Opinion Talk

By JW

March 21, 2007 8:39 AM | Link to this

If we apologize will you tell your brothers to stop breaking into cars, homes, businesses?

By Ivey Griffin

March 21, 2007 8:45 AM | Link to this

I do not think Georgians should apologize for slavery. The Georgians of today had nothing to do with it. The NAACP never wants to move forward with race. They accuse white people of being racist; yet playing the race card is the only means of income they have, so this is only a money scam for them and if we fall for it, we’re as ignorant as they beleive we are. It’s time to stand up to the NAACP; it’s time for those people to get REAL jobs.

By KB

March 21, 2007 8:50 AM | Link to this

Seems as if this is just a precurser to reperations.

By Doug

March 21, 2007 8:56 AM | Link to this

Many Georgians don’t believe they should apologize for slavery since they had nothing to do with it.

I am waiting on Rome to apologize for feeding my long lost kin to the Lions/Tigers… I hope I get my check soon.

By Fall Line

March 21, 2007 8:59 AM | Link to this

So what if we say we’re sorry? What happens then? Will you gladly give up the status of victim and become responsible for your own well being? Will you walk away from all the excuses you’ve had for failure over the years since slavery? If so, then I’ll happily support an apology.

By Mark

March 21, 2007 9:00 AM | Link to this

Why dwell on the past? Slavery ended a long time ago and all this apology is going to do is open old wounds. GET OVER IT!!

By Ted P

March 21, 2007 9:07 AM | Link to this

I happen to be American Indian; I demand an apology from England, France and Spain and also from everybody that is NOT Indian. Then I would like to send everybody home that is not Indian. But I will settle for the NAACP to never get another tax payer dollar, then to be disbanded.

By Barry

March 21, 2007 9:12 AM | Link to this

Ms. Dowd sez: “Perdue would not be apologizing as an individual or on behalf of other people. He would be apologizing on behalf of his predecessors.”

Huh? Aren’t Perdue’s predecessors “other people”? I don’t think he owned any slaves himself; he isn’t being browbeaten into apologizing for anything he did, so that means any apology would be on behalf of “other people.”

Thus, I apologize on the AJC’s behalf for Ms. Dowd reaching such a convoluted conclusion.

By WW2

March 21, 2007 9:13 AM | Link to this

I am so sorry for slavery that I will gladly pay to give any descendant of a slave a one-way ticket back to Africa, where he can complain to those people about how badly America treated his ancestors.

By JD

March 21, 2007 9:17 AM | Link to this

Why not let the AJC just apologize for letting you write that column?

By Dick

March 21, 2007 9:21 AM | Link to this

Apoligize for slavery this year, next year it will be apologizing for not respecting Jesse Jackson, the next for not respecting Al Sharpton, the next for not believing Al Gore. State is in a no win situation. If elected officials apologize, they are not apologizing for me. We owe them nothing.

By Dick

March 21, 2007 9:25 AM | Link to this

Isn’t part of the NAACP “advancement”? If so as long as you live in teh past and guide your people in the past you will never advance. Why not take this time to teach them not everyone can sink the winning 3 pointer but everyone must be able to read and write to advance in this world. Not everyone was born to sit on the front porch rocking and having kid after kid after kid waiting on mail man each, month, but to get ahead one must be willing to learn. NAACP-advance your people forward.

By Darrel

March 21, 2007 9:25 AM | Link to this

It’s about time “they got over it” and spent more time concerned about todays’ problems in their communities and why those problems exist. And it isn’t because of something that ended one hundred and forty-two years ago!

By Dayv

March 21, 2007 9:32 AM | Link to this

I agree with Ted P. If any nation or group of people require an apology, it is the American Indian. These people welcomed the first Europeans who came to this land, only to become victims of swindle, displacement, and genocide, with so many treaties made, only to be broken. I won’t go so far as to wish to make the return trip to my ancestors’ homeland, but I do think apology should be made to the first residents of this country.

By BUSHWACKER

March 21, 2007 9:39 AM | Link to this

Get over it!! Every person on earth probably has ancestors that were slaves at one time or another. During the Roman Empire and before that when Egypt built the pyramids,95% of all people were slaves. It’s time to quit using race and slaves as an excuse for being a lazy bum, move on and make something of yourself. Adversity makes us stronger!!

By da9ile

March 21, 2007 9:40 AM | Link to this

Let it go people. First of all, as its been said time and time again, the white race today is not responsible for what happened then. While I can feel bad for the people that suffered, I had nothing to do with it and should not be forced to apologize for something I did not do. Second, I would not apologize to someone that was not a part of it, i.e the African American population today. This whole issue is old and should be put to rest. The African American population is the one that is pressing for equailty yet they are the ones that can not let the issue of race go. Why? because its the easiest card to throw up. It’s prob taught at a young age to use race to get what you want. How often do you hear of a white person saying they were cheated out of something because they were white? hardly ever! why? because its a joke. Its a cheap, easy, and pathetic excuse. There comes a time when you have to stop trying to use the past in your favor and just take responsibility for your actions today. Its most likely not the successful black population that is crying about the apology, but more so the lower class black population that is looking for an excuse for the position they are in now.

By Kevin

March 21, 2007 9:42 AM | Link to this

JW,

Your remarks are a reminder that there are still inbred backward people living in metro-Atlanta. It is a wonder that you could even read the article that you are commenting on. I prefer that you do not apologize for slavery. First of all, it wouldn’t be sincere and secondly I do not want anything from you or anyone who shares your small-minded views.

An apology does nothing. It’s symbolic at best and does nothing to change the view of insecure fearful people who think that all Black people are thieves, drug dealers, and rappers. The NAACP doesn’t speak for all Blacks. They are indeed out of step and asking for an apology is a waste of time. I would rather they focus their attention on programs that will help those in need.

By BUSHWACKER

March 21, 2007 9:46 AM | Link to this

My anscestors were slaves during the Roman Empire. So when I get my check from Rome, then we can apologize!!

By Chris

March 21, 2007 9:49 AM | Link to this

The apparent african americans (joke) aren’t due anything and will not ever get anything. If they think they’re due an apology or anykind of reperations for slavery they must be dreaming. That’s how the world was THEN, so what they need to do is make a time machine and go back to the days of slavery and make all the people who owned a slave pay you back with a apology. They will then say “were you my slave”? You will say no, but people my color were and I demand on their behalf you say you’re sorry. They laugh then beat the hell out of you. I’m from scottish descent and I don’t want or do I ever expect the english to say their sorry for all the torture they put on my people. Also, please tell me what part of Africa you all are from…please. I know what part of Scotland I came from. I’m now Scottish American. I hope they have state laws in place to make sure I can get in college or a job with no real reason other than I’m scottish american.

By Trinity

March 21, 2007 9:52 AM | Link to this

Slavery is a very unfortunate part of our past, but it did not stop us from becoming the strong, Black people that we are today. Thanks to the civil rights activists, Dr. King, and the NAACP we have overcome! That is not to say that we still don’t have a long way to go. We are all one people (black, white, latino, asians, indians, etc) but it is terrible that we separate ourselves because of the skin color. Rev. Al Sharpton being related to Strom Thurmond was a TOTAL shock to many of us, but I’m sure the caucasian race was not very pleased with the news. It has been known for centuries that we are all related and mixed with several races because the white slave owners were raping our women and impregnating them repeatedly. We are all one people and really one race. Racism still exists today and it shows in a lot of ways which we are wll very much aware of.
Personally, I can understand the NAACP’s goal in wanting an apology, however, if Sonny Perdue and the other caucasian politicians in our state government apologizes, it will not be sincere. Never the less, they should be happy to apologize and move forward showing that Georgians no longer agree with the Jim Crow laws and the slavery that existed here before and during those times. What is in a man’s heart will come out of his mouth or through his character. Sonny had no problem being on television with little Black children as if he really cared about them when he was campaigning for the governor’s position, but he has a problem with apologizing for something that affected the families of those children then and now.
For example, think about how long crack cocaine has been in the Black neighborhoods and how the politicians have not done anything to rid our communities of this dangerous drug. However as soon as methamphetamine became the drug of choice in the caucasian community, Sonny comes up with this campaign to get rid of it and drug task force to fight against it. Of course he would do something like this with his power because I’m quite sure he has quite a few relatives addicted to it now.

Caucasians are not superior to any other nationality, but it is very apparent that many of them think othewise. At the end of the day, a white man cannot keep himself from death nor can anyone else.
There is only one Master and the is the most high Eternal God, Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior! So at the end of day, try giving yourselves a reality check about what is morally and ethically right.

As for JW’s comment: that was completely ignorant because we all know that whites steal, rob, rape and kill just like any other race so your comment was a foolish one and not worth posting online.

As for Ivey’s comment: Obviously you did not get the point of the article. In the article, it states that the NAACP would like for the politicians that represent our state (the general assembly) to apologize for the sanction of slavery. Basically, they are requesting for those in our state govt. to go on record stating that they did not agree with slavery and apologize for it’s existence in our state.

As for KB’s comment: If this is a precursor to reparations, that would be just fine since we are owed that and a lot more for what the white man took from our people. Money or words cannot make up for the lives your forefathers took from us and the way they broke up the Black families. The way they mentally broke down Black people and physically abused Blacks time and time again. They did not want Blacks to read, write or learn anything so that they can keep us illiterate and lost. They maybe the very reason Sonny is refusing to apologize because he does not want to be on paper admitting something of this nature and then having to make amends for it later.

Whether a person apologizes or not, you will still have to go before the one and only judge and that is God Almighty. I’d just like to say that I forgive your forefathers for the unjust that they have caused us and I forgive you for your ignorance and thoughtlessness.

God Bless America because she is going to fall!!!

By GaLiberal

March 21, 2007 10:02 AM | Link to this

Of course the state should apologize for slavery and Jim Crow. Defending the indefensible for long after slavery was abolished by claiming it’s part of ‘my heritage’ rings hollow. Would you support someone who wanted to defend Nazi atrocities for similar reasons? I doubt it seriously.

The state should also pay reparations to decendents of slaves. Similar to falsely imprisioned individuals, these people suffered greatly at the hands of the state. Since one person is getting 1.2 M for 25 years (not near enough if it was me), each slave should get 4 to 5 times that amount for all years under slavery and Jim Crow. I think 5 or 6 M for each decendant would go a long way to making up for a century of mistreatment at the hands of the state.

By larry

March 21, 2007 10:10 AM | Link to this

Apologize for slavery AND enact Confederate Heritage month OR trash both ideas and let people get on with their 21st century lives. Dwelling on what happened so long ago will do nothing save stir venomous feelings.

By BYUGRL

March 21, 2007 10:10 AM | Link to this

Personally, I don’t need an apology for slavery. Everyone has the right to deal with traumatic events in their own way but what I’d like to see is that we get paid (WITH INTEREST) for the FREE LABOR of our ancestors that made so may southern corporations rich…. Imagine if you worked FOR FREE; how much profit would your company post? I’m not asking any one to GIVE us anything. I’d just like for us to be paid what we are OWED… Let’s not confuse the two.

By Robert

March 21, 2007 10:11 AM | Link to this

Ulysses S Grant owned slaves until 1668 until the amendment passed that freed the slaves.

I CONDEMN ANY APOLOGY.

When have we, Georgia, received an apology for what Sherman did to us?

By RJH

March 21, 2007 10:14 AM | Link to this

For all the white people and others who say just get over it, you must keep in mind that slavery and the system of apartheid in this country ended only 40 to 50 years ago. Thus, we have individuals alive and well who both received sub-human treatment because of the color of there skin and doled out such treatment because somebody was of a hated skin color. It is hard to heal when your oppressor has to be forced to stop oppressing you and then tells you arrogantly that you are lucky to be in the United States cause even though we hate you, you can live a good life. It is hard to heal when your oppressor refuses to admit that he was your oppressor. The state can only speak through it duly elected officials. The state needs to apologize for the states prior actions. This is a distinction that does not need to be forgotten.

By TT

March 21, 2007 10:24 AM | Link to this

No civilization that relied on slavery ever lasted - not Rome and certainly not the Confederate States of America. You can’t keep an entire class of people under yoke indefinitely; someone or something will come along to right the balance. That said, apologizing for something done 142 years ago by others won’t do any good to anyone around today. Black Americans have had to fight for what they have achieved post-slavery in the South, and yes in the North, too. Even though the Union “freed” the slaves, they turned around and abused freedom of blacks just as bad as the South did with Jim Crow, they were just more sneaky about it. As long as people have eyes to see with and ears to hear with, there will be prejudice. If not based on skin color (sometimes between people of the same race!), then on monetary worth, perceived intelligence, hair color, you name it. On a one-to-one basis, most people can generally get along; it’s when you get a mob mentality going that things can get out of hand. I would like to see people really judge one another on the quality of their character (like a famous, good man once said) instead of how they look, where they live, where they go/went to school, etc. I don’t feel I owe anyone an apology for slavery, and I don’t think the current government of Georgia would accomplish anything worthwhile by jumping on the apologizing bandwagon. It’s pandering, pure and simple. Getting an apology for slavery won’t make any Black American any better off, but will give some sorry individuals a further excuse to feel entitled to privileges for free that they should work for.

By Mark

March 21, 2007 10:34 AM | Link to this

GET OVER IT!!!!! Dont’t dwell on the past but look to the future. What is done is done. We should stop trying to appease those who still want to live in the past.

By Lewis

March 21, 2007 10:39 AM | Link to this

The underlying issue is “give us money”. Black people can leave the U.S. anytime they believe some other country will provide a better life. Many blacks could use Mexicans as role models. Mexicans are family oriented and anxious to work.

