symbolic gestures as political tools

being as cynical as possible, 'i see plans within plans' of this just passed
senate apology for inaction against lynching.

Seven presidents petitioned Congress to end lynchings. Nearly 200 anti-lynching bills were introduced in the first half of the 20th century. The House passed three anti-lynching measures between 1920 and 1940, but the Senate passed none.
Senators filibustered anti-lynching measures for a total of six weeks, said the main Republican sponsor of the resolution, Sen. George Allen (news, bio, voting record) of Virginia. "It's not easy for people to apologize, but I think it does show the character of the Senate today," he said.

aside from an overdue apology, i think this is to stake out territory against the mr smith goes to washington-filibuster clips democrats periodically roll out.

perhaps i'm too cynical, but the left is trying a guilt by absence thing.