Sorry

Today was the day to say "sorry." …

It's been two hundred years coming, but today Kevin Rudd, our prime minister, made a speech to parliament apologising for the wrongs inflicted on Australia's original inhabitants by European settlers and governments and other authorities down the years.

It was an historic occasion, marked by emotional scenes in the cities as crowds (white as well as black) gathered to watch the PM speak. It was a moving day. It's symbolic action, of course, but it's a very powerful symbol, and one that I hope will lead to better understanding and reconciliation between the races.

Here's the text of the apology: http://www.theage.com.au/news/national/bfull-textb-pms-sorry-address/2008/02/12/1202760291188.html

Here's an article about the nationwide excitement: http://www.theage.com.au/news/national/australias-new-beginning/2008/02/13/1202760398783.html?s_cid=rss_news