One of the proposed drafts of President Bush's apology to China:
APOLOGY TO THE PEOPLES' REPUBLIC OF CHINA
It is with deep regret and contrition that I, the President of the United States of America, offer this apology to the Chinese nation and its people.
I apologize for the heinous act performed by our large, sluggish, propeller-driven airplane that got in the way of your highly maneuverable, supersonic, technologically superior jet aircraft. Furthermore, I sincerely regret that by flying in international airspace, we forced your "highly competent" pilot to fly his aircraft into our own, causing him to spiral to his death into the ocean.
We also regret forcing him to attempt aerial intimidation upon our slower moving, unarmed, surveillance vehicle.
This situation brings to mind a similar episode when I was in grade school and my face got in the way of the schoolyard bully's fist. He broke a bone in his hand, and I felt as compelled then to apologize for the incident as I do now.
Let me summarize by stating that it is our sincere hope that you accept our heartfelt and sincere apology for the actions committed by your pilot. We are sorry that we got in the way. We are sorry that we were forced to leave international airspace and land in Chinese territory. We are sorry that you were forced to provide food and housing for our military personnel. Most of all, we are sorry that you have in your possession some of the most technologically advanced surveillance equipment on the planet.
I hope that you can find it in your heart to forgive us. I also hope that you will soon release our servicemen, servicewomen, and our property. Because I really don't want to have to apologize again when we have to kick your ass.
Sincerely,
George W. Bush
President of the United States |
