Durbin Aplologizes

Late this afternoon Senator Dick Durbin took to the floor of the Senate and offered this apology for his comments comparing the U.S. military detention center to the Soviet Gulags, Nazi Concentration Camps and Khmer Ruge Killing Fields.

“More than most people, a senator lives by his words ... occasionally words fail us, occasionally we will fail words,” Durbin, D-Ill., said.

“I am sorry if anything I said caused any offense or pain to those who have such bitter memories of the Holocaust, the greatest moral tragedy of our time. Nothing, nothing should ever be said to demean or diminish that moral tragedy.

”I am also sorry if anything I said cast a negative light on our fine men and women in the military ... I never ever intended any disrespect for them. Some may believe that my remarks crossed the line to them I extend my heartfelt apology.“

The Fox News story describes Durbin as ”choking on his words.“ Of that, I have no doubt. Given his week long defense of his comments and the widespread support within his party and the mainstream media, it had to have been difficult for to now express regret.

I cannot help but wonder if Al Jazeera will trumpet the apology as loudly as they broadcast the original statements. What will the Star Tribune will say. But since he didn't retract the statements only apologize for their offensiveness, I doubt either of those sources will take notice.

For me, its way to little and way too late. Durbin must go.

Posted by: Stephen Macklin at 02:58 PM | No Comments | Add Comment