By gregoryrasputin

March 21, 2007 10:40 AM | Link to this

I am part Cherokee so what about apologizing to the Cherokees for removing them from GA to Oklahoma and killing most of them. What about my sharecropper relatives that were drafted into the War of Northern Aggression (civil war for those who are idiots out there) that died at Chickamauga. Are you going to apologize for that also? Send me apologies and reparations for my ancestors too. How about the NAA of Colored People getting over something that happened in the 1860’s & start to move in the direction of getting educated, finding paying jobs, stopping robbing, raping, and murdering their BROTHERS and SISTERS. The NAA of Colored People needs to find something productive to focus its energies and efforts on. BE PODUCTIVE CITIZENS and quit whining.

By Mtgman

March 21, 2007 10:58 AM | Link to this

The institution of slavery existed for over 3 centuries. The rape of women, beatings/killing and seperation of family among other atrocities were tolerated in the normal social, economic and legal systen. Simply put, What would in that era would be no different than the traffic jams that we all deal with on a daily basis. Not only does Georgia, but other southern states, owe African descendants an apology that has been long overdue. I believe that we should study Confederate history as well as the slavery of my ancestors because these two institutions were not mutually exclusive phenomena Even after the physical shackles of slavery were broken, White supremacy has existed as a result of Jim Crow in the south. I would advise anyone to do a “google search” on partitioning and study how the land that freed Blacks purchased after slavery around St. Simons Island. In addition, research how Blacks in the State of the Georgia right now actually own less land than they did at the turn of the 20th century. If there was insitutional legislation in this state that was in place to prevent the gaining of wealth among African-Americans shouldnt there be legislation to reverse it?? My grandfather fought in the Korean war and could not get the benefits that were awarded to thousands of White families in the form of home ownership assistance and education based on the GI Bill. I wonder if my family could of benefited from these government programs. If land is the true measure of generational wealth and what helps in closing the gap, then this could be seen as a direct correlation why Blacks trail Whites in generational wealth, but again most Whites and some Blacks feel there is no connection between the past and the present. We didnt all start from the starting line. There are well-established links between land-ownership, community and democratic participation. The admitting of wrong-doing in the form of an apology by an institution is the first step for all of us moving forward. What this state needs is honest and open study of history in our schools and not half-sided truths on message boards and empty political rhetoric by our Governor.

By msteven

March 21, 2007 11:00 AM | Link to this

Take it from a Black American who has a Direct link to slavery. My great great grandmother and father were both slaves that came over on a ship. my great great grandaddy died on the way over. Am I upset? no. why? because the folks who took my great great grand parents are all DEAD. an apology will not fix what has been done. nor bring back my dead great great grandparents or ease the horror they went through. My opinion? I couldn’t care less whether you apologize or not. Just dont get in my way with no bull. Also, if you do apologize, while your at it make sure you apologize for the land you stole from the american indians and those you didnt kill you forced on reservations. Until all peoples who have been wronged are apologized to, there is NO apology in order. But I will say this, dont even think about trying that slavery bull. today.

By Pompano

March 21, 2007 11:12 AM | Link to this

At least BYUGRL is honest in her post - it’s not about an apology, it’s about money. This entitlement attitude that people are OWED something for actions that transpired 140 years ago will never go away - despite all the free hand-outs.

The people of GA know that this will not stop w/an apology and are smart enough to see this for what it is - the first step in a demand for reparations. Jesse & Al are running low on money - time to crank-up the rhetoric machine.

By Cornholio

March 21, 2007 11:26 AM | Link to this

HIDE YOUR WALLETS !

REPARATIONS IS NEXT !

By Sherman

March 21, 2007 11:37 AM | Link to this

Why not apologize? This is some mess yall don’t want hanging over your head. It’s not the American way to apologize for something this country did. Is IT! Cause It’s America, we’re perfect, we don’t do anything wrong. What about the Iraqi war? Apologize for that? That country is in ruins now. U did not remember everyday on the news something happening over there, mass killing, bombs going off in marketplaces before this war DID YOU? Nope. Every since this war, innocent men, women and children have been dying? This war is not worth it. So America needs to apologize for that also. But back on subject…Now people say some stupid mess like sending black people BACK to Africa. GO BACK TO EUROPE you Caucasoid. U didn’t FIND THIS COUNTRY! How you gonna find a country and people are already there owning the land??? And killed half that race off and sent them across the country and put them on land that aint worth anything. And then these stupid hicks in the state house want to have a Confederate Month??? Are you serious? And black people won’t let it go??? What did Saxby Chambliss say? “If the South had had better intelligence, it would have won the Civil War.” And black people won’t let it go?? Get out of here with that argument. Georgia is the belly of the beast when it comes to slavery and they should apologize and you won’t hear anything anymore. And then there was Jim Crow? Many of yall live thru and during that era, so why not apologize for that???? U don’t have an argument for that do ya? It wasn’t too long ago? So I’m not going to let that go? For my parents, for my grandparents and my great-grandparents. And all of my ancestors that I don’t know because of a so-called “ethnic cleansing.” Yea, that’s right I don’t know my ancestors and family history cause of slavery, but you all get to enjoy that pleasure in life to know what your ancestors did and who they are. But my family was denied that. So Apologize, Apologize, Apologize!!!*

By Outraged

March 21, 2007 11:41 AM | Link to this

Apologize to a race that thinks it is owed everything. From welfare, to food stamps, to special treatment, and now apologies…Shut up and get to the back of the bus. I am tired of all the whining. All races have been discriminated against…and I do mean ALL. Your own people sold you in the first place…just shut up and earn something like we do

By shladde

March 21, 2007 11:41 AM | Link to this

so is this apology suppose to come from the STATE or from the RACE of whos in charge? if its from the STATE, would a black representative have to apologize for the way their state behaved back then? Or is it because of RACE? If it was race, should any black person be apologetic for the way in which their race acts? Lets look at the stats of america, just as an example, and see that most crime etc is from lower class african americans. Should we ask for an apology from other black americans for the way in which their people act? it wouldnt make sense to do that because they had no part and are not responsible for those actions. Only those directly associated with what happened should be responsible.

By Brhynn

March 21, 2007 11:45 AM | Link to this

By E B

March 21, 2007 11:50 AM | Link to this

You really get the crazies on issues like this one. An apology like this would be similar to the ones I get from my 4 year old. Appropriate, but with no real understanding or meaning. **=WW2, I would like three one way tickets please.

By Leroy

March 21, 2007 11:53 AM | Link to this

I don’t think it’s appropriate for anyone, state or otherwise, to have to apologize for something someone else did, who is long dead. Also, has anyone ever thought about where blacks would be if slavery never happened?

Sometimes, suffering by one’s ancestors will improve life for their lineage.

By Cee G

March 21, 2007 11:58 AM | Link to this

These so-called “part-Indians” on this blog are amusing. My grandmother was part-Seminole & her grandmother was full Seminole and she had to walk the Trail of Tears and from that, there was always complete and total understanding and empathy between the Native-American experience and the African experience. I’ve never met any Indian who spoke of the African experience with disdane. There was far more African/Indian “mixing” than there were European/Indian, and that comes from sharing those same experiences.

As far as Sonny Perdue is concerned, I expect him to play to his base & expect those comments, but he can’t hide from the fact this was an institution that was state-sanctioned!! Slavery was the NO.1 deal in the South, make no mistake about that, and they are just trying to guard themselves from any monetary fallout. He and his cronies are probably conferring right now trying to figure out how not to remain hypocritical when the U.S. parades around the world at the point of a gun telling heads of state how to treat its citizens!!

By John

March 21, 2007 11:59 AM | Link to this

I doubt if we will find anyone still alive that was responsible for or owned slaves. However, We would not be hard pressed to find people who profitted from it. Land, money, and power can be passed from one generation to another. It has and is still being done.

Further, the state sanctioned it, it too profitted, and the state (and those who now represent it) should at least “atone” for its sins.

Georgia needs to move forward. Where are my christian brothers who know the value of confession and repentence? Speak up!!

By John

March 21, 2007 11:59 AM | Link to this

I doubt if we will find anyone still alive that was responsible for or owned slaves. However, We would not be hard pressed to find people who profitted from it. Land, money, and power can be passed from one generation to another. It has and is still being done.

Further, the state sanctioned it, it too profitted, and the state (and those who now represent it) should at least “atone” for its sins.

Georgia needs to move forward. Where are my christian brothers who know the value of confession and repentence? Speak up!!

By Tracy

March 21, 2007 12:02 PM | Link to this

The first thing I thought of when I heard this is they will say an apology is admitting a mistake. So shouldn’t mistakes be paid for? Reperations will come next. They don’t want equality, they want revenge and they want easy money.

By Mosa

March 21, 2007 12:08 PM | Link to this

Its a shame to see how white folf really think in this country.Im not not about an apology.Do white folks read the word of God.This Is a Christian nation and we need to act like Follows of Jesus.But no the insult about black and the degrading conversation doesnt get us any were.Act like adults and not kids.What happen to real dissusion on topics that truly affect us. This is our state and our home.Folks passing rude comments are for riraff and low lifes.Lets get it together Georgians Black and White.Apologies is a way of healing.My sister is a sargent in Iraq on her third trying to keep that county together keeping the peace so thiers kids can be free.What would we be saying today If another country had to invade to stop slavery.

By Tracy

March 21, 2007 12:09 PM | Link to this

Instead of an apology, how about a thank you from Africans for bringing them to a country that isn’t ravaged by war, poverty and aids?

By jaim

March 21, 2007 12:17 PM | Link to this

I don’t understand why this question is being asked, It’s not going to change the past. We need to focus our attention on today and the future. There are alot of things that needs to be changed. I read an article yesterday about blacks and hispanics being charged higher interest rates when buying homes than whites, I think that should be changed. Things should be the same for everyone. People should be able to live anywhere they want without fear of being intimidated, or without any violence aimed at them. We need to focus on the problems we are facing today, like the homeless, children that are being abused and exploited, child molesters and how they aren’t being monitored like they are supposed to be. I am African American and I can’t help but feel that alot of us are taking things for granted. Alot of us aren’t voting, taking advantage of the educational opportunities that are available to us today. We need to start making things better not only for ourselves but for everyone. There is just so many other things (too many to name) that we (all of us, black, white,hispanic, hell ALL OF US) need to focus our attention on than an apology that really doesn’t mean a hill of beans to me. If we all come together and work together we can make things better for everyone.

By Mark

March 21, 2007 12:19 PM | Link to this

Mosa, www.dictionary.com

You are a fine example of your people

By RJH

March 21, 2007 12:21 PM | Link to this

First, White women benefit most from Affirmative Action

Second, BET, MTV, and other outlets are not demonstrative of the true Black American of African Descent

Third, Africa was technologically advanced beyond Europe until said time when Europeans with Gun’s, tore it apart and stunted its growth

Fourth, It is obvious that in Georgia there is still a misguided hatred for Blacks and no apology will cure that

By Will

March 21, 2007 12:21 PM | Link to this

You can keep your apology. Frankly I don’t need it and don’t want it. The ones that deserve an apology have already passed on and hopefully have received their just reward from the almighty for all the disrespectful, inhuman things done to them. It was not my back snapped by a whip or hands that cramped from picking cotton nonstop in the dry Georgia heat. Even if they passed a bill today allocating funds to all descendants of slaves I wouldn’t take a dime because I believe it to be disrespectful to those who endured and with all due respect to my white counterparts: I don’t want any hand outs from you. There is a lot of blood on that money and I would feel like some kind of sellout if I take that money. I respect the NAACP. They have done a lot of good since their inception however as time moves forward I am finding them more of a hindrance than a help. For us to advance as a people we have to get over on trying to “make the white man feel sorry” for their past actions and do us. Raise are kids in two family homes, teach them morals and proper ethics. Stress education and economic development, etc. Then and only then will we truly start to “Advance” and free are minds from the chains of oppression. Simply stated if we handle are business it will not matter who or what try to stop us. To my white counterparts please rests assure that most blacks are Decent Good natured, intelligent people who want the same things out of life like you do. A Nice home in a safe neighborhood, enough income to support their families and a chance to live are dreams. Despite what you may hear on your local news or on fictional TV shows we are all not thugs, gangstas and drug dealers. It is an image that has been perpetuated through TV and Hollywood for a long time and on a personal note one I am constantly defending. You do not owe us an apology simply because it was not you who did the oppressing. If we all paid for the sins of our ancestors we would all be in a horrible place. What you can do though is judge each individual regardless of color on the content of their character and not fall prey to weak minded generalizations based on someone’s skin. By the words I read in this blog we are all a long way from that. The blog is an interesting place because you will see how those you work, go to school and possibly attend church with really feel once they are in that comfortable seat in front of a computer screen. To anyone who spews out this racist crap you are indeed the bottom feeders of the earth and one day will have to answer for all that hate in your heart. All you are doing is perpetuating the very thing you hate because you are just adding fuel to the flames that continue to engulf our country in a world of hate. I pray for all of you whether you like my kind or not. The only thing I can control is being the best human being I can be. Hopefully I can do that and hopefully you all hope to do the same.

