I am reprinting this for the pure purpose of getting everyone’s thoughts.
By Cal Thomas (reposted from TownHall.com)
When one writes about moral convictions, it’s probably a good idea to consistently live up to them. That way people can still disagree with your convictions, but they have a difficult time accusing you of hypocrisy.
Last week at the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) in Washington, I failed to live up to one of my highest principles. Here’s the background. The story about the Obama administration’s attempt to force Catholic and other faith-based institutions to offer employees free contraception in their health care coverage was still fresh. I was asked to be on a panel before what looked like a crowd of about 1,000 conservatives, hungry for “red meat.”
A clip was played from Rachel Maddow’s MSNBC program. It featured her commenting on the subject. I stupidly said before thinking, “I think she’s the best argument in favor of her parents using contraception.” I then added, “and all the rest of the crowd at MSNBC, too, for that matter.”
It didn’t matter that far worse things have been said in print and on TV about me. I am not supposed to behave like that. I co-wrote a book with my liberal Democratic friend, Bob Beckel, called “Common Ground: How to Stop the Partisan War That is Destroying America.” We also write a column together for USA Today. One of the principles in which I believe is not to engage in name-calling; which, to my shame, I did.
The next morning I felt bad about it, so I called Ms. Maddow to apologize. It wasn’t one of those meaningless “if I’ve offended anyone…” apologies; it was heartfelt. I had embarrassed myself and was a bad example to those who read my column and expect better from me.
Maddow could not have been more gracious. She immediately accepted my apology. On her show she said publicly, “I completely believe his apology. I completely accept his apology.” To be forgiven by one you have wronged is a blessing, it’s even cleansing.
Politics has always been a contact sport. Thomas Jefferson and John Adams went at each other like the worst of enemies, using some of the most outrageous and slanderous language. I don’t have bona fides equal to their founding of America, so there is nothing of similar magnitude on which I can fall back.
Maddow also accepted my invitation to lunch and we will soon meet in New York. I am looking forward to it. Since the incident, which, of course, garnered a mini-tornado of media and blogosphere coverage, I have watched a couple of her shows. Without engaging in any qualifiers, she is a strong and competent advocate for her position. Why do so many of us only watch programs that reinforce what we already believe? Where is the growth in that? Whatever else she may or may not be, she is my fellow American.
I have many liberal friends acquired over the years. They are impossible to avoid in the media, but I don’t wish to avoid them. They became my friends because I stopped seeing them as labels and began seeing them as persons with innate worth. That is what I failed to do in my first response to Rachel Maddow. One might expect a pro-lifer like me to support the birth of fellow human beings and not suggest they should never have been born.
I expect to like Rachel Maddow because my instinct is to separate the value of a person from his or her political position. For some strange reason (demon possession, perhaps) I failed to do that at CPAC.
So, apology delivered and accepted and lunch will soon be served. I’m trying to decide whose career might be hurt more should someone take a picture of us enjoying a meal and –it is to be hoped, at least by me — each other.
I found Cal Thomas’ comments quite sincere. I also heard Rush on Monday express the same on his radio show and he seemed sincere also.However, I do not understand why both of these men got so worked up over the 2 women they were rude to. The women were expressing their opinion of the HHS policy.
Obviously this has touched a nerve by Thomas and Rush. But instead of focusing their anger against HHS or even President Obama, they say mean things about the 2 women.
Conversely, one does not need to “stand up to Rush Limbaugh”. The overall tone and sentiments are more than a left/right argument. Please can we not just talk anymore without demonizing one another.
It is showing either our lack of good taste, of having civil dialogue, and I believe a lack of trust in the general sense of purpose as a people. Is it that we feel we have no say in “our” government anymore? That our voices are not heard, that the tables have turned in that we are being told what to do?
If this is the case, yelling at one another will not solve the underlying problems. And in the process, we cheapen our Democracy and values we do cherish.
There is a saying that actions speak louder than words. Can actions also be offensive? Can they be just as crass and vulgar as spoken words?
When B. Hussein Obama directs the U. S. Department of Justice to cease defending portions of the Defense of Marriage Act, despite the fact that it was passed by Congress and signed into law by President Clinton, is that as offensive as a demonizing comment?
When B. Hussein Obama makes “recess appointments” while Congress is in session, what is the overall tone and sentiment of that?
I’m interested in knowing how far you are willing to extend the principles you have expounded. Are they limited only to spoken words? Do they apply to the actions of B. Hussein Obama as well?
