want to live here and die trying to get here. This is the United States of America and you live here. Act like you belong to this country. Men died to make sure this stayed a free country. Men and Women are still dying for that freedom. A freedom that we all enjoy! I would not want to live in any other country in the world. I like what I have here. I may struggle with my bills and making sure there is food on the table. But damn it all, I am in a free country where I can and do say what I want about the government without fear of reprisals. When everyone can stand up and say "I am a citizen of the United States of America and I thank that I am living in a free country" and MEAN IT only then will we all be free. In the meantime, Get over it.

Comments

[lil-mischif.livejournal.com]

While I agree with much of what you say, I can't agree with all of it. In many places in this country, people of color are still not treated as equals. Many, for what ever reason, never get the equality of opportunity you speak of.

I do not believe our generation owes descendants of slaves an apology. However we do owe them that long promised equality, especially where it comes to opportunity.

The amendment I would make to your statement; **When everyone can stand up and say "I am a citizen of the United States of America and I thank that I am living in a free country" and MEAN IT only then will we all be free.** is that we must ALL look on our fellow Americans with equal fellowship and respect, regardless of color or faith. As difficult as it may seem to some, not making any decisions based on race is key to ALL of us being free.

Disappointed

[valkyriefire.livejournal.com]

I had no idea your beliefs were so vehement and so completely different from mine.

Since when has humility and a reflection on the harm that we, as humans, have done to one another been such a disgusting proposition? What do we have to lose if we apologize?

I think we need to apologize to one another on a regular basis. Apologize for the daily hatred, nastiness, bitterness, miscommunication, dishonor, and other slights we do to each other.

I think we need to apologize for slavery, to apologize for the genocide of First Nations people, to apologize for being too prideful, spiteful, scared, bitter, or hateful to apologize for things we still reap the benefits of, consciously or unconsciously.

I benefit not only from the privilege of a Caucasian heritage, but from a middle class/upper middle class heritage as well, in little ways every day. And I have no problems saying, "You know, we fucked up. My people fucked up big time and harmed your people in ways we are still trying to work out and I am so sorry." I don't hold pity or disdain or guilt in my heart, just the sorrow of being an inheritor of such an ugly legacy - one that is a part of America and always will be.

I'm really disappointed in the language used in your post and the vehemence with which you used it - also with the condemnation of the peoples of Africa as inferior to Americans because some of them live in a manner different and apparently thoroughly repugnant to you. I'm sorry if my words hurt, anger or upset you. I can't imagine what place in your heart that stemmed from or how it came to be there, and I never thought I would find a place like that in someone who, before now, I considered to be a loving woman.