Taking Responsibility

[jwmorrice]

The current political difficulties of Donald Rumsfeld present us with a nice example of a modern irony. On its website for May 7, the L.A. Times reports the following:

In a sweeping apology that included mistreated Iraqis, President Bush, the Congress, the U.S. military, and the American people, Rumsfeld said, "These events occurred on my watch. As secretary of Defense, I am accountable for them and I take full responsibility."

He added: "I feel terrible about what happened to Iraqi detainees. They are human beings. They were in U.S. custody. Our country had an obligation to treat them right. We didn't and that was wrong."

"I take full responsibility." Yeah, right. Nowadays that phrase has become meaningless. It's just a hollow expression of regret used by everyone from convicted criminals to politicians. Rather than signalling any acceptance of deserved adverse consequences, it's instead used to ward them off. Rather than suffering some sort of well-deserved punishment, we tell folks - perhaps a judge - how badly we feel, and maybe add how we made 'a mistake'.

How the hell did our culture get to this point?

jwm

 

[djk]

How the hell did our culture get to this point?

When the baby boomers took over...

Cheers,

-djk

 

[Galahad]

Re: Re: Taking Responsibility

When the baby boomers took over...

Cheers,

-djk

In the new era of political correctness, the vast majority of the adult population are baby boomers. They now have a more lasse faire attitude on everything. Thus, they are less likely to take politicians to task on issues of accountability. Compare that to their youth some 30 years ago when they took their politicans to task on things like Vietnam and Watergate.

 

[catwoman]

He looks like he'll only be in one term.

Unlike Powell, Rumsfield actually was enjoying his job and wanted a second term. It looks like he'll only get one term, has to fall on his sword.

 

[xarir]

Taking full responsibility is a start. What really matters now is how Rumsfeld handles himself and the Department of Defence going forward. If he's really taken full responsibility we'll see changes for the better.

I didn't see the hearings on TV, but I wonder how Rumsfeld wold answer if he were posed the question, "Thank you for your expression of responsibility Mr. Secretary. What procedures have you or will you put in place to ensure this cannot happen again under your watch or under any future SecDef?"

 

[jwmorrice]

Probably say, "Huh?"

jwm

 

[The_Jaded_One]

"I take full responsibility." Yeah, right. Nowadays that phrase has become meaningless. It's just a hollow expression of regret used by everyone from convicted criminals to politicians. Rather than signalling any acceptance of deserved adverse consequences, it's instead used to ward them off. Rather than suffering some sort of well-deserved punishment, we tell folks - perhaps a judge - how badly we feel, and maybe add how we made 'a mistake'.

That phrase has always been meaningless. Kinda like when a guy says "I love you" to a pretty girl in order to get laid. It's kind of a clever way to admit guilt and look good in the process (since you are a BIG man willing to take responsibility for your actions.) I used to do that all the time as a kid if I figured I was busted to lessen the ass kicking that my mom would inevitably give me.

Originally posted by bbking
As for accountability, if Rumsfield can not regain Bush's confidence that he can manage this mess quickly you can bet the house that Rummy will be gone. That's why Rummy and the Generals have been warning of much worse videos and pictures - trying to get in front of the story.

Do you honestly believe Bush didn't know? Of course he did. He was turning a blind eye to the situation in order to cover his ass. Rummy has to take the blame so Bush doesn't look bad since he is the one that has to get reelected. I seriously doubt Bush will dump him though.