The government of Australia had just reversed course and apologized to the Aborigines for laws and policies that "inflicted profound grief, suffering and loss."
In a motion passed unanimously by Australian MPs on Wednesday morning, Mr Rudd acknowledged the "past mistreatment" of all of his country's Aboriginal population.
"We apologise for the laws and policies of successive parliaments and governments that have inflicted profound grief, suffering and loss on these our fellow Australians," the motion said.
Mr Rudd said he apologised "especially" to the Stolen Generations of young Aboriginal children who were taken from their parents in a policy of assimilation which lasted from the 19th Century to the late 1960s.
"For the indignity and degradation thus inflicted on a proud people and a proud culture, we say sorry."
Link - Thanks Moronic50!
//USA still mum on slavery or that 40 acre and a mule thingy.
Ever think about leaving?
"sorry, world, for bringing about corporate injustices! our bad!"
if an apology is so meaningless, how come people demanded it of the japanese when it came to ww2?
an apology is about recognising the hurt and damage that was caused. no, it's not going to magically cure problems, but it's an important step in bridging the divide between australia and it's indigenous people
compensation is totally reasonable and understandable. those scared of the cost of compensation should check the costs of resisting it before speaking:
http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2008/02/14/2162558.htm
It doesn't count if you didn't shave your head completely bald before typing your comment(including the eyebrows).
//show some commitment lads
The time has come
To say fairs fair
To pay the rent
To pay our share
The time has come
A facts a fact
It belongs to them
Lets give it back
How can we dance when our earth is turning
How do we sleep when our beds are burning