Too Many Apologies

By Cherina Jones



Pennsylvania representative, John Murtha apologized recently for calling western Pennsylvania racist. He said, “no question that western Pennsylvania is a racist area,” as quoted by the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette on their website.

We all have our opinions about one thing or another. This political season has left a lot of coffee tables burning with disdain from the opinions we have had about this elections. I am one who believes that if you mean something and you say it, then it’s yours. We believe what we believe until someone can lead us down a different path. If I make inferences or flat out call someone a racist, then that is what I believe, no apologies needed. Racism exists in this country, that’s fact. People are racist, that too is fact. This election is certainly bringing out a lot of racist people. Jeremiah Wright was certainly taken to task and accused of being a racist. I certainly disagree, as one cannot negate the facts, and we certainly should not be shooting down the messenger for stating the facts.

I don’t think that John Murtha should have apologized for his statement. I am sure, because he represents southwest Pennsylvania, that he would be familiar with the community there. The apology, as most apologies have been, are political. Men and women who support one candidate or another tip toeing around their true opinions, remaining silent or profusely apologizing for comments they have made seems a little inauthentic. I am sure Mr. Murtha meant exactly what he said, but not to ruin the Obama/Biden campaign, he had to apologize. I don’t think the nastiest of racists should apologize for obnoxious comments they make either. I don’t think Don Imus should have apologized, especially if his apology was insincere. I am not condoning what he said, nor do I believe that the Rutgers basketball team was undeserving of an apology. I think we give people the benefit of the doubt for misspeaking, when in fact they meant exactly what they said. I think Americans want honesty, but when presented with honesty, we become disgusted and demand an apology. There is of course a time and place for all comments, I can’t disagree there, but as Americans we should be ready to take in what as a country we have created—good, down home racists.