Beginning of Essay
Slavery played a central role in the history of the United States. It existed in all the English mainland colonies and came to dominate agricultural production in the states from Maryland south. Eight of the first 12 presidents of the United States were slave owne ....

Middle of Essay
.... slavery. An apology by the government for slavery would not heal the damage caused by two hundred forty four years of slavery. Congressman Jesse Jackson Jr. Says. "… a simple apology, without anything attached to it seems a little empty to me" ("Should the Government" 9). There should be some type of reparation payments. If not monetary at least the forty acres and a mule which was promised to the slaves for participating in the Civil War. "A government apology for slavery is a valid collective act, but it is valid only if it is accompanied by substance that repairs the damage that is the basis for the apology" ("Should the Government" 9). In ....