I agree that this kind of action against what is essentiality political speech is completely wrong, but before you get all hysterical about the cop approaching the car with his hand on his firearm, I might remind you this is SOP for all traffic stops.

Official U.S. Government Apology on Slavery Called for by Presidential Candidate

March 27, 2006 Hartford, Connecticut --- Today, Webster Brooks, Vice-Presidential candidate on the Imperato/Brooks 2008 Independent ticket, pledged that in the "First 50 days of the Imperato administration, an official apology will be issued to African-American citizens for the United States government's role in legalizing, enforcing and perpetuating the institution of slavery."

Since the passage of the 13th Amendment that abolished slavery in 1866, the federal government has attempted to provide remedies to Black Americans through a series of civil rights acts and Supreme Court decisions. But Brooks said "The government has never officially expressed its profound regrets in sanctioning the abomination of slavery to its victims nor their descendents."

The Hartford Courant newspaper and the Aetna Insurance Company have made open public apologies for their complicity in furtherance of the slave trade (See Aetna Statement at end of this press release). Brooks asked "If newspapers and corporations can issue public apologies, why cannot the President do so on behalf of the federal government and the American people? After all, slavery was codified in the U.S. Constitution, our seminal document of freedom." Brooks also noted that the U.S government has provided reparations for Japanese-Americans incarcerated during World War II, and supported international calls for government led racial reconciliation initiatives in places like South Africa.

Brooks stated "The time has come to do what is right and long overdue. This is a simple act of decency. I trust we have not lost neither the courage or the capacity to apologize for wrongs committed." He expressed his hopes that other presidential candidates will take a similar pledge during the campaign. Brooks concluded his remarks by saying that "If we are to build one America in the future, we must be willing to reconcile our past."
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STATEMENT BY AETNA INSURANCE COMPANY
March 10, 2000

I am sure many of you have been reading about slavery reparations. In early 2000, the fact that Aetna had written insurance policies on slaves more than 140 years ago was brought to the attention of Aetna' s management. They were deeply disappointed and embarrassed. At the time, the company expressed regret for its role in an awful period in our country's history.

Today, I wish to reiterate a sincere apology for the actions of our company in its earliest days. Slavery is morally wrong and reprehensible.

Today, there remain significant concerns about race in America. Major disparities continue to exist in education, in economic opportunity and in health care.

The Aetna of today is determined to be a leader in addressing these problems. We are proud of our recent record, but also actively seeking additional ways to be a force for positive change. For example, we have an opportunity to make a difference in eliminating disparities in health care and in health status. I am determined that we will pursue initiatives in this area.

The Aetna of today is a place driven by integrity, fairness and a commitment to equal opportunity. Diversity is embedded in this company's values. It is reflected in our people, in our leadership, and through our contributions to the communities we serve. It is a cornerstone of our strength and crucial to our success going forward.

For media inquiries contact:
Joseph Oddo
Imperato/Brooks 2008
oddo@daniel2008.com
(703) 338-0200