How affective is kevin rudd?

Question

how do u guys out there feel about the sorry speech???

Answer 1

Personally I disagree with him saying sorry on behalf of Australia.  While what happened to the Aboriginals in the stolen generations was atrocious - it was common practice worldwide at the time, and it was truly with a misguided intention (not that this makes it justifiable).  

I'm 21 years old, and I had nothing to do with the policies - I wasn't even born!  I don't understand why as a nation, we must take collective responsibility for others mistakes.  Do you see Saudi Arabia taking responsibility for the Sept 11 terroist attacks (given that the majority of hijackers came from that country)?  You do not - because it was the behaviour of a minority.

Furthermore "sorry" conveys guilt - I shouldn't feel guilty about something that I never did.  Perhaps a more appropriate way would be the government of Australia extending their condolences.