W.A.S.P. Apology
Dear Tribal Peoples of the Americas,
My English ancestors arrived aboard The Mayflower.
You were enslaved, exposed to smallpox, forced to forfeit your land.
No longer able to hunt. Shot like animals, sent to reservations.
I am profoundly sorry.
Sincerely and in the spirit of repentance,
Amy Barlow Liberatore
Trifecta asked us to write a letter of apology in exactly 33 words, not counting the title, salutation, or signature. The was the best subject I could write about. All my friends know of my pride in the “shanty Irish” side of my family; however, my father’s ancestors can be traced to Richard Warren on the Mayflower. While some view this as a heritage to be proud of, I’ve been trying to live it down, both as an activist and as a woman who educated herself on the facts of the matter. A racist website by some cracker named O. Ned Eddins plays down the torture and displacement Native Americans. History, once again written by the winners… yet, had we stayed with indigenous ways of respecting the land and thinking seven generations ahead, we would not be ruled by oligarchy in a despoiled land. Amy
Sharp Little Pencil 
oncealibrarian
It’s interesting that thoughtful folk like you are so ready to apologise to Native Americans and yet we British who have so much to apologise for around the world from our Empire building days never think to do so. In Liverpool we have the International Museum of Slavery but even there the theme is more a tribute to the slaves and their cultiures than an apology for what we did. A thought-provoking post, as always, Amy.
Sharp Little Pencil
Thanks so much. I cannot speak to the British situation, but my dad’s folks actually did come over on the Mayflower from England, so that’s what I’m about here. In a way, this is a (long-time-passed) type of apology in that way, I hope. Thanks, Amy
vivinfrance
I used to think that it was only our ancestors who were so cruel and blind to the needs of others. We can’t help our ancestors, but the world is going to hell in a bucket: look at Syria, Burma; ethnic cleansing is widespread in so many countries. I am ashamed of MY generation.
Sharp Little Pencil
I’m more ashamed of MY generation, which is acting as though nothing is happening half the time. The senior Americans are “sitting pretty” and only act when Medicare is threatened, by and large; but the 50-somethings need to get off their duffs and start calling, emailing, and protesting. Actually, ALL generations got together for the Madison, WI, protests and are acting to recall the governor of our state, which is amazing… Thanks, Viv! Amy
Lance
my folks didn’t immigrate until the late 1890s, early 1900s and mixed with Native Americans. I’m glad you wrote this. It’s needed.
Sharp Little Pencil
Lance, this was my dad’s “aristocratic” side of the family, and aside from Dad himself, they were a bunch of snobs. My mom’s Irish roots are where my heart lies, and they came over about the same time: “No Irish Need Apply.” Thanks, hon. Amy
jaerose37
Thank you for introducing me to another idea – it would be a challenge to apologise for anything in 33 words – yet you have taken on a such a huge social/political issue..and as always written with heart and power…Jae
Sharp Little Pencil
Jae, Trifecta does this 33-word prompt on Fridays, I believe. Check it out. And yes, it was a hell of an editing session, because there was so much more to say. Still, I was happy with the results… thanks, hon. Amy
brian miller
i def think some apologies are owed…even if it was our previous generation…this way we move forward and not just pretend it never happened…i was thinking slavery today too…
Sharp Little Pencil
I still think slavery… the child sex trade, sweatshops in China, and America’s silence on such matters as little boys being trained to carry rifles everywhere from Africa to redneck American militias… scary stuff, Brian. Thanks, Amy
jaerose37
Apologies if this is a duplicate Amy..Wordpress and I have an uneasy union..your passion and heart sings through this piece..and thank you for another new idea..33..an important number..Jae
Sharp Little Pencil
Like I said, it’s Trifecta all the way! Love, A
Raven
Now collectively, we need to do something about it.
Sharp Little Pencil
Let’s start with women’s purchasing power. Refuse to buy Chinese ANYTHING because American manufacturers are saving money by putting poor Chinese laborers in untenable working conditions. Actually, I boycott the “Indian” casinos because I believe gambling is a blight on American Indian traditions, a nd the rank and file tribal members make only a little money, while the tribal leaders make all the bucks! God, sound familiar?
Raven
I could not agree with you more my dear!
judithhb
Thank you for sharing this with us. Here in NZ we have apologised to the Maori for taking their land and have made some recompense by way of the Treaty Tribunal.
Sharp Little Pencil
Amen, JUdith. My denomination, the United Church of Christ (four churches that came together, including the Congregational Church) apologized for meddling in Hawaiian politics through their missionary work, as they helped install a Eurocentric government and pushed out the king. Amy
Steve E
You are well at home with many subjects. I respect your heritage. Someone once told me I am traced back to Adam. Don’t know HOW they figured that. Very little if anything is known about Adam, except he probably was a wimp.
My ancestor! Imagine!
OH! One more thing, The shortest poem in the world:
Topic: “On the Antiquity of Microbes”
Title: FLEAS
Adam
Had ’em
PEACE!
Sharp Little Pencil
Steve, ha ha ha ha. Loved the poem. All the way back to Adam? What the hell kind of Kool-Aid are they drinking in your town? I’m Christian, but I don’t take that story seriously… oh no, now I AM going to hell, my sister was right! (wink) Amy
John Evans
Magnanimously powerful statement Amy!! I like your work tremendously. We share commonalities in many areas. I truly wish you the best! Thanks for the wonderful visit you made earlier and your very valued comment! Bless You!