For present-day politicians there are only political points to be made from such statements, and the larger the sin the larger the outrage, the larger the apology and the larger the potential political gain for sorrow expressed. Through such statements political leaders can gain the benefits of magnanimity without the stain of involvement: the person making the apology had done nothing wrong and all the people who could have received the apology are dead.

About This Quote

Themes

  • Death — Contemplations on mortality, loss, and the legacy we leave
  • Politics — Governance, civic duty, and the structures of power

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