Quote Originally Posted by HoreTore View Post
So the responsibility is purely on the (formerly) oppressed? They are the ones who need to learn to forgive? The oppressor has no responsibility?

These debates always have a tendency to switch victim and abuser around. Western nations immediately go into victim-mode when faced with crimes of the past.

Man up and do like the Aussie PM did a few years ago: apologize.
I cannot apologize for something I have not done. I can only express regret for the wrongs done by others before me (which IS worthwhile, don't mistake me). Fisherking referenced things more broadly in the line I quoted. He was implying that until we focused more on effecting a better future than on assessing blame in the past that we would be missing something. I concurred, but despaired of it being likely -- my personal experience suggests that to truly forgive is tough to do -- regardless of any apology or regret tendered.