Slavery Apology and Confederate History Georgia Bills

I love living in Atlanta, but our state government peckerhead overlords often get me down.

There's been a lot of recent media attention over a proposed bill that would apologize for the state's role in slavery and segregation. Certain people got all outraged and started yelling that they weren't responsible for the actions of their ancestors. Slavery and segregation are so old news. Why get so hung up on the past? Whine, whine, whine.

Now, we have another bill proposing April as official Confederate History Month.

The same people then start muttering about the proud heritage of our glorious past. So what if it all happened 150 years ago?

ARRGH! The hypocrisy!

It looks like black and white lawmakers are going to come together and pass both of the bills. Personally, I disagree with that solution. It's not that I mind apologizing for slavery. Although I'm not white, I'm reasonably sure that some of my white ancestors were slaveowners. For some reason, I have zero guilt about that fact, and also zero resentment at being asked to apologize. I just think an apology would be rather hollow.

Instead, I would prefer to see more real recognition of history. Some of those scenic courthouses surrounding Atlanta should have large plaques on the side dedicated to the slaves who built them. It's sad that all those slaves, with names both known and unknown, are treated as if they're an invisible shame. They existed and have a right to be remembered for the many things they did. But the state government obviously prefers to spend money on memorials to white people, and I suppose this won't change until Georgia demographics reach a tipping point on their current trend.

For a white Southerner perspective on this issue check out Drifting through the Grift.