One Big Rant

Shouldn't black people get over slavery? I mean, won't they just always have a hatred for white people if they don't? And if not a real hatred then something akin to a skeleton that they keep pulling out of our closet, always ready for a "oh ya well my ancestors were slaves." "well, mine weren't slave owners so we really don't have anything to discuss" I'm probably wrong. yes we have to be aware of our mistakes so they aren't repeated but...I dunno, I thought we were all getting along just fine these days.

I think there's a difference between constructively encouraging people on both sides to move beyond history and work together, and telling a minority to "get over" painful historical atrocities that still affect their lives today.

Also, keep in mind Hargrove is an elected representative for a former slave state, he could have been a lot less callous to his minority constituents.

Although I do see what he means by saying that Jews should apologize for killing Christ (regardless of the accuracy of the statement). There is a tendency for modern-day leaders to apologize for past wrongs -- Jack Layton and the Komagata Maru -- no matter how long ago the incident happened. I will agree with the repayment of the (Canadian) immigrant head-tax since those affected are still alive, but where do we draw the line? Can a line even be drawn? If no line can, in fact, be drawn, we’re in for a lot of apologizing, including from those Christ-killers...

I agree with you Mark, at some point you have to stop apologizing for the acts of your ancestors and work together for an inclusive and equal society. I believe that's one of the roles of elected representatives, not giving thinly-veiled racist remarks. If Hargrove was really interested in helping the black community in Virginia "get over" slavery, what is he doing to help?