After the Japanese Apology..!
With a US Bill on the anvil asking Japan to apologize to Asian countries for forcing their women to become sex slaves sixty years ago during the Second World War, the UN Secretary- General decided to hold an apology session at the UN headquarters in New York. I was one of the lucky few who actually witnessed this extraordinary meeting of world leaders, all feeling sorry for past actions.
First Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe walked stiffly up the mike, “I apologize,” he said gruffly “for the comfort women who were forced to service the needs of the Imperial army!”
Tony Blair walked up next red faced and a hush went through the crowd as they realized what it must have taken the British PM to finally admit mistake, “I am sorry,” he cried, “for the terrible Crusades in the year 1095 when my British soldiers forcibly fought the Turks and captured Jerusalem!”
The audience watched as Tony walked back to his wife and she hugged him for his forthrightness and courage.
The UN Secretary- General smiled at his wife, “Nobody has ever been able to make Blair apologize, but I did!”
Suddenly an even bigger silence spread through the crowd as they saw the American President kiss his wife then stand up, get his suit together, put his chin forward and walk to the podium, “I am sorry,” thundered Bush and the hearts of people glued to their television sets melted as they saw sadness writ on his face, “I am sorry for throwing all those boxes of precious tea into the sea in 1773. I apologize for the Boston Tea Party! I promise to make good the loss my British brothers suffered and am giving my friend Blair a packet of tea leaves I’ve secretly grown at my ranch in Texas as compensation!”
The crowd roared loudly as a tearful Blair and Bush hugged each other and Blair walked back with the precious tealeaves.
This time not a person moved as a uniformed General and a turbaned man got up together and walked to the stage, “I apologize,” said the Indian PM, “No I apologize,” interrupted the Pakistan General.
“Okay we both apologize for the Indus Valley civilization…”
“In Mohenjodaro and Harappa of 2300 BC…”
“Which unfortunately gave both our countries knowledge!”
“If we had not had received their stupid learning and wisdom…”
“Our people would have been simple hunters and farmers…”
“Living side by side in peace, and not at war like now!”
“They have never said sorry to each other before!” whispered the Secretary- General as the crowd cheered the two Asian leaders for their fearlessness and grit.
Suddenly into the ears of all in the Apology Hall came the feel of a giant whisper, “I have never apologized for creating you all!” said the giant whisper, “though you have let me down with your hate, your wars and treachery! Go back to where you belong and instead of apologizing for what you cannot change, make your today such that you will never have to feel sorry for it in future!”
I was one of those who watched a shaken bunch of leaders leaving the hall shame faced.
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