When one apologizes, they usually take full responsibility for their actions.

Not so in the case of former DNC Chairman Dan Fowler. Yesterday, I posted the video of his remarks and apparent delight concerning hurricane Gustav.

Here is the gist of his apology:

“If this offended anybody, I personally apologize,” Fowler told ABC News. “It was a mistake, and it was a satirical statement made in jest. And one that I clearly don’t believe.”

Fowler was secretly recorded by the person sitting behind him while flying from Denver, Colo., to Charlotte, N.C., following the Democratic National Convention. His conversation with Rep. John Spratt, D-S.C., was anonymously posted to YouTube and highlighted by RedState.com, a conservative blog.

“One doesn’t anticipate that one’s private conversation will be surreptitiously taped by some right-wing nutcase,” said Fowler. “But that’s the nature of what we’re dealing with.”

(emphasis-mine)

Well, well, it was all a mistake and if it were not for that right wing nutcase we would have never been exposed.

“I believe in a benevolent God,” said Fowler. “I’m a religious person. It was a facetious statement, some might even say satirical, play off of what Falwell said.”

“If it offended anybody. I’m sorry for that,” said Fowler. “I don’t think anybody in America wishes for something bad to happen to New Orleans. I certainly don’t.”

So first blame others for catching you in the act, then use the late Reverend Falwell (whose remarks after 9/11 were equally as offensive) as your excuse, claim a mistake and all is forgiven.

Mister Fowler played politics, plain and simple, with a potentially deadly situation.
It would have been far more effective just to say “I’m truly sorry” and really mean it.

If he were a Republican, many would today be calling for him to be removed permanently from the political scene and rightfully so. I’d be proud to be one of those right wing nut cases doing just that.

Due to the expected landfall of Hurricane Gustav by Tuesday morning at 2:00 am, the Republican convention may be postponed.

President Bush is expected to speak to the convention on Monday night, but it is highly unlikely he will be there in person and will speak via satellite hook-up.

Today, Senator McCain and Gov. Palin are going to be in Mississippi to see what arrangements are being made for this storm which is predicted to be of proportions of Katrina or worse.

McCain has been quoted as saying he’d rather not have the convention if the storm hits as expected and would like to see the delegates get to the Gulf to see what they can do to help.

I feel the convention is not necessary unless you want to show your face on TV for four days’ worth of boring speeches.

It should be possible for the delegates to be polled and their ballots counted and then the official announcement of the nominees for president and vice president made.

This is a decision for the high mucky-mucks in the Republican Party to decide, but I come down on the side of not partying while a tragedy is taking place in our own country. The only thing we’ll miss is the boring speeches. We can always hear from McCain and Palin at a different time and I’m sure the press will give them access to the airwaves to give their acceptance speeches. Just joking. I’m not sure of anything.

Update: All but essential convention business will be suspended until further notice after the afternoon meeting on Monday. A quorum of 50% plus 1 is needed to conduct the business of certifying the delegates, and they can even vote for the nominations of the presidential and vice presidential candidates. President Bush and Vice President Cheney will not be in attendance as they monitor the situation in the Gulf.

John McCain has chartered a plane to take the residents of the Gulf back to their homes and families to be with them during this time of stress. He has also asked the vendors to set up Red Cross donation booths instead of having the parties. Since the parties are already scheduled they may or may not cancel them.

Go here and here for videos.

This is no joke for anyone. This is serious and people in the path of the hurricane need to heed the advice of the officials and common sense and get out. This time the residents can take their pets with them.