Murdoch Apology Moves America Agenda

by: Betsy L. Angert

Tue Feb 24, 2009 at 05:15:00 AM EST

Like the 3 AM text message that announced Barack Obama's Vice Presidential choice, the apology arrived in the wee hours of the morning. The statement Rupert Murdoch submitted may have moved an American agenda forward. The magnate personally addressed the toon that appeared in the New York Post on February 18, 2009.

Many thought Mister Murdoch's paper published a racist rant. Black Americans feared the signal this might send. Anger was expressed. Citizens of every color showed great concern, People protested. Collectively, there was a sense that only Rupert Murdoch could change the culture, he, and his companies promoted. Yet, no one thought he would. Shockingly, he spoke out. He admitted to "his" error, and promised his paper would be more sensitive to its readership.

Betsy L. Angert :: Murdoch Apology Moves America Agenda

Some were skeptical. Several suggested News Corp owner, Rupert Murdoch, had ulterior motives, or perhaps he has a crush on the President. People wonder if his affection for the new Commander-In-Chief prompted this move. Persons who know the enigmatic executive personally recall the day, in May, when Mister Murdoch "effusively" spoke of the Presidential aspirant. The often less than candid Murdoch praised Candidate Obama. Although Rupert Murdoch is a well-established Republican, in the Spring he was quoted as saying, "He [Barack Obama] has become a rock star; it's fantastic!"

The formidable media mogul who usually leans far to the Right, poignantly identified himself with a Progressive candidate. When asked, Mister Murdoch admitted he was responsible for the New York Post endorsement of Barack Obama. In January 2008, long before President Obama cinched the nomination Rupert Murdoch was there for the Black man who may or may not have been the subject of a February 18, 2009 cartoon published in his paper.

While the theory that Rupert Murdoch admires the current President may hold weight, a few wonder why would a man who is known not to apologize for any missteps, make such a dramatic statement. Why might Mister Murdoch do as he has never done.

Several cite the influence of his daughter. She must be the cause for such a strange decision. Many cannot imagine change has come to a man mired in Conservative causes. Commentators and news analyst dug through the archives, looking for evidence that might explain the unexplainable. They found it.

The headline in the April 1, 2008 edition of The New York Times was not a joke. Murdoch's Daughter Hosts Obama Fund-Raiser. Nonetheless, most do not believe this remorseless man would offer a sorrowful statement. Yet, he did. After days of debate, newspaper proprietor Rupert Murdoch delivered.

Statement From Rupert Murdoch
By Rupert Murdoch
New York Post
Last updated: 3:16 am, February 24, 2009 ?
Posted: 2:22 am?, February 24, 2009
As the Chairman of the New York Post, I am ultimately responsible for what is printed in its pages. The buck stops with me.
Last week, we made a mistake. We ran a cartoon that offended many people. Today I want to personally apologize to any reader who felt offended, and even insulted.
Over the past couple of days, I have spoken to a number of people and I now better understand the hurt this cartoon has caused. At the same time, I have had conversations with Post editors about the situation and I can assure you - without a doubt - that the only intent of that cartoon was to mock a badly written piece of legislation. It was not meant to be racist, but unfortunately, it was interpreted by many as such.
We all hold the readers of the New York Post in high regard and I promise you that we will seek to be more attuned to the sensitivities of our community.

Whatever the reason may be , the request for forgiveness, the act of contrition, a possible admission of guilt, for the appearance of a cartoon that offended many, it occurred. Economically, the nation has not yet recovered. Discrimination against one ethnicity or another has not ended. Civil Rights are still not granted to all equally. Especially persons of color will continue to experience great pain in America. Nonetheless, ethically, in this hour, America has found reason to believe Rupert Murdoch's apology may have moved a more moral agenda.

Perchance, on another day in the future, a message will not be sent. No text will announce the arrival of a new era. True change will likely occur over time. Nonetheless, in this moment, there is reason to believe; we, the people of the Untied States, will evolve.

References for a newer reality . . .