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."
YEEHAHHHHH!!! When will that sucker die?
So when Freepers are quoted, we don't talk about it?
I never said I was....
I think the words are "May the Lord take him soon".
Mucho Garcias!!
:-)
Yes, I know I spelled it wrong.
Maybe not -- perhaps too obscure. I think history is interesting, I like the idea of indigenous actors and language, and I haven't seen too much on the Mayan culture. I am hopeful it will be a good film.
Wasn't that between semites though? (I'm thinking of Hillary's gopher vs. Drudge).
Why did they refer to you as Christians?
Oh yeah. I forgot, all conservatives are Christian. (/sarc)
SHE's not the embarrassment.
We're talking about churchillbuff.
Check out his last few posts.
That was when I was a kid at 19. Some drunk driver hit me in their big van at 45 MPH while I was stopped at a red light.
Took some time, but I got over it. :)
I learned young that we are not immortal.
BTW< I agree with you and Veronica on this issue and I am also Jewish.
High Volume. Articles on Israel can also be found by clicking on the Topic or Keyword Israel.
also Keywords 2006israelwar or WOT [War on Terror]
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The obscure issue is the biggest problem. Most people at least heard of Christ and kind of knew some of the story.
I meant to make that freepmail. Dang.
Hildy the Boss has informed me that it's against the rules to refer to a poster without pinging them. I'm sure we want to obey the Big Her. She'll be along to remind you. I'm sure she wouldn't show favoritism to her own, after all.
Ya know Peach....this statement from you disappoints me very much.....but maybe I misunderstood????
Surely you're not saying those of us who don't pile on Mel.....who don't throw him under the bus.....who don't hope he suffers torment for eternity....
...who actually have pity on someone with a drinking problem....even though we're disappinted with what happened.
...are nutcases?
Is that what you're saying?
I hope not!
:)
If you mean he shows himself to probably be antisemitic in his private thoughts and now public rants, I agree.
If you mean his current outrages somehow means his movie about Christ was somehow tainted because of the man, how so? I think that work stood on it's own merit.
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