In The News

In the News

Dennis Hastert apologized for his alleged role in suppressing evidence of Representative Foley’s recent internet indiscretions and almost simultaneously Wisconsin State Representative Frank Lasee made a bizarre announcement that he will support state legislation that would enable teachers to carry guns in schools.

Hastert came out swinging back on October 4 amid calls for his resignation. Instead of resigning, he offered the world “an apology.” If you’ve read any of my recent long blog entries, you may remember a piece I did a few weeks back on the modern art of apology. It seems to me that the socially trendy thing to do when in a tight spot is to apologize without apologizing or even to apologize by attacking others. Hastert’s “apology” was true to modern form.

“I'm sorry -- you know, when you talk about the page issue and what's happened in the Congress, I'm deeply sorry that this has happened. And the bottom line is that we're taking responsibility, because ultimately, as someone has said in Washington before: The buck stops here.”

On first hearing, this sounds like a strong statement of sincere apology and resolve to make amends; however, look closer. Hastert subtly never accepts any blame. His words do not show remorse…only regret when he invokes the modern apologetic catch-phrase, “…I’m deeply sorry that this has happened….” You bet he’s sorry it happened! He’s sorry it happened and that it involved him. He’s probably also sorry that anyone feels upset about any of this. He’s very sorry about it all. Later in the day, Hastert detailed where the blame should really lie: with Democrats, Bill Clinton, and millionaire liberal activist George Soros. You can read more about Mr. Hastert and his fumbling words by visiting Slate and The National Journal blog.

The other story that has caught my eye over the last few days comes to us from Wisconsin where Representative Frank Lasee proudly proclaimed that he would support legislation that would allow teachers to carry concealed weapons in public schools as long as they receive training. According to the Appleton Post Crescent, Lasee plans to bring forth his legislation tat the upcoming spring session. I especially enjoyed Warren J. Bowe of Chippewa Falls, WI’s editorial. Mr. Bowe makes some humorous points regarding the effects of that legislation if passed. I especially enjoyed thinking about designer guns decked out in school colors with school mascots engraved in the handles.

Of course having teachers tote around guns in school is so very wrong on so many levels. Having guns in classrooms is akin to having starving, angry tigers in your kitchen while you’re cooking dinner. In both cases, there would be blood on the floors.

Other Apologies of Note

McDonald’s French Fries

The Prince of Wales