By TAG

March 21, 2007 12:24 PM | Link to this

First of all, I do not need nor would I ask for an apology from you. I have read all of the blogs relating to this subject and I am not surprised at the response. Black people were murdered by the thousands, children as early as two years old, sometimes younger, permanently taken away from their families. Black women brutally raped/sodomized. Black people sold like livestock. You are right, how dare we ask for an apology from the descendants of those slave owners, Those men and women who said that we were animals. But, I wonder, what if blacks were the slave owners and the whites were the slaves. How would you feel today if your descendants were murdered by the thousands, children removed from their families at the age of two or younger, your women brutally raped/sodomized. And sold like livestock. All at the hand of black slave owners. How would you feel? matter of fact how are you feeling about what i just wrote? You sympathized with the holocaust (we do to) but do you realized that there were more black lives lost at the hands of slave merchants and slave owners than the holocaust? When America apologized to Japan for a war Japan started, did you show your displeasure with that decision? When we apologized to the vietnames for the conflict with them, did you say something? Why are you always saying something when blacks talk about an apology? What have we done to you? All I read is the insensitive words from the descendants of slave owners. I need no apology from you. As long as I can wake up in the morning and see a future for my child and don’t have to worry about you taking him away from me. I need nothing from you. As long as I know that my wife will not be subject to rape and disgrace from you. I need nothing from you. Just as you want your family to do well so do I. But I must say that the NAACP, Jesse Jackson, Al Sharpton and the other so called black leaders, must put their energy into finding ways to improving education in the black community. (A lot of black people and some honest, good white people died for that).The black leaders need to work together to stem the alarming dropout rates of black youths in our community and to work with law enforcement to put a halt to the senseless violence being commmitted by black people.(we are not the only ones committing senseless acts of violence, you are too). I do believe with education reforms,and a decrease in truancy, there will be a decline in the violence committed by blacks. But I need nothing from you and refuse to ask you for anything. I make my own way. As for an apology, I have moved on, keep it. If you need an education on slavery go to the following website. www.pbs.org/wgbh/aia/part1/1narr3.html There you will learn what occurred from the time the blacks boarded the slave ships until they arrived in America.

By Bruce

March 21, 2007 12:30 PM | Link to this

What bothers me about these people who take the stand of getting over slavery. Like the guy was saying yeah slavery might have ended a hundred or so years ago. but slavery lasted for over three hundred years. and the legal sub treatment of blacks ended just 40 years ago. my parents and grandparentes remember those days very well. Also there are white people who are rich now cause of slave labor. I am not expecting the govener to apologize for his role in slavery. he is aplogizing for his offices part. And the get over statement nobody tells jews to give over the holocaust. And all apologies are symbolic you can begin to heal or move foward from something if you don’t admit it was wrong in the first place. And leroy to say that blacks are better of cause of slavery is ignorant. the question you need to ask is where would america be without slavery.

By adrien

March 21, 2007 12:30 PM | Link to this

First to “outraged”. Get a life!!!! That is a stereotype you are ignorant enough to play into. Look around Atlanta when you get a chance. There are several black who earn their own, have their own and even hire people like you to work for them. I am black and I have never gotten anything free. So, you just made yourself sound like an ignorant fool when you said that.

By Rodjuan

March 21, 2007 12:38 PM | Link to this

WE DON’T NEED YOUR APOLOGY.

What we as Africans in the Diasporas and the mainland of Africa need to do is MOURN FOR OUR ANCESTORS SLAUGHTERED DURING THE MAAFA (THE AFRICAN HELLACAUST) ON JUNE 19TH, 2007. This issue of an apology is another in the long line of distractions from our UNITY. Our Ancestors were brutally slaughtered, raped, defiled by the Ancestors of these Caucasians, an apology without repentance will do nothing for anyone.

The 9/11/2006 issue of Time Magazine ran the results of a survey conducted by the University of Wisconsin, it reveals that 77% of Caucasians acknowledge that they have an advantage over the African due to the classification of ‘White’, now where in the world did they gain that advantage? and if they have the advantage does that not mean that we have the disadvantage? the study also reveals that this 77% is not willing to relinquish that advantage, so much for parity.

So let’s cut the crap, there is no statute of limitations on murder. Under the RICO law assets gained from an illegal and criminal enterprise are forfeitable. What the Caucasians ancestors did was criminal to the highest degree, the advantage his children enjoy today is due to that criminal enterprise.

My ancestors were not slaves, they were enslaved. Slavery was the means by which civilized societies settled up after war, the loser would serve the victor for a period of time, there could be no abuse leveled against the slave, and the children born to the slaves were free. On the other hand, free men from Africa were brutally enslaved and held against their will, they did not lose a war, this was an overt act of terrorizm. This was criminal, and you the offspring of those terrorists are enjoying the advantage it afforded you, you are not smarter or wiser, just maybe a bit more cruel and spineless,SO KEEP YOUR APOLOGY, WE WILL MOURN OUR SLAUGHTERED ANCESTORS ON JUNE 19TH, 2007.

By adrien

March 21, 2007 12:43 PM | Link to this

Secondly, I have never wanted an apolgy that wasn’t sincere. Why should I start now? All i want is what any other human being wants..Treat me with respect and dignity, Do not discriminate against me based on my race so that I may work in the field I choose and make a living for myself and my family, and allow me all the freedoms that the fore fathers promised inthe constitution even though they weren’t talking to us at the time. That is all I want from any Congressperson, Senator, or even President.

By Robert Toombs

March 21, 2007 12:46 PM | Link to this

Slavery did not exist in the North ?

FACTOID: There were more slaves in New York City in 1790, than in the entire state of Georgia. Look it up !

When the benevolent Northeners had no more use of slavery, did they free them ?

No, they sold them to the South when cotton become profitable after the cotton gin was invented.

Stop blaming the South and all four (4) years of the Confederacy for what was a legal institution in America from 1619-1865.

By Dianne

March 21, 2007 12:51 PM | Link to this

Offer an apology for another time, another generation - no. Express everlasting regret - yes.

By adrien

March 21, 2007 12:52 PM | Link to this

Thanks Robert. It is good to know that someone knows their history before they start typing. Thanks for the intelligence.

By Cornholio@alltel.net

March 21, 2007 12:55 PM | Link to this

To the lady whose Seminole ancestors were on the “Trail of Tears” :

LEARN YOUR HISTORY !

It was the Cherokees that were removed force-marched to Oklahoma !

Do Americans not study history any more, or are they content with Hollywood’s version ?

By Dano

March 21, 2007 1:03 PM | Link to this

This blog is perfect fodder for Cynthia (Queen of all race baiters) Tucker’s next column. Don’t you people get it? There is nothing left for people like her and organizations like the NAACP other than to stir emotions and evoke racial emotion. Unfortunately, hatred exists and always will. Until we all learn to ignore insignificant people that like to stir it up…this intellectual fecal matter will continue. An apology doesn’t mean anything if you can’t apologize to the person or people you offended. Therefore, the slave owners should be apologizing, but they are all dead. And I’m pretty sure the slaves are too. So who really cares?

By Mark

March 21, 2007 1:03 PM | Link to this

Why do you nogs refer to yourselves as “African Americans”? If you were born in America, then you are an American. How many of you were born in Africa? Enlighten me here. My ancestors are european, so does that mean that I can call myself a “european American”?

By Reality Check

March 21, 2007 1:05 PM | Link to this

OK; some of you are referring to “they” as if you are talking about all blacks. Excuse me, I’m black and I think the notion of an apology is ridiculous.

It’s the past; get over it, and move on!!

By Brett "the hitman" Hart

March 21, 2007 1:06 PM | Link to this

I am wondering what year this happened “Africa was technologically advanced beyond Europe until said time when Europeans with Gun’s, tore it apart and stunted its growth”.

By adrien

March 21, 2007 1:08 PM | Link to this

Well corn,

Most of America is content with knowing Hollywood period. More young people know what Britney Spears wore yesterday than what is going on in the country. Mainly things that will affect their entire future. Britney’s hair and clothes will NOT be something you need to know in the future.

By Jean0116

March 21, 2007 1:08 PM | Link to this

An apology will not make me any less well-educated than I am, nor will it define me, my family values and belief in God defines me. I find it ironic that the assumption is that African Americans are all on welfare and seeking handouts, yet statistics will show that there are many more Whites receiving welfare than Blacks and a lot of them are White males. As for crime, again statistics will show that there are more crimes commited by Whites than Blacks, it just that the so-called justice system will mete out harsher sentences to non-Whites. I personally don’t want any reparations and needless to say, most days I don’t want to associate with you. I only ask for an equal opportunity to earn pay for my education and skills, instead of receiving less than my white counterparts. Contrary to popular beliefs (White) the majority of African Americans are only seeking their equal share of the pie, not the entire pie. We are seeking not to be stereotyped by ignorance. I’m amazed at the need to continually apologize for the Holocaust, the need to exhalt the Confederacy and yet, in the same sentence exhibit the racism that still exist in Georgia.

Please be assured that we are middle classed citizens and need I point our Millionares, business executives, etc. I am the descendant from a family that owned land and property, so I don’t want your guilt money. Do not allow the media to fool you with the images they potray of the Black Family, it is alive and flourishing.

By Dave

March 21, 2007 1:09 PM | Link to this

Will,

Bless you, sir.

By Sharon

March 21, 2007 1:16 PM | Link to this

Stop living in the past. It happened a long time ago. It was an unfortunate chapter in our history, but Slavery was an issue in the country as a whole and not just the south. We can’t apologize for people who are dead and gone. We have done nothing wrong. I get so tired of hearing people go on and on and on and on….about racism. Move forward and stop looking backward! If you’re not happy here…..by all means move!

By Tag

March 21, 2007 1:21 PM | Link to this

Mark, I can tell that you are a fine piece of work. I don’t want to create any conflict, but you have got to be kidding. Why don’t you apologize for all the live’s the klu klux klan have taken. Why don’t you apologize for the sorry education blacks were given by the U.S. Government in the sixties (40 years ago). And as a result of that we have to play catch up. Look if this was an issue of a few white people putting blacks into bondage I would say O.K. It’s just a few bad whites. But man, It was the entire government. Do you hate us that much as to where you are that blind. Again I do not need an apology. But to me the problem lies with people as yourself who cannot admit that a wrong was done. The hatred is so deep in you that it would kill you to admit that blacks were done wrong. You are portraying the traits of a descendant of a slave owner. That is a sad thing. I feel for you. Once people start admitting the truth and admit that a wrong was done, the racial climate in the U.S will begin to improve. But as long as people like you can’t see it. The U.S. will continue to have problems. But to you I apologize for the recent increase of black crimes. I wish that we could fix it. Understand that this is a small group committing these acts of violence. The majority of blacks are hard working, good honest people. Also understand that whites are commiting crimes on blacks everyday. Keep your apology. Apologize to GOD!!!

By jaim

March 21, 2007 1:33 PM | Link to this

that goes for you too @ sharon

By Bryan

March 21, 2007 1:35 PM | Link to this

The topic of Slavery is somewhat of an enigma. Growing up I thought as many people did, that we (Americans) went over to Africa, raided the Africans, and took slaves back to America. I didn’t learn the truth till I went off to college. The truth is that the different African tribes would goto war against each other and the conquering tribe would enslave the other tribe. They would take their women for their own and make the men slaves. These slaves were property to do with as they wished. The tribes starting trading with the Dutch who bought these slaves and in turn sold them to Americans. The really interesting thing was that initially the Americans didn’t treat the Africans as slaves, they treated them as indentured servants and gave them freedom after 7 years (the same they did for European indentured servants). It was not till decades later that the “slavery” we all associate with the South happened. I really suggest that people read up a bit about this topic before speaking on it. Most people are very ignorant and believe what they hear or see on TV. Very Sad.

Also, there is no reason to apologize for something that has been part of mankind for thousands of years. If you look at history you will see that many conquered people were made slaves (the lucky ones) the other conquered people were simply put to death.

By Pumba

March 21, 2007 1:41 PM | Link to this

I am from Africa and voluntarily came to USA 5 years ago. As far as an apology goes, I am sure I am not the only person from the continent of Africa who is numb about this. I do not want to sound like I am defending the white slave masters (because in the process we were colonized), but there was a slave trade, key word being trade. Has any inquest been done into west African families and royal families that benefited from the trade? The slave owners naturally expected to get a benefit from the African slaves. History shows that a price tag was put on criminals, weaker tribes etc who were then “exported” from Africa to the new land. Evils have taken place in history against every race- even England during their industrial revolution had the lower class enslaved (a white on white slavery?). Slavery is a wicked past. Africa in the form of Nubia and Cush (now present day Egypt and neighboring countries)had slaves from European and Middle Eastern countries who were vital labor to the famed Pyramids. I do not hear their descendents demading a share of tourism revenue from the pyramids. (For my own reasons I do not look at Black Americans as African-Americans so I will use Black American). I believe Black Americans need to get over blaming slavery for everything. I beleive there are ripe conditions for self development and improvement. I say this because alot of Africans come here and within 3 years they have better lifestyles than the Black Americans. If reasons for staying at the bottom were related to race, then a large group of Aricans would have returned to Africa. But race has nothing to do with the development of Black Americans. Drop the whole apology thing and move forward with your lives.

By Sick and Tired

March 21, 2007 1:45 PM | Link to this

While I do not wish for an apology, I find it funny that the US gladly pays reparations to Japan, who we bombed because we were at WAR with them, but refuse to pay reparations to people who they forced to this country to provide them free labor.

BTW, don’t we also pay reparations for not stopping Hitler soon enough? Why was the US considered Hitler’s keeper?

By HAROLD

March 21, 2007 1:56 PM | Link to this

AFRICAN AMERICANS ARE ALL DESCENDED FROM THE WOODSHED RAPIST PLANTATION OWNERS

THAT IS WHY THEY ARE SO MUCH LIGHTER THAN AFRICAN AFRICANS FROM AFRICA (REAL AFRICANS)

SO IF YOU ARE NOT AS BLACK AS AN AFRICAN AFRICAN FROM AFRICA (REAL AFRICANS BUT NOT SOUTH AFRICA WHERE THEY ARE WHITE), PUT SOME MONEY IN A SAVINGS ACCOUNT AND CALL YOURSELF REPARATIONIZED!