Shane – Thank you for re-posting this thought provoking apology and their follow-up lunch earlier this week. On her blog, Greta Van Susteren wrote:
“Sometimes when we make mistakes, the remedy is a fabulous thing. Cal Thomas insulted Rachel Maddow…called her…apologized…and she very graciously accepted. Cal writes about his mistake but what is endearing is that the end of this unfortunate episode is the two of them having lunch. I don’t ever expect the two to agree on many issues, but talking and getting to know people with different political views is important. It sharpens and tests one’s own views and sometimes even changes one’s views or puts it all in a different perspective.”
Gretta may have hit on something. We could all learn from this Thomas/Maddow episode by reaching out to someone we have sparred with here on Sonoran Alliance or some other political forum over lunch or a cup of coffee.
I’m game.
Shall we all get together and sing “Kumbaya”? I don’t think so, Mike, LOL!
You misread the lesson. The lesson is that you don’t slander or libel people. That is true regardless of whether it is in a political context or not.
As sure as the sun rises, CA goes off on a wild tangent and displays his complete and utter lack of reading comprehension.
I see TruCon posted below and I won’t bother reading further as I am sure it is followed by at least one, most likely several, childish and nonsensical rants by ConAm.
But hey, like I said before…keep it up CA. I’m sure every Conservative fills with pride when they read your stuff.
Awww, you used to send me kisses, like this:
“Rob says:
December 26, 2011 at 9:27 pm”
“Why bother with silly, wimpy football guys when I have you to fantasize about?”
“muah…xoxoxoxo”
Have you forsaken me for TC?
Aw, you saved them.
How sweet of you.
What a life you must have!
Studboi1 is the only game in town now.
Sorry!
Yeah, Rob, I saved them, just for moments like this. It’s called “thinking ahead”. Ever tried thinking, Rob?
Sorry? Sorry about sending me kisses like this?
“Rob says:
December 26, 2011 at 9:27 pm”
“Why bother with silly, wimpy football guys when I have you to fantasize about?”
“muah…xoxoxoxo”
Ah, don’t be sorry, Rob. That’s just who you are. You have to learn to accept yourself just as you are, whatever that may be.
MUUUAAAHHHH BIG BOY!!!!
Is this true love, Rob, or are you merely hoping to have your way with me?
Sadly, that’s CA’s goal.
I’m one of a dozen or so posters here who have kicked CA’s intellectual teeth in on more than a few occasions so he’s abandoned trying to defend his birther, truther roots and now is content to tell spammy lies in the hope that people will just skip over the posts of those on his “enemies list.”
I don’t blame you. I know a lot of people who tell me they don’t bother with SA anymore because of CA’s lunacy.
ROFL, ROFL, ROFL, ROFL!!!!!!!!
TC wrote: “I’m one of a dozen or so posters here who have kicked CA’s intellectual teeth in…”
Really, TC? Then why don’t you “kick in my intellectual teeth” about this:
Ronald Reagan -”The enemy is not confused – to him the course is very clear. He knows he is in a war now. This conflict was delcared more than a century ago by Karl Marx.”
“TruConserv” -”It is not our goal to oppose everything Marx supported.”
Ronald Reagan -”With the most arrogant cynicism, they say that our ignorance of their tactics and strategy, their aims and objectives is communism’s greatest weapon.”
“TruConserv” -”Marx wanted citizens to be armed, trains that run on time, milk to be fresh.”
Ronald Reagan recognized that there is an enemy who is at war with us and that that war was declared by Karl Marx. Reagan warned of being unaware of the tactics of the Communists.
“TruConserv” seeks to dissuade us from opposing “everything” which Karl Marx supported and paints Marx as a benign man concerned that “trains run on time” and for “milk to be fresh”.
Heed the warning of Ronald Reagan. Do not fail to recognize the deceptive Communist tactics of “TruConserv” who is a Marxist posing as a “Conservative”.
I like to post a few of his more choice musings on Facebook once in a while.
The sheer quantity makes that a difficult decision at times.
Needless to say, the replies are hilarious.
Well, Rob, why don’t you try posting this:
“Rob says:
December 26, 2011 at 9:27 pm”
“Why bother with silly, wimpy football guys when I have you to fantasize about?”
“muah…xoxoxoxo”
Maybe you’ll get even more laughs.
Done, long ago.
And it did.
And how do you feel about being laughed at, Rob?
Mocking birthers is a sport enjoyed by conservatives, libertarians and liberals alike.
Lying is a sport enjoyed by TC, LOL! Let’s have a look at your biggest lie yet!
“TruConserv says:
March 7, 2012 at 7:05 pm”
“My core message on this board has been to improve the level of rhetoric…”
Is that right, TC. You really mean that? You are being absolutely sincere and honest with us? Then how is it that you made these comments?
TruConserv says:
March 7, 2012 at 8:37 pm”
“Tell the truth – how did you get so f-’d up?”
