You have to feel for the Providence Journal reporter assigned to report on an "apology" by Rhode Island state senator Joshua Miller. There was just no easy way to describe exactly what Miller was "apologizing" for but staff reporter tried his best without being explicit.
You can watch the foul mouthed Miller respond to a radio host who questioned the state senator about his support for gun control legislation in this video and after the jump. However, please be warned. A strong language alert due to the dirt spewing from the mouth of Miller as well as an associate photographing him.
The Providence Journal handles Miller's comments quite delicately although even without seeing the video, most readers can figure out what was actually said:
PROVIDENCE, R.I. — Sen. Joshua Miller’s videotaped suggestion to a persistent gun-rights advocate that the advocate perform an anatomically unlikely feat upon himself has gone viral, as they say, and Miller has been bombarded with Internet threats.
The incident, involving Dan Bidondi of Truthradio.com, took place March 18 in the rotunda of the State House and involved a hearing on a gun bill during which, Miller said Tuesday, the police removed Bidondi for being disorderly.
If you are wondering why your humble correspondent keeps putting "apology" in quotes, it is because any apology chock full of excuses can't really be sincere. Here is Miller's long whiny "apology":
“At the end of a press conference in which I participated, an individual representing a website notorious for conspiracy theories started berating members of the coalition and intimidating elderly veterans, members of the clergy and victims of violence,” Miller said.
“It quickly became a highly charged atmosphere, which required the presence of the Capitol Police. The individual in question is not new to the State House and is known for his aggressive and intimidating manner. He also was interrupting legitimate members of the media who were attempting to conduct interviews.
“After watching him antagonize an elderly veteran, he swung his camera my way, which produced a very human and guttural reaction. I respect both the Second Amendment and the First Amendment. It is important to note that the individual in question was physically removed from a committee room by the Capitol Police later that evening.
“Regardless of the emotions and atmosphere of the moment, it does not justify the language I used that day. Out of respect for the decorum of the State House and the constituents I represent, I offer my apologies.”
The article ends with this laugh line:
Bidondi at one point described Miller as “foul-mouthed,” but the senator said that wasn’t true. “I’ve just never had a public opportunity to say something like that,” he said.
