US Rep. Mary Miller apologizes
Friday, Jan 8, 2021 - Posted by Rich Miller
* Press release…
Congresswoman Mary Miller (R-IL) issues a statement on her remarks at the recent Moms for America event in Washington, D.C.
“Earlier this week, I spoke to a group of mothers about the importance of faith and guarding our youth from destructive influences. I sincerely apologize for any harm my words caused and regret using a reference to one of the most evil dictators in history to illustrate the dangers that outside influences can have on our youth. This dark history should never be repeated and parents should be proactive to instill what is good, true, right, and noble into their children’s hearts and minds. While some are trying to intentionally twist my words to mean something antithetical to my beliefs, let me be clear: I’m passionately pro-Israel and I will always be a strong advocate and ally of the Jewish community. I’ve been in discussion with Jewish leaders across the country and am grateful to them for their kindness and forthrightness.”
- TheInvisibleMan - Friday, Jan 8, 21 @ 10:25 am:
Is this a new way to spell resigned.
The Will county board member who was heading the moms for america is a Will county board member, and the chief of staff of the IL rep 97th district.
Apologies may have worked on January 5th. It’s not January 5th anymore.
- Flyin' Elvis'-Utah Chapter - Friday, Jan 8, 21 @ 10:25 am:
Bull to the S.
You invoked Hitler, said he was right.
That wasn’t spur of the moment.
Don’t shine me on now, that a cop has died.
You’re a facist, an anti-semite, and a racist.
- PublicServant - Friday, Jan 8, 21 @ 10:26 am:
Resign.
- Roadrager - Friday, Jan 8, 21 @ 10:26 am:
“Some of my best friends are Jewish leaders.”
- Teacher Lady - Friday, Jan 8, 21 @ 10:28 am:
==While some are trying to intentionally twist my words to mean something antithetical to my beliefs…==
So, not *really* sorry.
Still blaming others for something you decided to say is not taking responsibility.
- OneMan - Friday, Jan 8, 21 @ 10:30 am:
If it takes multiple conversations to cause you to realize referencing him along with the words ‘got right’ in any context wasn’t a good idea would seem to indicate you should be kept away from microphones.
Also if you watch the video that logo of the organization has an interesting look, doesn’t it?
- Just Me 2 - Friday, Jan 8, 21 @ 10:30 am:
Road ranger said it best. She needs to resign. This reference was purposeful, and she stood by it for 2 days.
Her other option is formal censure from the U.S. House and then being dismissed in 2 years. Just save your constituents the headache of having you represent them.
- Oswego Willy - Friday, Jan 8, 21 @ 10:31 am:
===regret using a reference to one of the most evil dictators in history to illustrate the dangers that outside influences can have on our youth.===
Is it that she regrets saying aloud what her thoughts and what’s framing her beliefs?
I ask that because how can it take this long to *finally* apologize, and use this phrase specifically;
“… regret using a reference to one of the most evil dictators in history to illustrate the dangers that outside influences can have on our youth.”
Was that her *first* reference she could think to make a point?
Hmm.
I dunno, maybe this apology says a great deal to the thinking of Congresswoman Miller.
Am I glad she apologized? Yes. Is it important she apologizes? Yes.
This phrase however crafted, whew, “… regret using a reference to…”
To Miller, it’s still a reference.
- Southside Sean - Friday, Jan 8, 21 @ 10:31 am:
Getting loose with the world “apologize” Rich
- DuPage Dave - Friday, Jan 8, 21 @ 10:32 am:
This is like the third attempt to explain away what she said, but it won’t work. She owns what she said. She will never be an effective representative in Congress.
- Publius - Friday, Jan 8, 21 @ 10:32 am:
Do the right thing and resign. Nothing less will be enough.
- Keyrock - Friday, Jan 8, 21 @ 10:32 am:
Banned words. Not a full apology. Resign.
- NIU Grad - Friday, Jan 8, 21 @ 10:32 am:
A dedicated reporter might want to make a few calls to prominent Jewish organizations to ask if they’ve spoken with Rep. Miller. I’d be very curious what “Jewish leaders” she claims to have been in discussion with.
- Mescalero School for the Gifted - Friday, Jan 8, 21 @ 10:33 am:
C’mon already, everybody. Give her a break. She knows her constituency. It’s those darned people outside her district giving her the most guff. Let her serve the way her constituents want her to serve.
- Cool Papa Bell - Friday, Jan 8, 21 @ 10:34 am:
“While some are trying to intentionally twist my words”
OR “I still not going to talk responsibility for my words.”
