UPDATE: S. Carolina GOP leaders apologize for insensitive reference to Jews
Tuesday, October 20, 2009 By: RJC Press Office
Washington, D.C. (October 20, 2009) -- The RJC has learned that Edwin
O. Merwin, Jr. and James S. Ulmer Jr. apologized swiftly for the
insensitive reference to Jews in their Sunday article in The Times and
Democrat.
Late Monday, Mr. Ulmer wrote:
Last week I co-authored a letter to the editor which focused on the
vital importance of reining in the unsustainable and excessive federal
government spending which is going on currently in Washington, D.C. In
one of the paragraphs which I wrote, I quoted a statement which I have
heard many times in my life, truly in admiration for a method of
bettering one's lot in life.
I admit that perception is indeed reality to many and that I could have
certainly worded that sentence much better. I sincerely apologize for
this great error. If I had quoted that great man from Pennsylvania,
Ben Franklin, using his, "A penny saved is a penny earned," I doubt I
would be writing this note.
I meant absolutely nothing derogatory by the reference to a great and
honorable people. I hope that anyone and all who were offended by my
comment will accept my humble apology.
Early Tuesday morning, Mr. Merwin wrote:
Last week I co-authored a letter to the editor that focused on the
vital importance of reining in the unsustainable and excessive federal
government spending which is going on currently in Washington, D.C.
At
this time I wish to deeply apologize for any material included in that
letter that would be considered antisemitic in any way. I have always
abhorred in the past, and shall continue to do so in the future,
antisemitism in any form whatsoever. I concur fully with the apology
offered by my co-author, Jim Ulmer, and likewise beg that any and all
who were offended will accept my deep felt apology.
The Republican Jewish Coalition appreciates the prompt and sincere apologies.