When you are wrong, you say so

There is a rumor that all is fair in love, war and politics. Iowa Sen. Jack Hatch, however, is showing the state that the rumor is false.

As was reported last week, during a heated exchange about health care reform, Hatch made an inappropriate statement. He told Iowa Rep. Ako Abdul-Samad that leadership was treating them both like “niggers” and like “master and slaves.”

Needless to say, Hatch has been called to the carpet and has responded with the following e-mail message:

From: Hatch, Jack [LEGIS]
To: All Legislators; All Senate Staff; All House Staff
Sent: Monday, March 30, 2009 09:35
Subject: An apology

Dear colleagues and legislative staff,

I am writing to apologize for a comment I made last week. As legislators, our comments reflect on everyone, and last Wednesday I made an inappropriate reference. It was wrong and inexcusable. We are to reflect Iowa values, and Iowans are a tolerant group. Our values embrace diversity and legislators need to reflect our highest standards.Last Wednesday, I failed that standard and for that, I am sorry. It will never happen again.

If you want to discuss this with me, please seek me out.

Jack

So now that we have proof that all words are not fair game in politics, and that even well-meaning politicians can step over the line of what’s appropriate, the Essential Estrogen team is now waiting for an apology from U.S. Sen. Chuck Grassley for his recent inappropriate and sexist comments.

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Author:Lynda

Lynda is the founder of Essential Estrogen. A freelance journalist, essayist and fiction writer, she is mom to three children, one cantankerous (and possibly immortal) elderly cat and two nearly useless (but mighty cute) Shih Tzus. She's a former Republican turned Democrat who is no longer affiliated with either party. Previously a managing editor with The American Independent News Network, she provided nearly five years of political coverage for The Iowa Independent. Her work has appeared in Salon, RHRealityCheck, the UK Guardian and the Atlantic, and she has been a guest on several regional and national radio programs.

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