Legislature apologizes for slavery

Notice: If you'd like to have your comments along with your name included in an a story in the St. Petersburg Times on Thursday, please send an email with your name and phone number to jjames@sptimes.com. Please include "re: Slavery apology" in the subject line.

Coming up this morning on the Senate floor: A proposed resolution apologizing for the state's history of participation in slavery.

Sen. Tony Hill, black caucus leader, is spearheading the effort but has been working with Senate President Ken Pruitt for months on the issue.

UPDATE: With Gov. Charlie Crist watching solemnly from the Senate floor, the Senate just passed concurrent resolution 2930 expressing "profound regret for the involuntary servitude of
Africans, and calling for reconciliation among all Floridians."

Sen. Arthenia Joyner, D-Tampa, cried as curator John Phelps read a sobering history of slavery in Florida.

UPDATE: The Florida House joined the Senate this afternoon in passing concurrent resolution 2930.

Comments

I had nothing to do with slavery. Slavery was what they did at that time. It was wrong. But to have this apology now is a waste of senate time. They need to fix the problems we are facing today.

[Observer]

I don't think Tony Hill should have to apologize for slavery. He had nothing to do with it!

[Tom]

"I had nothing to do with slavery. Slavery was what they did at that time. It was wrong. But to have this apology now is a waste of senate time. They need to fix the problems we are facing today"
I agree with what you posted but would like to change the way you phrased it somewhat, "a waste of senate time" to> "the senate has been a waste time in fixing the problems we face today! "

Start dealing with modern slavery...

Plaese bow to your new overlords; property taxes, insurance and gas prices. You work for them now!

Wow: drop pants, toilet paper in restrooms, $1 excise taxes on strip club admissions. Now this - an apology for something that ended 143 years ago?

You senators are really using the Session's time wisely!

[Omega83]

Since the Florida Constitution as we know it today has its roots in the consitution of 1868, Florida disavowed it's role in slavery, secession and rebellion 140 years ago.

The antebellum Florida is not the Florida we operate under today.

There is no need for this apology

This is ridiclous. Why did the senate president allow this bill to get to the floor. Especially at a time when citizens think the legislature does nothing to help us anyway.

Here we go again! For God's sake, why do we have to keep stirring up this stuff??? Work on the things that you are in the Senate and House to do and stop fueling this kind of stuff. It's no wonder the 'African Americans' have the attitudes they do. It's over and done with in the United States. We had nothing to do with it. Everyone who did is dead. LET IT FRICKIN GO!!!

Omega83 - Any way to convince the idiots in the Legislature of this? Apparently they are too stupid to understand this concept!

[xman]

Get over it and get to the important things like taxes and the insurance problem. This makes about as much sense as changing the state song. It is history and will not be repeated.

Maybe Tony Hill can do a resolution apologizing for Rev. Wright?

[ed]

won't they ever let this go!! when there are so many great things we ought to be working on, we keep dragging these items "down the street"! believe it sends a "downer message" to our youth!!

This was the right thing to do. The rest of you bloggers keep flying your confederate flags and leave those who want to treat people with respect alone.

give up the ole "why are they doing this when there's more important stuff to do" question - they've got 60 days to fill and not every minute is gonna be full of highminded substantive bills and issues - granted i think this is a waste of time too, but just get over it - understand the process and that there are gap filler issues that are gonna come up

just like weather comes up in every human conversation, tiny issues are gonna come up in the legislature

Maybe they were apologizing for their heritage and not the hate?

[Liberty or Death]

The Legislature really must not have anything meaningful to do. If your business is done, then adjourn already and save the Florida Taxpayers some money and stop hanging around Tallahassee like leeches.

Heed this warning: If you end up not doing anything again during the regular session and have to come back for a "special session", you will have a revolt on your hands. We are watching you and most of us taxpayers are ready for revolution.

You have been warned.

[Liberty...You keep the death]

Threats resonate, keep it up. You know, as good as things are going in the country it's hard to believe we're the same country that had slavery, and lynchings, and Jim Crow, and separate but equal, and...I'm just glad WE didn't have anything to do with that stuff. Just the idea of this apology is making me think about it and that's not nice. I wasn't there. I wasn't there. It wasn't me and I wasn't there.

STOP DIVERTING ATTENTION AWAY FROM YOUR LIES AND FAILURES, AND FIX INSURANCE LIKE YOU PROMISED “THE PEOPLE”!

AND DON’T YOU DARE APOLOGIZE “ON MY BEHALF” FOR SLAVERY. I HAD NOTHING TO FREAKING DO WITH IT; YOU PACK OF PANDERING, LYING, SELF-SERVING IDIOTS!

Um, if you had nothing to do with it, then they're probably not apologizing for you.

In case you're hard of hearing:

UM, IF YOU HAD NOTHING TO DO WITH IT, THEN THEY'RE PROBABLY NOT APOLOGIZING FOR YOU!

Every white person in Florida today has benefitted and experinced privalegdes from slavery. Its lawasy amazing to see the remark, "I did not have anytthing to do with slavery, It didnt affect me". If you are a southerner and you are white, your ancestors most definitly passed on societies nebefits of slavery to you. YOu just dont see it. How do you think you got thta nice car, or that nice house and that nice highpaying job that allows you to buy thta nice computer and log on to the internet with all that free time and flexibility because you are in a senior management role role or a government lobbyist and dont work manul alabor outside cutting grass..yo think you got all of that because you are so genetically superior in intelligence and so amazingly skilled and its just the natural order of things right....... On your way home, count the number of whites you see outside cutting grass or even in north florida counthe number of "elderly" (likey over 40) whites you come across working in fast food resturants compared to "elderly" minorities and when you go to the grocery store count the number of minority store managers. Simply go to 10 Publix's and look at what ethincity the "manager" photo is. White privaledge is such a common place in southern society today most dont even see it anymore, its come to be expected by whites as the "natural order" inherited of the backs of slavery. You most definitely have benefitted from slavery if you are white in the south and continue to do so very much today.

