Writer apologizes for "Madman of 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue" column

Capitol Hill Blue ^ | February 26, 2003 | DOUG THOMPSON

[Doug Thompson]

(WRITER'S NOTE: Last week, I published a column entitled "The Madman of Pennsylvania Avenue." It was written during a time when I was letting a memory of a family tragedy depress me and affect my judgment. The column was pulled within two hours of its posting after family and friends convinced me that it went too far. Unfortunately, given the speed of the Internet, it has already been picked up and reprinted in full on other sites. This column was over the top, even for me, and I apologize for it. It has been erased from the files of this web site and will not be republished. If it appears on any other web site, it does so without my permission and is a violation of copyright law).

[Doug Thompson]

I wrote the column called "The Madman of 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue," which generated a lot of comment on this bulletin board. As noted in the writer's note that appears at the beginning of Wednesday's column, it was something that should not have been written. I violated my own rule of writing while dealing with emotions of something unrelated to the topic of the column (in this case, the anniversary of the death of a loved one). It was wrong and should not have happened. But it did and for that I apologize.

--Doug Thompson
Publisher
Capitol Hill Blue

[smokeyjon]

Translation: My editor smacked me upside the head and told me to do some damage control. Sorry boss.

[Lunatic Fringe]

Keep em on their toes, Doug. Love your column!

[Doug Thompson]

One small problem with that. I'm the editor.

[smokeyjon]

Oops. I stand corrected.

[Fred Mertz]

I read it here on FR but didn't comment personally because many others beat me to the punch.

Your apology is accepted by me.

[185JHP]

Thanks, Doug. You have a lot of credibiity with me - I knew that thing wasn't the real DT. BTW you've got a great site.

[Howie66]

It takes a man to admit that he's wrong and to accept the consequences of his actions. Lord knows that I've jumped the gun more than a time or two in my life.

Thanks for stepping up.

[John Jorsett]

We all have bad days. I'm not sure an apology is required, but if you feel like tendering one, consider it accepted by me.

[Tamzee]

I think it was very honorable of you to retract the column and then apologize so openly. I still wish it hadn't been written that day, but you have my respect.

Regards,
Tammy

[chnsmok]

You have a great site, and I did not see your article. You are OK in my book.

[Wait4Truth]

It was a truly disgusting article!!!

[nopardons]

You wrote a repulive column and using the anniversary, of the death of a loved one, is NO excuse. As a matter of fact, your left handed apology, is even more offensive than your indefessable column !

[Wait4Truth]

But since you are apologizing, apology accepted. I am proud of our President and just heard Dennis Miller say the same thing on Jay Leno. Perhaps you should take another look at all this man has on his plate. It's easy to attack from the sidelines.

[nopardons]

indefenceable

[nopardons]

Oh, the heck with it ... unpardonable .

[hocndoc]

It takes a strong person to apologize and admit to making a mistake - and in a very public way. Good job.

[Alamo-Girl]

I read it, but it didn't sound like you so I figured something was wrong and dismissed it.

[JoJo Gunn]

"If it appears on any other web site, it does so without my permission and is a violation of copyright law."

I didn't see the column, and therefore can't pass judgement on it. However, the line quoted rubs me the wrong way. It seems to say "I've apologized, so forget it!"

[Calvin Locke]

... unpardonable .

However for large contributions to the Hillary for President Fund, and to a small love shack, I mean liebrary in
Little Rock, you might be able to buy a pardon in some peoples dreams (at least I hope they are, and will remain, dreams).

[JohnHuang2]

Doug, you're a class act, amigo. I take back all the stuff I said about it in rebuttal ;^)

You run a great site, btw.

[clintonh8r]

So...have you apologized to the man you unfairly, irresponsibly, viciously and enthusiastically attacked? Until you do, the "apology" means zip.

[doug from upland]

Sorry about your family tragedy. I'm glad you apologized. You can make up for it my helping me with info regarding the Clinton rape of Eileen Wellstone. That story must get out to the mainstream, and I think you can help. You have FReepmail.

[nopardons]

I haven't ever, and shall never need a " pardon ". Neither would I ever give money ( nor anything of value ) to any Clinton, or thier stooges.

The column was more than nasty, his apology unsatifactory, and I'm allowed to have that opinion. :-)

OTOH, if you meant that for the author, then, okay. LOL

[kristinn]

You're a stand-up guy. I've long appreciated the work you've done with CHB. It has been a great source of knowledge about subjects the mainstream press won't touch. Thanks.

[The FRugitive]

Aren't you supposed to be a Christian? The guy appologized - you seem to consistantly be a hard ass for some reason. Who or what made you this way?

If you need a nictonine fix, I'll understand. I know how tough it is on you drug addicts.

[Willie Green]

This column was over the top, even for me, and I apologize for it.

