Mel Gibson's statement on his DUI arrest

GrandForksHerald.com ^ | 7/29/06

[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."

[presently no screen name]

Some would say no one was responsible for the death of Jesus (except apparently himself, instigating it perhaps with Judas).

And this is what you accuse me of? You had no evidence but jumped on something you 'thought'...when I said He gave His life willingly - and HE DID! You should know this. Did we ask for Him to do this? NO! For no one knew - and still some don't - they needed a Savior - for they were 'right' in their own eyes - the religious.

But the fact that you're referring to "them"--doesn't that suggest there was a "them" about to do something/

What do you mean.... you're referring to 'them'? Please explain by referring to my post.

I repeat....He came to be The Sacrificial Lamb for ALL sins for ALL men - willing! Don't know why you have a problem with what I said.

I am well aware of The Good News - because HE lives I can face tomorrow and live with Him for eternity. Greater love than this, no man knows.

[billstone]

There is one episode in one of the Gospels where the Jewish people supposedly demand that a convicted murderer be freed (Barrabbas) instead of Jesus.

Somehow I don't believe that at all. Jesus was popular with the Jewish masses, but was hated by the Jewish and Roman power elite.

[olderwiser]

Uh, you said: "You don't think He could have smite them ALL in a NY second?"

Did you catch the "them" in your line, there? That is the "them" intent on killing him. Or were you suggesting Jesus just go around smiting people for the hell of it?

You also said "No one" took his life. I disagree.

[Mrs. Frogjerk]

I have to say that I am really disappointed.

For starters, I cannot believe that he would be stupid enough(at 50) to get behind the wheel that drunk. He could have killed or hurt a lot of innocent people!

Secondly, I am really disgusted with the Anti-Semetic garbage that has come out of his mouth. Normally, I try to give people some space and not judge them so harshly, but to say what he said is a disgrace!

I am a Catholic and most definitely do not hold his views of the Jewish people. His kind of opinion makes it harder for decent Catholics to convince Jewish people that we are not hate mongers towards their culture. The majority of us are not! But, Hey, thanks a lot Mel! Now I know why my Sister-in law(Jewish) thought that because my husband had become a stronger Catholic, that he now hated Jews! She just blew me away when she said that because that was the furthest thing from our minds! I was raised Catholic and went to Catholic School and was NEVER taught to hate or blame the Jews for Christ's crucifixion. We were always taught that he had to die for all of us, and that it was at OUR hands!

I guess when you have a Father who thinks that the Holocaust was a fairy tale, than this is pretty much what you get!

Go ahead and flame me if you want, but I can tell you that I was praying that this was not true, and very sad that it is!

[olderwiser]

Okay, let's quote a little scripture from Matthew: "And they crucified him and parted his garments..."

They. As in men. Not no one.

[presently no screen name]

I thought you understood what was meant. It refers to ANYONE that came against HIM, Judas included. He already knew and told Judas what he was going to do, as you know.

You also said "No one" took his life. I disagree

If someone 'takes' something, how can you 'give' it 'willingly'? So, I guess you don't agree that He gave His life willingly. And, therefore, have no concept of HIS LOVE. He would have given His life for even just 'one'. Man was righteous in his own eyes and His teaching showed how off base they were in their ways. Still prominent today because of man's sin nature.

Our Father in Heaven KNOWS what we need. And sacrificed His Son for ALL of our sins - past, present and future. Even the critical spirit of some that accuse you of following a Judas gospel.

[Halls]

I think what Michael Schiavo did was incorrect and horrible! Starving and dehydrating a brain damaged person is murder. If she had been brain dead I WOuld have thought differently but she was not, she was in fact brain damaged! There are many brain damaged people living on this earth and we don't go around dehydrating them to death, that is murder! There is also a medical fact that the brain can heal itself but Michael Schiavo never allowed Terri the opportunity to get better as he just wanted her to die. He is scum!

I think what Mel Gibson said is horrible and I now have changed my opinion of him. At one time I considered him my hero, but no more. You can't be a Christian and hate someone, Jesus teaches us to love one another and be forgiving of one another. I forgive Mel for what he said and I'm sorry he has that hate in his heart. I will pray that he sees truly what Christ is about.

