Deep Sorrow

Tony Blair is planning on expressing "deep sorrow" for the British role in the slave trade at commemorations in March of the abolition of British slavery, which came 200 years ago. He has been adivsed not to issue a full-fledged "apology," as that might fuel demands for reparations.

I understand the political reasoning behind marking this historic occasion, and I certainly agree with the sentiment involved of expressing sorrow over the slave trade. However, it seems to me to be a semantic bit of silliness to refuse to offer an apology for fear of bolstering the case for reparations. Reparations are either a good idea or they are not, and offering an official apology from the Government will not change the analysis. I happen to think that reparations are ill-conceived and impractical - but that view wouldn't change one way or another by an official apology from the British, or American, Government.

Incidentally, there's the additional question of whether or not an official apology would mean anything anyway. On a practical level, of course, the answer is no. No one's life will be made better by a Government apology. However, the acknowledgement that wrongs have been committed in the past by the Government can be an important symbolic gesture that conveys true meaning. So long as it is sincere, I endorse such efforts. I just don't support ham-fisted half-measures such as this half-apology. Either go all the way, or mark the occasion solemly but without official comment of sorrow.

Keith Ellison

I don't know enough about newly elected Congressman Keith Ellison (D-MN) to say whether he'll be a good or a bad member of Congress. I do know that he'll be one of the busiest Members of Congress - as this article in the Star Tribune demonstrates. By being the first and only Muslim MC in American history, he has become the point man for the concerns of Islamic citizens - and he seems to be more than willing to take up the cause.

America is about diversity, and it's especially fitting that at this particular time in our history, a Muslim has finally been elected to our Congress. I wish Representative Ellison the best. Hopefully he doesn't forget to represent his constituents in Minnesota as well as serving as the de facto Representative for all Muslims in this country - as he no doubt will be viewed by many (quite possibly even himself).