Clyburn declines to apologize for Stark’s remarks (and why should he?)

[babylonsister]

http://thehill.com/leading-the-news/clyburn-declines-to-apologize-for-starks-remarks-2007-10-19.html

Clyburn declines to apologize for Stark’s remarks
By Bob Cusack
October 19, 2007

House Majority Whip James Clyburn (D-S.C.) said Thursday that he will not apologize for Rep. Pete Stark’s (D-Calif.) controversial comments on the Iraq war, claiming that the outspoken lawmaker “is responsible for his actions.”

During an interview on CNN’s “The Situation Room” with Wolf Blitzer, Clyburn distanced himself from Stark’s comment earlier this week during floor debate on the State Children’s Health Insurance Program (SCHIP).

Triggering a GOP outcry, Stark charged that Republicans “don’t have the money to fund the war or children. But you’re going to spend it to blow up innocent people if we can get enough kids to grow old enough for you to send to Iraq to get their heads blown off for the president’s amusement.”

Pressed by Blitzer, Clyburn said, “I’m responsible for my actions. He’s responsible for his actions. I would not use those words, but Pete Stark is Pete Stark.”

Appearing with Clyburn on the show, House Republican Conference Chairman Adam Putnam (R-Fla.) said that Clyburn “should demand that he apologize.”

When Clyburn repeated that he is not to blame for Stark’s remarks, Putnam responded, “Fairly or unfairly, party leadership ends up being responsible for the actions of their members.”

Clyburn countered, “I don’t think you’re responsible for some of the comments I have heard some of your members {make}.”

Stark’s office could not be immediately reached for comment Friday.

[goclark]

1. Saw it, Clyburn did well nt

[monktonman]

3. ummm kinda.

Not really though.
"I would not use those words, but Pete Stark is Pete Stark."
Distancing yourself from the statement might as well be the same as apologizing.
Why couldn't he have just told pussy-boy Putnam to go fuck himself.
Or maybe just say "no, I will not apologize."
Pretty simple huh?

[anniebelle]

2. Saw that too. The audacity of these people never disappoints.

Why would he ever apologize for someone else's remarks? :mad:

[gratuitous]

4. What the hell?

Since when does one person have to answer for what another person says? Should we demand that Wolf apologize for whatever lame-ass comment Rush undoubtedly made today? They're both, uh, media personalities, after all. Can we bully any random Republican for the crimes of Larry Craig, David Vitter, Duke Cunningham and Jerry Lewis (the Republican congressman, not the telethon host)?

This is just so far beyond stupid, it's a wonder to me how Leslie Blitzer gets dressed in the morning.

[Ilsa]

5. Riiiiiight. If Clyburn is responsible,can we blame Hastert for Mark Foley's

chasing male pages? Or blame Lott for Larry Craig's bathroom foot fetish activities?