Apologizing is an important way to confront the truth of our human situation. If we are honest with ourselves (and with others), we must admit that we make lots of mistakes in life, and that we also do things we know are wrong, even as we are doing them. The things we have done, and are sometimes continuing to do, can have horrific impacts on other people - and on the natural world that sustains our human existence.
Each of us could make up a substantial list of things for which we need to apologize, as individuals, and for which we will hope for forgiveness. I am pretty sure I am right about that.
A "business" website, dedicated to "creating customer-driven growth," has published a list of "Six Steps To A Great Apology." Here they are: (1) Act quickly; (2) Apologize in person; (3) Explain what happened; (4) Show how you will avoid the problem in the future; (5) Apologize - actually say, "I'm sorry"; (6) Make restitution.
Here's a thought - and I'm serious. Let's set up a way that we, as a nation, can formally apologize for the harms we have caused, following those six steps, and making restitution. A lot better than bombing and bullying the world at large, don't you think?
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