By paladin1980

March 21, 2007 2:00 PM | Link to this

Will For the most part Will I agree with you. Well said. I don’t think I owe an apology for what my ancestors did. I regret that Georgia has such a racist and bigoted past, but an apology solves nothing for today’s problems. It appears that this issue is being fueled by special interest groups that have a political and monetary agenda. Having read these blogs, the real issue that we need to face is not apologies but HATRED. Unfortunately this hatred comes from all sides. The passion with which this subject has been blogged leads me to arrive at this conclusion, we can’t love God with all of our heart and soul and hate our neighbor, no matter the color. We don’t need more politics, we need dialogue between people who want initiate change that will help bring about UNITY. After all that’s what our Savior prayed for in John 17, “that they may be one as my Father and I are one.” I am a white, South Georgia,redneck one of my best friends is a former drug addict bully black man that lives in the middle of a drug infested neighborhood. He has a wife and 3 kids. He works everyday. Has very little education, but he has INTEGRITY, with man and most importantly with God. He’s my brother and the color of his skin or the color of my skin is not an issue. We are all equal at the foot of the cross. And his blood does not discriminate. Will I agree with you, we all deserve life liberty and the pursuit of happiness. This can only be achieved if we operate with in the guidelines of the 10 commandments. Love God, and you will love your neighbor no matter the color. It is with regret that we have such a hated past. I am sure in the eternals my ancestors that mistreated your ancestors would simply say this, “please forgive me.” I am also sure that your ancestors that are in the eternal would say, “you are forgiven.”

By V

March 21, 2007 2:03 PM | Link to this

It is very sad to read some of the comments written by “white” people in this blog. Many of you are arrogant and very fearful of people who do not look like you or share your background. Those character flaws probably led many of your forefathers to enslave groups of people. I do not believe an apology from the state of Ga for its sanction of slavery will accomplish anything. Only the Creator can cure a racist heart.

By harold

March 21, 2007 2:04 PM | Link to this

If you want an apology, look in the mirror and apologize! You are just as descended from plantation owners as any of us! Those guys were woodshed rapists remember? That means they are your great great granddaddy just like they was mine! Now face the mirror and say “I’m sorry”

By hamma

March 21, 2007 2:06 PM | Link to this

If we wait to apologize for a few more weeks, there won’t be any Afro-Americans left to aplolgize to……they gun each other down day and night…..

By GaLiberal

March 21, 2007 2:07 PM | Link to this

Pompano: Your comments are typical of white racists that want to deny their part in the inhumane treatment of people. Just as Germany resisted any apology or reparations to Jewish families, your excuses about handouts and entitlements ring hollow. You and your kind should be forced to pay the most because you continue to spew your racist and intolerant views and take no responsibility for the resultant harm. You and your kind are a stain on society. Shame on you.

By Ken

March 21, 2007 2:10 PM | Link to this

I’ve paid my reperations. 1995 2 black males with firearms robbed our family Jewelry Store of $107,000.In 1997 my wife was attacted and robbed of cash,jewelry by 2 black males as she was getting her bags out of her car $4600. 2001 my store was robbed of $27,000 by 2 black males with firearms.So far no one has offered us an apology.Praise GOD, we survived.

By hamma

March 21, 2007 2:12 PM | Link to this

I say give the blacks the REPARATIONS. They’ll spend it all on Chryslers and bling-bling and businesses will thrive. But upon giving REPARATIONS, we close down all the free services and they must compete for jobs on a level field. No more Affirmative Action. No more VP’s of Diversity.

By Fed Up

March 21, 2007 2:14 PM | Link to this

Again I see that many of the bloggers here do not know their history. Most of the slaves that were brought to the US in the 1700 and 1800 arrived in either New York or Charleston ans shipped by train to the final destination. Most of the cargo ships that carried the slaves from Africa sailed under the British flag. Most of the slaves were not “caught” in Africa, they were sold to slave dealers by other tribes, or sometimes their own people needing the silver peices. Are we to expect an apology from all of these other people? Why is Georgia being singled out when Missouri had just as many slaves in 1850? Why are we even discussing this? I am of Chinese descent, but I am an American, not a Chinese-American. Why do black people insist on being called African-Americans? How many of you have actually been to Africa? We are all Americans and should be using the energy being spent on this issue to resolve problems in front of us, not behind us. “If the bridge colapses after we cross, we will not look back.” General George S. Patton. We could learn alot from this man. Lastly, I grow very tired of the “colored agenda”. I work with a diverse group of people. I do not care what race a person is, as long as they have integrity and morals. I work with one “African-American” that insists on calling me “Chink”. O matter how many times I ask him to stop, he insists that this name suits me. I turned him in to HR last year, but was advised that he means nothing by it and to overlook it. If I were to call him the “N” word, I would be fired on the spot. I find that I receive the worst treatment from my “African-American” co-workers (not all of them). So please, before you wrap all of the bloggers up into the group of “white”, understand that there are more ethnic groups that think this issue is useless, worthless and a waste of time. If Georgia DOES give an apology for Jim Crow laws and slavery, I demand an apology from China and the US government in 1835 when my relatives were shipped to the US as slaves and sold to a Railroad Company (based in New York) to build the tracks. My relatives were poor farmers and were deemed “useless” to the Chinese Royals. AND according to GaLiberal, I want my check……

By youhavegottobekiddingme

March 21, 2007 2:16 PM | Link to this

To call for an apology for something you were not a part of to come from someone that had no part in the act which they are being asked to apologize for is absurd. Even more absurd is when some, as Trinity did in this blog, want reparations to be paid to them for something they did not experience and the money come from those that were not involved in. Find someone that was enslaved in 1865 and then find someone that held slaves in 1865 and then have them pay the reparation to that person. Failing to find that you have no base on your argument. FWIW, slavery was out there under the United States banner much longer than it was under the Confederate States banner. Furthermore, the Emancipation Proclamation did not free the slaves in the states that were not in rebellion. Interesting to say the least.

By CMS

March 21, 2007 2:17 PM | Link to this

Who wants an apology when its not genuine … the state can keep it! I’m doing quite fine without it.

By I Am James

March 21, 2007 2:27 PM | Link to this

I am saddened yet not surprised by some of the venomous comments regarding this subject. I, like many Black people, could care less about an apology from the state of Georgia for the role it played in the institution of slavery. A forced, mandated, or legislated apology means nothing. My concern is the demeaning and hateful words being spewed by those opposed to an apology. We interact with these people daily. We see them at work, at play, and in our surrounding neighborhoods. But, they are no differnt than those who wore robes and hid behind masks and the laws of the land decades ago. Today, they hide in the blogosphere; deciminating hate-filled values that have been cultivated within their own families and environment for generations. By embracing a southern heritagege that made a mockery of basic human rights, they personify this hate, even today. Furthermore, the hypocrisy that is displayed by these sons of the confederate today is apparent. They cling to that heritage while disowning a direct connection to it. How many times has it been said, “I wasn’t there, so why should I apologize.”? I hope Black people take heed. These people are not friends. And if not friends, they are foes; enemies. It does no good to try to reason with them. In regard to an enemy, it is better to have knowledge and recognition, only, of who they are and what they represent. All else matters not. All of our individual thoughts and efforts, as Black people, should focus on personal accountability and responsibility to ourselves, family, and community. There is no need to even regard the thoughts and feelings of those who oppose our values and have no understanding of our plight. Only then will the question of an apology be irrelevant.

By jaim

March 21, 2007 2:32 PM | Link to this

if there had been a level field in the first place there would have been no need for affirmative action@ hamma

By Reality Check

March 21, 2007 2:33 PM | Link to this

Ken, your story, while tragic, was expressed in such a racist, pathetic way.

If you’d rather have been robbed by a pair of white men, just say so. Maybe then, you’ll get the apology you’re supposedly looking for.

By LB

March 21, 2007 2:33 PM | Link to this

There are really several problems here. First is the apology. I agree that an apology would be Lip Service at best. Therefore, why ask for one? Once again, “Get Over It”. Second is the fact that I also believe like several other folks here, if we apologize today, tomorrow we will be fighting the request for reperations. Which is really preposterous!! We save our selves that fight by not apologizing for that which we had no part of. THE biggest problem here is the reference to ones self as African-american or Scottish-American or German-American. I don’t know about ya’ll, but I was born right here in GEORGIA and have never lived anywhere else. So, I see myself only as AMERICAN!!!!! If we could get past this worry over where we came from, we could work on the problems of where we ARE!!

By GenXDen

March 21, 2007 2:34 PM | Link to this

Quite a topic, huh?

I can’t help but feel compassion for those who are so resolute in “needing” an apology. Do I think their ancestors were wronged - if they were slaves, then yes! It was a tragic era in American history - one that should never be repeated!! Do I think it’s wrong to tell someone that they can’t go into a certain business or drink from a certain fountain - absolutely! Last time I checked, race wasn’t something you caught. But if you asked me whether or not I thought an apology was “owed” then I’d have to say no. My main reason is the level of sincerety in which it would be offered. It would be nothing more than words…no action, just words.

Learning from the past and moving up in this world is, in my opinion, what should be taking place. We’ve all been discriminated against in one way or the other. Some have endured this to extreme levels while others have only experienced minor incidents - but we pretty much all feel the same way when it happens…angry, retalitory, degraded. I would hope that we, as human beings, would learn from that and make a concerted effort NOT to treat anyone else in that fashion because we know how it feels. Too bad I see people fall short in this regard time and time again.

I’ve lost job opportunities because I was the wrong color - I’m caucasian. It seemed that the employer would rather have hired a “minority” worker to qualify for tax breaks (I was actually told this by the person doing the hiring). I am hardly bitter about that because I know, in my heart of hearts, that other doors were opened when that happened. It still doesn’t make the situation right, nor is it the fault of the person who was hired.

What I’m not seeing is pride. In my opinion, if you really and truly are proud of your heritage, you don’t need anyone’s apology…you rise above and build a better life - you don’t wait for anyone’s permission OR for it to be handed to you! At least this is the way I try to live my life.

By gary

March 21, 2007 2:35 PM | Link to this

In the words of our great Abraham Lincoln after his 5 day hang over….”I freed WHO!” no im just playin but its funny in light of the race debate thats old and way over used.

By Woodie

March 21, 2007 2:35 PM | Link to this

I don’t think the NAACP has any earthly idea what Black Americans need. The NAACP needs to stop all the racist chatter and focus on education and jobs. An apology does absolutely nothing but stir up animosity by both Black Americans and all other Americans.

By TAG

March 21, 2007 2:45 PM | Link to this

Pumba I do not want to be called African American. I am first and foremost a Black American. I do not want you to recognize me as your African brother, because I am not.(for various reasons) I spent 24 years of my life in the U.S. Army, I am an American. The white’s don’t refer to themselves as european americans so why should I refer to myself as an african american. I am an American. And I feel the pain of every black american who have experienced racism. Yes, slavery have existed for many years, but does that make it right? Women were been persecuted by men for many years. Does that make it right? Should women today, still be oppressed? I think not. Slavery in any form is not right nor is it justifiable. We live in a society today where intellect has told us that what happened in the past with slavery was wrong.(Ignorance governed the land,they thought the world was flat). Do not try and justify it by saying it happened for many years. If it was justifiable wouldn’t there still be slavery? (Ms Downey I think you need to have a debate on the issue of African-Americans vs Black Americans). There are those who will say that africans dealth in the slave trade. That is correct. But if you go to this web site you can find information on the beginning of the slave trade. Again, I do not want an apology. And I do not seek any kind of reparations. I make my way. I feel that if you want to talk about a thing you need to be informed about that thing. check out the web site. www.pbs.org/wgbh/aia/part1/index.html

By Kia

March 21, 2007 2:45 PM | Link to this

As a black woman, I have to say that the idea of the state of GA (or the country, for that matter) apologizing to the black community is ridiculous. Isn’t the whole premise of an apology deep regret for committing a wrongful act against someone? If the people who committed the act AND the people who suffered are all dead, how can any apology be valid? The NAACP has been a champion of minorities in America for so long, but at this point, they have outlasted their purpose. Our energy would be best focused on the advancement of the AMERICAN people in general.

By Mutt

March 21, 2007 2:48 PM | Link to this

I am Jewish and I am still waiting for my apology from Egypt. We were slaves long before blacks were. Who do you think built the pyramids? And then, when Egypt is done apologizing, then the Germans can. And how about the ‘so called Palestinians’.

By KAREN

March 21, 2007 2:49 PM | Link to this

KNOCK IT OFF! STOP IT! LISTEN TO YOURSELVES.WHEN I WAS GROWING UP WE WERE TAUGHT TO RESPECT OUR ELDERS,GODS HOUSE,AND NOT TO PREJUDICE AGAINST PEOPLE.I HAD MANY FRIENDS WHITE, BLACK,YELLOW,RED,TAN MANY FRIENDS. WE DIDN’T LOOK AT THE COLOR OF OUR SKIN WE, JUST WANTED TO BE TOGETHER AND HAVE A GREAT TIME. WHY DO WE HAVE TO SAY”THAT WHITE MAN” OR “THAT BLACK MAN?WHY DO WE HAVE TO PUT A COLOR ON “THAT MAN” AT ALL? I’M SO TIRED OF THIS RACIAL GARB. ONE RACE OVER ANOTHER.IT’S LIKE “MY DAD CAN WHIP YOUR DAD” NAH NAH. ALL OF US ARE OF ONE RACE MADE BY ONE GOD AND THAT IS “THE HUMAN RACE”. I LOVED DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING HIS TEACHINGS AND PREACHING THEY WERE FOR ALL MANKIND TO LIVE TOGETHER IN A PEACEFUL WORLD NOT, JUST FOR ONE RACE.HE HAD A DREAM AND I BELIEVE GOD GAVE HIM THAT DREAM FOR, HIM TO TELL THE WORLD,HE HAD THE TRUE LOVE OF GOD IN HIS HEART AND A DREAM FOR ALL OF US.WHEN IT COMES TO A CLOSE AND THE LAST MOMENT OF LIFE HAS ENDED,WE WILL ALL STAND BEFORE GOD AND ANSWERE FOR OURSELVES.THERE WON’T BE ANY COLORS ONLY A MAN AND A WOMEN STANDING IN FRONT OF HIM BY OURSELVES AND WE WILL HAVE TO ANSWERE FOR EVERYTHING THAT WE HAVE SAID AND DONE IN OUR LIFE. LETS ALL THINK ABOUT THAT MOMENT THAT WILL COME,FOR SURE.MAYBE IT WILL HELP US CHANGE OUR WAY OF THINKING,OUR HEARTS, START SHOWING EACH OTHER BROTHERLY LOVE BECAUSE,GODS LOVE CONQUERS ALL. UNTIL THEN!

