Our words define us
Once again, someone of note has said something they claim does not represent how they feel or what they believe. This time is it Hulk Hogan, professional wrestling icon. What did he say? Read it for yourself if you wish. Hulk's rant
Now here is his apology.
"Eight years ago I used offensive language during a conversation. It was unacceptable for me to have used that offensive language; there is no excuse for it; and I apologize for having done it. This is not who I am. I believe very strongly that every person in the world is important and should not be treated differently based on race, gender, orientation, religious beliefs or otherwise. I am disappointed with myself that I used language that is offensive and inconsistent with my own beliefs."
I know I've ranted about this before. But stop saying that your words aren't who you are. Especially when you're recorded calling yourself a racist and then you deny being one after the tape is leaked. Being drunk isn't an excuse. Being angry isn't an excuse. They're your words. They formed in your mind and came out of your mouth (or fingers if typed/texted/written down). Admitting you said something you should not have and apologizing for it is enough. Claiming the words don't represent who you are rings hollow. It lessens your apology. Let the absence of such statements going forward prove who you are. If one person who has done a lot makes a mistake like this, owns up to it, and doesn't repeat it, their legacy won't be all about that one gaffe. Unless of course the error is completely unforgivable, which makes any apology and attempt to defend the statement futile. Calling your girlfriend by some hot model's name the first time you make love is a really big gaffe. But doing it on the night of your 25th wedding anniversary is pretty much unforgivable.
Always remember, engage your brain before you put your mouth in gear.
* * *
Speaking of engaging one's brain before speaking, let's look at this video involving a Medford, MA detective who has 30 years on the force (according to multiple sources):
Stephen LeBert, the detective (perhaps we should call him the DIQ, dickhead in question) epitomizes what is wrong with a small percentage of the law enforcement officers in our nation. He's badge-heavy. He has a 415 personality, in California copspeak. He's a jerk who loves to use the power his badge gives him to abuse the public. No police officer at any time, under any circumstance should be talking about blowing a hole through someone's head. Not in public, and not to someone that you've just pulled over. His other comments are equally reprehensible. He should be severely disciplined and probably fired or forced to retire. He is not the type of person we want protecting us from criminals. He may make a lot of arrests, but how many rules did he break to make them? How many innocents were arrested by this man because of his various problems? He gives good cops a bad name.
* * *
Random Ponderings:
As I mentioned on my Facebook page, I'm old, tired and physically disabled. But if the federal government were to issue me a permit, I would stalk that dentist who killed Cecil the lion. I would put arrows into each of this asshat's knees so he can never hunt again.
On a related note, those writing the scathing reviews on Yelp of this jerk dentist are a waste of time. They will be gone in a few weeks. Remember the used car folks who humiliated a pizza delivery driver back in January of this year? Now their Yelp page has 793 pages of reviews (7,942 reviews) that were removed for violating the terms of service, and can no longer be seen.
I am so excited that I will not have to work in the office or teach any classes tomorrow (Wednesday, 7/29).
No matter how beautiful the make-up artists, stylists and physical trainers make the Kardashian women appear, their vanity, vapidness and utter disdain for the rest of humanity makes them ugly through and through.
Lady Gaga's fiance bought her three pairs of boots at a cost of $295,000. While all the money went to charity, it still seems a tad excessive.
Donald Trump's real net worth is nowhere near what he claims it is, and he does not have the cash liquidity to finance a general election campaign on his own.
Loren Wade, oldest employee of Walmart celebrated his 103 birthday and 33 years with the giant retailer recently. I think he'll qualify to begin receiving his retirement benefits from the company in another 20 years or so.
I'm not in favor of a blanket forgiveness for the entire balance of outstanding student loans. However, it is time for the federal government to recognize that even the plans they offer to reduce monthly payments and total loan obligations in return for 10, 15 or 20 years of payments are simply too burdensome for some of the borrowers. Such loans should be allowed to be discharged in bankruptcy.
Jane Birkin wants her name taken off of the Hermes Birkin bag. Should they just call it the Hermes Really Overpriced Bag?
Kris Jenner went to Caitlyn Jenner's home for a "girl to girl" talk. That had to be really strange for both of them.