Fixed it for you Mary -
Wonder now if all those organizations that came out to support her and prop her up have anything to say? That’s where I would see the real power in being put in your place - Illinois Farm Bureau have a stance on their girl Mary Miller?
- Jibba - Friday, Jan 8, 21 @ 10:35 am:
Maybe she should also apologize for comparing Democrats to a heinous propagandizing dictator, which was her actual intention.
- don the legend - Friday, Jan 8, 21 @ 10:36 am:
She said “Hi&%er got one thing right”.
Now she says “I’m passionately pro-Israel and I will always be a strong advocate and ally of the Jewish community.”
She’s nuts or sick. Either way resign.
- Mary Kennedy - Friday, Jan 8, 21 @ 10:38 am:
Well, that’s certainly underwhelming.
- Will Caskey - Friday, Jan 8, 21 @ 10:38 am:
Guarantee you the next poll of her district will show her favorables up not down
- Honeybear - Friday, Jan 8, 21 @ 10:39 am:
Apology not accepted.
She’s my congresswoman. Having moved to a new town, I knew that my representative was going to be even worse than Davis but I was so disappointed to realize that she’s my Rep.
On the bright side, I’ve got somebody new to complain about and be a gadfly too. That’s fun
- Oswego Willy - Friday, Jan 8, 21 @ 10:39 am:
The only hope for Illinois is that Miller is drawn into a district where she will find defeat quickly and soundly and the nightmare of her serving ends.
She won’t be an easy out, but when her district is eliminated let’s hope she choose poorly to the choices she will have
- Keyrock - Friday, Jan 8, 21 @ 10:40 am:
“some are trying to intentionally twist my words [like by showing the full video of my remarks, which is so unfair] . . . .”
- Flyin' Elvis'-Utah Chapter - Friday, Jan 8, 21 @ 10:43 am:
Is it me, or has the usual conservative commenters on this site been conspiciously quiet the last couple days?
- TheInvisibleMan - Friday, Jan 8, 21 @ 10:43 am:
===logo of the organization has an interesting look===
Have I mentioned that the vice-president of this org is the chief of staff for the IL rep for the 97th district in the chicago suburbs.
- JS Mill - Friday, Jan 8, 21 @ 10:43 am:
That is the quintessential “non-apology apology” and I struggle to accept it as an earnest attempt. She won’t resign, and thanks to our president’s behavior, her words will be overshadowed by other events in Washington DC.
I suspect many, if not most, in her district have no issue with what she said either.
- Pizza Man - Friday, Jan 8, 21 @ 10:46 am:
Resign. Unbecoming of a federally elected official representative of all the people in her district and serving in our nation’s Capitol.
Had a Black, Muslim, Hispanic official like Congressman Chuy Garcia or Congressman Davis made these incendiary statements? hmm…
- Candy Dogood - Friday, Jan 8, 21 @ 10:51 am:
Unacceptable. She spoke at a rally which lead to the storming of the U.S. Capitol, her husband, an Illinois State representative attended and referred to the acts they were taking as waging war against Democratic terrorists.
Neither of the Millers should continue to serve or Represent the People of Illinois. The Illinois GOP should call upon them to immediately resign. They should be stripped of all committee assignments, privileges, and staff.
The Illinois GOP has a Nazi problem and how they address this problem speaks volumes to their tolerance of the fascist movement blossoming within their party.
These two would not be welcome in any caucus I was responsible for organizing.
- Blue Bayou - Friday, Jan 8, 21 @ 10:52 am:
“apologizes”
SMDH
- JoanP - Friday, Jan 8, 21 @ 10:52 am:
You will never instill anything “good, true, right, and noble” by quoting Hitler. I would like to think she was ignorant of the full quote, but that’s hard to believe.
Your words weren’t “twisted”, Rep. Miller. You said them. Take responsibility.
- Thomas Paine - Friday, Jan 8, 21 @ 10:59 am:
Miller is whitewashing history, she wants us to forget Hitler was not just anti-semetic.
Racist.
Homophobe.
Misogynist.
Anti-Immigrant.
Anti-Catholic.
Anti-Democracy.
She is clearly not going to leave office in her own.
Someone should begin the process of removing her from the US House. If her constituents want to reinstate her in two years, let them.
- Oswego Willy - Friday, Jan 8, 21 @ 11:00 am:
=== regret using a reference===
Nothing to twist here;
Congresswoman sees this abhorrent reference as one she can recall and use to her political point.
I’m not twisting her words here, she’s telling us all it’s a reference she regrets, but apparently can recall and used to make a political point.
