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 4 of 8)
46. John Kerry is a pompus ass just like the traiter Ted Kennedy
Allen at 10:54AM on Nov 2nd 2006
47. JOHN KERRY IS MY FAVORITE POLITICIAN!
He helped President Bush stay in power in 2004, and now he is helping the republicans retain control of the House and Senate. Give that boy a bigger microphone!
Toggy at 9:42PM on Nov 1st 2006
48. A person who can say what they want to and than says,it was not what they meant to say, does not understand that the power of words of saying these words does mean that the person does not have honor when they can-not say I am sorry. We have our childen say "I am sorry". As for Mr. John Kerry he is just a whiner, just like he was in the 1970's. How he can say he was a war hero is beyond me. He hates the military and his voting record proves it. That was what he realy meant when he said stay in school. Hey, John wake up, we do not have a draft anymore. They now join to serve our county. And they do not count their medals.
Gordon Seeton at 9:31PM on Nov 1st 2006
49. what does kerry have to do with this election? I think they need to get away from kerry and get to the real issues. That dont mean kerry shouldn't apologize.
ray at 9:32PM on Nov 1st 2006
50. Kerry only said publicly what many people are saying privately. As an educator I have a something to add. If all the average and below average students ended up in the military, there would be no problem meeting recruiting quotas. But it seems there is not really a correlation to doing badly in school and joining the military. There is, however, a correlation between not being able to find a job and joining the military. If young people can't find jobs and the government continues to cut funding of student aid, we may see an increase in enlistment. Joining up may be seen as the lesser of two evils between going to Iraq and becoming a criminal. I have young veterans in my college classes. They are like most of the other young people comining out of our public schools. Most of them have trouble reading and writing. Maybe it's all part of a larger plan to produce several generations of young people who have no option but joining the military. Read the PNAC, enlighten yourselves. And remember it is George Herbert Walker Bush who calls Americans OFUs (one fodder unit).
no name required at 9:48PM on Nov 1st 2006
51. I don't think he should apologize, after all what he said was right. Some or few volunteer to serve but the majority will only for the financial incentive as the only way to get a college education. Wealthy boys and girls are not serving in the military, that is a fact. They or their parent can afford a $60.000 year tuition. The others will get a student loan and will be in debt for the rest of their lives or they serve and get a grant. Kerry was right: if you don't apply yourself and get a scholarship, might end up in Iraq. However, saying at loud is not polictically correct---most American cannot handle the truth
Lui at 9:48PM on Nov 1st 2006
52. We should face the truth. Most of our soldies are minorities. Where are the Congressman or Senator's children in Iraq. Please make a count and let people see the results.
Helena at 9:51PM on Nov 1st 2006
53. Kerry has sparked an outrage amoung any and all military, past and present men and women who have worn the uniform. Kerry had a chance to come out and give our military an apology and he blew it. How can Kerry look at himself in the mirror on a day to day basis is beyond me. My husband is a disabled veteran from the Airforce and we are both outraged over Kerry's comments. The news said Kerry gave an apology on his website, that's not good enough for me. I feel we all should hear it from his mouth.
Debbie Warner at 9:52PM on Nov 1st 2006
54. to marilynn lowder, my son is serving in iraq how dare you say he is uneducated and poor, he has a masters degree and comes from a familly that has done very well for itself, kiss my ass
paul at 9:56PM on Nov 1st 2006
55. Being a retired police officer, I have had more than my share of interaction with elected officials on the local, state and national levels, including being involved with the security for several Presidential campaigns. Kerry's lamebrain remarks as he addressed the college students reflected how most elected politicians look down on the people of this country. Especially, politician who have been in office too long!
Note even as he talked to the students, he talked down to them as if they were children.
I am also a decorated Vietnam Vet and find his remarks about the men and women of our Military SHAMEFUL! His first refusal to apologize to our men and women in uniform and refusal to acknowledge what he had done was nothing more than lies and an attempt to white-wash what he had said. The American people are not stupid!
His pathetic attempt at an apology was disgraceful and nothing more than just going through the motions. He failed to show any sincerity and was quite discusting. The people of Mass. would be wise to dump him when he runs for reelection... Better still, he should admit his ignorance and resign from office.
John D. Kyle at 9:58PM on Nov 1st 2006
56. Dear Renee,
Just what the hell do YOU know about "relating to the military?" have you ever served in a military outfit? I didn't think so.
A "photo op?" For your information, John Kerry VOLUNTEERED for hazardous Swift Boat duty while Bush hid out in the Texas Guard (when he bothered showing up)and Dick Cheney got umpteen draft deferments! The guy has far more respect for our troops in Iraq than the chickenhawk neocoms who started this unnecessary, disasterous war based on their idealogy. How many sent their own kids there to serve? Not many.
You don't have a clue about what it means to serve in the military.
Vietnam-era Veteran
Robert Borlick at 10:00PM on Nov 1st 2006
57. No rational adult can watch the Kerry video and accept his pitiful excuse that this ivy leaguer botched a joke so badly. Anyone in America stupid enough to believe that explanation should not have the right to vote. Kerry wasn't smiling, there was no humorous inflection in his voice or stilted speech rhythm indicating he was off his prepared track. His remark was absolutely intended although grossly inaccurate since we have the most educated military in the history of the world, it was sadly revealing of the low character of some we elect to high public office and allow on our airwaves, and his apology was a despicably cowardly lie obvious to all who watch the video carefully which is available on youtube at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OXs3jtF9_nw&mode=related&search=
Michael Denton at 10:12PM on Nov 1st 2006
58. Both John Kerry and I are Viet Nam Vets...and we both KNOW that the statement Mr. Kerry made was not only stupid...but unfortunely correct. The 'smart or connected' kids didn't go to 'war'; the kids with the 'smart or connected' parents went to the National Guard. (That USED to be the safe-haven for the policically connected....George...u lucked out!!! Too bad your kids lucked out too!!!!! Maybe, just maybe, (thanks to you) your grandkids won't be sooooo damn lucky.
Jim at 10:11PM on Nov 1st 2006
59. Look, the guy is uninspiring. His joke is terrible and so is his apology. I would not vote for him if I could. But keep cool-headed about it. The original joke, had he made it, would actually have been quite good (he obviously didn't write it himself ...) No point getting into a tiff about "what he said" and "what it means and implies" - focus on the upcoming elections, what policies to vote for, how to get the country out of this mess. Neither party has a very good shot of it so people need to figure out how to work together. Getting stuck in single-person debates isn't helping anyone.
rozanne at 7:38AM on Nov 2nd 2006
60. Theresa Kerry considers herself superior to teachers and librarians. John Kerry demeans our military by calling all officers and enlisted men academic failures. Both attempted to apologize; neither was convincing. That certainly rules out the academic and military vote. Who is he hoping will vote for him? How large is the community of insufferable snobs?
Mary at 11:39PM on Nov 1st 2006