An apology and explanation
Issue date: 4/22/09 Section: Opinion
An ad was published in Monday's issue of the Western Courier that we, as the editorial staff, sincerely regret running. Similar to a recent editorial written about the appropriate time, rhyme and reason for an editorial board to offer a formal apology, we feel that time has come for us. We are offering a formal apology for our actions and to all who may have been negatively affected by the ad's publication.
This particular ad denounced the existence of the Holocaust and was submitted by a hate group that the WC has no affiliation with whatsoever, and whose views we find to be not only disgusting, but also radically disrespectful and immature.
In many ways, the WC was blindsided by this ad, as it was very subtle in its content. We questioned the content, but didn't stick with our gut feelings. Nonetheless, we are not making excuses, but just giving insight into how such a slip-up happened.
Just like we've consistently refused to run cigarette ads over the years, we should have taken the initiative to withdraw the ad as soon as we spotted it and never accepted the blood money paid to publish the ad's content.
Furthermore, we would like to make a statement directed toward the hate group that submitted the ad: we are disturbed that people of your nature, who presumably present themselves as adults, target their initiative at a college audience, goading students to prove that the Holocaust took place.
In an attempt to project our despair and combat further embarrassment, the WC has decided to donate the money that was paid to publish the ad to the recently opened Illinois Holocaust Museum and Education Center, located in Skokie, Ill. The museum had its grand opening Sunday, April 19, and included a keynote address by President Bill Clinton and appearances by Elie Wiesel, Illinois governor Pat Quinn, Holocaust survivors and others. According to the museum's Web site, www.ilholocaustmuseum.org, it is dedicated to preserving the memories of those who died in the Holocaust.
Again, we regret letting the ad reach the presses, and apologize for the harm it may have caused. The WC views this episode as just that - a major learning experience - which has taught us to keep our eyes and minds open, and stick to our instinctive feelings when certain issues are presented.
This particular ad denounced the existence of the Holocaust and was submitted by a hate group that the WC has no affiliation with whatsoever, and whose views we find to be not only disgusting, but also radically disrespectful and immature.
In many ways, the WC was blindsided by this ad, as it was very subtle in its content. We questioned the content, but didn't stick with our gut feelings. Nonetheless, we are not making excuses, but just giving insight into how such a slip-up happened.
Just like we've consistently refused to run cigarette ads over the years, we should have taken the initiative to withdraw the ad as soon as we spotted it and never accepted the blood money paid to publish the ad's content.
Furthermore, we would like to make a statement directed toward the hate group that submitted the ad: we are disturbed that people of your nature, who presumably present themselves as adults, target their initiative at a college audience, goading students to prove that the Holocaust took place.
In an attempt to project our despair and combat further embarrassment, the WC has decided to donate the money that was paid to publish the ad to the recently opened Illinois Holocaust Museum and Education Center, located in Skokie, Ill. The museum had its grand opening Sunday, April 19, and included a keynote address by President Bill Clinton and appearances by Elie Wiesel, Illinois governor Pat Quinn, Holocaust survivors and others. According to the museum's Web site, www.ilholocaustmuseum.org, it is dedicated to preserving the memories of those who died in the Holocaust.
Again, we regret letting the ad reach the presses, and apologize for the harm it may have caused. The WC views this episode as just that - a major learning experience - which has taught us to keep our eyes and minds open, and stick to our instinctive feelings when certain issues are presented.
Viewing Comments 1 - 3 of 3
Selepri
posted 4/22/09 @ 12:54 PM CST
Awesome...Kudos to you for showing the true spirit of humanism. I truly commend you for your heart-felt apology and your desire to "Set the record straight". (Continued…)
Jase Ruel
posted 4/22/09 @ 6:39 PM CST
I applaud the WC for admitting they were wrong. It should not have been published in the first place. If they had a bad feeling about the ad before it went to print, commone sense would say don't do it. (Continued…)
Lyndon
posted 4/23/09 @ 6:54 AM CST
And this is why most of the time the Newspapers don't go out of their way to apologize, because it is never enough. Still complaining, still wanting.
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