DoS’s Fernandez apologies for “arrogant and stupid” remark

The Department of State (DoS) official who went on Al-Jazeera this weekend and handed terrorists there yet another propaganda coup has put out a written apology. Alberto Fernandez called US policy in Iraq arrogant and stupid during an interview with Al-Jazeera on Saturday, sparking some pretty serious condemnation, including right here on HoodaThunk?’s pages. That, in turn, brought about this apology from him:

A day after his remarks in an interview were broadcast by the pan-Arab satellite channel Al-Jazeera, Alberto Fernandez issued a written apology through the State Department press office.

“Upon reading the transcript of my appearance on Al-Jazeera, I realized that I seriously misspoke by using the phrase ‘there has been arrogance and stupidity’ by the U.S. in Iraq,” said Fernandez, director of public diplomacy in State’s Bureau of Near Eastern Affairs.

“This represents neither my views nor those of the State Department,” Fernandez added. “I apologize.”

I’m glad he saw that his commentary warranted an apology but I have to ask if his words don’t represent his position (or that of the Department he allegedly speaks for) then what the hell was up with his saying them on Al-Jazeera in the first place? This guy is supposed to be a spokesman for us and he’s got this kind of tin ear?

There are some actions people take in the performance of their duties that call for a disciplinary write-up and/or the relief from a duty for a time. Perhaps Mr. Fernadez would benefit from being sidelined for a while to recall who he’s representing and that his words on the air matter a great deal.

I note as I write this that Michelle Malkin has more.