"Reconciliation is a good thing. After all, the harmful policies and ugly deeds of yore are fact. Perhaps an official apology by the president could serve as symbolic recognition and atonement for the mistreatment of Indians over the generations, allowing Americans to move on. If that's all it remained, an apology would serve a useful purpose.

But Indian groups and their backers who have legal bones to pick with the federal and state governments might also hijack an apology. The apology could become a weapon in the arsenal of tort lawyers. It could be used to try to justify official recognition as a tribe and the expansion of casino gambling. More gambling and growing numbers of small sovereign nations within the borders of the United States would not be good for the country."

Get the Story:
Editorial: An Apology For What Purpose? (The Hartford Courant 6/15)
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Relevant Documents:
Text of Apology Resolution [As Introduced] | Sen. Brownback Statement on Resolution | Link to S.J.RES.37

Relavent Links:
Sen. Sam Brownback - http://brownback.senate.gov

Related Stories:
Tribal foes question need for U.S. apology resolution (6/11)
Brownback says reservation visit inspired apology (05/25)
Consideration of U.S. apology resolution delayed (05/20)
Apology from U.S. requested by Kansas Senator (5/19)