CNN, out of Atlanta, hammered home a news story on the morning of April 9 announcing the release of some 24 U.S. Navy personnel held hostage by the Chinese government following a collision involving a U.S Navy surveillance aircraft and a Chinese military fighter jet some 12 days earlier.
In the news story, the word ‘apology’ was used time and again. It was attributed to President George W. Bush in his response to the incident and in his appeal for the hostages’ release.
President Bush did not offer, make or otherwise extend any apology to the Chinese government then, before or after.
The basis of the CNN story was a letter presented by the U.S ambassador to the Chinese authorities expressing regret for the loss of life of the Chinese jet pilot.
That’s it. That’s all.
The confusion created arises out of CNN’s ignorance, at best, or its intent to mislead the American public by not bothering to explain the difference in definition between two words — apology and regret.
Webster’s Dictionary is very clear in denoting that apology implies responsibility for the act while regret merely expresses sorrow.
To be more specific, Webster defines:
Apology — A formal admission of error accompanied by an expression of regret.
Regret — Sorrow aroused by circumstances beyond one’s control.
In a manner that can be understood by most people is a personal expression on the death of a loved one: “I’m deeply sorry and regret the passing of your (relative).”
It would be most inappropriate (and perhaps ridiculous) to say “I apologize for the passing of your loved one.” That would imply some responsibility in the death of the relative, more simply put, as criminals facing the death penalty quite often will apologize to members of the murdered person’s family.
CNN should consult Webster more often or else face the charge of a deliberate lie.
Publisher's Notebook 