Pot, Kettle. Kettle, Pot.

US Rep Michael Honda (D-CA) introduced bi-partisan legislation in January that

calls on Japan to formally and unambiguously apologize and acknowledge the tragedy which the comfort women endured under its Imperial Army during World War II. Not only should Japan’s Prime Minister issue a public apology, Japan must take responsibility unequivocally.

While this was a terrible crime, it feels like a Japanese issue. Why with all that is going on in this nation, does Rep Honda feel that we have the time or inclination to demand that another nation apologize for its own history?

Especially since when it comes to slavery our nation has yet to

formally and unambiguously apologize and acknowledge the tragedy which the Africans endured under its white citizens during the first 100 years of American history. Not only should President Bush issue a public apology, America must take responsibility unequivocally.

Not only that, but can you imagine our response if Japan actually had the audacity to issue such a demand? Now imagine their response to our "demand," I mean, besides this one. Personally, if I were a Japanese PM, despite whatever diplomatic response I may give, I'd think,

"Sure, we'll apologize, again, right after you apologize for slavery, the treatment of your Native American's, Japanese Internment Camps, Gitmo, Abu Ghraib, etc, etc, etc, and as soon as you stop officially sanctioning torture. Yup, we'll be right there."

Isn't there some saying about glass houses (besides being a great album - WWBJD?).

As a US Congressman, Rep Honda should be concerned with the needs of US citizens, here African Americans, rather than worry about the actions of another nation and whether they've sufficiently apologized. Maybe if he attacked a US apology for slavery like he is minding Japan's business. For example, I like what he did with Japanese Internment Camps, this made sense. Look, I would very much agree with Rep Honda if the practice were still going on, but since its not, we have enough going on today to keep any US Rep busy. If he has the time to really worry about these things, then maybe, just maybe he has the time to do tend to the business of the US, things like, I don't know, actually reading the USA PATRIOT ACT before voting on it.