When someone show you…
Am I glad she apologized? Yes. Is it important she apologizes? Yes.
Still, even the apology makes clear, saying the quiet part out loud.
- Moe Berg - Friday, Jan 8, 21 @ 11:00 am:
“I’m trying to say the minimum I need to to make sure I can continue to receive corporate PAC cash, as they tend to get a little touchy about Nazis,” an honest statement would have included.
Also, as is well documented, people of Miller’s Christian evangelical ilk are keen on Israel because in their eschatological (”relating to death, judgment, and the final destiny of the soul and of humankind”) worldview, the Second Coming of Jesus Christ requires that, first, Israel’s political boundaries be returned to what God promised the Israelites in the Bible.
It’s an instrumental view of the role the Jewish state plays in ultimately establishing Christian dominionism across the world.
- truthteller - Friday, Jan 8, 21 @ 11:01 am:
words matter, her intent was clear in the praise of a an act of sedition. Now the repercussions MUST happen. I have already sent my letters/email to House leadership that she and others must be expunge from congress based on Sedition
- @misterjayem - Friday, Jan 8, 21 @ 11:05 am:
Miller will always be “Heil Mary” to me.
– MrJM
- Trapped in the 'burbs - Friday, Jan 8, 21 @ 11:06 am:
Wow, in 2021? It didn’t take long for her to show us exactly who she is.
- dbk - Friday, Jan 8, 21 @ 11:08 am:
She should resign, but I bet she won’t. She should, however, be shunned by House colleagues and given committee assignments drawn from the furthest reaches of you-know-where. Never to be heard from, never to be allowed to put her name to a bill, etc.
If her constituents (assuming she has constituents after redistricting; I’d personally like to see her district bite the dust) reelect her, let the cycle begin all over again.
Apologies, but this whole apology circuit thing - it’s too much.
As the reporter who caught her by accident whispered into the camera in a totally gobsmacked way, “She said the quiet part out loud.”
No, no, no.
- Intheknow - Friday, Jan 8, 21 @ 11:09 am:
I have emailed her office as she is my congressional representative. I have asked for her resignation and will email and call daily until this happens.
- illini - Friday, Jan 8, 21 @ 11:09 am:
As I stated a few days ago, Mary Miller is my “Representative” but she does not represent me. Her belated non-apology apology strikes me as little more than a CYA move to appear just being a normal misunderstood out of context quote. In reality, and given what I have come to learn about her she will likely emerge as a leader of the fringe group that has taken over the GOP.
I can’t believe I’m saying this, but right now I miss the ineffective and lame John Shimkus.
- Sunrise road - Friday, Jan 8, 21 @ 11:12 am:
Will someone please outline what I can say without offending anyone, be specific
- Grandson of Man - Friday, Jan 8, 21 @ 11:16 am:
“Maybe she should also apologize for comparing Democrats to a heinous propagandizing dictator, which was her actual intention.”
This is a trait of fascists and racists: gaslighting—for example calling liberals fascists and racists. It happened to our governor at the “reopen” rallies, which is particularly heinous due to his faith. Some are doing it now with the insurrectionists, saying it was Antifa or the left infiltrating/causing the uprising. It’s very dangerous propaganda that should be recognized and called out very strongly. When public officials do it, it’s much more serious.
- Oswego Willy - Friday, Jan 8, 21 @ 11:16 am:
=== Will someone please outline what I can say without offending anyone, be specific===
Only someone who agrees with Congresswoman’s initial remarks would be puzzled enough to comment as such.
- @misterjayem - Friday, Jan 8, 21 @ 11:17 am:
“Will someone please outline what I can say without offending anyone, be specific”
You can always say, “I won’t waste everyone’s time with my childish comments ever again.”
Specific enough?
– MrJM
- Jocko - Friday, Jan 8, 21 @ 11:17 am:
C’mon. As genocidal maniacs go, he couldn’t have been ALL bad. (heavy snark).
Since she’s already in town, I would suggest Mary visit the US Holocaust Museum.
- don the legend - Friday, Jan 8, 21 @ 11:18 am:
==Will someone please outline what I can say without offending anyone, be specific==
For starters, don’t reference Hitler when talking about raising children up correctly.
- Sunrise road - Friday, Jan 8, 21 @ 11:18 am:
Are you indoctrinated? How did that occur?
- Oswego Willy - Friday, Jan 8, 21 @ 11:22 am:
=== indoctrinated===
Is that you, Mary Miller?