By Stephanie

March 21, 2007 2:52 PM | Link to this

Sonny - You do not need to apologize on my behalf. My grandparents did not arrive in this country until 1906; they were busy fighting to keep their farm from being taken by the communists who were invading Hungary.

By mt

March 21, 2007 2:54 PM | Link to this

If the NAACP is such a fine organization why are they always asking for an apology. They need to stop playing the blame game and do something good, like help abolish the slavery that is going on in Africa right now. Stop dwelling on the past. I am so sick of this

By Political Mongrel

March 21, 2007 2:54 PM | Link to this

This “apology” is just another example of the promotion of a cult of victimization. So long as the “victims” keep demonizing someone as their “oppressors”, they never have to take responsibility for their own shortcomings. It’s time to grow up.

By Fed Up

March 21, 2007 2:56 PM | Link to this

GenXDen: Your expressive writing should inspire others to look beyond the “color” (black, white, yellow, red or “other”) and look at the person. There are good and bad in every race. I really wish more people had your attitude regarding other people.
As I read more and more of this blog for my evening class, I am tormented about the insinuation that “all” of a race is bad. Some write “all African-Americans” while others write “all Caucasians”. This just shows that there is racism on both sides of the fence:One being no better than the other. Until we can start listing ourselves as “Americans”, there will always be racism.
As stated before, I am of Chinese descent and my wife is a very light colored black woman. Both races look down at us for marrying. Why? My wife’s family will not even speak to her and mine have written me out of their wills. Hatred and racism exists even today, but do not blame it all of the “whites” or the “blacks”. It exists everywhere

By Ted P

March 21, 2007 2:58 PM | Link to this

It seems like a shame that Sherman and Trinity carry around so much anger over such a meaningless gesture from an unrepentant source. How about you worry about our children getting an education, or getting off of fossil fuels? No let’s follow the NAACP racist hate mongers for a useless apology. If you get this apology will racism in Georgia suddenly stop? Will your anger go away? Will you 2 stop smoking crack?

By Appeaser

March 21, 2007 3:01 PM | Link to this

A token gesture.

What modern system of beliefs will hold us responsible for the sins of our fathers?

The governor and legislators of the day represented the people of the day. They acted on the beliefs of the day.

Were the civil rights acts of the 20th century not sufficient atonement from the white man? Are not the individual gestures of friendship and acceptance by white men and women not sufficient to atone for the past? Perhaps not, but if only an apology can properly heal the past, have these previous joint efforts of white men and black men been lacking?

Have not the actions of the latter 20th century been louder than a mere sentence of words? Has not the white man been righteous in any of his actions thus far? Have we drawn a line at which we as black men and women will say thank you, our lives are now truly equal?

How long will we allow ourselves to be controlled by the past when today we have unprecedented opportunity? We cannot and ought not be controlled by a figurative white man any longer. We cannot be allowed to have one person or group of persons hold the key to our individual satisfaction in life any longer when we ourselves need merely drop those chains.

Life moves too fast to allow oneself to be held down by mere words obtained through extortion. Drop those chains. The locks came off long ago.

By Get a clue

March 21, 2007 3:02 PM | Link to this

One of the greatest tradegies of modern US history was the assassination of MLK. He was a true, genuine leader for the black people. Since his death, the black race has been “hijacked” by the NAACP, Jessie Jackson, Al Sharpton, et al. It’s become a money game to them at this point, and that’s sad, because a lot of good people have lost their faith because of these “new leaders (criminals)”.

By Scott

March 21, 2007 3:06 PM | Link to this

OH THESE COUNTRY BUMPKINS ARE TOO FUNNY, I’M GLAD I MOVED BACK TO MD, THATS MARYLAND FOR ALL THE PEOPLE WHOSE PARENTS ARE FIRST COUSINS. A MAJORITY OF BLACKS COULD CARE LESS ABOUT AN APOLOGY,WE JUST WANT A FAIR SHAKE WHEN IT COMES TO GETTING JOBS. IF WE WEREN’T AS QUALIFIED FINE, IF BOBBY JOE IS HIRED OVER US AND HE ONLY HAS A HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMA WHILE I HAVE A MASTERS THERE’S AN ISSUE. BOBBY JOE ONLY GOT HIRED BECAUSE HIS PALE FACED DADDY PLAYS GOLF WITH THE BOSS. AND TO RESPOND TO JW AND SOME OF THESE OTHER BACKWATER SALTINES, OUR BROTHERS WILL STOP ROBBING WHEN YOU WHITE FOLKS STOP CHILD MOLESTING AND MURDERING KIDS.

By CH

March 21, 2007 3:06 PM | Link to this

It is difficult to have a discussion amongst ignorant people who use “they” and “them.” Who are you referring to…? The NAACP does not represent the views of all African-Americans, and sadly most of the members tend to be out of touch with some of the real needs of the community. I agree that there needs to be some movement forward, and an apology would be meaningless. Slavery is always wrong, and always mostly used for economic purposes. And, yes most groups of people have been enslaved at some time in history. There is nothing that can make up for the wrongs of slavery or any other kind of past committed oppression. At this point, what concerns me is the self hatred within the African-American community. What good will an apology or reparations do to a people who have no committment to there community? Lets focus on the real issues…

By Diogenes

March 21, 2007 3:09 PM | Link to this

Okay, I’LL say it: “I’m sorry for slavery.” Now, what are YOU going to do fix your own communities overrun with crime, crack, irresponsible behavior, and fatherless babies, all of which perpetuate this cycle of dependency and decay which are a tremendous drag on this nation?

Besides, I truly believe our country is no longer divided by “race.” It is divided by “culture.” Virtually everyone I know truly and fully accepts anyone, regardless of race, if that person is law-abiding, responsible, productive, etc. BUT, those who are law-abiding and responsible and productive are sick to death of the drag created by those who aren’t, REGARDLESS of race. The fact that a TREMENDOUSLY higher percentage of black citizens fall into the latter category is unfortunate, but it IS, ultimately, a fact.

Now, how exactly is my apology going to change or fix that???

By AWW

March 21, 2007 3:12 PM | Link to this

As an African American woman, it irritates the crap out of me that teh NAACP and others would like an apology to Georgians surrounding slavery. I would love for the African American young men that held me at gunpoint in my own driveway and robbed me with the gun pointed at my head and then had me lay in my driveway in the rain for what seems like forever to apologize to me. It seems like as a African American society we are so caught up on teh past that we can’t see what we have NOW. Slavery still exists in the African American community, but it’s in the mentality that we have created for ourselves..The “man” didn’t do that..Get over it.

By Mike

March 21, 2007 3:13 PM | Link to this

Isn’t it interesting how this question brought out the true feelings of the people in this state. No matter what else goes on in this world, race brings out that basic inherent flaw in people. White folks say move on or get over it, but their tone exhibited here is the main reason why problems will always exist. BTW isn’t it strange that only white folks refer to the race card. I really would like to see one. Have a nice day and continue passing your attitudes on.

By Kia

March 21, 2007 3:22 PM | Link to this

I have to say it—it is AMAZING how many idiotic people think that crime, fatherless children, and bums not willing to work to earn their fair share are problems ONLY in the black community. Furthermore, TRACY might be one of the most ridiculous posters here. Instead of an apology, how about a thank you from Africans for bringing them to a country that isn’t ravaged by war, poverty and aids? This country has been at war for the better part of its history, and poverty and AIDS are rampant here as well. It’s kind of hard to compare an entire CONTINENT of people to a smaller country of people, don’t you think?

These posts just go to show that in SOME Americans, the concept of hate is our legacy. No apology will fix that.

By THE MAN

March 21, 2007 3:28 PM | Link to this

I APOLOGIZE FOR SLAVERY.

NOW GET TO WORK AND MAKE A MEANINGFUL, LAW-ABIDING CONTRIBUTION TO SOCIETY !

IF YOU CANT AFFORD KIDS, DON’T HAVE THEM !!!

YOU WEREN’T BORN WITH A CRACK PIPE IN YOUR MOUTH !!!

YOU WEREN’T BORN IN PRISON !!!

STOP BLAMING ME FOR ALL YO PROBLEMS !!!

MR. CHARLIE (ALIAS THE MAN)

By harold

March 21, 2007 3:29 PM | Link to this

if you are african american but are not as black skinned as the brothers in africa, then chances are high your great great great granddaddy was a white evil plantation owner getting it on with your great great great grandmomma! so who do you want an apology from? yourself? like it or not, it was your rapist ancestor who had slaves!!!!!!! look in the mirror for the bloodline of the people who did this to you!

By Flan

March 21, 2007 3:34 PM | Link to this

And what exactly does an apology do? Prove? Accomplish?

Doesn’t the NAACP have real work to do? Such as working to help and improve the African-American community, something with a real, tangible purpose?

I am asking because I truly would like to know. To me it is baffling.

By Sherman

March 21, 2007 3:36 PM | Link to this

I’m not mad at the world, I do worry about what my children will have to go thru. I don’t let the NAACP speak for me. I speak for me! I’m not some angry black man, mad at the world cause the “man” holding me down. That’s just stupid. I’m angry at these idiots on this blog that think they founded this country and would not mind sending Black people back to Africa and why not they go back to Europe? I think if Europeans never went to Africa and destroyed the place and made countries and put all those tribes together under one nation, and left their disease back in Europe. Africa would be a great continent.

By Toby Cash

March 21, 2007 3:47 PM | Link to this

Should we apologize to the Mexicans for the Alamo, to the Indians for taking America, to the Russians for our great deal on Alaska. If one apologizes, one has to do something…AND we have not done a thing to apologize for. This is ridiculous anyway.

By Judi

March 21, 2007 3:57 PM | Link to this

No apology! As has been repeatedly mentioned in the above blogs, GET OVER IT and move on. Why waste your energy on this? I did nothing to you. Quit playing the “poor me” card. Get a job. Quit having kids MY taxes have to support. Educate your youth to right and wrong. This would cut out crime in our world!

By Lance A. Dodd

March 21, 2007 4:02 PM | Link to this

Apologize for what and where? When is the state, the nation, going to apologize to the first people of this so called great nation. Apologize for slavery, what do you say to the mass extermation of Native Americans, sorry just doesn’t get it, lol.

One of the few proud Noble Savages left

By Fred

March 21, 2007 4:18 PM | Link to this

Another complete waste of space in the AJC.When the $212 BILLION $s a year in welfare checks to BLACKS stop - then I’ll apologize, until then,just sit on your stoop,smoke a little crack,have your 12-15 YOA kids(no known daddy) drop a kid or two and wait for the checks to come in. Now lets get the TWO POVERTY PIMPS (Rev AL Sharpton & Rev Jesse Jackson) involved like the Tawana Brawley & Duke LaCross team RAPE cases.Enough said.WW2 has the answer but so far I only read of one person wanting three tickets. One year of welfare would pay for every Africian Americian to return to their homeland Africa, even tho most can’t spell it or find it on a map.OOPS almost forgot ain’t NO WELFARE CHECKS IN AFRICA

By Diogenes

March 21, 2007 4:19 PM | Link to this

It amuses me when the African-American community sloughs off criticism leveled against a disproportionately high (notice I did not say “all” or even “most”) share of it as mere “stereotyping.”

But that works both way, recognizing that all stereotypes have some basis in fact. Imagine a social climate where employers would want to hire black applicants because they “stereotypically” valued education and had a strong work ethic. Imagine people wanting black neighbors because they “stereotypically” raised their kids to act responsibly and to stay out of trouble, in stable 2-parent homes.

Of course, that could happen, but instead the opposite has. MLK rightfully taught us to view peoples’ character, and not their skin color. The vast majority of whites, I believe, have tried to do just that. But when we see a vastly disproportionate share of the black community embracing the criminal/thug lifestyle, and enjoying violent and mysogynistic gangster rap, and trashing their own neighborhoods, and disdaining education as “acting white,” and raising multiple babies in fatherless homes, and then constantly blaming their sinking social plight on something that happened generations ago, again I have to ask …

I’ll be happy to apologize for slavery. It was wrong and loathesome and horrible, just as have been all the crimes against humanity committed by the Nazis againt the Jews, and the English against the Scotch/Irish, and amongst the the Serbs and Bosnians and Croats, and the Hutus against the Tutsis, and the list goes on forever. But HOW is that apology going to improve or change conditions in the black community??? What is this supposed to accomplish? I ask this out of sheer frustration.

By apocalypsedawg

March 21, 2007 4:25 PM | Link to this

This blog is an embarassment to the State of Georgia. I was born, raised, and educated in this state and I have never been more ashamed than I am right now for the venom and tenor of the messages posted here today. It makes me sick.

By Rodney

March 21, 2007 4:28 PM | Link to this

I am African American, and i feel that an apology at this point will not dispel the fact that I owe it to myself to pursue excellence in a way that maximizes my opportunities for success. We’ve all been slaves of this country, including Chinese, whites, Africans, and Native Americans. Let’s move forward!!!! There are more recent issues that I would Like society/NAACP deal with.

By Shequitta Jackson

March 21, 2007 4:33 PM | Link to this

President Hillary :

Can I get my reparations check direct deposited ?

Shequitta

By Mark

March 21, 2007 4:35 PM | Link to this

I support an official apology for slavery from the state of Georgia to anyone who is a direct descendant of a slave that was owned in Georgia.

Upon submission of documented proof of blood lineage, that individual would recieve a formal letter of apology from the state signed by the Governor.

However, to receive the letter, the slave descendant must first sign a wavier to any form of financial reparations or payments of any kind from the state of Georgia and agree not to participate in any class action lawsuits against the state of Georgia.

