The question is, should I get one of these for when I go to Italy? The most telling sign of the times is that they offer these shirts in a non-English version so the wearer doesn't get harrassed by Patriotic, Freedom-loving, Fox-consuming All-American Citizens (TM) at home.
Posted by Peter at June 30, 2003 11:42 PMWhile I think apologies have more general application, I will apply your definition to this case because I personally did not do enough to stop some of the stupidities committed with my tax dollars. I also did not work hard enough to convince my fellow Americans (who, along with me, comprise the approval/disapproval ratings) that our president is a joke. Also, as a citizen of the United States, I am a representative of the most powerful nation on Earth, and as a member of that nation, I am apologizing for the shoddy example we are setting for democracy. I do, in fact, feel personally culpable.
I would hardly apologize for the entire country - that is more presumptuous than even I am willing to be. It would be true, however, since a full recount of all the votes actually cast in the state of Florida would have made Gore our president.
I am of the school of thought that an apology is appropriate only where fault or blame may be assigned. By apologizing, you seek to be absolved of some real offense you have committed against the other person. Otherwise it's simply an empty, formal gesture. Hence, "I'm sorry ... I didn't vote for him" is really not an apology -- it doesn't even work as a collective apology on behalf of the country, since it includes an individual excuse.
Also, the problem isn't so much that we have a single idiot on our hands. If his approval ratings are to be believed, then more than 60% of the people in this country support the president and his policies. Don't imagine for a minute that he wouldn't change his tune if his numbers started to go south.