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"Laying Blame for the Past"

By Eric Muller

President Obama yesterday on Justice-Department approved torture by CIA agents:

This is a time for reflection, not retribution. I respect the strong views and emotions that these issues evoke. We have been through a dark and painful chapter in our history. But at a time of great challenges and disturbing disunity, nothing will be gained by spending our time and energy laying blame for the past. Our national greatness is embedded in America's ability to right its course in concert with our core values, and to move forward with confidence. That is why we must resist the forces that divide us, and instead come together on behalf of our common future.

Why is it that we think it right that the South Africans lay blame for the past, and the Argentinians lay blame for the past, and the Austrians lay blame for the past, and the Germans lay blame for the past, and the Russians lay blame for the past, and the Iraqis lay blame for the past ... but not us?

Full post as published by Is That Legal on April 17, 2009 (boomark / email).