By jay

March 21, 2007 4:36 PM | Link to this

To Indians: For you to come on this board and talk $hit about crime, reparations, etc. is a joke. You got yours thru land based casinos, no taxes, etc. REMEMBER???

To whites: Most of you are so stupid, how can the yr 2007 so of you make statements like (go back to Africa, you all rape and commit crime, crack, etc. Al Sharpton and Jessie Jackson speak for very few African Americans. I have 1/2 million dollar home, own business, have wonderful kids, pay taxes, invest wisely, etc.

I guess we say law -abiding when it pertains to black people. Look at the white collar crime that happens everyday by Bush and his cronnies. Look at the major drug traffic. I don’t see many blacks with airplanes flying the drugs and contraband from Colombia, etc. Look at the Enrons of the world.—-NO, but you want to focus on the bias news that reports the little crimes that happen on a daily basis. Crime is crime no matter how large or small.

Keep your racist comments to yourself because in the end we are all gods children and you will have to answer to the man when its all over.

By GenXDen

March 21, 2007 4:40 PM | Link to this

@Fed Up…Thank you so much for the kind words. I’ve seen what you are going through time and time again. It’s amazing how “our own” can turn on us at the drop of a hat. I applaude your courage and conviction for following your heart and not any kind or divisive feeling expressed by your respective families. I grew up in an area that had much the same mentality. German people only married German people, Polish married Polish, Irish married Irish, etc. I always found it disconcerting that people actually felt that they were better not only because of the color of their skin, but also because of the country of their national origin. I guess, however, that they did me a favor…I saw some of them say and do the most ignorant things and it proved, early on, that they were no better than the rest of us who muddle through our day to day lives. Made me look at everyone, including myself, with wide open eyes!!!

By Will

March 21, 2007 4:45 PM | Link to this

You can keep your apology. Frankly I don’t need it and don’t want it. The ones that deserve an apology have already passed on and hopefully have received their just reward from the almighty for all the disrespectful, inhuman things done to them. It was not my back snapped by a whip or hands that cramped from picking cotton nonstop in the dry Georgia heat. Even if they passed a bill today allocating funds to all descendants of slaves I wouldn’t take a dime because I believe it to be disrespectful to those who endured and with all due respect to my white counterparts: I don’t want any hand outs from you. There is a lot of blood on that money and I would feel like some kind of sellout if I take that money. I respect the NAACP. They have done a lot of good since their inception however as time moves forward I am finding them more of a hindrance than a help. For us to advance as a people we have to get over on trying to “make the white man feel sorry” for their past actions and do us. Raise are kids in two parent homes, teach them morals and proper ethics. Stress education and economic development, etc. Then and only then will we truly start to “Advance” and free our minds from the chains of oppression. Simply stated if we handle our business it will not matter who or what try to stop us. To my white counterparts please rests assure that most blacks are Decent Good natured, intelligent people who want the same things out of life like you do. A Nice home in a safe neighborhood, enough income to support their families and a chance to live are dreams. Despite what you may hear on your local news or on fictional TV shows we are all not thugs, gangstas and drug dealers. It is an image that has been perpetuated through TV and Hollywood for a long time and on a personal note one I am constantly defending. You do not owe us an apology simply because it was not you who did the oppressing. If we all paid for the sins of our ancestors we would all be in a horrible place. What you can do though is judge each individual regardless of color on the content of their character and not fall prey to weak minded generalizations based on someone’s skin. By the words I read in this blog we are all a long way from that. The blog is an interesting place because you will see how those you work, go to school and possibly attend church with really feel once they are in that comfortable seat in front of a computer screen. To anyone who spews out this racist crap you are indeed the bottom feeders of the earth and one day will have to answer for all that hate in your heart. All you are doing is perpetuating the very thing you hate because you are just adding fuel to the flames that continue to engulf our country in a world of hate. I pray for all of you whether you like my kind or not. The only thing I can control is being the best human being I can be. Hopefully I can do that and hopefully you all hope to do the same.

By Fred

March 21, 2007 4:46 PM | Link to this

To Jay: I notice you only brought up Indians & Whites. How many of your relatives & friends are on welfare now or where in the past.

By Reality Check

March 21, 2007 4:50 PM | Link to this

With all of this pathetic diatribe going on (i.e., “get off crack, stop committing crimes, welfare, go back to Africa”), no wonder we were asleep at the wheel on 9/11.

When we get bombed again, all of you raging idiots, black and white will be wishing for a crack pipe…

By tye

March 21, 2007 4:51 PM | Link to this

Fred,

You are real ignorant, It’s so funny when white people come up with these figures of how much money is going to black people in welfare, It seems funny how whites want to blame all the crime on black people. For every 2 african americans who may commit a crime, I can show you 4 who do work, who do abide by the laws, who do go to school and get their education. There are plenty of african americans who work for what they want, they don’t go robbing or taking from anyone. We’re not all bad, just like whites aren’t all bad. So please lets stop all this bashing. We all need to change the way we think. Change our hearts. I don’t want an apology from anyone.

By blackManAtl

March 21, 2007 4:54 PM | Link to this

Look the Negative Remarks! I am a black man who feels that an apolgy from the likes of you who are apparently white thinks that ALL blacks in this country is waiting for an apolgy and looking for a handout. You say that we should move forward, but look at the attack on my entire race in this country just because the NAACP is asking for any apology. Though an apology to me wouldn’t mean anything….especially from the majority of you writing in this blob. I definitely don’t think any of you owe me anything and believe it or not, many other blacks in this country feel the same as I do. Besides, it would be meaningless since I can see the racist overtones in this blog. I don’t think you can apologize to me when you still think of blacks in this country as second class citizens anyway! I am glad I don’t allow what you think of me to reflect who I really am. I just continue to achieve and enjoy the success that hard work and education (B.S and M.S) has afforded me. The previous sentence I wrote gets overlooked because most of white society would rather hear about us being all the negative things that society has place on my race anyway. We should get past this black/white issue and learn that when we bleed (like in Irag), the color is RED while the rich in this country is pocketing a lot of GREEN

By Fred

March 21, 2007 5:06 PM | Link to this

To Tye: Truth hurts and has nothing to do with being ignorant.You must not get downtown ATL to be saying the following: For every 2 african americans who may commit a crime, I can show you 4 who do work, who do abide by the laws, who do go to school and get their education. I know you never watch any of the Judge shows, COPS,The First 48,etc etc. Check out the following newnationnews.org. Your saying —-I don’t want an apology from anyone. None given.

By Ryan

March 21, 2007 5:06 PM | Link to this

I just wish that all of you black people would realize that people like Jesse Jackson and Al Sharpton and all of these other civil right activists are the problem. They are using your entire race for self promotion and monetary gain and what are they doing for you? NOTHING!!! all they care about is the money in their pockets. If the entire black race would denounce them and realize that racism isnt near as bad as they are telling you that it is then maybe this issue would go away. They are just a bunch of politicians out for what they can get for themselves and they are making the entire black race look like a bunch of idiots.

By Diogenes

March 21, 2007 5:09 PM | Link to this

Will, I appreciate and respect your sentiments. You truly seem to be a thoughtful and respectful person. However, the criticisms against the African-American community stated here (and sometimes very coarsely, regrettably), can’t just be brushed off as mere “hate.” Yes, I know that the negatives associated with the black community are blown out of proportion by the news and entertainment industries … but often with the very real complicity, if not downright encouragment, of too many IN the black community. In any event, it is a huge burden on the rest of us when more black males are in prison than in college, and when 70% of black babies are born to single mothers, and when we constantly hear of black students who try to study and make something of themselves being attacked for “acting white,” and when we have to guard our children against popular black “culture” because it glorifies violence, and when all of us payer higher taxes to support people who don’t care about aquiring job skills or remaining responsibly employed, and when we become afraid to frequent Buckhead and other parts of town because of roving bands of youths bent on petty crime and anarchy (witnessed way too many times first-hand), etc., etc., etc. Yes, there are people of all races who do these various things, but these problems all disproportionately involve the black community, and result from the personal choices made by disproportionately too many in the black community. Yet, when anyone complains about this or points it out, the “wall” goes up, and we are accused of “hate.” Well, I can tell you, I don’t “hate” anyone. But I am darned frustrated.

By RODJUAN

March 21, 2007 5:15 PM | Link to this

WE DON’T NEED YOUR APOLOGY.

What we as Africans in the Diasporas and the mainland of Africa need to do is MOURN FOR OUR ANCESTORS SLAUGHTERED DURING THE MAAFA (THE AFRICAN HELLACAUST) ON JUNE 19TH, 2007. This issue of an apology is another in the long line of distractions from our UNITY. Our Ancestors were brutally slaughtered, raped, defiled by the Ancestors of these Caucasians, an apology without repentance will do nothing for anyone.

The 9/11/2006 issue of Time Magazine ran the results of a survey conducted by the University of Wisconsin, it reveals that 77% of Caucasians acknowledge that they have an advantage over the African due to the classification of ‘White’, now where in the world did they gain that advantage? and if they have the advantage does that not mean that we have the disadvantage? the study also reveals that this 77% is not willing to relinquish that advantage, so much for parity.

So let’s cut the crap, there is no statute of limitations on murder. Under the RICO law assets gained from an illegal and criminal enterprise are forfeitable. What the Caucasians ancestors did was criminal to the highest degree, the advantage his children enjoy today is due to that criminal enterprise.

My ancestors were not slaves, they were enslaved. Slavery was the means by which civilized societies settled up after war, the loser would serve the victor for a period of time, there could be no abuse leveled against the slave, and the children born to the slaves were free. On the other hand, free men from Africa were brutally enslaved and held against their will, they did not lose a war, this was an overt act of terrorizm. This was criminal, and you the offspring of those terrorists are enjoying the advantage it afforded you, you are not smarter or wiser, just maybe a bit more cruel and spineless,SO KEEP YOUR APOLOGY, WE WILL MOURN OUR SLAUGHTERED ANCESTORS ON JUNE 19TH, 2007.

By Marks Phillips

March 21, 2007 5:16 PM | Link to this

I don’t usually post on these things but I’ll at least give my opinion. I can agree that since it has been over 140 years since my people have been freed that its a little too late to apoligize for slavery. Instead I think an apology for the institutionalized segregation of the Jim Crow era is more appropriate. It is more relevant today as there are still people walking the earth today affected by it. I know for many whites an apology means nothing, and it won’t do anything to directly change the lives of blacks in this state. But it will give us (blacks) the knowledge that our state has finally put that awful era of its history to rest. So to our Gov. please put this issue to rest by allowing the state to recognize that what happened here to blacks less than 40 years ago was illegal and unjust.

By tye

March 21, 2007 5:18 PM | Link to this

What Fred, the so called truth your mother told you. I will pray for you. Never asked for an apology. From a law abiding, tax paying, educated, caring, hard working human being, who doesn’t need any handouts and never asked for any handouts, never been on welfare, and there are many more like me. You all have a good evening.

By an american

March 21, 2007 5:20 PM | Link to this

as a american citizen, i would like for ALL americans (black & white)to know that I am in my thirties & my grandparents, great-grandparents & great-great-grandparents never had any slaves. One side of my family was raised in north georgia and the other, Cobb County, Georgia & Ohio. NAACP needs to stop creating racial conflict. And focus on issues where race is actually a factor (KKK!! HEllO)

By jesus christ

March 21, 2007 5:21 PM | Link to this

the apology should be thus: ” we are sorry for not picking our own cotton”

By REALITY

March 21, 2007 5:24 PM | Link to this

620,000 WHITE AMERICANS DIED IN A BLOODY WAR WHICH RESULTED IN YOUR FREEDOM.

YOU GOT THE RIGHT TO VOTE

YOU GOT THE MLK HOLIDAY

YOU GOT AFFIRMAIVE ACTION

YOU GOT O.J. SIMPSON OUT OF JAIL

NOW YOU WANT AN APOLOGY BY A GOVERNMENT WHOSE POLITICIANS WERE NOT EVEN ALIVE DURING SLAVERY DAYS, AND SOME HAVE THE BALLS TO DEMAND REPARATIONS FOR THE SUFFERINGS OF PEOPLE WHO’VE BEEN DEAD FOR YEARS.

AT WHAT POINT DOES THIS NONSENSE STOP ?

By Fred

March 21, 2007 5:31 PM | Link to this

THIS BLOG SHOULD END NOW.

By Working Class Gal

March 21, 2007 5:35 PM | Link to this

Oh, I’ll apologize when you STOP TRYING TO BREAK INTO MY HOUSE, when you STOP IMPREGNATING SHAQUEENA, LA TANIQUA, KENYADAYADAYADA & MAKING ME PAY FOR THE PRIVILEGE of supporting your foul, AIDS-infected, illegitimate crack-brats! I’d say the most offensive post on here was by Mosa. This is NOT a “Christian country”. Last time I looked, people of any & all faiths are allowed equal rights & to worship as we please. And while we’re at it, WHY hasn’t anyone thought of apologizing to people who are disfigured/deformed & handicapped? If anyone’s been mistreated…

By StevenH

March 21, 2007 5:39 PM | Link to this

While I think our state government should pass a resolution apologizing for our state’s involvement in slavery, I agree wholeheartedly with Marks Phillips that perhaps a more appropriate apology should come for state sanctioned and approved segregation, Jim Crow, and sub par support for education, all of which has occurred in my lifetime. I’m a white man who works in a majority black school, and all my coworkers are good, hard working, educated people who give their best each day to our youth. I’ve never heard any of them ask for an apology, but I think in the interest of brotherhood and community for all Georgians that it would be a good thing.

