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).

[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!

[MHGinTN]

Here's the article ... and for good measure, here's the link I used.
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/news/849092/posts

[JavaTheHutt]

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.

That's the exact impression I was left with. I didn't see the article originally, but I googled for it after seeing this thread. I've read the apology several more times myself. The only thing I believe he is sorry about is that he showed his true colors.

[ETERNAL WARMING]

Well I don't think it's honorable of you. You obviously feel that way or you wouldn't have expressed those thoughts. I'm no Bot, but give me a break!

[DaughterOfAnIwoJimaVet]

Well, I hadn't read it, but I remember the day it was posted. In truth, I clicked on the link, saw the source, and dismissed it immediately. I did not read it at the time.

And now I've read it.

I almost wish I hadn't. It was sickening. It was like reading Michael Moore.

[nopardons]

I haven't " jumped to conclusions " and have read Capital Hill Blue and Mr. Thompson's columns for many years.

Did you read the column that started all of this ? If not, do so; then get back to us.

[clintonh8r]

I say again, disavowing what was written in the column would mean a lot more than an apology. But we live in a society and a time when saying "I'm sorry" means everything's OK now...like nothing ever happened.

Semper fi, DOAIJV, and good night!

[arj]

Did you read the column that started all of this ? If not, do so; then get back to us.

Yes I did. I've read every column he's written, which is why I know this one was out of character. For those who don't know, his daughter and three grandchildren were killed in a car wreck a year ago last week. If you were such a longtime reader of Capitol Hill Blue, you would know that.

[nopardons]

Yes, is IS a horrible column and the author did NOT apologize for what he said about President Bush; he only made excuses.

I read it, when it was first posted and was disgusted by it. I am even MORE disgusted by the sort of, kind of, I'm sorry so many people were angry enough to yell at me about that column , nonapology. I am also angry at those who are treating this so lightly and ignoring the facts that the apology is NO apology and that the column was so putrid in the first place. THis man is a " professional ". If he is so overwhelmed by memories of a personal tragedy , he should have written about that. If he REALLY wanted to apologize, he should have written something better.

This is a damned cop-out and the gullible naifs are buying it.

[nopardons]

I knew that and it's still NO excuse !

He isn't the only person, to have ever lost loved ones in a tragic accident. President Bush was NOT responsible for his family being killed. I don't care what kind of horrible thing happens to one's loved ones, it doesn't give anyone an " out " for writing something vile . If that were the case, then anyone , who has ever suffered a tragic loss,of any kind, would be able to do something nasty / malicious on the anniversary of that, and not be called on the carpet for it. That's NOT reality; it's juvenile dementia.

I am sorry about his loss. I just won't cut him any slack on his stupid ( if it is that ) behavior. No one would do that , if you or I did something equally repugnant and then attempted to weasle out of it with a childish nonapology.

BTW, look at my sign up date and know that I was a lurker for almost a year before that. I am NOT some newbie, who doesn't know what's what.

[Doug Thompson]

I'm sorry some of you have found my apology unacceptable. It was heartfelt. Yes, I do apologize for what I said in the article and have said so on the public discussion board of Capitol Hill Blue. The column was not a true expression of my feelings. While I have concerns about some of the conduct of the administration, especially in the areas of rights to privacy and the USA Patriot Act, those feelings were not the gist of the article. As for writing about the family tragedy that affected me on that day, I have written about it in past columns and for other publications.

And a letter of apology was delivered by courier to The White House on Friday, February 21, 2003, four hours after the column was pulled off our web site. I chose not to publish that letter because it was a private communication. I also apologized publicly on my web site.

There's nothing more that I can say. I was wrong and have said so. It was out of character for me and was wrong. To those who accepted my apology, my thanks. To those who cannot, I understand.

Doug Thompson
Publisher
Capitol Hill Blue