An article in the Atlanta Constitution today says the Georgia apology may not be introduced this year. Its very interesting, considering the dynamics and politics involved, Here it is: Stan

Black Caucus leader says slavery apology might have to wait
By Jeremy Redmon | Friday, April 13, 2007, 05:06 PM

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

A resolution apologizing for Georgia’s role in slavery might have to wait until next year because it has failed to gain consensus in the Legislature, the head of Georgia’ Legislative Black Caucus announced this afternoon.

“Until we are able to bring about more consensus, I have made the decision not to [introduce] the resolution at this time in the state House,” Rep. Al Williams (D-Midway), said at a news conference in the state Capitol rotunda today.

With about 15 other black caucus members by his side, Williams said his decision is “not to abandon it but just to massage it more and work more for a greater amount of cooperation and agreement.”

Williams said he hopes to introduce the resolution this year but said it is possible it will have to wait until next year. His announcement follows more bad signs for the effort: a standoff between Senate Republican and Democratic leaders.

Senate President Pro Tem Eric Johnson (R-Savannah) blasted Senate Minority Leader Robert Brown (D-Macon) Thursday for not taking an active role in supporting the resolution. Brown responded that Johnson never invited him to get involved.

The slavery debate arose several weeks ago when the state NAACP called on the Georgia General Assembly and Gov. Sonny Perdue to apologize for the state’s role in slavery.

The NAACP’s call for a slavery apology initially received a cool reception from GOP leaders in both the House and Senate. Senate Majority Leader Tommie Williams (R-Lyons) reflected the sentiments of many lawmakers by saying he did not think people could apologize for something they did not do.

The issue appeared to be dead — until Johnson stepped into the picture and said he would work with Rep. Williams on crafting language for a resolution addressing slavery that would engender bipartisan support. Rep. Williams originally said he was planning to introduce a resolution this year.

The wording of the resolution has become a sticking point, however. Several weeks ago, Rep. Williams circulated a four-page draft that would acknowledge the history of slavery in America “with contrition” and call for “reconciliations” among all Georgians.

A more recent draft of the proposed resolution obtained by The Atlanta Journal-Constitution did not offer an apology for slavery but expressed “profound regret for Georgia’s role in the enslavement of Africans.”

Lawmakers in Virginia, North Carolina and Maryland have approved an apology for their states’ roles in slavery this year.