I hate to sound insensitive, but this reparations reconciliation march appears to be a huge waste of time.

Whites wore T-shirts that said "So Sorry" and armbands labeled "Penitent." Blacks displayed bands that said "Forgiver." They converged yesterday on what is now the Annapolis City Dock, a spot where slaves were once bought and sold.

About 400 people joined what organizers described as a "reconciliation march" through downtown Annapolis, ending at the Maryland State House, where descendants of the slave Kunta Kinte and of auctioneer John Ridout, the man who sold him into bondage in 1767, embraced.

I am not currently, nor have I ever been a slave owner. My mother has traced our roots back to the 1400s, and most of my ancestors came over from Europe after slavery was abolished. There were a few that were already here, but most fought on the Union side of the civil war. (Which, as a southerner, pains me to say.)

Likewise, I do not know anyone still alive today that was a slave. We are all free individuals, and dwelling on something that happened nearly 150 years ago doesn't seem too constructive.

Even if I had slave owning ancestry, I am not about to feel sorry for something I didn't do. The idea that people should be penitent for something their ancestors may have done hundreds of years ago is rediculous; whether it be robbery, murder, or slavery. I wasn't there, had no say in any of it, and being "penitent" would (or should) ring on deaf ears. Even if I was sorry, who would I apologize to? Any victims would be long since dead.

Could you imagine if such a thing were common place? Modern day railroad companies and banks would be going after the relatives of Jessie James; demanding an apology or compensation for banks robbed in the 1860s.

Had I known about the Annapolis march, I might have been so bold as to wear arm bands that said "Not Sorry" and "I didn't do shit!" Besides, when it comes to white guilt, I've already been granted amnesty.