Napolitano apologizes to veterans over 'extremist' flap (CNN)

[eppur_se_muova]

By Eric Marrapodi
CNN

WASHINGTON (CNN) -- Department of Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano apologized Friday for a department assessment that suggested returning combat veterans could be recruited by right-wing extremist groups.

She met with American Legion National Commander David Rehbein at Homeland Security headquarters.

"The secretary started the meeting with an apology to me personally, to the American Legion and to the entire veterans community," Rehbein told reporters after the meeting.

In a statement issued by the department, Napolitano said, "We connected meaningfully about the important issues that have emerged over recent days, and I offered him my sincere apologies for any offense to our veterans caused by this report. ... I pledge that the department has fixed the internal process that allowed this document to be released before it was ready."

The report was an unclassified assessment sent to law enforcement agencies. It was titled "Rightwing Extremism: Current Economic and Political Climate Fueling Resurgence in Radicalization and Recruitment."
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more: http://www.cnn.com/2009/POLITICS/04/24/napolitano.am.legion/index.html





Another tempest in a teapot, courtesy of right-wing radio ...

[Turbineguy]

1. It's better to apologize

than try to explain it when those explanations would be taken out of context anyway.

Ringwing hate groups are no doubt looking for combat skilled persons to serve their cause.

The message has been delivered.

[theoldman]

2. The report was correct.

Did you ever hear of a left wing tree hugger killing someone? Sometime in the next few years a right wing nut will kill a lot of people. In their feeble minds, if you have a gun, you have to use it. I would be totally surprised if there is not an assassination attempt on Obama.

[tibbiit]

3. this is not okay!

Why wasnt it pointed out in the first sentence that it was a report ordered by the bush administration and had a counterpart about leftwing extremeists. This apology is not okay without stressing these other things. why do dems do this?
tib

[jody]

4. Apology not accepted by this veteran but her resignation would be a start toward her repentance. nt

[Canuckistanian]

5. You do realize that the BUSH administration ordered this report, don't you?

Reports like this don't happen in 3 months. It was ordered by the Bush regime back last summer.

Janet Napolitano is not responsible for the research, investigations or findings of this report.

She simply released it.

[jody]

6. I know Bush's administration ordered the report and I know Obama's administration released it. n/t

[Thothmes]

7. You may be correct. Maybe she should have read it first

before commenting.