CharleyMane, do you agree with the following letter written to USA Today?
(Note: It would be VERY politically correct of you to agree!)
Letter To The Editors
Wrongs of our Forefathers
Nothing can atone for past wrongs and even though you may not know me, I still feel compelled to publicly apologize for the errant ways of my forefathers.
I grew up in the 1960s, although I can not say that I participated. I was more of an observer. I am primarily of German decent. The one thing I did take from the 60's was the music: I like rock music. Recently, on my way to work, I happened across one of my favorite rock songs, Southern Man, an early 70's song and carry over from the late 60's by Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young. Although I was always well aware that the theme of the song was about slavery, it never quite hit me the way it did that day.
Generally, I am proud to be an American with a freedom that most citizens of other countries seek. However, I realize that this great country of ours-built by our forefathers, who initially sought freedom from religious persecution and supposedly believed in the bible and that all men are created equal- was partially built on the sweat of slaves. How dare my forefathers.
The bottom line: I am still proud to be an american, and I have no desire to give up my citizenship. However, even though I am not guilty of owning slaves-or taking part in the Holocaust or setting up Indian reservations or other wise directly persecuting non-caucasians-I feel deeply ashamed to be part of a general race of people who did so. I only hope that by what I do and what I have taught my children that all of GOD's people can feel proud to be Americans and never again will have to feel as if they still are being persecuted for not being Christians.
Bruce Buehrer
Odenton, Md. |
