When “I’m sorry” isn’t quite good enough.

We all make mistakes. We’ve all regretted a statement or two made in haste at one point or another. But most of us are not striving to earn the public’s trust, the trust of an entire nation for that matter.

On a regular basis, however, we are treated to a pathetic display of groveling by public officials who do or say some truly moronic things. I would name an example, but ALL of us can think of several off the top of our heads. They then believe that a “sincere apology” will simply wipe the slate clean…

NO! That’s NOT how it works, that is NOT good enough when we depend upon your “good judgement” to make important decisions which affect all of us! If you prove to be a real bonehead, if you show your true colors to be immoral, criminal or both, you need to resign immediately!

The same should apply to the press. ALL journalists should (we know a vast majority do not) conduct themselves according to the highest standards of integrity, truth and fairness. They play a MAJOR role in shaping public opinion. They have almost an even greater responsibility than our politicians. We expect politicians to be lying bastards, we don’t want the messengers to be too…..but they are!

Enter Helen Thomas, a woman who has been in journalism for 60 years, who is considered among the most respectable in her field…turns out to be a Jew hating bigot instead of a lying bastard! (Bigots also qualify for immediate resignation.) She tried at first to give us the slip with this apology:

“I deeply regret my comments I made last week regarding the Israelis and the Palestinians. They do not reflect my heart-felt belief that peace will come to the Middle East only when all parties recognize the need for mutual respect and tolerance. May that day come soon.’’

You know, what she said in that video sure came across as a “heart-felt belief”. I know she’s getting pretty old now, but wasn’t she aware that a video camera was in her face?!

Time after time after time we see people getting away with the most repugnant behavior by simply issuing a “heart-felt” apology. Helen, you showed your true colors. I’m glad that “sorry” simply wasn’t enough this time. Your legacy is sealed. Happy retirement. There’s hope for our society yet.