White House apologizes for using 'crusade' to describe war on terrorism

AP ^ | September 18, 2001

[dead]

Despite the headline, there is no quoted text of an apology. There is the quoted statement that Bush "regrets" that people are reading other meanings into the statement that he did not wish to convey.

"Crusade" was not the most appropriate word for Bush to use, and "apologizes" was not the most appropriate word for the headline writer to use either.

[Rustynailww]

this is a sign that we are weaseling out of our duty. the real war will be by the goverment on our freedoms.

[The_Reader_David]

On behalf of Eastern Christendom, I accept our President's apology.

I remind my fellow FReepers that "Crusade" does not ring very well in the ears of Orthodox Christians. We remember the seige of Constantinople by the First Crusade, the Sack of Constantinople by the Fourth, and the Teutonic Knights in Russia, and the replacement of Orthodox bishops in the Patriarachates of Antioch and Jerusalem by force, even though they were in communion with Rome at the time. (The Pope of Rome graciously apologized recently, and we were very happy that his apology was broad enough to include all I have mentioned, not just the Sack of Constantinople.)

[JMJ333]

We on the other hand, are fighting terrorists. Their faith is not the issue. Their actions are.

Get it?

It is a matter of faith to me. I understand that when Islamic fundametalists celebrate mass murder in the streets that we are up against more than just terrorism.

[Southern Federalist]

I don't think Bush is worried he hurt someone's feelings. I think he is worried that a slip of the tongue might give the enemy a talking point that has real power in the Arab world and thus make our armed forces' task harder. The idea is to win a war, not get emotional satisfaction by getting in PC's face. But I agree the domestic media should give it a rest.

Bush was surely not thinking about reestablishing the kingdom of Outremer when he said Crusade. I know that American forgetfulness of history has its downside, but I must say I rather like living in a culture where I'm not expected to be touchy about things that happened a thousand years ago. I guess I could be bitter that Charlemagne probably baptized some of my ancestors at swords' point, but it's nice that we've had some other history since then.

[goldieagua]

first off he didn't apologize. second, i don't care what the dictionary says, the word "crusade" has very different conotations in the middle east. i cringed when i first heard him use that word, b/c it is like swatting a hornets nest...no need to create moer enemies than we already have. if we want to build a broad coalition then we must be careful every step of the way. gw's statement was a mistake and i am glad he recognized it.

OWK, it's good to see some voices of reason on this site.

[nothingnew]

Then he should have told them if the best thing they have to do is parse Bush's words they can all go to hell.

Sounds good to me...

FMCDH

[CubicleGuy]

The country that apologizes first, loses.

Did France beat us to the punch, at least? (Technically, though, a surrender really can't be called an apology, I suppose...)

[tm22721]

How about bringing him out in full armor with a horse, lance and shield ?

BUMP

[CubicleGuy]

I remind my fellow FReepers that "Crusade" does not ring very well in the ears of Orthodox Christians.

Let's just issue an "extermination order" instead, then (helps to know a little of the history of Missouri here).

That should only tick off a handful of Mormons...

[nothingnew]

Why choose a word that adds no advantage to us in its use?

Said and done...get over it fer chrissakes.

FMCDH

[imperator2]

I think that Christians and Jews should start a movement to destroy the Moslem holy sites of Mecca and Medina if the Moslem nations do not make effort to catch Bin Ladin.

We can fight fire with fire.

[RightOnline]

BIG opportunity lost here, folks.

The White House should have said nothing about this. IF it was brought up at a press conference, Fleischer merely had to look at the reporter and say:

"That's "crusade" with a small "c". Understand?"

End of issue.

[yarddog]

Perhaps you should apologize for using the word Ganymede as your posting name.

I was a classics major for awhile and I wonder how many realize that you consider yourself the boy toy of a pederast. I have seen enough of your postings that I am sure the name wasn't chosen out of ignorance either.

[nothingnew]

If I say I'm on a crusade to protect me and mine from this scourge and some muslim is offended, too friggin bad.

Bump...enough already with the "buy the world a coke" BS...Where's Patton when you need STRAIGHT TALK?

No apologies should be made anymore...Let the Muslims in this world, be it here or there, get some tough skin...

We all know here that the U.S.A. does not hold all Muslims to task for this atrocity, but hells bells...stop with the "I'm sorries"...

FMCDH

[Revolting cat!]

The country that apologizes first, loses.

Well stated. I sense that the debate on this thread is between those who would argue about the meaning of the word is and who in my view just don't get it, and those who think the whole ruckus is about the propriety of issuing apologies. Apologize? To who? (whom?) Sorry, but these aren't matters for Miss Manners!

[Publius6961]

Absolutely a poor choice of word by Bush.
It's okay to acknowledge a mistake when one is made.

But fatal to acknowledge a manufactured one.
As someone has pointed out, the dictionary definition includes one that is totally removed from any medieval activity whatsoever.

I like the sound of "crusade". If the losers don't like it they can go pound sand.

[Publius6961]

Islam suggests a course of action motivated by something other than justice, security, self defense? Why give our enemies another tool to use to inflame those who might otherwise be fence-sitters? Why choose a word that adds no advantage to us in its use?

First of all the present Muslim countries wouldn't know justice if it bit them on the butt. Primitive animal behavior? No problem.

Second, there are no fence sitting Islamic countries, they all hate us equally.
Some however, are quicker than others to see our real anger, and might be seen as fence sitters.

In any event, the difference in dealing with a crusade or simple air-fuel bombs should make no difference whatsoever.

[Database]

Despite the headline, there is no quoted text of an apology.

Exactly. The headline is spin. I saw the press briefing and Ari's response to Bush's use of crusade was a clarification, not an apology.