Armstrong Williams Apologizes

January 10th, 2005

From his final Tribune-syndicated column, an apology of sorts was offered.

I didn’t think it was sincere at all.

There comes a time when a person is caught in wrongdoing to humble oneself, admit the screw-up, and show true remorse. I didn’t see it in Williams’ apology.

To paraphrase La Shawn Barber, I would’ve offered something to this effect if I were in Williams’ shoes:

“I’m a grown [man]. I knew what I was doing. I intentionally blurred the line so I could take the money. I support the president’s education law, and this fact alleviated my guilt in taking the 240K. I run a business, but I’m also a journalist in that I report facts, offer my opinion about those facts and seek credibility among my colleagues and my readers.

I have no one to blame but myself, despite having bills to pay and the Department of Education waving a check in my face. I had choices to make and made the wrong ones. Regaining credibility will be difficult. Some will not accept this apology. They will use this one episode to dismiss anything else I have to say or write. Those are the consequences I face, and I will face them honorably. My good name was all I had, and I am deeply disappointed for letting down my readers.”

Returning the $240,000 in taxpayer funds as well would’ve also underscored a willingness to make amends. To remain a critic of government pork after being caught with a ham bone in your hand smacks of hypocrisy.

FWIW, I’m willing to forgive, but I won’t forget. Whether the individual may be either Armstrong Williams or Wendell Williams, integrity matters.


Filed under Commentary | Comment (1)

One Response to “Armstrong Williams Apologizes”

  1. Baklava on January 11, 2005 January 11, 2005 - 11:03 am

    dcthornton,

    I’ve posted at La Shawn’s site also.

    Mr. Williams’ firm received the money which. His firm has other expenditures besides Mr. Williams’ salary from his firm. Mr. Williams may not have actually been personally enriched (with a higher salary) due to the transaction.

    I’ve said at LB’s, that he was wrong for not disclosing the deal and he admitted to the wrong doing and has apologized.

    And while I agree that the federal government shouldn’t spend money like this (as it is taxpayer dollars) there are a lot of people who receive money from the federal government and for messaging purposes and to hold a HIGHER standard for Mr. Williams and say he must give it back is not right. Again. I agree that this is money that shouldn’t be spent by the federal government. I just feel that we are picking on one guy here and if we are going to have the standard that we should hold the standard all across the board.

    Hey, we might all get rebate checks again from the government due to a surplus again….

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