By Chad

March 21, 2007 5:45 PM | Link to this

I just need to scream for a minute. First of all, this is all a bunch of crap! I am white and I have many black friends who I would trust with my life ao all of you idiots don’t start calling me a racist. No one can receive reparations fro something that did not occur to them. And no one’s family can be mandated to pay them for something there ancestors did. If you could then rape a victims family could sue the family of the rapist even after their death. Doesn’t that sound rediculous. Neither I or any other white american can do anything about what happened long ago, therefore we should not be held accountable for it. Instead of asking for a meaningless apology, black americans should be teaching their children how not living together with others is detrimental to our society. But by making this silly request(demand) you are teaching them to look to the past and blame it for the present and the future. Until you let it go, those who still have that hate will never let go of you! Don’t be a slave to anything or anyone, especially the past!

By Fred

March 21, 2007 5:54 PM | Link to this

WAY TO GO WORKING CLASS GAL.LET THE TRUTH BE KNOWN. REMEMBER THE TRUTH WILL SET YOU FREE.MOST OF THE BLOGGERS IN TODAYS BLOG AGREE WITH YOU. THE OTHERS HAVE THEIR EYES AND MINDS CLOSED. I NOW APOLOGIZE FOR THE ONES WHO BROUGHT SLAVES TO AMERICA- NOW IF THEY WOULD ONLY TAKE THEM BACK.

By RODJUAN

March 21, 2007 6:05 PM | Link to this

Sadistic foster mother’s 19-year reign of terror 20.03.07 Add your view

A foster mother was found guilty today of subjecting three young children to a “horrifying catalogue of cruel and sadistic treatment”.

Eunice Spry, 62, routinely beat, abused and starved the youngsters in her care over a 19 year period. The devout Jehovah’s Witness forced sticks down their throats and made them eat their own vomit and rat excrement.

Now imagine an entire people being subjected to this type of torture 100 times more volatile than the above, and not for 19 years but for centuries. Not only were they tortured by this sadistic monster, but they were routinely murdered, raped, sodomized, defiled in evry inhumane way inconceivable. Now then accept that the offspring of these sadistic monsters enjoy the ill begotten fruits, while the offsprings of the tortured enslaved still feel the impact of their ancestors peril.

You can’t apologize that away, it won’t go away by itself, you cannot destroy energy, this painful energy of the past has to be toned, we do that by MOURNING FOR OUR SLAUGHTERED AFRICAN ANCESTORS ON JUNE 19TH, 2007.

By ABR

March 21, 2007 6:08 PM | Link to this

As a South African native, I can assure you that black people here have it made. A welfare system that allows you to live off of it. I have noticed large numbers of black single parent families in rural areas of Georgia where the mother does not work, their children are in the free lunch/breakfast program at school and they drive $50,000 suv’s. The tax payors of this country apparently are paying for them. In my country, indoor plumbing would be nice to these people. Regardless of how you got here, look around the world and see how fortunate you are.

By Fred

March 21, 2007 6:09 PM | Link to this

Found this in one of Rick Badie/Opinion,hits the nail on the head

Can’t Blame White People by Bill Cosby

They’re standing on the corner and they can’t speak English. I can’t even talk the way these people talk: Why you ain’t, Where you is, What he drive, Where he stay, Where he work, Who you be… And I blamed the kid until I heard the mother talk. And then I heard the father talk. Everybody knows it’s important to speak English… except these knuckleheads. Mushmouth is what they speak! You can’t be a doctor with that kind of crap coming out of your mouth.

In fact you will never get any kind of job making a decent living. People marched and were hit in the face with rocks to get an education,

and now we’ve got these knuckleheads throwing that all away. The lower economic people are not holding up their end in this deal.

These people are not parenting. They are buying things for kids. $500 sneakers for what? And they won’t spend $200 for Hooked on Phonics. I am talking about these people who cry when their son is standing there in an orange suit. Where were you when he was 2? Where were you when he was 12? Where were you when he was 18? And, how come you didn’t know that he had a pistol? And where is the father? Or who is his father? People putting their clothes on backward: Isn’t that a sign of something gone wrong? People with their hats on backward, pants down around the crack, isn’t that a sign of something? They’re walking around with their nasty underwear showing, and holding onto their pants to keep them from falling to the ground! Or are you waiting for Jesus to pull his pants up? Isn’t it a sign of something when she has her dress all the way up to her line, and got all types of needle piercings going through her body? What part of Africa did this come from? We are not Africans. Those people are not Africans; they don’t know a thing about Africa. With names like Shaniqua, Taliqua and Mohammed and all of that crap, and all of them are in jail.

Brown or black versus the Board of Education is no longer the white person’s problem We have got to take the neighborhood back. People used to be ashamed. Today a woman has eight children with eight different ‘husbands’ — or men or whatever you call them now. We have millionaire football players who cannot read. We have million-dollar basketball players who can’t write two paragraphs. We as black folks have to do a better job. Someone working at Wal-Mart with seven kids saying… you are hurting us. We have to start holding each other to a higher standard. We cannot blame the white people any longer. It is not for media or anyone of this time anymore to say whether I’m right or wrong It is time, ladies and gentlemen, to look at the numbers. Fifty percent of our children are dropping out of high school. Sixty percent of the incarcerated males happen to be illiterate. There’s a correlation. Tell the media to stop asking me what I think about people who don’t believe what I’m saying or feel that I’m too harsh or feel that I’m just running my mouth because I’m old.

Seventy percent of the teenagers pregnant happen to be African American girls.

By CJ

March 21, 2007 6:09 PM | Link to this

WoW! The hearts of men are truly wicked. I can relate to both sides. I myself am half Moroccon and half German, making me of European and African descent. So allow me to share my view. There are racist white people, racist black people, racist Indians, the list goes on and on. However, nowadays, it is okay for black people to joke about whitey and crackers and all that, yet when a white person says something about a black person, all hell will break loose. Wrong is wrong and sin is sin. Period. Stop the hate. Ask God to cleanse your evil, fleshly thoughts and then we can move on.

Be blessed

By John

March 21, 2007 6:10 PM | Link to this

By all means apologize. But, lets do it right. First, every state from 1775 and up to 1865 needs to apologize. Then, the blacks who owned many of their own in Louisiana, South Carolina and new Jersey need to apologize. Then, we need to get the British to step in, and lastly, the Tribal Chiefs of Africa who sold their own to the traders. Only these actins will bring it all to a close. By the way, why is the Confederate Battle flag so maligned, but not the stars and stripes under which slavery existed at least 80 years prior?

By CJ

March 21, 2007 6:12 PM | Link to this

Fred,

I saw that article earlier today. And I totally agree with Bill Cosby. So does my husband, who by the way, is black. TOTALLY agree.

By ELIJAH MOHAMMED

March 21, 2007 6:18 PM | Link to this

GET OFF THE DOPE !

TURN OFF THE RADIO & BET !

STOP SLEEPING WITH MEMBERS OF ANOTHER RACE !

USE CONTRACEPTION !

SHOW SOME DIGNITY AND SELF-RESPECT !

BE RESPONSIBLE FOR YOUR ACTIONS !

GET OFF WELFARE !

By dick

March 21, 2007 6:19 PM | Link to this

Has anyone ever heard Jessie Jackson, Al Sharpton or any other pastors that are on front page preach a sermon on love, lost, sin. No, it has always been “our people” Will and others are correct, they are only feeding off of their own people. They desire to see their people stay low and down and out.

By TEACHER

March 21, 2007 6:28 PM | Link to this

WINNERS OF WARS WRITE THE HISTORIES.

THE VICTORIOUS NORTH HAS SUCCESSFULLY TAKEN NORTH AMERICAN SLAVERY (1619-1865) AND NEATLY PACKAGED IT INTO THE FOUR-YEAR (1861-1865) EXISTENCE OF THE DEFEATED CONFEDERATE STATES OF AMERICA. WHEN SLAVERY IS PORTRAYED ON THE IDIOT BOX OR BIG SCREEN IT IS A SOUTHERN THING AND A CONFEDERATE BATTLE FLAG IS FLYING OVER THE COTTON FIELDS.

GET YOUR HEADS OUT OF YOUR A* AND READ UP ON SLAVERY.

IT EXISTED UP NORTH !

WHEN THOSE NICE NORTHERNERS HAD NO MORE USE FOR FREE LABOR, DO YOU THINK THEY FREED THEIR SLAVES ?

NO, THEY WERE SOLD TO THE SOUTH WHEN COTTON BECAME KING AFTER THE NICE NORTHENER ELI WHITNEY INVENTED THE COTTON GIN.

USE YOUR BRAIN, YOU DUMBED DOWN HISTORY-CHALLENGED AMERICAN !

By T Banks

March 21, 2007 6:38 PM | Link to this

Apologize for something that though is a tragedy but yet is something “We” were not exposed to nor did not have to shoulder the burden…So who will accept the apology…NAACP? By what right do they accept it? so moral of the story is “NAACP, spend your time and resources on projects that can help people live a better life” this is not the one…

By EBONICUS

March 21, 2007 6:57 PM | Link to this

THE NAACP IS AS OUTDATED AND OUT OF TOUCH WITH THE MODERN BLACK RACE AS THE SLAVES ARE !

BLAME WHITEY. BLAME THE BUSH ADMINISTRATION. COZY UP TO THE DEMOCRATS FOR THE CRUMBS THEY OFFER YOU ELECTION TIME.

THEY CAN KEEP THE CRUMBS !

I DON’T WANT WHAT I HAVE’NT WORKED FOR AND EARNED MYSELF ! I DON’T NEED SOME SELF-SERVING NEGRO PREACHER TELLING ME HOW TO VOTE, OR WHAT WHITE POLITICIAN TO SUPPORT !

By Me

March 21, 2007 7:06 PM | Link to this

People have always abused other people. Its unfortunate but true. Africans were sold into slavery by other Africans. Slavery was legal in both North and South for centuries. Indian tribes fought each other and made each other slaves. Some Indians also owned African slaves. Slavery has existed in many societies throughout history. It was wrong then, its wrong now, it’ll always be wrong. The past is the past. Learn from it and move on.

By RODJUAN

March 21, 2007 7:08 PM | Link to this

’ RACISM IS WHITE SUPREMACY, WHITE SUPREMACY IS RACISM. IT IS THE ONLY RACISM. RACISM/WHITE SUPREMACY IS A TOTAL SYSTEM THAT IS LOCAL, NATIONAL, AND GLOBAL. IT’S NOT AN EVENT OR SERIES OF EVENTS. IT’S A TOTAL SYSTEM DYNAMIC THAT EVOLVED CONSCIOUSLY AND OR SUBCONSCIOUSLY BY PEOPLE WHO CLASSIFY THEMSELVES AS ‘WHITE’ FOR THE PURPOSE OF WHITE GENETIC SURVIVAL’

By Dr. Frances Cress Welsing.

By Bart

March 21, 2007 7:47 PM | Link to this

I want an apology from Egypt for enslaving the entire Jewish people. Send my check today.
That is all this apology silliness is about — free money.

By Mark

March 21, 2007 8:10 PM | Link to this

I do not hate anybody

By TAG

March 21, 2007 8:20 PM | Link to this

Fred your ignorance represents the little mind you have and the black heart inside of you. People that hate for no reason are part of a mindless,heartless group of invertebrates. You are low and will be stepped on for the rest of your life. White people in america, are the majority on welfare. More tax dollars go to support whites on welfare than any other race in america. You show your ignorance. But I do not want an apology nor do I want reparations. I take care of my own. By the way look on the street and you will see just as many white crack users and more white meth users than ever. Get it right.

By Lance A. Dodd

March 21, 2007 8:21 PM | Link to this

Want to know the real reason so many black were brought over here from Africa, because Naïve Americans don’t breed in captivity.

By Jim

March 21, 2007 8:31 PM | Link to this

NO! I am tired of talking aboiut this and the confederate flag. The Governor and the Legislature have more important things to do than pander to another special interest group wanting to further their cause. The fact that we have the Hope Scholarship should be reparations enough. To walk away with a free Degree from UGA all you have to do is study and work hard. How many other states can say that?

By DwayneL

March 21, 2007 8:44 PM | Link to this

Not no, but hell no! NO ONE ALIVE TODAY WAS INVOLVED PEOPLE!!! Move on with your lives and quit blaming slavery and discrimination for all of your problems. Blacks have more opportunities these days than whites, yet they don’t take advantage of them and would rather admire the rappers and thugs.

By Todd

March 21, 2007 8:58 PM | Link to this

No one seems to want an apology from the Dutch, who were by far the largest of the slave traders. Most slavery resulted from the sugar cane industry in the 1500’s in the indies. Then moved on up to the fledgling U.S. Was it wrong? Definitely, without a doubt. Should their be an apology? I’m not so sure, its just going to start dividing people on race AGAIN. The NAACP is as for America and ACLU. They fight for causes that just divide people. Why not fight for causes such as poverty, no insurance, no health care, crime, fair wages, things that will actually make a difference in our country. I hate that my ancestors made money off of slaves, I don’t have any of that money now. I hate that my mothers ancestors were p ut on a reservation in NC, but I can’t do anything about that. ITS THE PAST!!

By Craig

March 21, 2007 9:16 PM | Link to this

Looking back at slavery through our politically correct lense only serves to make the “victims” feel good by giving them an excuse for their peoples failures and a way to collect money from ignorant blacks and “guilty” whites that pity you. Yall need to get a life and stop using racism, slavery and Jim Crowe as excuses for your plight in life. On another note, less than 10% of the people in the South ever owned a slave so sell “victim” somewhere else cause we’re all sold out here. While we can all agree that slavery is/was wrong, Black folk need to understand that they are not the only people to have ever be enslaved. Besides, it was the black tribal leaders in Africa who sold their neighbors into slavery in the first place. Are yall gonna go ask the Zulus or any other African tribe to apologize for selling their brothers into slavery? “Get busy living or get busy dieing” but just get over it.

By OldSchool

March 21, 2007 9:25 PM | Link to this

Well, Sonny wouldn’t be apologizing on my behalf…I’m from Arkansas.

