I was pretty worried before i opened this thread... didn't want to be confronted with a bunch of ignorant views that would make me disappointed in BL. But no! So many ppl have obviously thought about this and managed to see thru the shit the Australian government spins (hell, after tampa, etc, i have no idea how anyone believes Howard).
I see an apology as just the first, symbolic step. It's about acknowledging what happened and acknowledging it was wrong. It would be a sign of respect to the first people of Australia. It wouldn't begin to address the myriad of problems indigenous people face today, but it would be a sign of respect. I mean, the figures speak for themselves... hardships faced are hardly exaggerated. There is a really good small book/pamphlet that I got for a friend of mine a few years ago, called something like "dispelling the myths". it went thru all the bullshit myths about aboriginal ppl and what they receive, gave the facts. was good in cutting thru the misperceptions, particularly those pushed by hanson. if anyone can get their hands on it, it's definately worth a read.
peace