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Cal, I disagree

March 27, 2009 in Culture, Ethics, Politics by Chris Doyle

I have much admiration for conservative columnist Cal Thomas. He recently posted an article titled “Apologies Just Tell Our Enemies We’re Weak.”

He makes some excellent points in regards to Secretary Hillary Clinton apologizing to Mexico for the demand of drugs in America. This apology is not constructive. Some could say she was grandstanding and just continuing the “company line” of blaming the former administration for everything that is wrong.

And Cal is right when he says “what good does it do? Unless she has a suggested policy to accompany her confession or apology, I fail to see how it lowers the level of violence in Mexico or reduces the demand for illegal drugs in the U.S.”

However, I will not agree with him when he says apologizing shows weakness. When someone is wrong, admit it. When there isn’t admittance, there is pride.

The Bible says, “Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.” This will cause more weakness than confession ever will.

2 comments

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March 27, 2009 at 12:16 pm

Jason Lee

I don’t think apologizing in this context really means anything outside the political realm. Is it her fault? Is it the country’s fault? Is America somehow different from the rest of the world that our people can’t help themselves with regard to drugs where everyone else can? Are different in such a way that we “owe” Mexico an apology, but, say, Canada doesn’t? If you ask me, Cal was right in that this was just empty grandstanding.

I think that you are right in essence about apologies, but only where one is truly culpable. In this instance, the apology is political smoke and mirrors and sends a pretty poor political picture.

IMO. :)

March 27, 2009 at 12:37 pm

Chris Doyle

Maybe it is a pretty poor political picture (Wow! Say that 10 times fast, followed by Peter Piper and his pickled peppers), but I am reluctant to support a message that says somebody shows weakness when apologizing.

I’m not supporting grandstanding, and I agree that this specific apology is ridiculous because we know there is an ulterior motive. However, knowing that Cal could be easily misinterpreted by general readership, I would encourage clarity.

I have more admiration for those who sincerely admit their wrongdoings than those who cover them up.

As Michael Scott from The Office said, “It takes a big man to admit he is wrong, and I am that big man.”