[Doug Thompson]

I'm sorry some of you have found my apology unacceptable. It was heartfelt. Yes, I do apologize for what I said in the article and have said so on the public discussion board of Capitol Hill Blue. The column was not a true expression of my feelings. While I have concerns about some of the conduct of the administration, especially in the areas of rights to privacy and the USA Patriot Act, those feelings were not the gist of the article. As for writing about the family tragedy that affected me on that day, I have written about it in past columns and for other publications.

And a letter of apology was delivered by courier to The White House on Friday, February 21, 2003, four hours after the column was pulled off our web site. I chose not to publish that letter because it was a private communication. I also apologized publicly on my web site.

There's nothing more that I can say. I was wrong and have said so. It was out of character for me and was wrong. To those who accepted my apology, my thanks. To those who cannot, I understand.

Doug Thompson
Publisher
Capitol Hill Blue

[nopardons]

This is a far better apology and fuller explination, than what was originally posted. I accept your apology.

I am very sorry for your loss and know what it's like to lose loved ones.

[baseballmom]

Thank you for your apology. I had read the original, but didn't add a post.

I'm so sorry for your loss. No parent should have to suffer the loss of a precious child and grandchildren. I saw my parents bury our oldest sister 35 years ago. It was an agony that only parents can know.

President Bush has seen his own parents go through this agony too. They lost their daughter to leukemia at the age of 4, when GWB was 7 years old. It affected him deeply. Knowing how deep his faith is, I'm sure he will be very moved by your letter. That was a stand-up thing to do.

[Lancey Howard]

Your article was vile and I am glad for your public apology (and retraction?). Two suggestions - - First, if you ever have to apologize again, make it unconditional. No matter the excuse, it diminishes the apology. Second, in the future if you get emotionally pumped up (or down) for whatever reason, do what Ann Coulter does - - go after the real enemies of traditional America, the terrorists and the scumbag liberals. Take it out on them, not the good guys.

Regards,
LH

[Mo1]

And a letter of apology was delivered by courier to The White House on Friday, February 21, 2003, four hours after the column was pulled off our web site. I chose not to publish that letter because it was a private communication. I also apologized publicly on my web site.

Thank you for doing this

And I am sorry for the loss of your loved one ..

[laredo44]

I'm sorry some of you have found my apology unacceptable.

Doug, I remember reading the column when it was posted here. I was one of those who expressed displeasure with it in a post on that thread. I agree with nopardons that your apology is weak because it isn't particularly specific in what you are apologizing for. If it is strictly the tone but not the content, I continue to disagree with you. If you want to retract statements, which are they?

All that said, I think everyone needs to look at what you've accomplished in a broader context than just this one editorial. I've read many things from Capitol Hill blue that I've found right on target and appreciation the publication itself. Please keep up the good work.

Given that we all have our bad days, count me in with "apology accepted".

[clintonh8r]

Doug, thank you. No one could expect more than that.

[Area51]

Doug,

Good job. Don't let them talk you into groveling. You screwed up, corrected it, and opoligized. I agree that posting your second opoligy on the original thread will stop the morons at DU from spamming it all over the net. Matter of fact, I would think that Jim Robinson could probably paste it at the beginning of the thread?

Is it Possible Jim?

To the others, Let it go. I am sure that GW has forgiven him, you should too.

[BallandPowder]

Powder..Patch..Ball FIRE!

Apology accepted Doug. Condolences for your loss..

As a dad of 4 daughters and a son I can't imagine the emotional rollercoaster you must have been on when that anniversary came up. May Gods grace cover you..