While I'm at it...

I purposely wanted to make this a separate post because I thought grouping it with a Biden silly-ism would take away from the point I want to make here.

Yet another in a long line of political gaffes being born from this election cycle, this time from the South Carolina Democratic Chair... well: (Please forgive me for that horrible sentence structure.)

South Carolina Democratic chairwoman Carol Fowler sharply attacked Sarah Palin today, saying John McCain had chosen a running mate "whose primary qualification seems to be that she hasn’t had an abortion.”

So once she sobered up, she issues this "apology":

I apologize to anyone who finds my comment offensive. I clumsily was making a point about people in South Carolina who may vote based on a single issue.

I've always hated this about politicians.  This is not an apology.  How about "I'm sorry I said that.  I'm sorry.  It was irresponsible of me."  THAT would be an apology.

This wishy washy, "I'm sorry if you were offended"  "I'm sorry to those who were offended."  It was offensive.  Either you accept that and apologize, or you deny it and there's no need to apologize.  It is an either/or statement.  Apologies are unconditional.

At our home, our children aren't even allowed to get away with "Sorry."  Either they own up to what they did, or it doesn't count.  

"I am sorry for pushing you."  The "I am" signifies ownership of the feeling.  It is no longer a word thrown around haphazardly.. it is now tied to you.  The "for pushing you." shows a clear understanding of the offense which caused harm.  Ownership, remorse, reason.  THAT is an apology.

"I am sorry, Sarah, for saying you were only chosen because you didn't have an abortion."

Why don't more grown-ups understand this?