To add a coda to Indiana state Rep. Bob Morris’ (R) story, the anti-Girl Scout lawmaker apologized yesterday for his over-the-top tirade, but Morris’ regret only extends to his tone, not the substance of his harangue.
If you’re just joining us, Morris refused to endorse a symbolic resolution honoring the anniversary of the Girl Scouts’ founding, insisting that the group has been “radicalized” to promote abortion and homosexuality. Morris added that he believes the Girl Scouts have been “subverted in the name of liberal progressive politics and the destruction of traditional American family values.”
The story generated national attention, and in an amusing twist, Morris was even mocked this week by his own Republican colleagues. It didn’t help when the right-wing lawmaker, asked for proof to bolster his claim that the Girl Scouts support abortion rights, responded, “They’re not against it. If you’re not against it, you’re for it.”
Yesterday, Morris backed off, issuing a statement to reporters.
“After reflecting on the letter I wrote on February 18, 2012 to my fellow Indiana Republican Representatives, I realize now that my words were emotional, reactionary, and inflammatory. For that I sincerely apologize. I apologize to the Girl Scouts of Indiana and all of the girls and parents of Indiana who are participating in and running their Girl Scout organizations in a way that promotes leadership, community involvement and family values. I certainly should not have painted the entire Girl Scouts organization with such a wide brush…. In hindsight, I never should have written the letter.
That’s a nice expression of regret, but Morris proceeded to spend three paragraphs — 348 words — explaining why he still convinced he’s completely right about the nefarious organization.
Indeed, without proof, the Republican state lawmaker once again said the Girl Scouts at the national level “partners” with abortion providers and the group’s funds go to support “sex education and access to contraception and other ‘sexual and reproductive health services’ for young people.” In other words, Morris apologizes for his tone, and he’s sorry he became the butt of jokes, but he still believes a lot of nonsense about the Girl Scouts. More cookies for the rest of us, I suppose.
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