I have a real problem with how media and political types apologize. If I ever attempted to apologize for something stupid I did the way John Kerry just did, or the way Mark Foley did (right after the apology release the info that he believed he had been molested as a child and was an alcoholic), or countless others - the apology wouldn't be accepted, and if I was apologizing to a woman I'd promptly get slapped.I was just over at National Review Online's The Corner blog, and a reader sent in the following to Jonah Goldberg. We could all learn from it:
Real apologies
- Never contain the phrases "my words were misinterpreted" (to make it or "any [one] who was offended." These are weasel words. Nothing is an apology which attempts offload blame or place blame anywhere but on the person making the apology. Such "apologies" should never be accepted.
- Never transition to an attempt to balance the scales by showing any other party is wrong in any way. Such "apologies" should never be accepted. Indeed, they should be condemned not just as unmitigating excuses, but as abuses in their own right.
Reader Comments ( Page 1 of 8)
1. I agree. When I'm wrong, I say " I was wrong and would like to apologize" period. Excuses are not an apology.
Cindy at 6:39PM on Nov 1st 2006
2. I suppose the reason the Republicans are so incensed is because John Kerry's statement is the truth. Only the poor and mostly uneducated are fighting the war in Iraq and the ones who started this war all went to college and didn't serve their country.
Marilynn Lowder at 6:45PM on Nov 1st 2006
3. John Kerry should be killed!!
Just kidding.
Just like Kerry was kidding when he slandered the military in Iraq this week and just like when he slandered the troops who fought in VietNam and just like he kidded when he stated, 2 weeks ago, that maybe he should kill the bird at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue.
Like Kerry would have the guts to kill Bush! Kerry is, was and always will be a coward who likes to slander people because he can get away with it.
Maybe I was right about killing Kerry.
Gotcha again, just kerrying!!!
Bob Guijarro at 9:39AM on Nov 2nd 2006
4. I think that the apologies by Kerry and the Queer are very insincere. Political pressure induced them. the queer has molested many more children than have come forward. Kerry, aka Jane Fonda wannabe is someone that will sway like a willowtree in a storm. If my ass was in a jam, I would say or plead whatever was necessary to get off the line. This is just politics as usual or as some call it, human nature.
marty luffman at 6:49PM on Nov 1st 2006
5. I am sick and tired of the GOP trying to distract the voters of this nation from the "real" facts of the war.
Kerry made a mistake...They happen....He had no intention of dissing the troops.....
I think these Chicken Hawks have dissed the troops from day one when they led us into this immoral war.
Their lies and machinations have caused thousands and thousands of deaths.
It is time to stop the blood shed of the American Military.
And don't give me that comment, " We are fighting there so we won't have to do it here"...That's hogwash.
Ask the people who live in Arabic communities, like the largest one in the U.S. in Michigan....are they fighting in the streets? NO....
And don't tell me that our troops are "fighting for our freedoms".....what a lie that is.....
People in this nation had better wake up and see just how many freedoms we have lost with this power hungry bunch in this administration.
It is time for a change...The GOP knows this, and they are trying every angle to hang on to their power.....power corrupts......
Their arrogance is unbelievable.
John Drean at 6:52PM on Nov 1st 2006
6. Yup... with the exception of my father's and great-uncle's generation - who considered war service oblgatory and truly noble - our America has become a haves vs have nots, with the whopping percentage of soldiers from less educated backgrounds. That is not to belittle the troops themselves. In fact, my anger is directed more at my government - which sent them there - and our society, which hasn't created enough opportunities for minorities and lower-income teenagers. They are thus vulnerable to the smoke-and-mirrors approach of the snake who walks through their doors and promises them a better future with Uncle Sam. God Bless these kids, many of whom just wanted the good education promised to them...and a square meal.
And on a more important note, at the end of the day I'd rather be a soldier who knows John Kerry has my back on the life-and-death front rather than that George Bush chooses his words (in this case only) well.
Laurie Wiegler at 6:57PM on Nov 1st 2006
7. John Kerry could do well to retire from politics and public life. He didn't do well in his bid for President and that should have sent a message to him!! With Kerry's military record during the Vietnam War, what right does he have to even make comments about the war in Iraq?
Betty at 7:09PM on Nov 1st 2006
8. When I view the support for the Demorat candidate, I become even more convinced that the "dumbing down" of America is close at hand.
Joseph B. Murden, Jr at 7:04PM on Nov 1st 2006
9. A typical Democratic meaningless statement and how to cover your stupidity. I think, no I know, the best way for this IDIOT to apologise is to resign from his senate seat. What has this liberal ever done for this country? Nothing. I am a Viet Nam vet and I can smell a coward a mile away; correction all the way from Texas, and this Liberal, stand for nothing, along with Hillary, is a disgrace to his country, it's beliefs and most importantly to the brave soals who are willing to put their lives on the line to protect the likes of such pathetic individuals who stand for nothing such as Hillary Clinton, John Karey, Rangle the racist and the likes of Ted Kennedy blows my mind.
Gary Abner at 7:09PM on Nov 1st 2006
10. This comment by John Kerry is indicative of his long standing view of our military from the days he "threw away" his medals. He has such contempt for our Commander in Chief and our military, he will not apologize for what he said. If he is challenging the President's education, perhaps we should compare his grades against the President's. An MBA from Harvard is not just given to anyone.
Rollin Hogge at 7:10PM on Nov 1st 2006
11. I couldn't believe Kerry's words. It's one thing to slam an opponent...it's quite another to slam the whole enlisted military. In effect, he is saying only selfish people enlist. I'm offended. I enlisted to serve, to to get. I do not live by my military benefits, nor do I begrudge the years I gave. I do hold a grudge against those who use their service for political gain...
Kerry's "apology" is an even worse wrong. Shows where his head is...up his ass.
Tess Holgar at 7:12PM on Nov 1st 2006
12. I stand by my comments. America think about it: how many Demorats have clearly stated their postitions on the Bush tax cuts? how many have clearly outlined what they will do about tax reform; medicare reform; medicaid reform; illegal immigration; social security reform? not many. And yet, so many of you are willing to give your votes to these Louts. God bless our men and women in the military; they are really the ones that i care about. Last, if any of you for one moment think that Hillary Clinton has your best interest at heart, than you my friend, are a fool.
Joseph
Joseph B. Murden, Jr at 8:39PM on Nov 1st 2006
13. I THINK JOHN KERRY SHOULD BE VERY SORRY FOR WHAT HE SAID BUT YOU KNOW HE ISN'T HE THINKS HE IS SO
MUST BETTER THEN EVER ONE ELSE. TO ME HE IS
BENEATH US ALL THAT IS ALL I HAVE TO SAY.
PRAY LONG AND HARD BEFORE YOU VOTE I WILL
deborah at 7:16PM on Nov 1st 2006
14. john kerry is an cowardly idiot with a genius penchant for luring very wealthy women into his web !!!!!! retire kerry, go to the pie in the sky and evaporate !!!!!!!!!!!!
neil andrews at 7:21PM on Nov 1st 2006
15. If the Democrats are not careful with their left wing tactics, in 10 years or less, there may not be a two party system.
richard at 7:24PM on Nov 1st 2006