[Tom]

I'm so impressed that the Senate and Governor have put aside tax reform and the falling economy to focus on and address the state's most pressing issue "Apologizing for Slavery "

For those saying that they had nothing to do with slavery, that is true. But what this apology is concerning, is the state's sponsorship of slavery two during the 1800s. Florida and other southern states promoted slavery as an economic way-of-life, and when Florida seceded from the Union along with the other southern states it was upholding slavery like all the others. Ergo, today is not about you or me, it is about Florida, and the Floridians that we have elected chose to acknowledge our state's participation in a horrible part of America's history.

Forgive the two in my previous post - different thought. Oops!

[Omega83]

10:50

do the decendants of Massachusetts and New Yorktextile workers need to apologize for slavery? Who do you think picked the cotton that came into their mills?

Or should they apologize to the Irish instead, for whom they relegated to second class labor status for their own economic needs? Or what about the freed blacks harassed and beaten in Baltimore and Detroit as they looked for jobs in the north?

Or maybe everytime Californians board a train, or get freight shipped in by rail, they should apologize to the Chinese?

Or when Texans buy a beer on the San Antonio Riverwalk, maybe they should apologize to Mexico?

Wen are those racist South Dakotans ever going to apologize to the Sioux for Wounded Knee?

Will Alaska apologize to Russia for propsering off a shady land deal? Should we apoligize to the French for the same reason, using their economic woes to buy Louisiana and about 12 other states for dirt cheap?

Maybe Dutch descendants should apologize for Manhattan?

Maybe Latinos should apologize for the conquistadors?

[TechRider]

Of course most of our families were not even in the country during that period. However, we all are enjoying the benefits of a country built by slaves on land stolen from the Indians.

It does not diminish any of us to apologize or at least to say thank you.

Publicly acknowledging regret for the period of slavery in Florida and calling for reconciliation between Floridians is one of the steps to "getting over it." If spending a few moments on this bothers you, and you truly believe that this activity will be the reason that taxes and insurance issues go unresolved, then there is no amount of logic and discussion that will penetrate your small minds. While slavery ended in the late 1800's, segreated schools, bathrooms, hotels, restaraunts and even drinking fountains remained until the mid 1960's in Florida. Floridians did everything they could, in general, to keep the Negroes/Colored/African Americans from having anywhere close to the same opportunities and experiences that whites had. Ther ewas an orchestrated effort to keep African Americans down and dumb. If we as a people are not ashemed of this history, recognize it publicly, and reach out to reconcile those resentments, then taxes and insurance will be the least of our long term problems. It's not about whether you participated directly. It's about whether you are big enough to acknowledge the fact that this opression occurred and it was wrong. Looks like Ken Pruitt and the Senate understood what it takes to move ahead. I congratulate them for taking the time to do the right thing.

[Robert]

What a waste of time and taxpayers money! The Senate could better serve the people of Florida by doing something of a substantial nature about insurance rates, taxes, education, etc. Of course what can we expect from that gathering of dolts other than time wasting actions such as this.

11:23

do we not publicly acknowledge all of that through the very funding of every social program and affirmative action mandate appearing in the budget?

Finally an issue the Darwinists and Christians can agree on.

Indians and Africans would not have sucuumbed to Europeans if they were meant to have the upper evolutionary hand

and/or

they were not heathens who needed to see the true path to God.

[Simon]

I'm so glad I moved to the progressive South where busing, teaching evolution and slavery are still on the table.

[joe blow]

Well where's the COMPSENSATION?????Native Americans got Casinos!!!!!

[BGS]

Suppose someone like me is one-half northern and one-half southern. Should the left side of my body apologize to my right, or should the right-side apologize to the left? And what to make of the Irish, the eastern European immigrants and the Jews who came to this country fleeing Nazi Germany and other parts of the old world? Should they apologize too? Speaking of which, as a descendant of the Normans, I must have also "unfairly" benefited from the subjugation of Britain after the Battle of Hastings in 1066 AD. So on behalf of all Norman descendants, both past and present, I would like to apologize to the poor Anglo-Saxons that were trod upon by my ruthless forbears. But then again, some of my forbears were Anglo-Saxon and Celtic (who else could the Normans marry once they settled in England and Scotland?) So I, once again, am left with one part of myself apologizing to the other. In all seriousness, I can appreciate the injustice people have historically suffered at the hands of our government, but really, isn’t this blame game getting old? Of what moral value and honesty does this meaningless resolution represent? The government that foisted slavery upon us has been defeated. The current government and constitution was organized when Florida was readmitted to the union. Consider it a rebirth, if you will. If anything, the current government should apologize for Jim Crow and legalized segregation, which it does bear direct responsibility for as the lawful successor to the 1868 constitution. God may visit condemnation of the descendents of men for generations, but Bills of Attainder are illegal, according to our US Constitution. It would be the greatest sign of growth and maturity for all to recognize this point and quit pretending they can apologize for something they had no responsibility in (though if any Anglo-Saxons are still smarting over the Battle of Hastings, you have my sincere apology none the less.)

What about an apology to the war Veterans for ignoring them, their families and then informing them they need a secret code to attend (R) sponsored Veterans Benefit Fairs.

[Tammy]

I am "sorry" was long overdue. It is now time to financially compensate the heirs of slaves.

Perhaps for young children "Free four years of college"The least we owe them.

The adults and older folk $50 thousand each and Free Passes for all Theme Parks in Florida for Life!
WHY NOT? I believe the Japanese Americans received compensation for their horrible treatment during World War Two.

[Erin]

My family in Ireland was traded by "Irish Slave Traders"

WE received zero zip nada...

No apology at all!!!

He we go...just one step closer to some moronic movement towards reparations. This is the type of PC crap that's ruining America.

[Ruby]

Please let me go on the record: DO NOT APOLOGIZE FOR ME!
Now....GET TO WORK AND FIGURE THIS TAX, INSURANCE, SCHOOL, HOUSING....MESS OUT!

