mantra wrote on Feb 12
th, 2008 at 6:19pm:
Quote:But as he was apologising why didn't he mention the terrible wrongs inflicted by Gough Whitlam, Malcolm Fraser and Bob Hawke
Rudd has included it in this line:
Quote:We apologise for the laws and policies of successive Parliaments and governments that have inflicted profound grief, suffering and loss on these our fellow Australians
There won't be compensation - everyone knows it. Obviously there will be investment in education, health and creating jobs - that's all Rudd has promised.
There was an aboriginal man on the radio today and even he said compensation wasn't the answer as it would only be spent on drugs and alcohol - which is a possibility for some of those with addictions.
There are only a couple of the activists and some cynics who keep talking about compensation.
Activists like this historian?
Quote:Compensation must follow apology: historianTHE historian who coined the term "stolen generations" has told Prime Minister Kevin Rudd that next Wednesday's apology must be followed with monetary compensation for the misery inflicted on victims.
Concerned at reports the apology might be limited to the term "stolen generation", Professor Peter Read has also pleaded with the Prime Minister to ensure the apology is addressed to the numerous generations affected.
"If it's in the singular, it's appalling," Professor Read told The Age. He estimated 50,000 indigenous children over seven or eight generations were systematically removed from their families.
When historians turn into activists Cynics like this pollie?
Quote:Money should follow sorry - GreensGREENS leader Bob Brown has said the Federal Government's apology to the indigenous stolen generations must be accompanied by financial compensation.
Cynics abound in the Greens Or cynics like this lawyer?
Quote:Apology hollow without follow-upI am heartened to hear that he is finally going to take a step forward and make the long overdue apology to the Stolen Generations. I am, however, extremely disappointed that his Government has ruled out compensation.
Where's the cash Kevvy? Or activist like this associate prof?
Quote:Saying sorry is not enough without rectifying the wrongsReal forgiveness, as the medieval philosopher Maimonides taught, must be based on truth; there is no use saying sorry if we don't pledge to change the social and political conditions that allow our confessions to have authenticity. There can be no reconciliation without compensation. An apology from the Australian government to indigenous Australians is a pre-requisite for a just future for our country. It will be good for the victims, the perpetrators and for us, the beneficiaries of past deeds.
Bloody activists Methinks you have both hands over your ears again - the calls are almost a solid roar and compo claims will follow no matter how much legal advice Little Kevvy thinks he has. It's a blow for Aboriginal relations.