“TruConserv says:
March 7, 2012 at 5:26 pm”
“I’m one of a dozen or so posters here who have kicked CA’s intellectual teeth in on more than a few occasions…”
What was that you said again, TC?
“TruConserv says:
March 7, 2012 at 7:05 pm”
“My core message on this board has been to improve the level of rhetoric…”
That was a lie, wasn’t it. You were lying, right, TC?
It’s easy to make the off-the-cuff snarky comment. In the MSM it helps drive ratings and subscriptions. On the largely anonymous internet, which takes its cues from the MSM, it’s even easier.
Some, like Cal, have the class to say “sorry” when called out for the bad behavior.
Others just seem to double down – or become wholly unhinged – and will never understand the value of acts such as Cal’s. Instead they start whining about “where’s my apology” and “he’s worse.”
Here’s to seeing more Cal’s and fewer of his obvious lessors.
Ronald Reagan -”The enemy is not confused – to him the course is very clear. He knows he is in a war now. This conflict was delcared more than a century ago by Karl Marx.”
“TruConserv” -”It is not our goal to oppose everything Marx supported.”
Ronald Reagan -”With the most arrogant cynicism, they say that our ignorance of their tactics and strategy, their aims and objectives is communism’s greatest weapon.”
“TruConserv” -”Marx wanted citizens to be armed, trains that run on time, milk to be fresh.”
Ronald Reagan recognized that there is an enemy who is at war with us and that that war was declared by Karl Marx. Reagan warned of being unaware of the tactics of the Communists.
“TruConserv” seeks to dissuade us from opposing “everything” which Karl Marx supported and paints Marx as a benign man concerned that “trains run on time” and for “milk to be fresh”.
Heed the warning of Ronald Reagan. Do not fail to recognize the deceptive Communist tactics of “TruConserv” who is a Marxist posing as a “Conservative”.
More spammy lies from SA’s resident cyberstalker.
How many threads will this guy shut down simply because he can’t engage in honest, civil discussion?
No matter what you say, the cold, hard, facts remain and you can’t get around them:
Ronald Reagan -”The enemy is not confused – to him the course is very clear. He knows he is in a war now. This conflict was delcared more than a century ago by Karl Marx.”
“TruConserv” -”It is not our goal to oppose everything Marx supported.”
Ronald Reagan -”With the most arrogant cynicism, they say that our ignorance of their tactics and strategy, their aims and objectives is communism’s greatest weapon.”
“TruConserv” -”Marx wanted citizens to be armed, trains that run on time, milk to be fresh.”
Ronald Reagan recognized that there is an enemy who is at war with us and that that war was declared by Karl Marx. Reagan warned of being unaware of the tactics of the Communists.
“TruConserv” seeks to dissuade us from opposing “everything” which Karl Marx supported and paints Marx as a benign man concerned that “trains run on time” and for “milk to be fresh”.
Heed the warning of Ronald Reagan. Do not fail to recognize the deceptive Communist tactics of “TruConserv” who is a Marxist posing as a “Conservative”.
More spammy lies from SA’s resident cyberstalker.
Let all the bad gunky out, big guy, forgive your mother, forgive your father … let it all out.
And when you’re done, SA can go back to actually discussing conservative issues.
Oh, it get it. You don’t know what lying is. THIS is lying:
Lying is when you say this…
“TruConserv says:
March 7, 2012 at 7:05 pm”
“My core message on this board has been to improve the level of rhetoric…”
And write THIS…
“TruConserv says:
March 7, 2012 at 8:37 pm”
“Tell the truth – how did you get so f-’d up?”
“TruConserv says:
March 7, 2012 at 5:26 pm”
“I’m one of a dozen or so posters here who have kicked CA’s intellectual teeth in on more than a few occasions…”
THAT is lying, TC, and YOU are the one doing it, LOL!
My core message is to improve the rhetoric – to make unassailable conservative logic.
My ancillary message is that when people like you try to shut down IBB such as SA with their spammy lies they need to be called out for their creepy behavior.
There is nothing discordant between those quotes, and only a liar or a fool would argue otherwise.
We know you’re a liar – months of lies emanating from your posts cyberstalking myself and others reveals that. What about the other?
TC’s cover is blown. Not by me, but by the hard, objective, facts.
Ronald Reagan -”The enemy is not confused – to him the course is very clear. He knows he is in a war now. This conflict was delcared more than a century ago by Karl Marx.”
“TruConserv” -”It is not our goal to oppose everything Marx supported.”
Ronald Reagan -”With the most arrogant cynicism, they say that our ignorance of their tactics and strategy, their aims and objectives is communism’s greatest weapon.”