Sincerly,

Florida Voter

Tammy, ...horrible treatment of Japanese during WWII...? Have you ever heard of The Bataan Death March and how American and Filipino servicemen were treated?

[Paul]

If they are doing this because they have slack time, then there are too many of them. Cut out some of the posts and save us money.

[John]

I guess our fearless leaders have nothing else to do. I mean property taxes are fixed as well as the insurance crisis. Even the jobs situation is not as important as apologizing for something that ended 140 years ago that nobody alive now had anything to do with. Get with it folks. This state has some real issues and we need leaders that will address them. If you clowns can't serve the people. I am sure we can find people that will. I for one will be voting this fall and I have every intention to vote against any incumbents. Let's also hope that Charlie gets the VP node because he has been useless too.

[Disheartend]

I would have never thought that such a thing would set people off. It's truly enlightening to see what people really think of African Americans in this day and age. The Senate is apologizing for the actions of Floridians in the past, after reading the comments from many of you, it would appear that you need to apologize for you actions today. You were not involved then, true, but how can you justify many of the cruel comments that have been made? I do not need an apology from you for the actions of perhaps your previous ancestors, it would be useless. However, it would be nice if you would acknowledge the "goodwill gesture" of the Senate. No, it does not solve many of the problems Florida faces today, but for the older Floridians whose parents and grandparents experienced the slavery and the affects after, an apology would perhaps help to heal old wounds.

Thank you

[Jay]

Who is going to say sorry to me for Rev. Wright's comments.

You want to know about discrimination? Try owning a business as a white male and attempting to do business with the State...

[SW]

An apology is just 1/3rd of it, no one has expressed the issue about the many inventions that were stolen and credited to others who had nothing to do with it. They need to re-write history and give credit where credit is due.

[defazeo]

nothing better to do? this is of a higher moral issue than i believe most of you on this thread understand. slavery is a wound that has scarred america and is responsible for many of the problems we have today. and until we can close the door on this and have some open dialogue about race in this country we will never solve the world’s most important problem; how to get a long and be a peaceful society.
this country was built on the backs of Africans who, because of the institution of slavery, have not been able to fully enjoy the rights given in the constitution of this country.
you know as little far back as the '60s black people were 'given' the right to vote? less than 50 years ago! and you guys don't think that the U.S. has nothing to apologize for? this is a great country, the greatest on earth, but we can never realize our full potential if we don't recognize our faults.
not everyone has to apologize, some had no hand in slavery here at all (immigrants and the like) but as representatives of the entity that allowed, encouraged, and engaged in this atrocity an apology is in order.

[Eddie B.]

Slavery apology is a good step...now lets move on to apologizing for Jim Crow laws!!

[al]

Dont appologize for me. i wouldnt say Im sorry to any of them people. Tammy, you are way in over your head. Good job Dug.

There were black slave owners too. Also, you had to be VERY rich to own slaves. I can assure you that my family never could have afforded to own any.

There were black slave owners too. Also, you had to be VERY rich to own slaves. I can assure you that my family never could have afforded to own any.

[Eddie B.]

Slavery to alot of people is ancient history.....

However Jim crow laws were very recent approx 38 - 40 years ago...

For all of you on this post that don't like the fact that the state is apologizing for Slavery, how about apologizing for unequal treatment for more than 100 years after slavery was abolished.

It's not just slavery and when people start acknowledging that then we can move on.

Jim Crow just like slavery was the law of the land.

It was institutional so the Legislature and the Governor do have a role in this apology as it was the law mandated by the state.

[Reggie]

SLAVERY WAS EVIL AND SHAMEFUL.
WHITE FOLK HAVE A LOT TO THANK THE SLAVES FOR.

THERE HAS TO BE AN APOLOGY LETTER SENT TO EVERY PERSON OF COLOR IN THE STATE OF FLORIDA.

JUST MONETARY COMPENSATION NO AMOUNT WILL ERASE THE TERRIBLE MEMORIES OF SLAVERY.

WHITE FOLK NEED TO CHANGE THEIR ATTITUDE ABOUT BLACK PEOPLE

WHEN PRESIDENT OBA IS SWORN IN AS OUR
FIRST BLACK PRESIDENT
IT WILL
BE
A
START

[Reggie]

SLAVERY WAS EVIL AND SHAMEFUL.
WHITE FOLK HAVE A LOT TO THANK THE SLAVES FOR.

THERE HAS TO BE AN APOLOGY LETTER SENT TO EVERY PERSON OF COLOR IN THE STATE OF FLORIDA.

JUST MONETARY COMPENSATION NO AMOUNT WILL ERASE THE TERRIBLE MEMORIES OF SLAVERY.

WHITE FOLK NEED TO CHANGE THEIR ATTITUDE ABOUT BLACK PEOPLE

WHEN PRESIDENT OBAMA IS SWORN IN AS OUR
FIRST BLACK PRESIDENT
IT WILL
BE
A
START

[jackie]

Have Rev Wright and Obama in the White House, oh, don't forget the wife. Everyone will be paying and apologizing for history. All whites, of course.

The sad thing about it is people still has the mentally of such hate and if they could they would.

[Eddie B.]

you guys kill me...looking at history in a vacuum!

It's not just about slavery what about what happened after?

Slavery to alot of people is ancient history.....

However Jim crow laws were very recent approx 38 - 40 years ago...

For all of you on this post that don't like the fact that the state is apologizing for Slavery, how about apologizing for unequal treatment for more than 100 years after slavery was abolished.

It's not just slavery and when people start acknowledging that then we can move on.

Jim Crow just like slavery was the law of the land.

It was institutional so the Legislature and the Governor do have a role in this apology as it was the law mandated by the state.

[terminator]

agreed
this is a complete waste of time and more pandering by idiot Chuck and his Senate buddies who are trying to redirect taxpayer anger away from their failure to fix taxes, insurance and the economic situation.

just remember come November to VOTE OUT EVERY SINGLE INCUMBENT office holder from Congress on down to the state legislature, county commission, school board, etc. We can get rid of every incumbent politician in one fell stroke (think of the incredible power we have to radically change the entire political landscape by the single act of voting).

and don't elect any running who held previous posts on other elected boards.

for all of those mistreated former slave descendents and whiny liberals some words of advice....go back to Africa if you don't like it here...we'll hire and pay for a big ship to send all who feel discriminated against!