- Retired and Still in Illinois - Friday, Jan 8, 21 @ 11:24 am:
Seen numerous references this week comparing The US to a banana republic. Not even close. In a banana republic the conspirators to a failed coup usually don’t survive. As I discussed recent events with my very worried college daughter I stressed to her that are democracy underwent a strong challenge and survived. As a benefit the anti democratic politicians (Trump, Cruz, Hawley and Miller) outed themselves for who they are and hopefully will be relegated to oblivion at their next election, if not before.
- Steve Rogers - Friday, Jan 8, 21 @ 11:28 am:
“While some are trying to intentionally twist my words”
Umm, I watched the video several times. You said “Hitler was right” pretty emphatically and with conviction. This “sorry if you were offended” apology doesn’t cut it. You need to resign. I know that won’t happen, but at the least, she needs to be censured.
- Chris - Friday, Jan 8, 21 @ 11:29 am:
Not an apology. She’s defending her invocation of Hitler as having been with a “righteous” intent. Standard issue garbage.
- lake county democrat - Friday, Jan 8, 21 @ 11:33 am:
“Earlier this week” - i.e., “after days of being pressured to apologize, let me just say…”
- CCapilla - Friday, Jan 8, 21 @ 11:34 am:
“to illustrate the dangers of…” Sure. That’s it. That was an educational reference.
“Sorry for any harm I caused by punching you in the face to illustrate the dangers of not keeping your head on a swivel.”
- Gus - Friday, Jan 8, 21 @ 11:39 am:
To little, way to late. Resign and go back to your little Christian faith in your district that’s entertain the evil’s of history and somehow compare them to others. That couple is more worry about world order than fair and free representation.
- Rudy’s teeth - Friday, Jan 8, 21 @ 11:39 am:
To Ms. Miller—
It is better to remain silent and be thought a fool than to speak and remove all doubt.
A. Lincoln or Mark Twain
These words from long ago are so relevant today. The hole you’re digging gets deeper and deeper. Stop now and resign.
- Retired and Still in Illinois - Friday, Jan 8, 21 @ 11:42 am:
Sunrise….
Even a fool is thought wise if he keeps silent, and discerning if he holds his tongue.
Proverbs 17:28
- Our Joe - Friday, Jan 8, 21 @ 11:44 am:
Re:Bost and Miller - Redistrict one out and work like (banned word) to defeat the other. Hope Mary and her constituents have been enjoying all the publicity on CNN.
- Not a Superstar - Friday, Jan 8, 21 @ 11:44 am:
I doubt she spoke to anyone at the US Holocaust Museum. After all, they quickly condemned her remarks on Wednesday. https://www.ushmm.org/information/press/press-releases/museum-condemns-hitler-remarks
- Stormsw7706 - Friday, Jan 8, 21 @ 11:53 am:
Mary’s sorry. Wink/nod to the people who elected her. You know the ones who get their lessons and learn the good things from Hitler.
- PimpDaddy - Friday, Jan 8, 21 @ 11:54 am:
Sure she supports Israel as it slaughters Palestinians but they’re brown skinned Muslims so that’s ok?
Only a white Christian can or would say these horrible things without repercussions. If Ilhan Omar did, the Judeo-Christian right would come after her head.
- Tommydanger - Friday, Jan 8, 21 @ 12:01 pm:
>
I dislike wordsmithing too much, but when someone seeks to apologize and says, ‘for anyone I may have offended’ or in this case, “for any harm”, just forget about the qualifiers and just say,’I'm sorry for offending’ and in this case, “I’m sorry for the harm”.
You’re not apologizing to begin with if you didn’t offend or didn’t cause any harm. Admit that you did and try (good luck in this case) to move on.
- Nova - Friday, Jan 8, 21 @ 12:03 pm:
It was a dog whistle. Pure and simple. She knew her audience.
- Fairycat - Friday, Jan 8, 21 @ 12:05 pm:
She’s getting inclusiveness advice from Rodney Davis. I’m not sure how much lower one cold set that bar.
- allknowingmasterofraccoodom - Friday, Jan 8, 21 @ 12:06 pm:
She should definitely go. But mapping her out? Isn’t that a problem in Illinois? Isn’t that what Gov P. promised to stop?
- The Old Man - Friday, Jan 8, 21 @ 12:07 pm:
I have been a republican for my entire life, 76 years, have been a republican party precinct committeeman for 30 years, county chairman 20 years. Mary Miller does not represent true republican. Anyone who is stupid enough to quote Hitler is just plain stupid. She must resign!
