The Senate has unanimously passed a resolution apologizing for slavery and racial segregation and sent the measure to the House.

Iowa Democrat Tom Harkin first introduced the measure years ago but wanted it passed Thursday on the eve of Juneteenth – a day of celebration commemorating the end of the Civil War and the release of African Americans from slavery. He said the House is to take it up soon and that a formal celebration will be held next month in the Capitol Rotunda.

I guess that when compared to the four centuries that passed before the Roman Catholic Church saw fit to apologize for the persecution of Galileo, today’s resolution — just 144 years after the end of slavery in the United States — seems downright expeditious.