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."
How on Earth did it slander this forum...unless, of course, this forum is Anti-semetic.
I didn't know Mel Gibson was an anti- Semite.
When did this happen, in your book?
Oh really? Who died and made you king of all things FR?
Lots of denial going on here.
It has nothing to do with the story and everything to do with FR.
So what you're saying is that FR agrees with what Gibson said.
I don't know much, but I do know that Jesus asked us not to judge other people.
Why not? There are an awful lot of us who are glad that Gibson is exposed as an anti-Semite and hopefully won't be driving drunk and possibly killing someone; what is it about that message that you think doesn't represent Free Republic?
I never considered myself a fan of his.
I think he's an anti-semite with some bigger problems than that. I'm kinda indifferent to the whole thing. He never was my hero although I didn't dislike him. I didn't go see Passion of the Christ. I don't like movies with subtitles. And I never thought it made him a conservative hero. There are plenty of passionate Christians who are diehard liberals.
I just thought using the comments of you and Veronica as the voice of conservative Christians was quite interesting.
Don't try and change the subject. You said Hildy was getting enjoyment out of this. I mentioned that I was pleased an anti-Semite and drunk have been exposed. I gather you aren't similarly pleased. Which speaks volumes about you.
That's not what I'm saying and I really don't appreciate your Dale Carnegie school dropout approach.
Then you can't be pleased by the judgment that Gibson has clearly made about Jews, including the fact that "they start all the wars."
That's interesting...a quick search of your name found this:
CAPTION THE KENNEDYS
Posted by Generalbob to petercooper
On News/Activism 07/31/2006 2:18:51 PM MDT · 60 of 86
Twiddle dee and Twiddle dumb
Now, that's not very nice...what would Jesus say?
You have to when coming to issues like this. I don't judging the size of Hillary's ankles personally.
ROFL. And yet he has not problem with Gibson judging Jews.
since when did Mel Gibson become an anti-Semite?
Just answer me this question, please.
And, because I am a recovering drunk I know a heck of a lot about this subject. GEt off your pedestal and come down where the real folks live.
Come on, do you really want Hildy and veronica to represent Free Republic?
I can't believe you just said that. The big issue here is DRUNK DRIVING. Gibson could have run over someone very easily. It happens quite often. My friend was murdered by a drunk driver. We already knew Gibson is a nut with anti-semitic feelings. But he is free to have his disturbing opinions. He should not be free to DRIVE DRUNK. Shame on you, Hildy.
Would you rather them have used all the people who stuck up for him, painting Conservative Christians as silent anti-semites? Just be honest.
What the heck are you talking about...he'll be punished legallly for his drunk driving...but for his words..well, that's up to us.
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