Writer apologizes for "Madman of 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue" column

Capitol Hill Blue ^ | February 26, 2003 | DOUG THOMPSON

[Doug Thompson]

(WRITER'S NOTE: Last week, I published a column entitled "The Madman of Pennsylvania Avenue." It was written during a time when I was letting a memory of a family tragedy depress me and affect my judgment. The column was pulled within two hours of its posting after family and friends convinced me that it went too far. Unfortunately, given the speed of the Internet, it has already been picked up and reprinted in full on other sites. This column was over the top, even for me, and I apologize for it. It has been erased from the files of this web site and will not be republished. If it appears on any other web site, it does so without my permission and is a violation of copyright law).

[Doug Thompson]

I wrote the column called "The Madman of 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue," which generated a lot of comment on this bulletin board. As noted in the writer's note that appears at the beginning of Wednesday's column, it was something that should not have been written. I violated my own rule of writing while dealing with emotions of something unrelated to the topic of the column (in this case, the anniversary of the death of a loved one). It was wrong and should not have happened. But it did and for that I apologize.

--Doug Thompson
Publisher
Capitol Hill Blue

[smokeyjon]

Translation: My editor smacked me upside the head and told me to do some damage control. Sorry boss.

[Lunatic Fringe]

Keep em on their toes, Doug. Love your column!

[Doug Thompson]

One small problem with that. I'm the editor.

[smokeyjon]

Oops. I stand corrected.

[Fred Mertz]

I read it here on FR but didn't comment personally because many others beat me to the punch.

Your apology is accepted by me.

[185JHP]

Thanks, Doug. You have a lot of credibiity with me - I knew that thing wasn't the real DT. BTW you've got a great site.

[Howie66]

It takes a man to admit that he's wrong and to accept the consequences of his actions. Lord knows that I've jumped the gun more than a time or two in my life.

Thanks for stepping up.

[John Jorsett]

We all have bad days. I'm not sure an apology is required, but if you feel like tendering one, consider it accepted by me.

[Tamzee]

I think it was very honorable of you to retract the column and then apologize so openly. I still wish it hadn't been written that day, but you have my respect.

Regards,
Tammy

[chnsmok]

You have a great site, and I did not see your article. You are OK in my book.

[Wait4Truth]

It was a truly disgusting article!!!

[nopardons]

You wrote a repulive column and using the anniversary, of the death of a loved one, is NO excuse. As a matter of fact, your left handed apology, is even more offensive than your indefessable column !

[Wait4Truth]

But since you are apologizing, apology accepted. I am proud of our President and just heard Dennis Miller say the same thing on Jay Leno. Perhaps you should take another look at all this man has on his plate. It's easy to attack from the sidelines.

[nopardons]

indefenceable

[nopardons]

Oh, the heck with it ... unpardonable .

[hocndoc]

It takes a strong person to apologize and admit to making a mistake - and in a very public way. Good job.

[Alamo-Girl]

I read it, but it didn't sound like you so I figured something was wrong and dismissed it.

[JoJo Gunn]

"If it appears on any other web site, it does so without my permission and is a violation of copyright law."

I didn't see the column, and therefore can't pass judgement on it. However, the line quoted rubs me the wrong way. It seems to say "I've apologized, so forget it!"