BTW, the new calls from Hulk Hogan for the arrest of anyone from Gawker who was involved in leaking the tape with his racist rant is ridiculous.
Now here is his apology.
"Eight years ago I used offensive language during a conversation. It was unacceptable for me to have used that offensive language; there is no excuse for it; and I apologize for having done it. This is not who I am. I believe very strongly that every person in the world is important and should not be treated differently based on race, gender, orientation, religious beliefs or otherwise. I am disappointed with myself that I used language that is offensive and inconsistent with my own beliefs."
I know I've ranted about this before. But stop saying that your words aren't who you are. Especially when you're recorded calling yourself a racist and then you deny being one after the tape is leaked. Being drunk isn't an excuse. Being angry isn't an excuse. They're your words. They formed in your mind and came out of your mouth (or fingers if typed/texted/written down). Admitting you said something you should not have and apologizing for it is enough. Claiming the words don't represent who you are rings hollow. It lessens your apology. Let the absence of such statements going forward prove who you are. If one person who has done a lot makes a mistake like this, owns up to it, and doesn't repeat it, their legacy won't be all about that one gaffe. Unless of course the error is completely unforgivable, which makes any apology and attempt to defend the statement futile. Calling your girlfriend by some hot model's name the first time you make love is a really big gaffe. But doing it on the night of your 25th wedding anniversary is pretty much unforgivable.
Always remember, engage your brain before you put your mouth in gear.
* * *
Speaking of engaging one's brain before speaking, let's look at this video involving a Medford, MA detective who has 30 years on the force (according to multiple sources):
Stephen LeBert, the detective (perhaps we should call him the DIQ, dickhead in question) epitomizes what is wrong with a small percentage of the law enforcement officers in our nation. He's badge-heavy. He has a 415 personality, in California copspeak. He's a jerk who loves to use the power his badge gives him to abuse the public. No police officer at any time, under any circumstance should be talking about blowing a hole through someone's head. Not in public, and not to someone that you've just pulled over. His other comments are equally reprehensible. He should be severely disciplined and probably fired or forced to retire. He is not the type of person we want protecting us from criminals. He may make a lot of arrests, but how many rules did he break to make them? How many innocents were arrested by this man because of his various problems? He gives good cops a bad name.
* * *
Random Ponderings:
As I mentioned on my Facebook page, I'm old, tired and physically disabled. But if the federal government were to issue me a permit, I would stalk that dentist who killed Cecil the lion. I would put arrows into each of this asshat's knees so he can never hunt again.
On a related note, those writing the scathing reviews on Yelp of this jerk dentist are a waste of time. They will be gone in a few weeks. Remember the used car folks who humiliated a pizza delivery driver back in January of this year? Now their Yelp page has 793 pages of reviews (7,942 reviews) that were removed for violating the terms of service, and can no longer be seen.
I am so excited that I will not have to work in the office or teach any classes tomorrow (Wednesday, 7/29).
No matter how beautiful the make-up artists, stylists and physical trainers make the Kardashian women appear, their vanity, vapidness and utter disdain for the rest of humanity makes them ugly through and through.
Lady Gaga's fiance bought her three pairs of boots at a cost of $295,000. While all the money went to charity, it still seems a tad excessive.
Donald Trump's real net worth is nowhere near what he claims it is, and he does not have the cash liquidity to finance a general election campaign on his own.
Loren Wade, oldest employee of Walmart celebrated his 103 birthday and 33 years with the giant retailer recently. I think he'll qualify to begin receiving his retirement benefits from the company in another 20 years or so.
I'm not in favor of a blanket forgiveness for the entire balance of outstanding student loans. However, it is time for the federal government to recognize that even the plans they offer to reduce monthly payments and total loan obligations in return for 10, 15 or 20 years of payments are simply too burdensome for some of the borrowers. Such loans should be allowed to be discharged in bankruptcy.
Jane Birkin wants her name taken off of the Hermes Birkin bag. Should they just call it the Hermes Really Overpriced Bag?
Kris Jenner went to Caitlyn Jenner's home for a "girl to girl" talk. That had to be really strange for both of them.
BTW, the new calls from Hulk Hogan for the arrest of anyone from Gawker who was involved in leaking the tape with his racist rant is ridiculous.
posted by me at 10:38 PM
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