[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

[goodnesswins]

"Saddam Hussein may not be the only madman who threatens a place called America."

That was the last line of your screed....just so people know....it was abominable.....and I agree with another poster...I will remain skeptical until I see a signed, formal letter of apology TO THE PRESIDENT himself.

[arj]

Doug:

As both a longtime member of FR and a longtime reader of Capitol Hill Blue, it is easy to see who here knows you and realizes the column wasn't something you would normally write. Those who are quick to jump to conclusions obviously have not read your many columns supporting our causes.

I appreciate you having the guts to stand up and apologize.

[ETERNAL WARMING]

Well I don't think it's honorable of you. You obviously feel that way or you wouldn't have expressed those thoughts. I'm no Bot, but give me a break!

[farmfriend]

We all seek forgiveness and so show also forgive. My condolences on your loss.

[swheats]

You were brutal in your column. Wimpy in the apology.

[AppyPappy]

I read the article and it was a babbling, nonsensical, childish screech that could have been easily mistaken for a DNC fax. It also reminded me of the ranting of a bed-wetting looney who sees John Ashcroft under his bed at night.

But I accept your apology, of course.

[woofie]

We all say stupid things...however you totally lost control....Who was it you said was a madman?

Apologize some more (try Trent Lott's tecqunique)

[HighWheeler]

I read your apology and then the original article.

The original is a screed that any Pelosi/Daschole/Sodom socialist would love. It avoided a lot of facts and leaned heavily on hyperbole.

My concern with your apology is that it didn't contain a retraction such as: "I was wrong, and here's the list of all the reasons why:". Just a few self-serving excuses.

No, it sounded more like Bush's apology to Adam Clymer, "I'm sorry that the microphones were on." Bush, rightly so becuase he believed what he said, did not retract his thoughts and reasons for calling Clymer a major league asshole, not even why he might have been wrong to ever say it - he only was sorry that it was picked up and distributed.

So do you still believe everything you wrote?

[RobFromGa]

I think you screw up too much to be a serious journalist.