Let’s Not Forget Soldiers’ Bravery

Regarding Robin Abcarian’s June 18 column, “At Apologizing, Men Are Sorry”: Somehow again bandwagon feminism has managed to manifest itself in print with its usual naivete.

The Ohio congressman’s proposal that Congress apologize to African Americans for the slavery endured under the Constitution and laws of the United States until 1865 is, according to Abcarian, now somehow a further example of the protracted slowness of the male species in admitting to a wrong or injustice. And implying even more, that here is another example of the male ego and a glaring weakness in men.

Give the bandwagon a rest. Yes, men know how to apologize and do it wonderfully. Have we forgotten the hundreds of thousands of men of the Grand Army of the Republic who in more than 2,200 battles “gave the last full measure of devotion” in righting a grievous error and wrong? Were not their deaths for the federal republic and emancipation the ultimate act of contrition and apology?

If we again argue an injustice endured more than 130 years ago, shouldn’t we also respect what these men sacrificed? I think the apology was made long ago. And if Robin truly believes “women thrive on emotional symbolism” and men are probably incapable, then let her visit Arlington National Cemetery or Gettysburg.

JIM CROSS

Ontario

*

In her rambling “At Apologizing . . . ,” Abcarian gives little thought to issues.

Why on earth should a collective of politicians who took no part in the abomination of slavery apologize for a long-dead predecessor collective? Does Abcarian apologize for Lizzie Borden merely because they’re both female?

The duty of any government is to render justice in its time. Apologies, “recompense” and other impertinencies are useless. The best any government can do to rectify the improprieties of the past is to govern well in the present.

MARC S. TUCKER

Manhattan Beach