From the BBC I'm sorry, but I don't quite see why contemporary Britons have to apologise and feel guilt for the actions of those several hundred years ago? Perhaps Romano Prodi should apologise for slavery under the Roman Empire? Chirac for Napoleons 1806 destruction of Prussia? The Egyptions should apologise to the decendants of those that built the Pyramids. Maybe Boris Becker should apologise for the Holocaust or President Bush for inflicting Madonna on us while we're at it? It also seems to have been conveniently forgotten that it was the African kingdoms rulers that got rich off of selling their own people into slavery, and Britain was a key mover in abolition. I'm sorry that slavery ever occured (anywhere at any time) and hardly happy about Britain's part in it. But what do people that are calling for an apology actually think it'll achieve?
It's commonly done, as a matter of legitimacy, as a threshold establishing the nation owns up to its past errors. Much like asking the Japanese Prime Minister to enact an official apology for the crimes committed during the Tojo error. Or the U.S. government for its policy of destruction on the American Indian. Purely and simply, it is seen as atonement, and means a good deal to those (or the descendants of those) harmed by the nation's former evils. Not that I agree. I actually agree with you. But this is the reasoning, I would say. I do wonder at times why it is so hard for a given nation to apologize - obviously, it is seen as a loss of prestige - but I can't help think the opposite would obtain.
Any words from Blair have like the man himself, zero credibility And in respect to the question if the activists were genuinely motivated in a better society they would devote there efforts to now and the future However in many instances these activists have a financial payback reason for digging up the annals of history Will Mourinho select Charlie Cooke to help win the Premiership or will Ferguson select Bobby Charlton.................no chance History is just that history lets move on Lets get real, the world is about today and the future
That's along the lines that I was thinking. Why do people become obsessed with righting the wrongs of history in their minds when they could look to ending child slavery that happening in the world right now? Good points Northpoint - It is strange that people find it hard to apologise for or criticise their country. I'd think a lot more of a country that stands up and admits mistakes than one that buries them. Mistakes either in the past or very recent history.
The only thing numpty Blair feels "deep sorrow" for is the fact he married an ugly monster. Blair ain't in the slightest bit arsed about the past history of the UK. The poodle sold out years ago.
I know matey. What are your thoughts on that damn stupid Jock twat Brown being lined up to take over. Plus, I might have made a faux pas because I laid 50 quid down on John Reid at odds of 9/1 to be the next Labour leader. Seemed a good idea at the time but Brown might get a free run as next leader (and therefore PM) Damn, the futures not looking good for us mate here in the UK. The thought of Brown being in charge of our country frightens the life out of me.
You british bastards....lol. j/k Slavery hasn't been around for a long-time. Most people don't realize there were white slaves as well, and most black slaves were sold by black men in Africa. So it's not like there's only one 'race' or people to account for this whole thing. Anyways, I wouldn't blame anyone now-a-days, because they're born their race by default.
I'm not too bothered really, whoever takes over will be gone by the next general election, so hopefully there won't be much time for them to do too much damage.
You reckon the Torys will get in? Both are as bad as each other IMO but at least Cameron has some kind of personality. We still have at least 2 1/2 years left with Labour, and looking likely that 2 years of that will be with the extremely dull, extremely boring, extremely annoying Gordon Brown. He's even more dull than Jack Straw if that is possible.