I don't have a problem with the apology. It isn't about punishing people who had nothing to do with slavery; it is about accountability. It is a state acknowledging their role in a sordid part of our history. It's never too late to say "I'm sorry" and be accountable. I don't support reparations, but an apology is okay with me.
It's December 15th, 1947 in Hammond, Indiana. The kids from Miss Shields class are out on the playground encouraging young Flick to touch his tongue to the frozen flagpole to see whether it will stick. It's a mob scene as they chant his name, egging him on. Finally, as the excitement has built to a fever pitch, he does it and to the amazement of all the other kids and to his horror, Flick's tongue is stuck to the flagpole.
The bell rings, and all the kids pour back into the classroom, leaving Flick stuck to a flagpole in the wintry cold.
Once back inside, the teacher notices that Flick is not back yet and discovers what has happened when one of the kids points outside.
Eventually, Flick is rescued by the fire department, but holding up the Playground Honor Code, Flick refuses to give up any of his buddies who may have been involved in the incident. After all, there was no clear ringleader, was there?
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Telling or admitting the truth is great, but for there to be 'accountability', there has to be some penalty.