Apology Not Accepted

Speeches are crafted. They are planned and deliberate. Once written they are subjected to an approval process where several "professionals" at various levels of authority will scrutinize, analyze and tailor each phrase and word to insure a precise and accurate portrayal of the intended message. Talking points are created and issued. These points are expected to be addressed at every turn. If a question, any question, is asked it is the responsibility of the speaker to respond with a talking point, whether appropriate or not. Every opportunity to speak is scripted.

When you achieve a position of national prominence it suggests you have acquired these skills and that you have the ability to deliver and perform respectively. You are representing vast wealth and power where error can be impairing, expensive and certainly intolerable. There should be no slips of the tongue or reason for excuses and apologies.

Inflammatory remarks used to be followed with a slap across the face and the challenge of a duel. Perhaps more care would be taken if consequences were immediately administered directly to the offender. How flippant and careless would you be with your words if you knew any offensive verbiage would result in a punch in the belly from an angry Mike Tyson? I propose Mr. Tyson, the once most feared man on the planet, be given the position of Minister of Correction. He should be given priority seating at every event where the speaker is within his punch's reach. Tyson will have to agree to only punch once, but to make it a memorable punch. It would be a delight to watch renowned, celebrated orators keep a careful eye on Mike while delivering very short and to the point messages with an air of good intentions, honorable content and a quick exit.

In the meantime Senator Kerry, apology not accepted. I hope Mike is on his way with a freebie for his country.