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."
...LOL....well you must have loved the Terri Schiavo threads when it was all out war here.....have a great night.....
This thread was more about punishing him for what he said .. not what he did .. which was the DUI
What should Mel Gibson's punishment be? (VANITY)
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-chat/1674878/posts
Many may not realize it .. but they are advocating punishment of his words through the criminal system .. via a Judge
That imo should be left to the public .. which I have no doubt will let Gibson know exactly how they feel
You too.
Nothing I've written suggests that, so your answer further encouages me to suggest you take some measure of your behavior. Sloppy drunks are just sloppy. Dry drunks are ugly mean and nasty. Talk to your sponsor.
Huh?
Are you accusing me of being drunk?
Because I don't find courtesy pings a Hildy conspiracy?
You are a piece of work, madam.
(courtesy conspiratorial ping)
Well, I'm learning something new tonight. I think that person just came off the 8th or 9th suspension this year alone; must be related to someone big around here. LOL
Jim, can you tell her please that it is a rule here that you must ping someone if you're talking about them to another member?
I don't see people apologizing for Gibson. Everyone has said that if he said those things, it was despicable. No one's very crazy about the drunk driving, either. Some have noted that alcohol can make one say things one would never say when sober. Others may be skeptical of the MSM. Big shock. I think the main thing is that not everyone is ready to say he is a totally worthless human being or a waste of skin. It seems that if you aren't ready to string him up, you're considered an anti-Semite.
You could be right. He's an actor. There's no reason to presume his opinion is informed.
I admit I like his movie, I like the Dixie Chicks too. Won't spend money on them. And I'm one of the few people who liked Madonna in Evita.
A lot of attention for a drunk.
Oh yeah - I did see that thread. I think I even said it was a good idea.
Since we have hate crimes, and I think a woman was arrested in Arizona for speaking loudly and in an ugly manner about illegal immigrants, I agreed it wouldn't be a bad idea that part of Mel's punishments for the DUI and his hate speech would be to volunteer time at a Holocaust museum or something.
I'll stand by that. I'd forgotten about that thread; thanks for reminding me. I still think it's a great idea to help Mel get over hating an entire race of people.
AHEM..IT IS A RULE... and it's common courtesy...but for some reason, I don't think courtesy is part of your vocabulary.
You butted into something that was off topic and you should have just let go of, you are acting as though YOU have special "powers" here and don't like anyone trying to take your place, and in general, have been far more smarmy than the people you are blaming of whatever it is that has your knickers in knots.
I guess you've missed a few threads that a lot of us were on; the apologists for Gibson were numerous. Some of them even thought what he said wasn't a big deal, especially since he was drunk.
Hey, don't bother me, as you so rudely commanded me not to bother you. In other words, get lost.
There is also a rule against telling other freepers to "go to hell". Do you want that one enforced?
FM to you...
It's sort of like trying to talk reason to a really mean drunk in the ER. Only the libation here is Spite Unleashed, single barrel.
I'll wait to be chewed out, then. Been waiting almost six years for that.
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