Just what does "I take full responsibility" mean?

[sally343434]

I know this is a rhetorical question. But it always strikes me as sardonically humorous when I hear these goons, from Rumsfeld on down, declare, "I take full responsibility for these atrocities." What's sardonically funny is that there is no consequence whatsoever for taking "full responsibility." It's just enough, apparently, to say it, and then just continue committing atrocities while collecting your big fat taxpayer paycheck and enjoying your privileged single-payer health plan that, apparently, isn't good (bad) enough for the taxpayers.

[Jacobin]

1. funny, isn't it

Something ghastly happens, the one responsible hems and haws and dodges and won't talk about it. All the talking heads say: "Take responsibility for it and apologize. Do the right thing."

So Smirky comes out and "takes responsibility for it" and with the utterance of that phrase....magically all furor dies down and everyone says "well, he took responsibility for it like a man, time to move on."

I mean What in the Everlovin' Fuck is THAT all about.

Strange country we have here.

[graywarrior]

3. My alkie father said that all the time

He thought it was enough and that we'd all fall for it.

[Straight Shooter]

2. That depends on how far up (or down) you are in the food chain

People like bush and rummy can say any damn thing they want. I doubt if bush has ever taken responsibility for anything -- I mean anything -- that he's ever done in his life.

[napi21]

4. If you take full responsibility for a crime, you are the one to take

the hit! It's like pleading guilty in court.

I wouldn't be too surprised to hear that Rummy and several other people are writing their letter of resignation (or it's already done).

Did you hear Gen Zitti on 60 Mins tonight? Pretty convincing arguments why Rummy, Wolfowitz, Pearl, and several others are guilty of dereliction of duty and should resign!

[mike1963]

5. I'll give that a shot if I'm ever arrested for mass-murder.

"I accept full responsibility. Can I go home now?"

Yeah, that'll work.

[Karenina]

6. In the words of Mr. Natural...

DON'T MEAN SHIT.

[Feanorcurufinwe]

7. It means "I take no responsibility"

[Marymarg]

8. It means

I say these words so that you will shut up and go away.

[radfringe]

14. it means

I take full responsibility up to the point where I can blame someone else

[leesa]

9. For Republicans, cowards all, it means taking full responsibility for

finding a fall guy.

[Disturbed]

10. The Twilight Zone

They say this empty phrase and avoid any real consequences for their actions. This is the new 4TH Reich. The Neo Fascists are in charge and they feel immune to any crimes they commit.

[Yupster]

11. First time I felt that way was at Waco

So Janet Reno comes out and says "I take responsibility," and I wait to see what that means and then I found out it dun't mean nothing.

[Eric J in MN]

12. If someone says that and resigns, it's sincere.

If someone says that and resigns, it's sincere.

If someone says that and doesn't resign, it's bunk.

[maggrwaggr]

13. "I take full responsibility for smearing a naked man with feces"

Hm, well, Rummy, if you actually took responsibility for that, you should either check yourself into jail immediately, or we should do it for you.