I agree with the terminator. LEAVE

We are here to stay! You got us here by force just to do your dirty work so deal with it. Maybe you need to think twice and give the native americans back their land and you leave on that ship!

Who do you consider "white". There are so many nations that we came from that just because we are fair of skin that makes us "white" and part of slavery? Apology ok for past history but don't judge us for the color of our skin now. Isn't that what black people ask too????

My grandfather arrived from Sicily via Ellis Island then Ybor City in 1889. Because the white doctors in Tampa would not treat him, he joined L'Unione Italiana, an early experiment in cooperative health care. $1 a year and he got all medical coverage he needed.

In 1902, he met and married a beautiful brunette who was born in Camaguey, Cuba, and made her way to Ybor City via Key West.

NEITHER had any connection to Florida prior to 1889.

I apologize to NOONE.

I wish to sincerely apologize for slavery in Florida, even though my mother's family didn't get here until the 1970's and my father's family came to the US in 1900. Hell, I'm not even white. What the hell am I apologizing for?

I heard some legislators were going to amend the confederate license plate to this resolution.

[Theresa]

Why don't we just move on. That issue has already been discussed and discussed. All ethnic groups have been persecuted at on time or another. The state of Florida has issues that should be decided on NOW to help us ALL to survive. Come on legislators do what you all have fought so hard to do when you wanted to get elected. Promises, promises

Why apologize at all? That would just be hypocritical, given the proportion of racist comments here on this blog. You bigots make me ashamed for Florida.

2:19

Not wanting to apologize for something that ended 143 years ago is racist?

Get a grip!

[TJ]

Instead of apologizing for slavery, how about banning the sale of the traitorous confederate flags in this state?

[Debbie]

What is wrong with our government? Apologizing for something that was wrong...that's fine - though my parents (born in 1898 and 1912) had nothing to do with slavery and taught their children to respect all races - which we do! Paying tax dollars for a wrong committed over 100 years ago -- NOT RIGHT AT ALL! Of course, Gov Crist, guess you could take these dollars from education & social services - seems to be your MO. Certainly we can cut both of these areas....areas that will help all, including the poor,blacks, Hispanics, etc, to prosper and improve their own lifestyle. And, to the black community who believe such a payment would be correct, SHAME ON YOU. Work on your education - help your children & grandchildren see the value in education - something that AMERICA values and offers free - so that each generation improves their lives. I am part American Cree - my father would not allow his children to take government funding for their college - we were brought up that honest work is what takes you forward, not free dollars from the government of the country we enjoy and love. Get real, Governor and some of these legislators!!!!

[Jason]

Nothing will be forgot when the issue continues to come up and especially when you have people with hatred in their hearts like Rev. Wright.

[Hipolito Santiago]

Where's the love.

If anyone actually reads this far, I hope to death that you will read this excerpt from Peggy McIntosh's "Unpacking the Invisible (white) Knapsack."

http://seamonkey.ed.asu.edu/~mcisaac/emc598ge/Unpacking.html#daily

The problem today is that people don't really understand privilege - where it comes from and why certain people are seemingly bestowed with a certain level of privilege that others aren't. It amazes me how many comments an issue like this still gets and how wriled up people are over it. That said, I think everyone at one point deserved an apology, but I think it is a bit overdue at this point. Instead, the Senate should have made a statement about how we can (at present) work to increase compassion and understanding for one another - regardless of ethnic ties.

Who we are today undoubtedly has something to do with where we come from, but it has more to do with where we want to go in the future.

- A Concerned Anthropologist

[Doug]

I don't know about you guys... but I feel soo much better now! No more guilt! Thanks Florida Legislature!

[Eve]

let me save everyone some time so these so called public figures can get back to work on REAL issues.........I, EVE, am sorry that I took a bite out of that apple!

[Eddie B.]

Hello...can I get my Jim Crow Apology?? My separate but Equal Apology?

[morganan]

One of my favorite quotes(which hangs in my classroom) is by Rev. Martin Luther King,"We may have arrived in different ships... but we are all in the same boat now". Gee, I wonder what he meant by that? Let's work on the problems that keep people down like poverty, illiteracy, and undereducation. Solve these and we won't need to apoligize......

Ladies and Gentlemen.

We have elected the Florida House of Idiots, the Retard Senate - and Governor Stupid.

We have met the enemy. And it is us.

I am so glad I left that hillbilly backwater state.

[Citizen Q]

Shame on you St. Pete Times for allowing such garbage commentary to be printed. We should adhere to Dr King's and judge each other by the content of character and not the color of our skin. United we stand, divided we fall people.

[ab]

Hey, do you have to apologize if your family came into this country AFTER slavery was abolished, and moved to Florida from the North??

[mike]

Who care what the corrupt house or senate do...How is anything they do going tom really affect any of us???

[Chris]

Did this make anyone feel better?

Chris

HAHA. Well said. If anything, it divided people even more.

Sure Eddie B., you can have your separate but equal Jim Crow apology. I hate for anyone, anywhere, anytime to be treated as those who are black have been at times in this country.

People need to stop for just a second and think about how they would feel if their grandparents, children etc. were treated in such a fashion.

But make no mistake about it what blacks did and continue to do to blacks in Africa is worse than what whites have done to them in this nation.

No matter, I hope that the focus of those in our society who regardless of their ancestory have truly become Americans will be increasingly based on what have become our common bonds and values.

Wish you and yours the best on the path toward the American Dream, whatever that may be for you.

[Citizen Q]

Shame on you St. Pete Times for allowing such garbage commentary to be printed. We should adhere to Dr King's Dream and judge each other by the content of character and not the color of skin. United we stand, divided we fall people.

