Is this true reconcilliation?

The Age called it a gesture. Is that all it is? Is this disguised assimulation or a true step forward for Australia?

What will the next step be? A new national anthem with recognition of our original indigenous people? Changes to the constitution? A treaty?

Thankyou to the Aborginal people for reaching out to the mass Australian community and meeting us much more than half way!!!

On behalf of myself and my family, some of whom suffered horribly at the hands of so-called missionaries and racist government policy;

Mr Rudd, that simple gesture and honest recounting of past injustices has been welcomed and appreciated. Although many non-Aboriginal australians don't understand or care for your apology, we will not hold them responsible for their ignorance and denial.

We will be happy to start a new page tomorrow, embracing the hope of a new beginning and a new approach.

We thank you for having the testicle fortitude to not only be a man of your word, but to also be a leader where there was no leadership before.

We thank you for consulting with Aboriginal people, we thank you for including us in your parties vision for a more united and equal Australia.

I thank you for showing the guts to embrace a past so that we may all have a future together.

Onya Kevin!

I believe that it is more than a 'gesture', rather a 'first step' in a process that cannot be resolved by instant solutions or throwing money at it. Any of the changes that you mention would be, indeed, a great advancement, but it is time that will be the most needed commodity. Dialogue is needed on a continual basis, and the right to return to their original Culture under the Lore and Law. I concur with your thanks and hope that the spirit of reconciliation lives on.

This is just a cheap stunt by Kevin 07. The real reconciliation will be achieved if we help the indigenous people to live a decent life without petrol sniffing, without alcohol and drug abuse, without rape and sexual abuse of women and children. It is our moral obligation to help them in every possible way for a decent life. Put aside the cheap propaganda and provide real help. That is true reconciliation!