By Fred

March 21, 2007 9:34 PM | Link to this

Tag & Tye must be brother & sister, maybe you both should dig deeper in facts and you’ll find that stats DON’T lie and for being ignorant, I’m surprised you two can spell the word. I guess the old saying ignorance is bliss holds thru cause God created so many of us Georgians that think the same way toward you,just count the ones in this blog, and as for TAGS saying (By the way look on the street and you will see just as many white crack users and more white meth users than ever. Get it right). And guess whos selling it to them, despicable blacks. Enough said. I live here and work in ATL and I see the best of your kind everyday but they usually are down on Auburn,Edgewood or downtown looking for a handout or something to steal.

By Political Mongrel

March 21, 2007 9:46 PM | Link to this

Racism exists in every culture in the world. Period. It is not the exclusive province of the South, and it is not the exclusive province of Georgia. It has existed throughout human history and seems to be inherent in human nature, and overcoming it is a never-ending task. It’s not made any better by empty PR gestures.

Let’s remember a bit of history, too: Lincoln’s emancipation proclamation only was to liberate slaves in the Southern states. He excluded slaves owned in the Northern states throughout the war. Anyone who thinks that there was no slavery in the USA during the war is ignorant of history.

By dbryant

March 21, 2007 10:44 PM | Link to this

The problem is that you white people are so judemental. I wish you could see how racist you all look. First you get on a blog where you think no black person would ever look to see how you REALLY are, you smile in our faces then talk a bunch of s** behind our backs. the things you say you would never say in a public forum. you all arre just hiding behind your compters but are to much of a coward to say what you really feel to the black people you know, probably because you know that ,you would get punched in the face for your rediculous remarks. the problem in our comunity is that whit people wont let go of their prejudices. And you even teach your bigotry to your children. i really think that you people don’t see anything wrong with slavery and if you do you are scared to say so because of group think. You are scared to think for yourself be cause you dont want to be the subject of ridecule. It truly is sad that this is 2007 and racism is still so alive but so covert. I wish it was overt beause at least then I would know where you stand. And you wonder why nobody trust white people. you need to stand back and take a good long look at all the progress we have made since the end of segregation. not much is it. Ya’ll have to understand that we just want what anybody else wants. A home, agood job, and the ability to give our children what we couldnt have. but we are criplled from the start with a lackluster education. I remember when i was in high school I asked m white “guidance counselor”what do i need to do to go to college and she told me that I ned to go to trade school and learn a trade. Now i’m a network administrator at a college. People are all bacically the same. weall have the same wants and needs and the sooner we realize that the better we’ll all be. ya’ll have top stop this culture of covert hatred I’m not from africa I was born in america. What if i told you to go back o england you damned anglo saxon!!! ,sounds stupid dont it??? well thaats what it sound like when ya’ll say i wish they go back to africa. I’m not afriacn-american, i’m just plain ol’ american just like ya’ll. and the apology is just for ya’ll to acknowledge that it was wrong to enslave anyone not just our ancestors. How can ya’ll say get over it???? nobody is telling jewish people to get over the holocaust!!!

PS i know there are afew typo’s so don’t bother pointing them out in your hate filled responses

By scott

March 21, 2007 10:49 PM | Link to this

Does anyone not see that, without slavery, most “african americans” would not be here today? Everyone is complaining that my great-great grandfather was brought over on a ship but, without the slave trade, most of black america’s ancestors would still be in Africa.
The American Indians have been crapped on for generations as well but for some reasons, African Americans think more is owed to them. I would love to meet a black person who was alive during slavery to tell me to give them money because of it. If you want to get over slavery, forget apologies, NAACP, and look to the future, not the past. No matter how hard you try, slavery, segregation, and racism happened, but how can you change the past? Even Marty McFly had a hard time doing it and that was Hollywood….

By Ha Ha

March 21, 2007 10:57 PM | Link to this

I laugh at all you racists…some of you call yourselves Christians. I will see you in Hell…Ha Ha.

By CynthiaMcKinneySux

March 21, 2007 11:01 PM | Link to this

Lawsy Miss Scahlet, I dont know nuthin bout birthin no babies….

By scott

March 21, 2007 11:06 PM | Link to this

If the GA government apologizes for slavery, will everyone shut up about race issues then? If the balck population wants to make a difference forget the apologies and the ‘IOU’s” and teach the children to read, study, and not depend on the government to help anybody, not matter which color. If everyone would take responsibility for his/herself, then we could really advance as a society, regardless of race.

By CynthiaMcKinneySux

March 21, 2007 11:08 PM | Link to this

“I be dun seen bout evveerything, when I sees an elephant fly”

By A Cracker

March 21, 2007 11:09 PM | Link to this

It is funny how most “people” hide behind their words. If a Black person at your jobs asks the same question to your face, most would talk with conviction… Personally, I do not want an apology, and if someone tries to in my face, I will spit on them, of course in the honor of my great great grandparents…

By The Dragon

March 21, 2007 11:23 PM | Link to this

First of all, let me ask that no one confuse my sign in name with the types of Dragons most of you rednecks are paying dues to.

Secondly, as an employee of the AJC I can’t wait to look into who exactly is approving these racist, bigoted comments and thinks it’s okay.

Thirdly, (that’s the number three for you inbred haters that are trying to keep up), there’s no way I would even ask for an apology for slavery, because #1 who can trust anything you people say anyway, and #2 I actually agree with a number of you hillbillies in that the past is the past and we should leave it there. Nothing positive would come out of it, other than exposing Georgia’s Confederate flag waving, illiterate, yee haw, redneck, barefoot, uneducated population.

And that’s the real story here, how many spineless cowards can spew hatred from behind their computer screens but would probably have a completely different attitude out on the street.

I’m surprised you even know how to work the computer…….yes, you!

By getoveryourself

March 21, 2007 11:44 PM | Link to this

I’ve never seen so much collective stupidity on one blog!

This isn’t about white folks apologizing, but rather it’s about the STATE OF GEORGIA apologizing for sanctioning and allowing the enslavement and the disenfranchisement of blacks up to 40 years ago.

An apology from the governor, who is a REPRESENTATIVE OF THE STATE, would be a classy gesture. No money, no handouts, just a symbolic gesture. I really don’t understand the controversy.

AGAIN, WHITE PEOPLE, THIS WOULDN’T BE AN APOLOGY DIRECTLY FROM WHITE PEOPLE…BUT INSTEAD IT WOULD BE AN APOLOGY FROM THE STATE!!

By Clear Vision

March 21, 2007 11:55 PM | Link to this

The apology is nothing but a foundation to seek redistribution of wealth. That is being done because many black persons are unable to compete in the open business market of America. Most of the wealth already moved to the black race resulted from situations such as we have in Atlanta where enough gather to vote in a black circus.

By JLC

March 21, 2007 11:59 PM | Link to this

I don’t think our state formerly apologizing for slavery is a big deal. If you want an apology you will get one and if you think an apology is pandering, take solace in the fact Georgia won’t have to apologize twice. What I find interesting is that the same white trash, neo-confederate, revisionist historians who are b*** most passionately about the state of Georgia apologizing for it’s role in African slavery want to have a Confederate Heritage “MONTH” that come around each year. The typical white trash confederate revisionist will respond, well we have Black History month. Those are two very different things. It’s ok to have a holocaust remembrance month in Germany, but it’s not ok to have NAZI heritage month. I don’t think South Africans will be having an Apartheid Heritage month in the near future. I worked with South Africans last summer and while they aren’t crazy about the state of their nation they don’t glorify apartheid like you white trash revisionists glorify the saddest chapter in our states history. You are the same crowd that tells black people to get over it. I think you are the people who truly need to GET OVER IT.

BTW, I am a white native Georgian and I am the descendant of Confederate soldiers.

By Denise

March 22, 2007 2:36 AM | Link to this

After reading these post the one thing I have learned is we have a big problem. It sounds if we all hate each other. I read alot of post with God in them and how under god we are all one. But before you finish the post they all sound bitter and racism. No matter which race wrote it. I am glad I am not a religous person because if the talk on this blog is what being a christian is about I guess I will just stay a sinner.

By Willie

March 22, 2007 3:05 AM | Link to this

NO—Go over to the mother land, and ask the starving ones if they wish that great-great-great-great grandfather or grandmother had been sold to the white devils, and they were now living in the land where if they were too lazy to work, the same white devils would give them a free home, and a welfare check every month. OR if they wished to work, they could get ahead and have a good life, like the rest of us.

By Willie

March 22, 2007 3:13 AM | Link to this

Gee Dragon, you sound like a real P*K, Hate ain’t good for you. Be glad you are in the good old USA.

By Leronn

March 22, 2007 4:57 AM | Link to this

I dont here any of you saying “JUST GET OVER THE HOLOCAUST!” Some of you need to realize there are still people alive that slavery touched home with. I mean some of the older folks in the nation may have had great or great great grandparents that were slaves. So before you can be so insensitive to them think about that!

By NCBravesFan

March 22, 2007 5:23 AM | Link to this

Thank God I live in NC, where we don’t contemplate “Confederate Heritage Month” and other issues so essential to reinforcing the redneck worldview. Y’all keep scrappin’ with each other down there … we’ll keep working together up this way to attract jobs and build our economy.

By Jo-el

March 22, 2007 6:56 AM | Link to this

Is there really any black person out there that can honestly state that he wished that slavery never happened in this country? For him to do so would be to wish that he were living in Africa, not this wonderful country. He could be there with diseases, poverty like he’s never seen here, people ready to chop you up, etc., etc., ad nauseum. And, of course, slavery that exists there even now.

By Patrick

March 22, 2007 7:00 AM | Link to this

Ok, Leronn, I will say it: “JUST GET OVER THE HOLOCAUST!” along with “JUST GET OVER SLAVERY!” and “JUST GET OVER IT”

That goes for everyone.

By Andrew

March 22, 2007 7:18 AM | Link to this

I’m shocked and embarrassed that most of the comments here are written by people from my home state. No one is advocating the Legislature approve reparations, no one is saying that Georgians today are responsible for slavery. All that is being said here is that the state should in some capacity officially acknowledge that it played a role in the institution of slavery, and that this role was wrong. Period. Thats it. No money, no free jobs, no welfare, merely an acknowledgment that the state and its citizens perpetuated an unjust system.

What is so offensive about this idea? Are people opposed to it merely because it would be “political victory” for the NAACP?

If you look at what other countries/states have done in the wake public wrongs they have committed (even revisionist Japan made a public apology for its exploitation of Chinese and Korean women for prostitution), the fact that Georgia, nearly 150 years after the end of slavery, still cant bring itself to apologize is really embarrassing. How about instead of shouting LET IT GO, lets publicly acknowledge the collective mistake of our predecessors and then move on in a constructive way. (if nothing else, an apology will defuse one of the NAACP’s long time rallying points)

By CP

March 22, 2007 7:19 AM | Link to this

Why would an apology make anything better?

I should think that focusing on children in need, giving them support, and one on one attention, would do more good than letting them think slavery so long ago is something to carry like a blame, or growing up with the racial thought of being owed an apology from the white race..

concetrate on the future of these children.. tomorrow is what counts for them..

By i don't know nothin'bout birthin' no babies

March 22, 2007 7:26 AM | Link to this

Let’s just get it all out of the way for these whiney slave decendents who now drive their BMW’s and talk about how downtrodden they are. Sorry!! there. Now do you feel better? I sure do.What a load off my chest. i guess we better apologize to Japan for dropping the A-Bomb next then let’s apologize to Mexico for not allowing them all to come in to our country on a silver platter.

By mike

March 22, 2007 7:39 AM | Link to this

send them all back to africa,and let them complaine then.it’s been over for many years-what if the war ended the other way ? what would they saying now?

By harold

March 22, 2007 7:42 AM | Link to this

this whole apology thing is about making Sunni Perdue squirm

So, Harold is 100% for it!

APOLOGIZE SUNNI APOLOGIZE!

SUNNI LIED, SO APOLOGIZE!

By i don't know nothin' bout birthin' no babies

March 22, 2007 8:18 AM | Link to this

First let’s just all do the communal bow down to a group of people that were born 300 years after slavery. Now, don’t you feel better?! Next let’s get with Japan and apologize for Hiroshima. Then Germany must apologize to the Jews and ad nauseum. Jesse Jackson and his team of Rainbow Coalition people need to knock that chip off their shoulder and find a cause that is worthy. Quit stirring up the pot of slavery. It’s over. Done. Kaput. Move on. Start working to improve things within your race. Stop the exploitation of black women as sex objects and Ho’s. Quit fathering babies that you can’t support and leave it to all of us to support them through social programs. Quit shooting each other and calling yourselves the “N” word but making a big deal of it if someone else even utters the word. Start reading to your kids and helping in their education instead of leaving it to the overworked teachers to try and do what you should be doing at home. Get a job. Get off welfare and get a job. I’m so sick of the whole black/white thing. We’re all God’s people no matter what color. It’s not the white people that MAKE your teens have sex and populate our world with unwanted children. Get off the pity party bandwagon and go make the life that you so desparately want. Stop complaining. Grow up!

By Andrew

March 22, 2007 9:51 AM | Link to this

btw, the Germans have apologized many times for the Holocaust. That is normal behavior, right? Don’t normal people apologize when theyve made a mistake?

By blackManAtl

March 22, 2007 9:52 AM | Link to this

i don’t know nothin’ bout birthin’ no babies Just to show how ignorant you are…. All the things you just stated in you comments are exactly characteristics of your race also except the “N” word. The media attempts to portray as if only minorities are the ones with fatherless kids, on welfare, uneducated, criminals, etc… You have just as many WHITES that fit those descriptions as blacks, but the U.S. doesn’t want you to know that. Of course if you are looking at the welfare lines and social services in a minority neighborhood, you are going to see many blacks and hispanics, but don’t think your race has escaped these plights! You are a very IGNORANT PERSON that doesn’t even have all the facts straight. You are going off of what limited information you have at your disposal. The scary thing about that is we have someone just like you currently in the WHITE HOUSE!!!