How am I going to write a persuasive letter to my cousin to accept Kevin Rudd's apology to the Stolen Generations?Umm im not really writing to my...

I think that there are several approaches you can take to
this.  The first step that needs to be clearly established is how your cousin stands on
the issue of the "Stolen Generation."  Simply put, is he unaware of what happened or
does he not see the need for an apology, given his stance?  I think that clarifying this
might help construct your letter.  I would say that one of the strongest points that
needs to be made that nations are no different than people.  When something traumatic or
repugnant has happened in one's life, there has to be a point of reckoning where one can
understand what happened and then be able to move on from it.  One cannot be pinned
against nor to the past in trying to forget it.  I think that convincing your cousin of
the need to acknowledge what happened in the past is going to be important.  Australia's
approach to children who were kidnapped and taken by the government from their homes and
families for whatever reason has to be acknowledged.  The raping of this group of people
is no different than the forced servitude and treatment of indigenous people marking the
relationship between the "West" and the rest of the world.  As these nations have had to
make the unpleasant acknowledgement of wrongs being committed, why should Australia be
any different?  Acknowledging and accepting wrong is what makes a nation stronger and
even more morally righteous.  I think that this would be a part of your letter.
 Additionally, I think that if your cousin possessed fear as to what the apology
actually means, you could argue that it is a highly symbolic act.  There was little, if
anything, in the speech that spoke to the need for financial consideration or
compensation for those who have suffered and this should allay your cousin's fears.  (I,
of course, mention this in part tongue in cheek, as the apology did ring hollow without
any sort of just compensation outside of words and symbolic action.)  Finally, I would
strongly suggest that you make mention of the art that comes out of this moment in
Australian history.  The film, "Rabbit Proof Fence" or in America, "The Long Walk Home,"
might be a great resource for you to employ in your battle to get your cousin to accept
the need for Rudd's apology.  After watching this film, there is much to be understood
in the repugnance in the actions of the Australian government.  In the end, appealing to
your cousin's moral sense of right and wrong could be the best way to ensure that your
goals in the letter are met.