Apology for Slavery
- Share via
I think a governmental apology for slavery is a wonderful idea (June 13-14). In fact, it’s such a wonderful idea that it’s already enshrined in the 13th, 14th and 15th amendments of the Constitution. Those who do not regard this as sufficient might want to check out such locales as Shiloh, Antietam, Gettysburg--and a certain mausoleum in Illinois--where the apology was issued in blood.
On a less visceral note, it should be pointed out that the U.S. government never enslaved anyone. That was done by the individual states. When the federal government did assert its primacy in this area, it was to abolish slavery.
As a guilty white liberal, it pains me to have to agree with Newt Gingrich about anything, but I’m afraid in this instance he has made a valid point: It would be much more productive to figure out how to teach more children to read. While we’re at it, we might want to think about teaching adults more history.
KURT WELDON
Winnetka
Sign up for Essential California
The most important California stories and recommendations in your inbox every morning.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
