Hey! FR. Veronica and I were Quoted in VARIETY!!!

VARIETY ^ | July 31, 2006 | Hildy

[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."

[Mamzelle]

Got a real buzz, do ya? I guess your name in lights is more intoxicating than tequila.

[A CA Guy]

Kids are fairly durable, but like I said, at 19 I had a broken neck from a drunk driver and it did do damage to my body and life at that time.

Mel is lucky he didn't hurt someone, but he should NEVER be on the road drunk.

[elhombrelibre]

Historically speaking, Jews have been accused of not being loyal to their nation. Oddly now, some are upset that many of them are not exclusively loyal to Israel and grateful to conservatives for our unabashed loyalty. That's just an observation.

[ThomasThomas]

I know there is a list publications that we can't link to for a posting, but are there publications that can use FreeRepublic?

Publications meaning any on-line source.

[cyborg]

Agreed...glad you're still around guy!

[muawiyah]

We still need something tangible. Statements by reporters not under oath about what they heard or read are useless. That doesn't mean Gibson's not an antisemite of course, but I'd hate to think that Freepers would enter into "newsroom" dhimmitude so easily.

My Dan Rather moment is continuing ~ it's like a pounding headache after a night of 2 kinds of cheap wine and salty potatochips Fur Shur.

[Hildy]

Maybe you'll be able to understand when your name is in lights...but until then...just keep being the negative creature you are...it's kind of sweet.

[jla]

I like you...but...NO.

OK, you're as little stubborn. We'll have to work on that.

[Hildy]

LOL! Many have tried!

[Mamzelle]

Observe away. FR has just been completely screwed over by users in the entertainment business. It's not a celebrity we needed.

[Mamzelle]

re: I'd hate to think that Freepers would enter into "newsroom" dhimmitude so easily)))

We didn't. Two posters posted multiple threads on the subject, and now the liberal MSM is gloating. Talking points and spin. It is just so wonderful to be quoted favorably in a whore rag like Variety?

[harrowup]

Got a real buzz, do ya? I guess your name in lights is more intoxicating than tequila.

Hildy needs to get to a twelve step meeting asap. Cautioning Laz on a similar bender gave him pause; perhaps he can counsel her.

[muawiyah]

Now I'm depressed, and most likely half the folks on the thread are depressed.

Ted Kennedy did that too ~ got drunk, drowned his date.

[elhombrelibre]

Help me understand. Who are the "users?"

[cyborg]

Yes lives can be lost when a person drives drunk. It's sad and I hope he gets the help he needs.

[A CA Guy]

Agreed...glad you're still around guy!

Well, at 5' 11" and 195 I am around a little bit, but most of it is pure muscle! LOL Thanks.

Nice seeing you post also. :-)

[harrowup]

FR has just been completely screwed over by users in the entertainment business. It's not a celebrity we needed.

Well, we won't be certain until Ann Coulter opines...

[nopardons]

You are cherry-picking ( some poster posted the ENTIRE scriptural verse the other day/night ) and Jesus did NOT ever say that we shouldn't "judge" others! And if we don't, they how else could we vote, decided what happens to someone, if we have jury duty, decide who to date or marry and who NOT to, etc.?

Simple? No, uneducated and childish "understanding".

[Hildy]

So, who made you spokesman for FreeRepublic?

[Cinnamon Girl]

You're very naive.

It should suffice to say that you don't know me or what my experiences have been. My comments to you were based on what you wrote here, nothing else.