Apologizing is always the first mistake and it's precisely the reason democrats always call for an apology.
Never apologize, it's a sign of weakness. (John Wayne).
This would explain some of the attitudes freepers have about governmental apologies over slavery and illegal Amerindian removal (tribes who had treaties with the government which weren't honored).
As for Gonzales, the firing of these attorneys wasn't illegal, so he shouldn't be punished for it.