The Climate, Environment and Energy Thread

[Thryleon]

Yes, I agree. Even if you take a cynical position, and assert that she is simply reading from a script and probably disagrees with every word, saying sorry does make a difference, even a small one. Words do matter. Words backed by equivalent actions are even better, but the words are a good, albeit small, start.

Without wanting to state anything about the original position, Kevin Rudd got up and said this sorry.

At some point, this isn't about righting wrongs its about making sure that the rage is maintained.  It's anti reconciliation and stands only to provoke and inflame.

Why do you think there is a giant backlash evey single time these matters come up?

Its because people shouldn't be made to feel guilt and shame for the ills of people that came before them.

Gallipoli literally translates to blue city in my native Greek language.  What do you think Turkey have to say about the hellespont and Gallipoli peninsula? Nothing. Its theirs was always theirs will always be theirs and nothing that anyone says will say otherwise including the conversion of Christian churches to Islamic temples.

The people that live in these places call it their home.  No apology will erase history.  If someone wronged me, asking their children to apologise on their behalf is petty.  At some point you need to let bygones be bygones and let people heal from these wounds not reinforce it and hold it against them for ever.