Apologizing isn’t something you do because you’re weak. It’s something you do because you’re strong enough to face your own mistakes. If that sounds like a self-help mantra stitched on a pillow, it’s because we need to keep repeating it until the message sticks—especially when some people (cough Laura Loomer) are still out here declaring that only “weak people say sorry.”
Imagine apologizing to the Left.
I’m not weak. Only weak people say sorry.
— Laura Loomer (@LauraLoomer) September 19, 2024
Loomer, always ready to provide us with another hot take, tweeted recently: “Imagine apologizing to the Left. I’m not weak. Only weak people say sorry.” But Rip Mitako, co-worker here at Political Colonoscopy and unofficial holder of the “Let’s Use Common Sense” award, quickly stepped in with a much-needed reality check. Rip responded with, “The truth is that there is strength in humility and the sort of self-possession it takes to say ‘I was wrong’ without it being an indictment of yourself as a whole person. Any a**hole can own their strengths. Real strength is in owning your weaknesses.”
Well said, Rip. And guess what? History backs him up. Some of the greatest leaders and influential figures in the world understood that apologizing wasn’t just a survival tactic—it was a strength.
Example 1: Abraham Lincoln’s Apology for Criticizing a General
Let’s start with Abraham Lincoln, a man known for his honesty and integrity. During the Civil War, Lincoln got frustrated with General Meade after the Battle of Gettysburg. Meade had missed an opportunity to pursue and defeat the Confederate Army, and Lincoln drafted a letter ripping into him. But, before Lincoln sent the letter, he reconsidered. He realized that his harsh words might crush the general’s morale and cause more harm than good. Instead, Lincoln chose to set the letter aside and privately apologized to Meade for the pressure he had put on him. Lincoln’s ability to self-reflect and recognize his own temper strengthened his leadership during a critical time in American history. By apologizing, Lincoln didn’t just preserve his relationship with a key military leader—he also showed that even the highest office in the land wasn’t above admitting fault.
Example 2: John F. Kennedy’s Apology for the Bay of Pigs
Next up: John F. Kennedy and the infamous Bay of Pigs fiasco. In 1961, the U.S. attempted a covert invasion of Cuba to overthrow Fidel Castro, and it failed spectacularly. Kennedy could’ve passed the blame onto his military advisors or predecessors, but instead, he took full responsibility. He publicly admitted the operation was a failure and said, “Victory has a hundred fathers, and defeat is an orphan.” Kennedy’s willingness to own up to his mistakes earned him respect, and his approval ratings actually went up after the apology. He didn’t shy away from his blunder—instead, he faced it head-on, showing the world that a real leader knows when to say, “My bad.”
Example 3: Mahatma Gandhi’s Apology for the Chauri Chaura Incident
Let’s not forget Mahatma Gandhi, a leader whose life and actions were rooted in nonviolence. In 1922, during the Non-Cooperation Movement against British rule, a protest in the town of Chauri Chaura turned violent, resulting in the deaths of several policemen. Gandhi, devastated by the turn of events, immediately called off the movement, even though it had gained significant momentum. He issued a public apology, taking full responsibility for failing to foresee the violent outbreak. Gandhi could have continued with the movement, but he prioritized his principles of nonviolence over political gain. His apology wasn’t a sign of defeat—it was an act of moral strength that reinforced his position as a leader who lived by his values.
When Refusing to Apologize Backfires: Richard Nixon and Watergate
Now, let’s talk about what happens when someone refuses to apologize. Enter Richard Nixon. During the Watergate scandal, Nixon clung to the belief that admitting guilt or apologizing would be the end of his career. So, instead of coming clean about his involvement in the cover-up, he doubled down, giving us the infamous line, “I am not a crook.” Nixon’s refusal to take responsibility didn’t save him; it accelerated his downfall. The longer he avoided apologizing, the more the scandal grew, and the more he alienated the American people. In the end, his failure to apologize led to his resignation and a tarnished legacy. Had he simply admitted his wrongdoing earlier, he might have salvaged some respect and possibly even avoided resigning in disgrace.
The Strength in Saying “I’m Sorry”
Apologies are not about surrender. They’re about being brave enough to acknowledge that you’re a flawed human being, just like everyone else. Whether you’re Abraham Lincoln trying to temper your anger, John F. Kennedy admitting to a military failure, or Mahatma Gandhi owning up to the unintended consequences of a protest, apologizing shows not just self-awareness but true leadership.
Refusing to apologize, on the other hand, often leads to more trouble than it’s worth. Just ask Richard Nixon.
So, Laura Loomer might want to take a lesson from history (or Rip Mitako) and realize that the real weakness isn’t in apologizing—it’s in thinking you’re above it.
