Americans were shocked and horrified by the torture of Iraqi prisoners at the hands of US soldiers in Abu Ghraib. It was clear that we as a society needed to have a voice and a response more human and resounding than the half apologies of our leaders.

So I took to the streets and asked everday Americans for their thoughts on the matter and to speak to Iraqis directly in a sort of citizen to citizen communication that bypassed the leadership altogether. What followed, quite surprisingly and movingly, was one apology after another.

Here Americans finally speak for themselves, in their own words and in their own voices, about this very important issue.

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To watch the full 8 minute piece featuring 45 speakers, read the transcript, or find out more about "Apologies" and how you can help get its messages heard, see below.

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“We took over the torture of innocent Iraqis”

"There’s scars on their bodies and they have to live with that for the rest of their lives."

"I'm so ashamed to be an American right now."

“As an American, I feel a deep sorrow for what my country has done to your people”

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"The average American is not like that."

More About "Apologies"
* Watch the full 8 minute piece featuring 45 speakers (You need Windows Media Player for this. If you don't already have it, download it for free here)
* Read the transcript