Heartfelt Apologies Going the Way of the Buffaloes.

People no longer just apologize. There is no such thing as screwing up, admitting guilt, making amends and moving on. In our public society (i.e. celebrities, politicians, etc.), an apology must be accompanied by rehab, counseling and consultation with the appropriate offended group. There are too many examples to list, but here are just a few: Mel Gibson, Mayor Newsom, Mark Foley, Michael Richards, Britney Spears, Joe Biden.

In no way am I suggesting these people do not need counseling or help. Nor am I suggesting contacting group leaders is a bad thing. Both are good things. Both can lead to healing-- both personally and communally. However, my observation is that screwing up and apologizing is no longer good enough. American society demands more. The media demands more. Why? In my opinion, people are so full of shit these days that no one can believe anyone. So when someone gives a true apology, we need the "checked him/herself in" moment to actually believe. What happens when the bar keeps sliding and rehab is no longer enough? Oprah will always have job, getting these people to cry on her couch. Eww.