Well said Charles. As a white male with Irish heritage I can honestly say that I bear no guilt for the sins of other white Europeans inflicted on African Americans or Natives. My ancestors were in Ireland until the 20th century and were oppressed by the English.  Then they were disparaged by "Americans" when they came here.  I didn't oppress anyone.  I am not responsible for the past simply because of my skin color.  I can only bear guilt for injustice that occurs within my lifetime if I fail to act to right it. 

You are exactly right when you say an honest and open conversation about race is the first step.  On both sides.  There are lots of "white" people who had nothing to do with American slavery or the genocide of Native Americans.  That does not give us license to ignore injustice today. But there are plenty of us white folks that do stand up to fight on behalf of the oppressed.  Give us some well-deserved credit, rather than condemn us because of our skin color.