Tuesday, February 12, 2008

Australia's Prime Minister Apologizes to Aborigines

In a momentous statement, Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd made a public apology to the indigenous people of Australia for how they have been treated throughout history. In my opinion, this is the type of thing that the United States would be wise to do as well. Though a public apology for the near genocide of Native Americans and the enslavement of Africans would not erase these atrocities, it would be a step in the right direction.

You can read a USA Today report on this historic apology here.

Lori and I watched a movie recently that dealt with "The Stolen Generations." Check out Rabbit Proof Fence if you're interested.

Technorati Tags:

1 comment:

sal :)- said...

As an australian, that has previously lived in the United States, i have to disagree with your comments.

It is the opinion of many Australians that the current government has no need to appologise, nor should it be considered appropriate that they do. The Stolen Generation is absolutly a dark spot in our country's history, dont get me wrong at all, and as modern day Australians, we are very sorry for what they went through, however in my opinion, Mr. Rudd has no right nor need to appologise for actions not his own.
For the more sceptical of us, it is easy to view the whole event of whats being dubbed 'sorry day' as a political stunt undertaken by a new government already set to fail the Australian people through unattainable election 'promises'

being just slightly familiar, admitadly, with the situation many indigenous americans are in, i feel their are many other courses of action that would yield more positive results for the native Australian people, that likewise would be of benifit to the Native American peoples as well.

just a thought :)