4:31: It's language like the "Reverend" Wright's that's dividing this country. If blacks started taking responsibility for their own misery, instead of continually blaming it on the Man, we could move forward, instead of always looking towards the past!

[Eddie B.]

4:40
THANKS!!!! an intelligent answer finally!!!

[Linda]

Isn't it amazing that the idiots in our Florida Legislature that are apologizing for slavery in Florida, probably aren't even originally from the State of Florida!!! Transplants, I'm sure, from the North. I'm 65 yrs old, born in Florida, my parents and grandparents were born in Florida, and have lived the majority of my life in Florida; and, I resent these idiots apologizing for something that neither myself nor my family had anything to do with! If the blacks don't like this country, can't get over what happened 150 yrs ago, and continue to harbor feelings of resentment towards all whites, then they need to go back to Africa and see if they can make Africa a better country than America. Their black "relatives" in Africa are certainly being treated much worse than their black ancestors were ever treated during slavery in this country. They seem to think they have all the answers and they are being treated so unjustly here in the United States. If I had such harsh feelings about the country where I lived and the people in that counry, I would most certainly go back to my homeland and try to make it a better place instead of just constantly complaining about how bad I was being treated and how bad my ancestors were treated. Things have changed in 150 yrs so either get over it or go back where you came from....it's as easy as that. We are all sick of hearing about it.

[Tom]

3:44 aka Eve, Priceless

[Eddie B.]

it's funny how only one person (4:40) answered my question regarding Jim Crow.

The focus has been on slavery and how African Americans should get over it.

People forget that there was institutionalized racism after slavery that still haunts african-americans this very day.

It took the voting rights act of 1965 to ensure that blacks were given the right to vote. It took forced busing in the 50's 60's and 70's to make sure that black kids went to decent (decently funded) schools.

So when folks post how african americans should get over it, believe me we want to get over it, but first we have to get over the 300+ years of repression.

So an apology does start the healing process.

[Robert E. Lee]

Never do a wrong thing to make a friend or keep one.

Eddie - the resolution was about slavery, not Jim Crow.

Florida paologized for Jim Crow by repealing all Jim Crow laws.

GET OVER IT!!!

[Eddie B.]

Linda being from florida, did you approve of the Jim Crow laws? The separate but equal treatment?

Do you feel that the races should be separate?

Lets talk about something you know about.

Because at 65 you don't know about slavery but you sure know about discrimination.

[Citizen Q]

Ken:

Don't be so high and mighty about who is on welfare. Consider these stats. Myth #1: The typical welfare recipient is a black inner city single mother.

The Census Bureau's most recent annual poverty report found that urban black mothers constitute less than one out of six of all poor households. Rural white families account for more--one out of five. White surburban families accountfor even more--one out of four.

[Common Sense]

Without slavery, certain ethnic groups would have never made it to this country in the first place.

For some of you to suggest that I am where I am today is because of slavery; you're an idiot. I am where I am because I work my tail off and reap the rewards. Neither you, or your ancestors had a thing to do with it.

[Eddie B.]

5:03
your right jim crow was appealed but could qualified blacks get jobs? were there schools adequately funded?

Why did Historic black colleges and universities even have to exist? Oh my bad, blacks couldn't go.

get over it...at 38 I have a mother who had to drink out of a different fountain, called names, spat on, but I should get over it cause it was long ago.

Maybe I could but when I see my mom and she explains to me why voting is important it's kinda hard.

[Eddie B.]

appealed should be repealed.

[Eddie B.]

appealed should be repealed.

[Eddie B.]

Linda not talking about 150 years lets talk about the last 65....

do you feel that Jim crow should still be in place?

Do you feel that the races be segregated?

lets talk about the last 65 years when black soldiers, airmen, marines and sailors died with white ones.

but couldn't get equal treatment at home.

lets have a real discussion.

[Eddie B.]

We have black colleges and schools because white colleges wouldn't admit us.

see Gov. Wallace and Forbis.

Florida state didn't integrate until the Mid 60's.

Linda your out of your league.

[kyle]

I'm sorry for something I had nothing to do with. Do you feel better now?

Eddie B.: "not talking about 150 years lets talk about the last 65...."

Blog Post: "Legislature apologizes for slavery"

Let's try to stay on topic, please.

Focus, boy.

[LORETTA]

this is a waste of time&money.i had noting to do with slavery.slavery was wrong but that was 143 years ago.the senate must take of the problems like taxes,gas prices,housing problem,not what happen over hundred years age.the senate(clowns are us)this is a sick joke.

[Eddie B.]

People slavery is only a small portion and it is not the individual that has to apologize it's the government.

It was the law of the land. It's clear that no one hear was born during that period but the government endorsed it and has to remedy it.

[Dave]

I have no problem with an apology as long as everyone responsible issues one. Now, let see Tony Hill go get one from Africa and the decendants of those who sold or traded slaves to the white man. It won't ever happen because excuses would be made for that too. You gotta love this stuff...the victor writes the history to make themselves look good.

[Omega83]

Eddie B. The Florida Constituion disavowed slavery in its 1868 revision.

All things now are rooted in that revision.

Florida's government, as it stands today, DID NOT ENDORSE IT.

get it over it.

[Eddie B.]

hear = here..gotta get my thesaurus out! lol

[Eddie B.]

Omega83
disavowed with an apology? if that's the case the legislature just wasted everyone's time.

If they just disavowed without mentioning anything (families torn apart, rapes,etc) well they finally did.

