Michelle Malkin posted a copy of a letter that Pennsylvania Lt. Gov. Catherine Baker Knoll is sending to the family of the marine whose funeral she attended. From the letter, I gather she was not only not invited to attend, she also got there late or just as the services started. ("I unfortunately, did not arrive at the church services for SSGT Goodrich’s funeral in time to offer my personal condolences to you.") I don't know if her tardiness is part of her typical behavior or if she was just trying to avoid leaving enough time for her to get tossed out be politely asked to leave before the service began.
An apology should say, "I was wrong. I'm sorry." Does anyone care whether she was "incredibly upset" when she heard the press report? Or that she is saddened and upset that they misunderstood her intentions? Blaming the family for not interpreting her meaning correctly isn't an apology.
I try to teach my kids that an excuse isn't the same thing as an apology. If they have misbehaved or there is a misunderstanding, I may want to hear what led up to it but when they are apologizing (usually to a sibling) that information is irrelevant. Say you're sorry. Say it wasn't your intention for this to happen. Whatever you say, take responsibility for the result of your actions.
The post also notes that the Lt. Gov. won't be responding to constituents who have complained. Excuse me? I thought she worked for them. Try not responding to your employer's complaints about your behavior sometime and see how well that works.
Posted by marybeth at July 26, 2005 09:26 AM Box of Rocks