Should we apologise? - Page 2

mejinks · 26-03-2007, 17:15

What are we apologising for? Yes the slave trade was abbhorent, so were the acts commited by the Yorkshire ripper. Do you see anyone apologising to the victims families?

I am sorry it happened, but what can I do about it? These acts weren't carried out in my name. All I will do is support any action that is against modern day slavery.

Matblack · 26-03-2007, 17:21

It all comes down to what your definition of apology is, I am really sorry it happened it was a horrible and regretful period in the development of our country, but I can only apologise for what I (personally) have done surely?

MB

Von Smallhausen · 26-03-2007, 18:08

I will put it another way then. Granted Mejinks, that you personally are not responsible no more than Mat or myself.

As head of Her Majesty's Government, Tony Blair is in a position to convey regret at what is unquestionaly an abhorrent act.

Are the Ripper case and slavery similar to the point of comparison ? The Ripper murders were the act of one man beyond the control of government of the day. Slavery was an act condoned and encouraged by government of the day, and for profit.

Matblack · 26-03-2007, 18:15

Quote:

Originally Posted by Von Smallhausen

I will put it another way then. Granted Mejinks, that you personally are not responsible no more than Mat or myself.

As head of Her Majesty's Government, Tony Blair is in a position to convey regret at what is unquestionaly an abhorrent act.

Are the Ripper case and slavery similar to the point of comparison ? The Ripper murders were the act of one man beyond the control of government of the day. Slavery was an act condoned and encouraged by government of the day, and for profit.

Just to get things straight I would be delighted for TB to apologise on behalf of the country. It was a highly regrettable time and I feel that we do make amends through our immigration/ political asylum and foreign aid programs.

MB

mejinks · 26-03-2007, 22:53

Quote:

Originally Posted by Von Smallhausen

I will put it another way then. Granted Mejinks, that you personally are not responsible no more than Mat or myself.

As head of Her Majesty's Government, Tony Blair is in a position to convey regret at what is unquestionaly an abhorrent act.

Are the Ripper case and slavery similar to the point of comparison ? The Ripper murders were the act of one man beyond the control of government of the day. Slavery was an act condoned and encouraged by government of the day, and for profit.

Actually you make a fair point there. The problem TB has is that if he apologises, he will open the floodgates of litigation and every tom dick and Kagunda, which would anger voters AND loose money.

I think that this debate could go on for years. I mean did the Japanese government ever apologise for the POW camps?

I think that although we can deeply regret the actions of our forefathers, we can never really apologise for something if we cannot feel the emotion of apology, which means even if there was an apology, it would be almost without true feeling, thus the only purpose it serves is for litigation or publicity.

Mark · 27-03-2007, 11:32

Quote:

Originally Posted by mejinks

I think that this debate could go on for years. I mean did the Japanese government ever apologise for the POW camps?

Yes, they did, several times, but I'm not sure how 'official' those apologies were and their sincerity has been questioned. There are issues to this very day (the latest being over sex slaves).

Will · 28-03-2007, 10:23

I'm in 2 minds on this. I think the gesture is worthy and honourary (as much as Tony Blair can be). However it's in the past, it was part and parcel of the times, it's what was done at the time and it helped numerous nations get to where they are now. Yes it was a bad thing but it still continues to this day - rather than apologising about the past, why not be more proactive about the future and current situations?

We had a dark past, skeletons in our closets, but it's done, dusted - it's over. Dwelling on the past is not a way to move forward. Remembrance, grievance is perfectly acceptable and maybe even required. However making a big point about it all now and people expecting "more" as a result of it is plain daft to me.

26-03-2007, 17:21	#12
Matblack Baby Bore Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Svalbard Posts: 9,770	It all comes down to what your definition of apology is, I am really sorry it happened it was a horrible and regretful period in the development of our country, but I can only apologise for what I (personally) have done surely? MB __________________ "we had roots that grew towards each other underground, and when all the pretty blossom had fallen from our branches we found that we were one tree and not two"

26-03-2007, 18:08	#13
Von Smallhausen I'm Free Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Tyneside Posts: 3,061	I will put it another way then. Granted Mejinks, that you personally are not responsible no more than Mat or myself. As head of Her Majesty's Government, Tony Blair is in a position to convey regret at what is unquestionaly an abhorrent act. Are the Ripper case and slavery similar to the point of comparison ? The Ripper murders were the act of one man beyond the control of government of the day. Slavery was an act condoned and encouraged by government of the day, and for profit. __________________ " Well, old bean, life is really so bloody awful that I feel it’s my absolute duty to be chirpy and try and make everybody else happy too." David Niven, 1910-1983. Last edited by Von Smallhausen; 26-03-2007 at 18:10.

28-03-2007, 10:23	#17
Will BBx woz 'ere :P Join Date: Jan 1970 Posts: 2,147,487,208	I'm in 2 minds on this. I think the gesture is worthy and honourary (as much as Tony Blair can be). However it's in the past, it was part and parcel of the times, it's what was done at the time and it helped numerous nations get to where they are now. Yes it was a bad thing but it still continues to this day - rather than apologising about the past, why not be more proactive about the future and current situations? We had a dark past, skeletons in our closets, but it's done, dusted - it's over. Dwelling on the past is not a way to move forward. Remembrance, grievance is perfectly acceptable and maybe even required. However making a big point about it all now and people expecting "more" as a result of it is plain daft to me. __________________ *No No!*