[Paul_B]

This is going to be unfortunate because many Jews, or at least many of their vocal leaders, thought The Passion of the Christ was anti-Jewish. The movie's use of actors with hook noses to play some Jews and its focus on Jewish blame for crucifying Christ were cited as indications that this was the case. This will confirm in the minds of many that these allegations were true.

Substance addiction will make a person do exactly the opposite of what he wants to do. It will make a person of sexual integrity engage in promiscuity. It will make a peace-loving person brawl. It is a spiritual bondage. Jesus said all those who engage in sin are enslaved to sin.

We need to remember that Jesus calls each of us exactly where we are, warts and all. "Just as I am", we sing. If we sincerely repent of our sins and trust Him for salvation then we are indeed saved, even if our degree of sanctification needs working out.

I'm not trying to make excuses. What Gibson did was very bad. And especially because he is in a position of influence the repercussions are going to be all the worse. We can debate how right it is for our culture to place such high esteem on its entertainers, but the reality is that we do. In Gibson's case, at least, he earned it by going against the tide. But with position and power comes responsibility. That's the way the Kingdom - which we are now already in - works.

On the good side, Gibson has already publicly apologized and indicated that he will seek help. The Bible says that a righteous man will fall seven times, but he will get back up. It also teaches that the world will make the most of each stumble to try to belittle the Message, to prevent others from being saved.

The tendency is to think that if you blow it you no longer have hope. That's not the case with Christianity. We have many examples, including David and the First of the Apostles, Peter, whose failures and restoration are recorded for our edification, so that we wouldn't despair when we fall short. Thank God for His mercy!

So we need to pray for Mel, and also use this opportunity. May God use this not only to heal Mel, but to bring better relations between Jews and Christians and a better understanding of what Christianity really is to the world.

Be well,
p.

[Mrs. Frogjerk]

I agree with you totally!

I have always said that you cannot really view yourself as a true Christian if you hate! It goes against everything that you are taught as a Christian. Granted, it is hard not to hate people sometimes, especially if they hurt you, but we must still do our best not to.

[Hildy]

There is also a medical fact that the brain can heal itself but Michael Schiavo never allowed Terri the opportunity to get better as he just wanted her to die.He never allowed the brain to heal? Her collapse was in 1990...she died in 2005. According to my calculator that's 15 years...her brain did not heal an iota in 15 years. For the first eight years Michael did EVERYTHING humanly possible to try to find a cure for her to get better. EVERYTHING. Even travelling across the country for experimental therapies. NOTHING HELPED. So, when he finally accepted there was no hope for Terri, he did was so many testified was her wish. So saying he just wanted her to die is so outrageous, it borders on slander. Now, don't hijack threads in the future, especially when you don't know what you're talking about.

[chesley]

Certainly you are entitled to your opinion. I think you're wrong. I can find, for instance, no calls for violence against the Jews.

If I have overlooked some verse, let me know. Telling people that they are wrong about their relationship with God is not "anti"anything, IMO. For instance, if you are a Muslim, and think that I, as a Christian, am wrong, I don't resent your telling me so. I won't pay any attention to you, but you can say it with no resentment on my part. Only when you use force do I see anything despicable in your views.

[chesley]

No, it is not. BEING SOBER IS NOT ONE EITHER. MY opinion: Dixie Chicks are worse.

[Dodgers fan]

I "pray" that he disappears for a long, long time. I was frankly annoyed when Sean Hannity, Bill O'Reilly and people who KNEW BETTER, were looking into the camera and stating that the Passion was not anti-Jewish. Whom do you believe - me or your lying eyes? Maybe they will finally wise up to this guy. When given the opportunity, he always chose to show the Jews as being bad guys. It reflects his upbringing. The man's mind has been poisoned.

[Hildy]

If you don't understand the ramifications of someone of Gibson's stature saying what he said than you've given yourself away as well. I'm assuming you're not Jewish, so you don't understand truly what's going on out there.

[Dodgers fan]

He's ashamed that he was caught!

[Dodgers fan]

The mayans? I visited the Yucatan several times and believe me, Mel does not want to live there.

[Dodgers fan]

Really? NAME ONE!

[Dodgers fan]

I suggest Alan Neirob get another job.

[Dodgers fan]

The police have the tape of his awful comments. Tape!

[Dodgers fan]

He won't renounce his daddy's comments because daddy Hutton "never lied to him".