Should the United States issue a formal apology for slavery?
Some of us believe that this has already been done. It was called the Civil War or the War Between the States. Actions speak louder than words. Of what value, would a formal apology be , to descendants of slaves? Just how would it impact their lives today?
There are at least 3 areas, other than slavery per se, that the U.S. should consider. First, at the time slaves were set free, reparations were promised. From my reading of history, our nation reneged on that promise. Considering possible reparations currently, I frankly have no idea how this could be carried out fairly. For example, many African-Americans were immigrants, long after the abolition of slavery. By the same token, why should Irish Americans, immigrants in the 1890s, particapate, as taxpayers, in reparations?
Second, the existence of Jim Crow laws for a century after Abolition, was an abomination almost equal to that of slavery. Perhaps even greater, because it defied the intent of our laws.
Third, the Black community should be owed a big apology for legislation resulting in the welfare state. The government, probably unwittingly, destroyed the intact black family and community. Before the end of segregation, mid-20th century, blacks had higher percentages of 2 parent families than whites! Divorce rates were lower as were ratios of children born out of wedlock.
The U.S. government helped to destroy that rosy picture in the 1960s. Consider one fact. Welfare payments were higher to families without a male adult. Thus, an incentive was created for black men to split.
In summary, we have a lot to apolgize for. Progress is clearly being made in race relations, not by government programs, but by the goodwill of individuals of all races. It may, however, take many more decades for complete healing.
Dick Brooks