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The Spectacle Blog
Golfer Phil Mickelson has apologized for expressing his frustration for paying increased taxes and musing about leaving California because of it.
Speaking at a news conference at the Torrey Pines Golf Course in San Diego yesterday, Mickelson said, “I’ve made some dumb, dumb mistakes, and obviously talking about this stuff is part of it. Finances and taxes are a personal matter. I apologize to those I have upset or insulted, and assure you I intend not to let it happen again.”
For good measure, Mickelson also said, “I’ve never had a problem paying my fair share.” He also said his comments were “insensitive” to “people who are not able to find a job, that are struggling paycheck to paycheck.”
How is it dumb for Phil Mickelson to talk about his finances much less upsetting? How is it insulting to the unemployed or those living on modest incomes? Most people don’t like paying high taxes regardless of their economic status.
I cringed when Mickelson said he never had a problem paying his fair share. It was as if he was trying to curry favor with the Obama Administration. Mickelson appeared chastened like a Russian dissident who suddenly sings the praises of the Soviet system.
The First Amendment allows us to criticize the government for levying too much income tax and last I checked the Constitution does not read that millionaire golfers are excluded from participating in this discussion.
It seems to me that it is those who object to Mickelson’s argument are the ones with holes in their argument.
View all comments (9) | Leave a comment
More Blog Posts by Aaron Goldstein
http://spectator.org/blog/2013/01/25/why-phil-mickelsons-apology-te
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RJ| 1.25.13 @ 1:37AM
It is a sad commentary on American society that Phil Michelson would feel pressure to offer an apology for his comments. The thought police will not tolerate wrong thinking in Octobama Nation.
It reminds me of the scene in Dr Zhivago when he returns from the front in World War One to find his home invaded by others and hectored by a fat woman. How low the US has fallen.
Bob K| 1.25.13 @ 1:53AM
In truth Mickelson is really sorry for forgetting that he is a celebrity, a public person, and that he can no longer expect privacy when he complains about things that the rest of us do routinely. Like bitching about paying more taxes!
Hell, he can't even apologize for upsetting people with his complaining because THAT might upset other people! Even though those people earn their living by publicizing the fact that he is complaining about something.
Once a person has figured out that he has crossed the line between being a human being and being a celebrity it is best for him to become as bland as melba toast and as boring as an editorial in the New York Times if he wants to keep any peace in his life.
squalis| 1.25.13 @ 8:49AM
Really? Does not appear to me this has been a problem for Sean Penn, Bruce Springsteen, rapper of your choice, etc, etc, etc....(I think you get my drift)
This becomes a problen if, and only if, the comments are conservative in nature.
The apology irked me as well (as did Imus'). Phil could have easily said that he understood many in this country are struggling financially in these rough economic times, he would not even have to invoke any pols names in doing so. And then he could have been a man and stood by his earlier remarks.
Bob K| 1.25.13 @ 9:33AM
Penn and Springsteen aren't attacked by any part of the Media that counts anymore. They are glorified by it. And if there is money to be made attacking them it will happen. Consider the history of Tiger Woods relationship with the media.
Also consider how the media treated Dan Rather who was a journalist and a member of the media, but who became a Celebrity and how the Journalists circled the wagons around him.
(I think you get my drift.)
squalis| 1.25.13 @ 1:09PM
You misunderstood the sarcasm. I am on your side.
PCC| 1.25.13 @ 9:46AM
If Mr. Mickelson had read the memo from Mr. Buffet he would not have made such a silly mistake.
Murl| 1.25.13 @ 11:26AM
Mickelson and his handlers see it as a PR thing. A vast majority of Mickelson's income is derived from being a popular figure with the "fans". Judging by the majority of fan reactions on golf blogs to his comments, his apology was meant to appease the ignorants in the crowd that would otherwise choose not to support him on the golf course.
While I have defended Mickelson to the core with regards to discussing his taxes and how high they are, I understand his mindset behind the faux apology. He never needed to apologize to me or most conservatives for that matter. It's the ignorant sheep that generate a majority of his revenue that he is trying to curry favor with.
Granted, trying to appease the masses and remain popular, you are better off dressing up in a "gun bra" and shouting profanities on stage to anyone and everyone. Isn't that why Lady Gaga remains so popular?
Simon Templar| 1.25.13 @ 12:48PM
The unbelievable irony here is that this nation was founded and its independence declared on the issue of taxation without representation and the rebellion of a colony who adamantly, proudly, and loudly made it clear that they were taxed enough already!!!!!
Simon Templar| 1.25.13 @ 12:50PM
Stamp tax ring any bells? Yeah, the Liberty bell.