Brendan Nelson's "Sorry" speech pt. 1/2

Leader of the Opposition Brendan Nelson responds to Prime Minister Kevin Rudd's apology to the stolen generation of Aboriginal Australians.

See also:
Kevin Rudd's speech part 1: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9XtUJTbQaN0
Kevin Rudd's speech part 2: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CsTVHWClpRE
Kevin Rudd's speech part 3: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TJ2KQYD_OG8
Brendan Nelson's speech part 2: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vvCypon4c7g
Post-speech formalities: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oZRK108BKDM

This video is not an endorsement of Brendan Nelson's speech, views, or political party.

Source: http://www.abc.net.au/tv/apology/

Category:

News & Politics

Tags:

• Brendan
• Nelson
• sorry
• apology
• speech
• australia
• aboriginies
• parliament
• reconciliation
• politics
• stolen
• generation

[Perrickan]

If a friend of yours has a close friend or family member die, then you say "sorry" to them.

It doesn't mean you're responsible and it doesn't mean you should be blamed, but you say you're sorry to hear that and you acknowledge their pain. In doing so, you help a friend.

There is no need to feel guilty.

[Inconvenientruths]

@emitts79

To right Sport.

Everyone should apologise!

In those days there was no fear or favour in government actions relating to child welfare.

Now the government only tries to save non Aboriginal kids from sexual and physical abuse.

All because the kids who were saved did not realise it and a whole hap of political pricks think they might look nice if they apologise!

Shit oh dear!

[midgysamurai15]

I could say some snide comment about The Liberal Party- but at least Nelson manned up to see the truth in our history, and apologise for it which Howard failed to do. So thank you, for at least showing some humanity within The Liberal Party. Even if it took for a leader of yours to get kicked out in order for this to happen.

This is where patriotism comes from. With the hope of being the best country we possibly can be.

[emitts79]

You are not black nor am I white, we are Australians - so harden the f!@k up. And how are they disadvantaged, they get more help, more money and more programs to help you, what do the white people get? we all should get equal payments, equal help and equal programs that's what it will make me as a white Australian feel equal to Aboriginals.

[max85q3]

I should have said 'seem' liable

but no your 100% right it is not about money at allllll

'complicated circumstances which gave rise to these policies'

or rather the complicated excuses to defend these policies

bottom line is genocide

in no way should excuses be made to that on a day when the country is begging forgiveness for it

[RoboDouche]

Your knowledge of liability and the law is seriously limited. In absolutely no way whatsoever could Nelsons speech be construed as an attempt to avoid paying restitution. Not even at all. Not even a bit. The law simply doesn't work that way. But thanks for playing. What he was saying is that for an apology to be meaningful we have to face head on the complicated circumstances which gave rise to these policies - and that making things right means more than token gestures, it means action, now.

[max85q3]

Dude he just doesnt want the current/future governement to be liable for compensation

he tried to make the aborigines look like victims of circumstance rather than base racism, prejudice and ignorance of past governments and people

all in the hope of everyone going oh well its pretty understandable i guess it wasnt anybodys fault

and your defending this prick?

[RoboDouche]

That's not what happened. He made a speech that addressed the moral complexity of the issue and the ongoing complexity of aboriginal affairs in this country. It was an important speech and I'm sorry it went over most peoples heads. The manner in which people turned away from this speech is symbolic of the way in which they continue to turn their backs on the Aboriginal people while continuing to entertain patronising token gestures of support. Nelson asked for the real thing. Good for him.

[RoboDouche]

Part 3. You might, but I won't. And neither will Brendan Nelson. He saw and understood the issue for its complexity. Too bad most of Australia wasn't capable of doing likewise.