- Ducky LaMoore - Friday, Jan 8, 21 @ 12:08 pm:
I haven’t seen this, but maybe somebody did ask her about the methods of education that Nazi Germany used to “educate” kids. I mean, does she support teaching children that they should hate and kill other people they deem inferior? My goodness, there is so much wrong with her comment. I don’t know if she has the ability to understand the full breadth of evil that Hitler was.
- Oswego Willy - Friday, Jan 8, 21 @ 12:13 pm:
=== Isn’t that what Gov P. promised to stop?===
Illinois is losing a seat. Downstate, just envelop her district, swallow it whole.
Why do you think so few wanted to run for that Shimkus open seat… it’s vanishing
- Jibba - Friday, Jan 8, 21 @ 12:22 pm:
And I didn’t think anything would make me want to keep Davis around after redistricting.
- West Side the Best Side - Friday, Jan 8, 21 @ 12:25 pm:
At least she waited until the fourth sentence before accusing people of twisting her words, which no one did. The usual phony apologies begin with “If I offended anyone…”
- Dotnonymous - Friday, Jan 8, 21 @ 12:27 pm:
“Will someone please outline what I can say without offending anyone, be specific”
You have to navigate these decisions by yourself…it’s called Adulthood…specifically.
- @misterjayem - Friday, Jan 8, 21 @ 12:32 pm:
“Are you indoctrinated?”
Indoctrinated into thinking that public officials should never refer to Adolf Hitler approvingly?
Sure.
“How did that occur?”
A proper upbringing, mostly.
– MrJM
- Northsider - Friday, Jan 8, 21 @ 1:04 pm:
No “ally” or “strong advocate” of ours would ever think to invoke Hitler in any way, shape or form; much less actually do it and then take this long to “apologize.”
Rep. Miller, vaksn zolstu vi a tsibele mitn kop in dr’erd! (May you grow like an onion with your head in the ground!)
- Lincoln Lad - Friday, Jan 8, 21 @ 1:07 pm:
This apology rings hollow - enough is enough. Resign.
- zatoichi - Friday, Jan 8, 21 @ 1:13 pm:
She campaigned locally as a cutesy, farm based Christian. That Hitler reference and just speaking at the DC rally will be everything her opponent needs next election. She knew exactly what she was saying. Resign immediately
- Dotnonymous - Friday, Jan 8, 21 @ 1:19 pm:
I miss Wordslinger.
- Frank talks - Friday, Jan 8, 21 @ 1:28 pm:
While some are trying to intentionally twist my words to mean something antithetical to my beliefs………
Hitler was right on one thing……..
No one twisted your acceptance and appreciation of Hitler, on one thing. You said it, you own it. Either you agree with it or don’t? Own it. A fake apology is just that a fake.
- Rich Hill - Friday, Jan 8, 21 @ 1:46 pm:
If Art Jones just relocated south, he’d have a booming career with so many “good people” to vote for him.
- Animus - Friday, Jan 8, 21 @ 1:51 pm:
Definitely a Dog Whistle of an apology. Message: “Hitler was wrong about the Jews…but was right about the rest.”
Maybe she should lobby to be on the Transportation Committee, her new slogan can be “I’ll make the trains run on time!”
/s
- Astonished - Friday, Jan 8, 21 @ 2:32 pm:
It is four days after her outrageous comments and the only glimpse of character remains with the staffer from Danville who immediately resigned citing that her comments do not represent his beliefs or values.
A young person quit his job, with no other job to go to, in protest on the very day the comments were spewed, and it takes the Congresswoman four days to muster a half baked apology.
Let that wash over you.
- JoanP - Friday, Jan 8, 21 @ 3:07 pm:
@Northsider -
Her head is already somewhere else . . .
- Commisar Gritty - Friday, Jan 8, 21 @ 3:13 pm:
“Thank you for taking the time to meet with me and explain to me why what I said was ok, oh ye, leaders of the Jewish faith.”
“Ma’am this is a Wendy’s Drive-thru”
- Commisar Gritty - Friday, Jan 8, 21 @ 3:22 pm:
Also who is this “Sunrise Road” fashie in the comments today? I don’t recognize that name, anyone else? Mary Culpa?
And anyone that thinks calling out far-right authoritarians for praising Hitler is the PC Police overstepping their bounds probably also comments on the Stormfront threads, sorry not sorry.
- Mama - Friday, Jan 8, 21 @ 5:47 pm:
Next time try thinking before you open your mouth. Her apology is to little to late.
- Flapdoodle - Friday, Jan 8, 21 @ 7:34 pm:
Rep. Miller, what’s been twisted is not your words but your character.