[Omega83]

Florida Constitution of 1868:

DECLARATION OF RIGHTS

Section 18. Neither slavery nor involuntary servitude, unless for the punishment of crime, shall ever be tolerated in this State

This blog is the best thing that could have ever happed to show why this apology and more is still needed now today more that ever. The racist comments and excuses of "I oppose apology for hate because my parents of grandparents or I never had anything to do with it", shows just how ignorant the bigoted at heart are about their societal given white privilege. Most whites don’t realize the benefits you have received in life that you "think" i solely because of your hard work was actually given to you at the detriment of a black person who is just not seen as qualified enough of is not seen as intelligent enough or capable enough. That is still the reality. Look at the power structure of Florida, how many blacks do you see, Jim crow and slavery made sure that "whites" would be privileged in society at the detriment of blacks. Blacks are fully aware that activities of this type will still see the ugliness of racist bigotry that exist and is still prevalent in Florida, this blog and its many comments prove this. What would have been truly surprising is if the comments had been positive. With a simple thing like a resolution get such hated response, can you imagine what happens in real life when a white person and a black person is up for the same opportunity today in Florida, this blogs gives you an insight in what is going on in the minds of most white decision makes and why blacks still face strident opportunity bigotry. The person knows they will get a nice letter sent thanking them for their application and interview but the opportunity was presented to someone else. Most whites don’t even think about this going into an interview, they view the interview as fair process where of course they will be obviously selected. This is today’s Florida, so all the talk about how things a happened 100+ years ago or is in the past just shows how oblivious many whites are to their expected benefits and assurances that with their benefits the world is the way is should be and all is fair. The level of ignorance couldn’t be more displayed than when you see people like the “terminator” white of “how hard working and industrious his white grandparents were to make it here in America..back in the 50’s…lest see what was it like for blacks in the south in the 50s in American…please terminator..GET A CLUE……the ugliness that STILL exist is simply displayed on this blog for all to see. We are a long way form fair competition and fair opportunities for blacks based on their character and capabilities as opposed their skin. Here is a true story; As I drove home last week I stopped at a light, I saw a beat up old Cadillac with tinted windows and rap music blaring and inside four “white’ kids with gold chains and gold teeth, they then pulled into the mall and went into a KFC and of course they al had “droopy” pants, they were asked to pull up their pants by the manager who was “black” and the kids made some explicit curses and left. White America will of course just look at this as teenagers today doing what teenagers which is likely true as all generation had their rebellion tactics and of course they are “white” and of course had these kids been black, little the scene would have ended with police being called in droves with the a police shooting of some sort….so for all of those droopy pants comments..you need to make sure your kids are “changing” into their droopy pants when they leave your house to hang out with their friends. For most whites they don’t have a worry in the world that their childs harmless teenage rebellious activity will result in get them killed.

Section 28. There shall be no civil or political distinction in this State on account of race, color, or previous condition of servitude, and the Legislature shall have no power to prohibit, by law, any class of persons on account of race, color or previous condition of servitude, to vote or hold any office, beyond the conditions prescribed by this Constitution.

[GEORGE]

I AM TRULY SORRY FOR ALL THE WRONGS THAT WERE DONE TO YOU.

BITTERNESS AND HATE WOULD NOT BE TOLERATED BY DR. KING

IT SEEMS THE PREACHING OF REV. WRIGHT IS FOLLOWED MORE TODAY THAN;DR KING

IT IS A SAD DAY IN AMERICA TRULY SAD!

5:26 - from the red light, you followed the car into the KFC parking lot and then went inside to see what happened?

[ACW]

"BGS" @ 11:44-

You took the words right out of my mouth! As a person proud of my o so turbulent Scotch/Irish heritage, I accept your apology. Haha! =] Please accept mine as well. See people...we can let it go.

[Many of Us Are Slaves - Black - White - Yellow or Brown]

Currently, many of us have been unknowingly sucked into slavery only this time it has been concealed, cleverly shrouded with political correctness, stand-offish manners and idle suggestions (threats).

[Wilbur]

"STOP THE INSANITY"

SOMEONE AT SP-TIMES TAMPABAY.COM

PLEASE PULL THE PLUG ON THESE COMMENTS
ASAP
THANK YOU!

[sam]

"It doesn't matter if your
Black or White"

Michael Jackson song lyric

Won't it be nice if it was true.?....

Ebony And Ivory live together in perfect harmony
Side by side on my piano keyboard oh lord why dont we?

We all know that people are the same where ever you go
there is good and bad in everyone
we learn to live we learn to give each other what we need to survive together alive

Ebony and Ivory live together in perfect harmony
side by side on my piano keybard oh lord why dont we?

Ebony,Ivory living in pefect harmony
Ebony,Ivory oh..

We all know that people are the same where ever you go
there is good and bad in everyone
we learn to live when we learn to give each other what we need to survive
together alive

Eboony and Ivory live together in perfect harmony
side by side on my piano keyboard oh lord why dont we?
side by side on my piano keyboard oh lord why dont we?

Chris, you voice what the problem is with many whites who dont know that thanks to blacks this country was built. Your opinion is sadly held by many whites and as least helps to inform the many previous white posters that dont seem to get that they and their refenced granparents and white europeon immigrant ancestors got "speacial prefernces as compared to black americans and still get special preferences in American society at the detriment of blacks no matter whether they are aware of it or not. There is no such thing as fairness and equality or equal opportunity for blacks in America, even today. Your comments show the honest true prevalent white mindset for all to see.

[Citizen Q]

3 things in life one should always have: hope, peace, & honesty. 3 things in life that once gone, never come back: time,words, opportunity. 3 things in life that make a good person: sincerity, hardwork, & compassion. 3 things in life that can destroy a person: pride, greed, & anger. Its good and pleasing for brothers & sisters to dwell together in unity.

[Simon]

Karry Kap Kenny, what on earth have we given "the blacks"? It took 143 years to get a free apology.

[John]

Liberalism at work...when will people.

Dems keep the issue of race going...ridiculous.

[Charlie Brown]

Absolutely ridiculous. How many whites died in the civil war fighting to free the slaves? Are they going to issue a thank you to all the Northern white soldiers who died freeing the slaves??? Of course not. Does that even get mentioned? Of course not. Do you think this stupid apology from a generation that had nothing to do with it is going to be appreciated, when the sacrifice of Northern civil war soldiers isn't even spoken of? You guessed it - Of course not. Does the Legislature has any sense at all? Of course not!

How big of the Legislature to apologize for everyone, when everyone living has absolutely nothing to apologize for over this. Why don't they apologize for being stupid.

