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Romney's dismissive apology

I agree with Michael Cohen on the meaning of Romney's response to the revelations of his high school bullying. It's a "boys will be boys" *smirk* "apology".

"I played a lot of pranks in high school and they describe some that, well, you just say to yourself, back in high school, well, I did some dumb things. And if anybody was hurt by that or offended, obviously I apologize. But overall, high school years were a long time ago."

The classic non-denial denial.

What We Learn from Mitt Romney's Disgusting Teenage Bullying

... forgiveness must begin with recognition that someone has made a mistake. Little in Mitt Romney's response to these charges suggests he has made that connection.

Tags: Romney high school bully

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Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Loren Miller on May 13, 2012 at 7:51pm

I think this situation is what the word "disingenuous" was invented for. Back then, Romney was a privileged little snot who could get away with anything because he was George Romney's son. The fact is, there may never have been a time in his life when he did NOT enjoy some level of privilege. He took advantage because he could, because there would be no repercussions, and all his supposed apology is now is a mealy-mouthed acknowledgement that something happened, something which I have little doubt he remembers far better than he is willing to admit, something which is as meaningless to him now as it was then.

If Mitt really wants to feel contrition, he also would need to know what it means NOT to be so empowered as his family name allows him to be ... but that would make him one of us, one of the "ordinary" people, without connections or leverage.

I seriously doubt he would know what to do with himself under such conditions.

Permalink Reply by Steph S. on May 13, 2012 at 8:00pm

I would have to agree with Loren. Romney was disingenuous to say the least in his so called apology. He feels no regret for his behavior. Romney has always lived a privileged life in which he was able to get away with his behavior.

Permalink Reply by Dallas (on hiatus) on May 13, 2012 at 8:18pm

I don't like Romney, and on the one hand it does seem to be in keeping with who he is (the bullying, that is). But on the other hand I'd hate for anyone to judge me by what I did, thought, or how I behaved in high school or college. That was a long time ago. I've changed. People change. Interesting to know, but not that important, I think.

Permalink Reply by Joan Denoo on May 15, 2012 at 1:56am

I don't either! It kind of makes me laugh thinking a man of his wealth and maturity believing things that his faith claims. A real mystery to me. I wonder if his wife made him a set of underwear.

Permalink Reply by Joan Denoo on May 15, 2012 at 1:56am

Oh, that as not very nice.

Permalink Reply by Ruth Anthony-Gardner on May 15, 2012 at 12:23pm

LOL "Magic" underpants would be a campaign disaster.

Permalink Reply by Steph S. on May 15, 2012 at 12:25pm

oh that's funny

Permalink Reply by Joan Denoo on May 14, 2012 at 3:04am

Another example of families and communities allowing "boys to be boys" even when causing another harm or embarrassment. Intolerable behavior cannot be given such a free pass.

Permalink Reply by Idaho Spud on May 14, 2012 at 4:30pm