[OPINION] Moving forward while remembering the past

CHARLES Thomas accuses me of being dismissive of history (Cape Times, January 20), and I admit that I quoted a rather insensitive approach from the USA about reparations.

But the point I wanted to make was that without a time-machine, we can't actually change history. We shouldn't dismiss it, but how we use it is the key.

His statement: I've yet to hear anyone say "forget about the Holocaust" is actually brilliant, as the Israelis set a wonderful example of remembering the past, and saying: Never Again! And then went on to make their part of the desert bloom.

That's the way to use history, not for "keeping the seeds of conflict alive".

We may actually be on the same page (except for the wealth tax).

Rob Johnston | Tokai

Cape Times