My oh my! Comments from every point of view but that is what America was built on, Freedom of Speech. Point of views from good to idiots but it is their right. Only trouble is you can tell those who need to go back to school and learn how to spell.

[Stephanie]

Do you really think this apology will end it? NO WAY, this issue will still be here 143 years from now. What a waste of taxpayers money. With the economy the way it is we are wasting money on this? What a joke.......

[Gilbert R. Ford]

Let me be crystal clear, I am African American. I find it absolutely appalling that the Florida Legislature in general, and Rep. Hill in specific would waste time on something that happened long before we were ever born! We all no slavery took place, we have read about it and our grandparents have confirmed it, that classify it as HISTORY! History is for the past, not the present, nor the future. If you are really concerned Rep. Hill try and solve the rising Sexually Transmitted Disease rate, that our young African American females now on. Further, should you be interested in todays society, our teenagers are killing each other at the rate of 1 every 23 seconds. I don't hear you or any of your other Represenatives addressing those issues. To sit here and be idle while you gloat on something that will deeply divide this already troubled society is extremly self serving. Had someone approached me about something that took place so long ago as if it were today, I would have some choice words for that person or group of people. Quite frankly, we are making an absolute fool of ourselves by going backwards with this type of unnecessary legislation, when we can go forward and tackle the issue of single mom homes or why are so many African American males in prison than in college!

[Tom]

Gilbert R. Ford | March 26, 2008 at 08:38 PM You make some very good points that I agree with but don't confuse the House of Representatives that had nothing to do with this apology with the Senate and Governor that did, and somehow perceive it as a priority above what could better serve the people of Florida such as doing something of a substantial nature about insurance rates, taxes, education, etc.
Tony hill's title is "Senator" Hill, Anthony C."Tony", Sr. 1 Democrat Consists of parts of Duval, Flagler, Putnam, St. Johns, and Volusia counties

[TomIam]

Let's give em casinos

[Dixie Chic]

If I had known it was going to be this much trouble, I would have picked my own cotton!

tom - takealook at the updated info at the top of this thread

[Tom]

9:13 Thanks for the update, now I'm totally disappointed!

[Carol McNamee]

I am a WHITE woman. I have lived in Florida since 1974 when I moved from St. Louis, Mo. I am 66 years old and currently finishing my research for my Ph.D at USF. I give you this information because I have the courage to speak my truth publicly. My doctoral research is about the effects of racism on children in school. If anyone thinks that the effects of slavery are all in the past, you are refusing to see reality, for whatever reason, in the present. I have been reading these comments and getting more heartsick by the moment. Such hardened hearts! There is so much I wish I could share with you about my research findings in the hope that I could change one person's mind from believing they are somehow superior to their brothers and sisters because of the color of their skin. If you cannot see that while you are busily holding racist thoughts, you are missing the important piece of information which is: the people who have the most to gain from your spending your time like this are the people who send your jobs off-shore. This is the same class of people, "the rich white people", as Rev. Jeremiah White referred to them, who built their fortunes off the backs of slaves in the long-ago past. As long as we do not work together, we all lose. This race card has a history that dates back hundreds of years to Europe and Africa (see the history of the Moors from the year 711 to 1492, and watch the history channel for a film about the Reformation for more information). The ruling classes did not want the poor whites and the poor blacks to be friends because together they outnumbered the wealthy and could be a powerful threat. The same thing happened in Jamestown when the endentured servants from Europe were freed. They had to leave the Colony because the landowners feared they would collaborate with the slaves against the masters. So, poor whites have been "kept in their place" so to speak by telling them they were on a higher rung of the social ladder. Fortunately, there are many people, both black and white who think of what is best for the society and do work together for the good of all. Contrary to the majority of bloggers here, I feel that it is far from a waste of taxpayer's money to pass a bill of apology. Why do I say this? Because I envision a society that lives up to the challenge of our Declaration of Independence and our Constitution. I believe we have the potential to REALLY be leaders in the world by living our words. We can't get there from here by focusing on petty personal attacks. We CAN get there by listening to each other's pain and having compassion for each other's struggles. An apology simply is an acknowledgement that a wrong has been done. Forgiveness is a letting go, not an admission that one agrees with what has been done.
I personally applaud the Times for providing this forum for all to voice our thoughts. Perhaps when enough of the old sterotypical racial attacks are spoken out loud as they are here, then people will be able to go underneath those statements into their hearts and find ways of examining other points of view. Then we can search TOGETHER for ways to create a "More Perfect Union". One last thing, and this may anger many of you, but I have come to consider this idea: As to people who immigrated here suffering discrimination when they got here, (I'm of Irish, German, French, and Swedish descent, and I 'm sure at least one of my ancesters suffered discrimination)I ask you to think about all they went through to get here and then add to that the fact that it would have been even worse had they been first separated from their family by force in their old country, sold to someone who forced them into chains in the bottom of a ship, then upon arrival, taken to a public square and treated inhumanely, then sold to someone who may or may not be abusive even more. Now, if I were black, I might be confused by the things I have been told about how I am somehow inferior to whites when I ponder the story about how my ancestors came from a gene pool who survived all of this! Just food for thought!
I welcome dialog about my views. Personal attacks will be ignored.

[Kyle]

Carol its a blog not an autobiography. I apologize to everyone who suffered discrimination. NOT. I wasn't responsible for it. I owe you NOTHING. You owe me NOTHING.

Let me get this straight!

We voters of Florida overwhelmingly demanded that our Legislature address the insurance problem that is causing (in part) record numbers of foreclosures – even though the voters knew that the insurance industry contributed 12-million dollars to help put these pinheads in office to begin with. As a result, our Legislature has absolutely and unequivocally FALIED to respond to the will of “The People” on this issue.

On the other hand…

We voters of Florida DID NOT demand IN ANY WAY that our Legislature apologize on our behalf for something we had ABSOLUTLY NOTHING to do with. As a result, our Legislature has spent our time, our resources, and our money to apologize for something we had ABSOLUTLY NOTHING to do with.

