Blacksheep Speaks

Commentary

Does anyone remember when our country was strong? When our politicians were considered moral leaders, and Christian morality was a GOOD thing in the eyes of the masses? What it felt like to live a life that truly WAS free?

A lot of time and print space has been given lately to the idea that we as a nation now need to apologize for everything that ever happened here. What a crock. I challenge you to find even ONE United States citizen who is now alive that fought for the Confederate Army, or who was enslaved by the Confederate states. I do realize that damage was done, and that racism in some sectors is alive to this day. However, that racism travels in all directions. Personally, I don't have anything against anyone, be they black, white, yellow, brown, purple, or green. I have noticed an interesting trend, though. Not many years ago, a movie came out titled "White Men Can't Jump". Now, I will admit that I didn't see this movie. However, I would like to point out that, irregardless of the film's content, if the title had been "Black Men Can't Tango", or "Yellow Men Can't Knit", there would have been lawsuits coming out the old wazoo in a nanosecond.

Now, in the past couple years, I had occasion to spend a great deal of time in close confines with members of both the black and white races, as well as a truly sweet little Puerto Rican lady. It was truly amazing to me. I am white, and I was raised in an all white community. Imagine my shock when I heard white people telling me that black people smell "musty". Well....I didn't smell anything. If anything, my roommate smelled better than I did.....her deoderant was scented. Then, to my immediate bafflement, I was told by friends of my roommate that WHITE people smell "funny"......uh.....you get the picture. I immediately sniffed everyone I knew and determined that all people who said either about the other must have a dead mouse stuck up their nose. The only thing that TRULY stunk around there was the racial intollerance.

Now, I am told that I must, as a white American, be forced to apologize to the African-Americans for slavery, the Japanese for World War II, and probably for Eve biting the apple as well (I AM female, after all.) In essence, I am to apologize for being a white American. I refuse. I was not present during the Civil War; however, my ancestors were located in the northern states. At least 2 that I know of died fighting for the north. I was not in World War II either, but my father was. And I abhor the idea that I should apologize for his not holding up a flag to give them a good target when Pearl Harbor was bombed. In effect, I absolutely WILL NOT apologize for actions of people other than myself. I am, however, very, very sorry when I see the direction our nation's leaders have chosen to take us. After reading the papers lately, I hope I am not as alone as I feel.....