Posted on 07/29/2006 1:51:47 PM PDT by LdSentinal
The following is the complete text of Mel Gibson's statement regarding his arrest for investigation of driving under the influence of alcohol:
"After drinking alcohol on Thursday night, I did a number of things that were very wrong and for which I am ashamed. I drove a car when I should not have, and was stopped by the L.A. County sheriffs. The arresting officer was just doing his job and I feel fortunate that I was apprehended before I caused injury to any other person.
"I acted like a person completely out of control when I was arrested, and said things that I do not believe to be true and which are despicable. I am deeply ashamed of everything I said.
"Also, I take this opportunity to apologize to the deputies involved for my belligerent behavior. They have always been there for me in my community and indeed probably saved me from myself. I disgraced myself and my family with my behavior and for that I am truly sorry.
"I have battled the disease of alcoholism for all of my adult life and profoundly regret my horrific relapse. I apologize for any behavior unbecoming of me in my inebriated state and have already taken necessary steps to ensure my return to health."
Christ is a Jew and Mel did him and many other Jews in the movie quite proud.
Too bad this kind of stuff can't be displayed more prominently on this forum. This sounds like a "Breaking News" story to me.
But it seems the top "Breaking News" stories on this forum are always "Sunday Morning Talk Show Thread," "GOTTA SEE THIS" or "Presidential Press Conference LIVE THREAD."
All the while, stories like this get lost in the shuffle.
Humility....something a lot of us sorely lack.
I was a volunteer medic too. For many years. I'm pretty much zero-tolerance for drunk driving. But, I've seen a whole lotta chemically-altered people over the years, and I disagree with in "vino veritas". People under the influence say and do incredibly stupid things that they would never do or say under normal circumstances. So, is the drunk the "real" person? Not unless that's their normal state, in my opinion.
For the life of me, I cannot understand Mel's comments, his Father's very public anti-Jewish pronouncements or even those of folks like Pat Buchanan, etc. It is all illogical and very upsetting.
Alcohol in excess, like any bad habit, amplifies negative and destructive tendencies. That's why it's a bad habit. If it made people more loving and improved motor skills, it wouldn't be discouraged.
That said, it's obvious Mel Gibson has an opinion about Jews which does not correspond to the reality of the world situation. Then again, Mel's assessment of Jews is not far removed from what most of the UN apparently believes.
I'm always shocked how celebrities can keep drinking and not learn to manage their alcohol (getting arrested, being loud, etc). Most people learn that right away.
I partied when I was young, and I sure was a different person when drinking. But when I rarely get drunk these days, one would never know it. I am quite the same person except that I fall flat asleep by 9pm (instead of 9am).
why would there be penance if that's what he believes. Everyone here is assuming he just spouted this out of nowhere. THIS IS WHAT HE BELIEVES...what is he going to apologize for? And even if he does...so what? The damage is done. He can apologize to the police, he can apologize for his language...but he said what he believes...so basically he'd be apologizing for saying out loud what he really thinks about Jews...great.
I know. One lesson I am reminded of in all this, is that we don't really know people like Mel Gibson. We think we know them, they have people who are paid to craft their public personas, but in the end we don't really know them and we best not imbue them with the heroic qualities of the characters they play or portray.
ROFLMAO!!! Only a non-Jew would say that!
I think that encapsulates the situation very nicely. At least his statement shows contrition, rather than an attempt to brazen it out at the expense of the people he wronged. That's a starting point, at least.
Learned at his father's knee.
I think you're misusing the word "REAL." Being drunk let's go of our inhibitions. Saying I HATE FUCKING JEWS is not something you would say in polite company...even though that's what you think. But when you're drunk..that filter is gone. So when we say "THE REAL" person comes out...it's the stuff that we think and would like to do in our hearts, but our natural society "filters" won't allow. I hope that was understandable.
I hear they have a tape.
When they have a tape, all one can do is grovel.
Why should we give him a break?
What else is he going to do? Apparently they have a tape.
Looks that way. OH...this is not going to go away...not by a longshot. Seems he was pretty lucid when he banged his head on the chair last night and said, "I'M FUCKED. Wasn't drunk enough not to understand the ramifications of all of this.
Bigotry, unlike alcoholism, is not a disease.
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