I will GLADLY contribute my $240 joke, known as our “tax relief”, to any group that organizes a drive to RECALL every last member of the “waste of carbon” known as The Florida Legislature… so long as they through in “The People’s Mistake”, known as Chuck.

If we voters of Florida allow this charade, known as “representation” to continue… may God, and our children, forgive every last one of us.

[Omega83]

Carol,

I would be interested in seeing your research as it applies to white and other non-African American students who were bused into schools in black neighborhoods in Florida from the 1970's - 1990's.

I was one of those students, and for 3 years had a 45 minute to hour bus ride into Tampa's ghettos, simply for the sake of Hillsborough County's court ordered integration.

Throughout my upbringing, I was taught about equality, open-mindedness, fairness, history, diversity, and so on.

And then for 3 years, my education suffered with teachers who were clearly underqualified, but met certain "quotas", harassment as a minority within my own school (Cracker-Day, a random beating of a white student in the school), favoritism shown to black students by black teachers, and a generally unsafe school that was the constant center for fights, lockdowns..not only by the students inside, but also because the surrounding neighborhoood was daily riddled with drug dealing, car theft and other crime.

After 3 years in that situation, my worldview on this issue changed for quite sometime, and dramatically - not for the positive either, as I entered high school with an extrememly jaded view of racial relationships, an opinion that really did not soften again until college.

BANG-O-RANG, 9:51!

How much is this going to cost me? The State budget is being slashed. Where is the money for reparations or college vouchers going to come from?

[terminator]

anyone see the quotes from our glorious so-called Governor otherwise known as pandering, two faced, plastic, fake tanned, silver dyed hair, photo-op, sound byte Chuck Crist?

According to the Miami Herald, it states: "although the measure stops short of calling for reparations for descendants of slaves" Republican Governor Charlie Crist said "he was OPEN to the idea if we can determine descendancy, CERTAINLY"!

He goes on to say "you have to examine these on a case by case basis"!

Chuck better be ready for the second coming of the American Revolution if he thinks this is going to happen in Florida on our watch!

Can this guy get any lower? Time to break out the recall petitions Chuck. You're going to go the way of former California Governor Gray Davis.

[Debbie]

Carol - Quite interesting. While you are at it, why don't you write a research paper on the effect all of this has on current day race relations? Continually dwelling on this type of issue, in addition to the rantings of people like Rev. Wright, Louis Farrakhan, Al Sharpton, Jesse Jackson etc., do nothing but incite anger in the black communities. There are thousands of black, excuse me, African Americans out there who have risen above this kind of crap and made something of their lives. To continually have it brought up and dwelled on does NOTHING but stir up anger on both sides.

I could walk around holding a continual grudge because I'm a white female, young, and have been discriminated against. I demand an apology from any person who might somehow be connected to any of the activities that contributed to that. Additionally, my mother's family is of German descent. We should harass them until they apologize for Hitler. I could go on and on.

How about we focus on the here and now and making the world we live in a better place for all of us? As long as we continue to cater to this kind of stuff, we can never truly live 'colorless'.

And people wonder why they read and hear so much 'hate and anger' from people? Take responsibility for yourself and your actions and stop blaming everyone else for it - REGARDLESS OF YOUR COLOR.

And while you're at it - read the statistics. There is more black on black crime than white on black. Who's going to take the blame for that?

CC loves to pander to every constitutency, except his own! This guy claimed to be a Reagan Republican when he was running. I wouldn't even call him a liberal, because I doubt that most liberals seriously believe in reparations. Thsi guy is simply a shameless panderer.

Wowzee! What a stickey wicket for the simpletons in Florida to maneuver.

A true Southern Gentleman would acknowledge they owned slaves and that it was a rough time and move on.

In Florida, however, folks who are from some god forsaken place in Italia, or Poland or some other place want to act as if they have a say.

Please. Slavery was wrong. It pains me to know that my family took advantage of these Africans and today I am sorry for it.

I will tell you, however, that we enjoyed our maid's company and she cooked many a fine meal and took care of my parents too.

Myrtle, thank you for the service to the family. My brother and I miss you. You were like family to us.

When will Florida Apologize for discrimination against white people.
I have lived to experience this treatment.
When will Africa apologize for selling their relatives into slavery.
How come Africa still has slavery?
Just like the crack dealers on the South Side of St. Petersburg with their crack slaves.
Mayor Baker from the Baker crime family and Goliath Davis can tell everyone about this!

White people are not a monolithic group.

I resent being lumped in with a bunch of folks whose fore-fathers were not from England.

[Jack Handy]

Obama also made similar statements during a radio address a few months ago. He said this country needs to make "reparations" for slavery. This country is being destroyed by those wishing to lead it.

[Charlie Brown]

This is Charlie Brown of the 7:40 and 7:43 posting from March 26. I have to admit, I was wrong. It is true this generation played no role in slavery and from that standpoint you could say there is no reason to apologize - I get that. But what happened during those times was wrong - profoundly wrong. And Florida's government until that resolution was passed in March of 2008 has never apologized and never admitted in one unanimous voice that the government of Florida condoned, committed, facilitated and perpetuated an egregious act against an entire race of people who were simply living their own lives and minding their own business at the time. It was an action that past governments and past generations should have apologized for. They never did. But you can't go back in time and make that generation give the apology they should have given to the generation they OWE (present tense) it to. And while this generation of African American is not the generation that suffered the direct and full impact of slavery, they are the children of those who did. For this generation to apologize to the descendants of slaves isn't reopening an old wound, it is trying to heal one. I get that - Now. Sorry I didn't get it sooner. I don't fault any African American for not saying it but, I think that when we (non-African Americans) hear from an African American "I hear your apology but no apology is needed, its over" that will be the indication that the old wound is healing. I heard remarks by Condoleezza Rice where she said “Black Americans loved this country before this country loved them.” No one can deny the truth of that statement, and if any race of people deserve an apology from a government for its failure to apply its most basic and fundamental protections to them when they were needed most, it’ African Americans. I am ashamed of my previous postings.