Amidst two days of blame avoidance and "what if" hypotheses, Richard Clarke, the man in the center of the current political storm over 9/11, does what no one else has had the humility (or the humanity) to do: apologize.
Because I have submitted a written statement today, and I've previously testified before this commission for 15 hours, and before the Senate-House Joint Inquiry Committee for six hours, I have only a very brief opening statement. I welcome these hearings because of the opportunity that they provide to the American people to better understand why the tragedy of 9/11 happened and what we must do to prevent a reoccurance. I also welcome the hearings because it is finally a forum where I can apologize to the loved ones of the victims of 9/11. To them who are here in the room, to those who are watching on television, your government failed you, those entrusted with protecting you failed you and I failed you. We tried hard, but that doesn't matter because we failed. And for that failure, I would ask -- once all the facts are out -- for your understanding and for your forgiveness. With that, Mr. Chairman, I'll be glad to take your questions.
Clarke's was not a real apology. Are you too blind to see through that? It was simply another slap at his ex-employer who demoted him. You see what you want to see. I see a demoted, humiliated, huge ego with a book to sell and an ax to grind. Let's see you demand an apology from the terrorists. No? Bet you're hugging them.
Posted by: francis | Apr 01, 2004 at 09:36 AM
thanks for the insight, francis!
Posted by: michael | Apr 01, 2004 at 09:39 AM
Clark should be a cigarette, he is SMOKIN!
Really, the guy is very angry and it shows.
Posted by: CarlosX | Aug 07, 2004 at 10:33 AM