You're a class act, Doug.
IMHO, no apologies are necessary.
Yeah, it was quite a bit more outlandish than usual.
But I figure, what the heck.
You have a long and distinguished track record.
And everybody is entitled to really cut loose now and then.
Keep up the good work!

[MEG33]

Google has not forgotten.

[nopardons]

Why is it " Christian ", to accept a spurious apology ? Would you accept one from, say , X42 ?

Tsk, tsk, tsk ... personal attacks for an opinion ? Infantile need to lie, for no reason ? What is YOUR problem ?

You're a hypocrite. Remove that beam, before you start poking around to find motes in others' eyes. :-)

[clintonh8r]

Yep. The web never forgets....

[Sloth]

I didn't see the column the first time around, so I looked it up.

Apology or not, you are an abominable human being. Though I guess you are less abominable, with it.

[paul51]

for that I apologize

Does that include the part about you being a liberal?

[clintonh8r]

I read the apology several times and could see no indication that he disavows the things he wrote. So, I guess he's saying he meant and believes what he wrote, but he's sorry anybody saw it.

[Captainpaintball]

Apology accepted. No biggie. We all say things we eventually may regret. We know you are on our side. And we all should know you have the right to speak your mind.

It takes courage to admit what you feel is wrongdoing and apologize for it. Especially when it means even more people are going to read the article in question, and feel that they have to show their "moral superiority" by kicking you when you are 'down'. To heck with 'em. We eagerly anticipate your next post!

[The FRugitive]

Why is it " Christian ", to accept a spurious apology ?

Who's to say it's spurious? Why not give him the benefit of the doubt? It sounds like several people here are familiar with his history.

Would you accept one from, say , X42 ?

I'd give it a shot.

Tsk, tsk, tsk ... personal attacks for an opinion ? Infantile need to lie, for no reason ? What is YOUR problem ?

I don't have a problem, just from the posts I've read from you over my several year history here (from long before this screen name was created), you just seem a bit too hard on people, IMHO.

You're a hypocrite. Remove that beam, before you start poking around to find motes in others' eyes. :-)

You're right, my response was hypocritical. I appologize, will you forgive me? ;)

[nopardons]

Unfortunately, no one, but you and I saw that. It's a left handed ( if that ), apology and NO recantation.

[JoJo Gunn]

For the record, actually I did read it, (after some checking). I'm in the midst of just another Senior Moment, I guess. Oh well, conditional apologies bug me worse. And is this an admonishment/threat of the Administrator to remove it?

[Travis McGee]

Good on yer for stepping to the plate.

[goodnesswins]

"Saddam Hussein may not be the only madman who threatens a place called America."

That was the last line of your screed....just so people know....it was abominable.....and I agree with another poster...I will remain skeptical until I see a signed, formal letter of apology TO THE PRESIDENT himself.

[nopardons]

Yes, I'll accept your apology; it wasn't a weasley one.

I am no " harder " on others, than I am on myself. I don't suffer fools lightly and call 'em as I see 'em. Why is that " wrong " ? At least I am honest, factual, and know how to apologize, like an adult ( and I do, if I am wrong ); unlike the writer of the column and post. Reread his apology. He says that he wrote a malicious, vile column because it was the anniversary of a private tragedy. That's like telling your teacher that the dog ate your homework ! I read that particular column. Did you ? Have you read what the poster wrote as an apology ? Did you happen to see where he refutes what he wrote ? I didn't see it.

[DaughterOfAnIwoJimaVet]

This has made me curious, so I just found the article using Google. The biggest liberal jackass at DU couldn't have written a more offensive piece.

I'm sorry, but I don't see how being in mourning could make a person say such vile things about President Bush.

I, too, think an apology to the POTUS would be appropriate right about now.

[clintonh8r]

It's hard to believe some of these posters even read that repulsive column. It was a vicious attack, and it was obvious the writer relished every syllable. But now, its, "Hey, he said he was sorry! Whattsa problem?"

[freebilly]

Article Archived HERE in Perpetuity

[nopardons]

Thanks, you and I and one other, seem to be the ONLY people, on thsi thread, who can see that the " Emperor " is wearing no clothes. :-)

[freebilly]

Maybe not....

[nopardons]

Right you are ! I bet all the suck-ups, who are saying such " nice " things about the auther , either NEVER read the column, or are fellow Bush bashers and enjoyed it.

[arj]

Doug:

As both a longtime member of FR and a longtime reader of Capitol Hill Blue, it is easy to see who here knows you and realizes the column wasn't something you would normally write. Those who are quick to jump to conclusions obviously have not read your many columns supporting our causes.

I appreciate you having the guts to stand up and apologize.

[freebilly]

Article Archived HERE in Perpetuity

Really!

[dsutah]

Well at least you're big enough to admit it, and apologize for it. That's much more than some people would do. I realize people will be harsh when they are feeling down about a tragic event. It made me sad and mad; but now that you explained, and apologized, under the circumstances, you're forgiven!