Stop with the fake apologies, wingnuts

Elizabeth Lauten, 2-timing House aide,
likely future Faux News hostess.
(Ditch the glasses, though.)

I may have written a blog post about this before, but even if I did, it needs to be written again, and the fake apology plus resignation of Elizabeth Lauten, communications director for Rep. Stephen Fincher, is the perfect opportunity to do so again.

First, let's remember what she said:

"Dear Sasha and Malia, I get you’re both in those awful teen years, but you’re a part of the First Family, try showing a little class.

"At least respect the part you play. Then again your mother and father don’t respect their positions very much, or the nation for that matter, so I’m guessing you’re coming up a little short in the ‘good role model’ department. Nevertheless, stretch yourself. Rise to the occasion. Act like being in the White House matters to you. Dress like you deserve respect, not a spot at a bar. And certainly don’t make faces during televised public events."

Got it.

Then, the text of the fake apology:

"After many hours of prayer, talking to my parents, and re-reading my words online I can see more clearly just how hurtful my words were," Lauten wrote. "I'd like to apologize to all of those who I have hurt and offended with my words, and I pledge to learn and grow (and I assure you I have)from this experience."

Got that.

This whole thing is a pack of mixed straight-up lies, hypocrisy, and exposure of moral failings of the Religious Right.

First, Ms. Lauten, you are (or rather, were) a Congressman's communications director. Theoretically, that means you know something about ... communicating.

Therefore, the idea that communications might affect another person's emotions only occurring to you long after your Facebook post (which took at least as long to write as three Tweets) is laughable, unless you were highly ODed on cheap turkey tryptophan, and maybe some cheap Tokay, from Thanksgiving.

Second, that you had to talk to your parents and do many hours of prayer? Puhleeze. You Religious Rightists are always boasting about good Christian parents raising their kids on the straight and narrow, and how this supposedly "sticks."

Well, what you're saying is that it didn't stick, and your parents weren't such good parents.

Third, we know that you didn't talk to your parents, just like we know your words aren't real, for the same reason you're not talking about your "resignation.

You actually talked to your boss, Rep. Stephen Fincher, who explained how you were ruining his reputation, and that you therefore needed to resign.

A real apology, as I sent to what used to be (I didn't know if it still is) Lauten's Twitter account would start with the honesty of admitting it was a cheap political stunt, one that she knew could be hurtful, and one that she didn't care or not whether it was hurtful.

In line with that, the WaPost reminds us that this is far from the first time that wingnuts have gone after presidential daughters. It just mentions Chelsea Clinton and Amy Carter, in addition to the Obama daughters. But, Harry Truman could tell you about the attacks on Margaret.

Also, it's not like you're only 21 yourself, Ms. Lauten.

Per your LinkedIn account, it's been at least 7 years since you graduated college. Also, Fincher is the second Congresscritter for whom you've worked.

That said, crocodile tears, fake apology, blond hair, late 20s?

Six months at the outside before you're on Faux News.