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."
Some call it cancer!
No doubt he's as tasteless in politics and ethno-history as he's shown himself to be in the Road Warrior series.
So, when it came to "The Passion" we took it as simply a sign that Mel was seeking some higher source of morality ~ and, it would appear, for good reason, eh!
Whatever he has, I hope he's dead from it...ASAP!
BTW, that was Mel working the hammer.
Maybe you should turn that into a nice little prayer.
Yes, that's why it's called a COINCIDENCE and if you're calling me a liar, I don't appreciate it.
Stuff happens.
My understanding is that Mel's father hasn't had a new thought or memory for more than a decade. He's 85 and the incidence of Alzheimers and other causes of dimentia skyrockets in that age group.
I always thought the DUI laws in CA were extreme. But why would he have bee in jail in Virginia BEFORE he was caught drunk driving?
I doubt he was OR'd upon arrest. And I'm pretty sure he was booked, ie., fingerprinted and at least spent one night in jail. Isn't he out on bail?
Gee, I guess I can't wait to read the trades on Tuesday. Who knows what cool stuff will be planted there, to bloom and grow.
Well...ya got us...we'll just make our phone call to the trades, say the password (yenta) and plant some stories to make us look good. You don't really believe this crap...I think you're just running out of insults and it's getting late.
LONG Story...If you're really interested I'll freepmail you the story. It's kinda funny, actually.
Yes, I'm interested. (You didn't jump up and down on the couch, did you?)
NO....LOL! Not even close! I'll send you the whole story...tomorrow...as you can imagine, I'm pretty spent tonight. It's been a tough one!
Good night, and shalom, milady
The Cahners folks I know. Odds are good a number of other Freepers and "former Freepers" over at another site know them too.
Odds are one of the "former Freepers" tipped off the reporter to check FR.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.