A good apology has two parts: an admission of error and a vow to do better.
That’s exactly what Rep. Doug Collins offered Friday after claiming earlier this week that the Democratic Party is more “in love with terrorists” than U.S. military service members. Instead of giving an excuse, pointing fingers, or assigning partisan blame, Collins took responsibility for his unfounded, reckless allegation and apologized.
Let me be clear: I do not believe Democrats are in love with terrorists, and I apologize for what I said earlier this week. (1/5)
— Rep. Doug Collins (@RepDougCollins) January 10, 2020
“As someone who served in Iraq in 2008, I witnessed firsthand the brutal death of countless soldiers who were torn to shreds by this vicious terrorist,” Collins continued. “Soleimani was nothing less than an evil mastermind who viciously killed and wounded thousands of Americans … These images will live with me for the rest of my life, but that does not excuse my response on Wednesday evening.”
Collins’s initial remarks about his Democratic colleagues were inappropriate. It is true that several congressional Democrats and presidential candidates have blamed President Trump for escalating tensions with Iran, often irresponsibly. But to suggest that this had something to do with an innate love of terrorism was three steps too far, and Sen. Tammy Duckworth, a Democrat from Illinois who lost both of her legs serving in the Iraq War, had every right to take offense.
The current state of politics rewards outrage, and nowadays, it seems no one is immune. This isn’t the first time Collins has chosen the inflammatory route, and it certainly won’t be the last. But on Friday, he did the right thing. Let’s hope others follow his example.