“TruConserv” -”Marx wanted citizens to be armed, trains that run on time, milk to be fresh.”
Ronald Reagan recognized that there is an enemy who is at war with us and that that war was declared by Karl Marx. Reagan warned of being unaware of the tactics of the Communists.
“TruConserv” seeks to dissuade us from opposing “everything” which Karl Marx supported and paints Marx as a benign man concerned that “trains run on time” and for “milk to be fresh”.
Heed the warning of Ronald Reagan. Do not fail to recognize the deceptive Communist tactics of “TruConserv” who is a Marxist posing as a “Conservative”.
More spammy lies from SA’s creepy cyberstalker.
The glorious mind of a birther at work. making stuff up, cowering from honest discussion.
Really, TC? What is made up in this? Tell us:
Ronald Reagan -”The enemy is not confused – to him the course is very clear. He knows he is in a war now. This conflict was delcared more than a century ago by Karl Marx.”
“TruConserv” -”It is not our goal to oppose everything Marx supported.”
Ronald Reagan -”With the most arrogant cynicism, they say that our ignorance of their tactics and strategy, their aims and objectives is communism’s greatest weapon.”
“TruConserv” -”Marx wanted citizens to be armed, trains that run on time, milk to be fresh.”
Ronald Reagan recognized that there is an enemy who is at war with us and that that war was declared by Karl Marx. Reagan warned of being unaware of the tactics of the Communists.
“TruConserv” seeks to dissuade us from opposing “everything” which Karl Marx supported and paints Marx as a benign man concerned that “trains run on time” and for “milk to be fresh”.
Heed the warning of Ronald Reagan. Do not fail to recognize the deceptive Communist tactics of “TruConserv” who is a Marxist posing as a “Conservative”.
More spammy lies from SA’s creepy cyberstalker.
The glorious mind of a birther at work. making stuff up, cowering from honest discussion.
Point out the “lies” for us, TC.
Ronald Reagan -”The enemy is not confused – to him the course is very clear. He knows he is in a war now. This conflict was delcared more than a century ago by Karl Marx.”
“TruConserv” -”It is not our goal to oppose everything Marx supported.”
Ronald Reagan -”With the most arrogant cynicism, they say that our ignorance of their tactics and strategy, their aims and objectives is communism’s greatest weapon.”
“TruConserv” -”Marx wanted citizens to be armed, trains that run on time, milk to be fresh.”
Ronald Reagan recognized that there is an enemy who is at war with us and that that war was declared by Karl Marx. Reagan warned of being unaware of the tactics of the Communists.
“TruConserv” seeks to dissuade us from opposing “everything” which Karl Marx supported and paints Marx as a benign man concerned that “trains run on time” and for “milk to be fresh”.
Heed the warning of Ronald Reagan. Do not fail to recognize the deceptive Communist tactics of “TruConserv” who is a Marxist posing as a “Conservative”.
Post after post from CA, always the same spam, always the same lies.
Let it all out, big fella, let all the gunky hurt out …
Lies? You wouldn’t mind pointing out the “lies” is this, would you?
Ronald Reagan -”The enemy is not confused – to him the course is very clear. He knows he is in a war now. This conflict was delcared more than a century ago by Karl Marx.”
“TruConserv” -”It is not our goal to oppose everything Marx supported.”
Ronald Reagan -”With the most arrogant cynicism, they say that our ignorance of their tactics and strategy, their aims and objectives is communism’s greatest weapon.”
“TruConserv” -”Marx wanted citizens to be armed, trains that run on time, milk to be fresh.”
Ronald Reagan recognized that there is an enemy who is at war with us and that that war was declared by Karl Marx. Reagan warned of being unaware of the tactics of the Communists.
“TruConserv” seeks to dissuade us from opposing “everything” which Karl Marx supported and paints Marx as a benign man concerned that “trains run on time” and for “milk to be fresh”.
Heed the warning of Ronald Reagan. Do not fail to recognize the deceptive Communist tactics of “TruConserv” who is a Marxist posing as a “Conservative”.
Yea, more lies.
Can’t you ever write something true, something original.
Why do you lead such a craven life?
No, TC. Lying is when you say this:
“TruConserv says:
March 7, 2012 at 7:05 pm”
“My core message on this board has been to improve the level of rhetoric…”
And then write THIS…
“TruConserv says:
March 7, 2012 at 8:37 pm”
“Tell the truth – how did you get so f-’d up?”
“TruConserv says:
March 7, 2012 at 5:26 pm”
“I’m one of a dozen or so posters here who have kicked CA’s intellectual teeth in on more than a few occasions…”
THAT is lying, TC, and YOu are the one doing it, LOL!