Does it ever surprise anyone these days when a politician lies or cheats? There are a few examples in the news this week of politicians who seem to have been caught lying and cheating.Consider recent democratic primary winner Connecticut attorney general Richard Blumenthal who once told crowds that he served in Vietnam and was on the Harvard swim team. As it turns out he did neither and confessed:
"On a few occasions, I have misspoken about my service and I regret that. I take full responsibility."Also consider "family values" republican congressman from Indiana, Mark Souder, who had an affair (I think we used to call it adultery) with a part time member of his staff and resigned from congress. He offered these words:
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"But I will not allow anyone to take a few misplaced words and impugn my record of service to our country."
"I wish I could have been a better example. I sinned against God, my wife and my family by having a mutual relationship with a part-time member of my staff."Did you notice the similarities in these "apologies"? There seems to be an admission of guilt followed by a "don't judge me" attitude. Well.. I am not one to judge.. but I do wonder if either one of these guys is really sorry about what they did or just sorry they got caught.
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"In the poisonous environment of Washington D.C., any personal failing is seized upon, often twisted, for political gain. I am resigning rather than to put my family through the painful, drawn-out process."
I now remove my judicial robe and yield the bench to you. How judge ye?
That's what I call an Apology butt. We try to train our kids to not qualify their apology as it contradicts the apology. "I'm sorry I spilled the milk, but the container was slippery and I was in a hurry because you wanted things fast....." I'm sorry I spilled the mild is all that is needed
ReplyDeletelying and cheating and stealing is a given for politicians here. those who don't are in danger (literally)
ReplyDeleteI was at a dinner last week where Blumenthal spoke (first time I have seen him in person). While he definitely had the "politician's smile" (which made me wary) he also seemed warm and genuine. He spoke about giving his son (who was just commissioned in Marines) his first salute. He was more focused on his son's achievements than his own. Came away with a good impression.
ReplyDeleteHaving read the accounts (and come backs) over past few days, he has spoken openly several times about his status as a reserve, and has also on other occaissions left the impression he was in active duty.
Reminds me of Hilary's "sniper fire" claim from a few years ago. My guess is that the electorate will give him a pass on this one -- but I still think avoiding the simple "I am sorry, I made a mistake and I apologize" is a sign of weakness, not strength.
Not knowing the hearts of the men involved, I'd say it seems like they're sorry they got caught, judging from the cases of others in the past.
ReplyDeleteOf course, that's just my cynical side talking. :)
Ha Ha, tag – you are now it!
ReplyDeleteIF I WERE A…
MONTH. DAY; TIME OF DAY; SEASON;
PLANET; DIRECTION; TREE; ANIMAL;
MUSICAL; INSTRUMENT; FRIUT FOOD; COLOUR; BOOK; SONG ; MOVIE; FLOWER; FACIAL EXPRESSION.
So what would you be? Can’t wait to see!
I was tagged by Yvonne @ Welcome to My World of Poetry. Check out my answers in tomorrow’s post. For now however, you are it!!!!!
Here ya go Gregg:
ReplyDeleteMONTH: May
DAY: Sunday
TIME OF DAY: Sunset
SEASON: Spring
PLANET: Heaven
DIRECTION: Up
TREE: Oak
ANIMAL: Lamb
MUSICAL INSTRUMENT: Piano
FRUIT FOOD: Strawberry
COLOUR: Blue
BOOK: Bible
SONG: All Hail the Power of Jesus Name
MOVIE: Braveheart
FLOWER: Iris
FACIAL EXPRESSION: Smile
What is the URL where I can find your responses?
I'm with co_heir in that I think they are sorry they got caught and its sad that forgivness and being sorry for actions is seen as weakness. It really doesn't say much for ones character, in my opinion.
ReplyDelete