Posted on 07/31/2006 4:43:47 PM PDT by Hildy
On Saturday, Gibson released a statement apologizing:
"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, and I apologize to anyone who I have offended. 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." <> He went on in the statement to say that he has had substance abuse problems in the past. "I have battled with 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," Gibson said.
The ADL's Foxman, however, was unmoved by the apology. In his own statement, released Sunday, he said, "Mel Gibson's apology is unremorseful and insufficient. It's not a proper apology because it does not go to the essence of his bigotry and his anti-Semitism. His tirade finally reveals his true self and shows that his protestations during the debate over his film 'The Passion of the Christ,' that he is such a tolerant, loving person, were a sham. ... It is unfortunate that it took an excess of booze and an encounter with a traffic cop to reveal what was really in his heart and mind. We would hope that Hollywood now would realize the bigot in their midst and that they will distance themselves from this anti-Semite."
And there were signs that even Gibson's conservative Christian fans were not moved by the response. Reaction in the popular conservative online forum FreeRepublic.com, was also largely negative. In response to the statement, one commenter posted, "Gibson showed his true colors last night during his arrest. I argued with you about 'The Passion of the Christ' and his portrayal of Jews. I stood up for Gibson to you and a number of my Jewish friends. Now, I'm sorry I did."
Another, responding to hopeful comments that Gibson can still change his views, wrote, "Lots of denial going on here. It's difficult when your hero falls so far."
Peach, as I recall you sought to have folks hold back their judgment in the Duke University case until the truth was available.
I argued with you about 'The Passion of the Christ' and his portrayal of Jews. I stood up for Gibson to you and a number of my Jewish friends. Now, I'm sorry I did."
The reason her comments found any print IMO is because they served Hollywood by making the illogical leap in thinking that current a bad act means a past film must have been bad the same way.
Some may disagree with me here, but I don't think most Freepers would automatically taint a past work as bad or antisemitic because of a current scandal. That seems illogical to me.
Having had a drunk driver break my neck in a car accident as a kid, I agree Mel being on the road was the worst thing. I do think what he said will be remembered and was also horrible.
Who the heck are you two talking about? At least give a girl a hint. :-)
Try "The Smirking Chimp" for a couple of weeks to see what I mean.
Gee, thanks.
!!!
I imagine you still have some problems because of that. Sorry to hear about that!
And how do you like being part of the yenta franchise?
Hey, I've given plenty of girls plenty of hints and it never gets me anywhere!
Now, isn't it ironic that Gibson's unfortunate ordeal is the cause of your current glee?
Shalom, milady.
You're so, so welcome.
Children are very durable. Except for the recent DWI here on Long Island where the guy took off a flower girl's head :( The family were all in the limo going home from a wedding. It made me depressed actually.
ROFLMAO!!! OOPS..I said A.
I like you...but...NO.
Peach, there have been no anti-semitic posts in any of the threads concerning Gibson.
On the other hand, there's been pretty well unanimous condemnation of drunk driving. I'm sorry to say, though, that some of the self-described former drunks have forgotten 99% of the garbage they spewed while drunk.
Have you ever tried the direct approach? And did it work?
Losers don't get to try the direct approach. We have to settle for wearing down the enemy until her defenses are completely down.
However, I don't choose to write him off as a human being. If God shines the light on our sin, it is not to create a clearer target for stoning. It is to give us the opportunity for repentance, healing and restoration.
I can't condone or excuse the behavior of anyone who spouts hatred of the Jews or any nation. It is clearly wrong. However, my prayer for Mr. Gibson is that he will take the opportunity to get help both for his alcoholism and for any anti-semitism that he may harbor in his heart.
The Passion of the Christ is a beautiful, moving film which will remain a part of our family's Holy Week tradition. Will I go see Apocalypto? I guess that will depend on how this story unfolds in the weeks ahead.
Shalom.
Who would have known that Mel would have been the ticket to two celebrity-f&%$ers' claim to 15 seconds of internet fame.
FR is now the staging ground of victim politics. We've been thoroughly used.
It's been said that the only friends of Israel are conservative Christians. It looks like conservative Christians just have no friends at all.
Some of our "shrink" savy Freepers can probably figure out what the degree of brain damage is and was it caused by stroke or alcoholism.
Is Foxman a drunk?
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