Quote:
Originally Posted by Athelite
Usually, the government. It represents the entire U.S. population.
I doubt he's asking for apologies from individuals, but rather Americans as a whole, again, that's the government. You wouldn't feel you are apologizing for something you have not personally done since you wouldn't be personally apologizing.
I thought it was easy to see his point when he said America should apologize for slavery.
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If the Government represents the people of the United States (A definition I can agree with) then said government has absolutely zero reason to apologize for slavery.
As no person alive has legally owned a slave, nor has anyone alive legally plaid any role in practicing the institution of slavery, there is no reason for a government which represents these people to apologize.
No person alive, nor the current government bears any responsibility of actions 200 years ago. We might as well apologize for for serfdom in feudal Russia if you think we should apologize for slavery.