Cal Thomas column: Rachel Maddow and my lesson in civility - saratogian.com: A clip was played from Rachel Maddow’s MSNBC program. It featured her commenting on the subject. I stupidly said before thinking: "I think she’s the best argument in favor of her parents using contraception." I then added, "and all the rest of the crowd at MSNBC, too, for that matter."
It didn’t matter that far worse things have been said in print and on TV about me. I am not supposed to behave like that. I co-wrote a book with my liberal Democratic friend, Bob Beckel, called "Common Ground: How to Stop the Partisan War That is Destroying America." We also write a column together for USA Today. One of the principles in which I believe is not to engage in name-calling; which, to my shame, I did.
The next morning I felt bad about it, so I called Ms. Maddow to apologize. It wasn’t one of those meaningless "if I’ve offended anyone..." apologies; it was heartfelt. I had embarrassed myself and was a bad example to those who read my column and expect better from me.