How many people who were in power at the time of the Vichy government are
still alive, and what do the people who live in France have to do with
that? Should all Americans be ridiculed for the racial policies of the
South, which happened in much more recent history?

Good point. Where does historical responsibility end?

Do the aboriginal people deserve an apology from the current Australian
government for treatment done to them by an earlier generation? Do American
blacks deserve reparations for harm done to their ancestors during the slave
years?

Do the Germans still bear the stain of Nazism? Do the Japanese still bear
the guilt for the rape of Nanchang? (Or however it's spelled nowadays...)

An interesting, highly debatable topic for thinking people. Of course,
someone here will change the subject line to include accusations of racism,
rather than discuss the issues -- but that's the current state of Usenet,
and much of the American electorate.
--
Jay Honeck
Iowa City, IA
Pathfinder N56993
www.AlexisParkInn.com
"Your Aviation Destination"