Kansas City Mayor Q Shares Heartfelt Apology For Internets Insensitivity

This post is worth a peek if only because it's rare that ANYBODY offers an online apology. 

The 12th & Oak honcho offers his perspective but in end acknowledges that he wanted to be more respectful for those in grief . . . Here's the word:  

"Recently, following a car crash in which two persons were killed and two others critically injured, I shared a police report indicating none of the victims were wearing seatbelts.  This occurs often in our fatality and serious injury accidents.  I truly hope all wear seatbelts and believe we'd see far more lives saved if we did.  I read these reports for every fatal crash in this City and I don't regret sharing that fact and my added request all wear seatbelts. I hope those who do not wear seatbelts start doing so.  

"My condolences for those in grief, however, were far too short and came across as dismissive.  The problem responding, as I often do, to tragic incidents shortly after they occur is that one too often speaks about the substantive issues we're trying to address--speeding, seatbelts, guns--without pausing to spend time reflecting on the people we lost. I am in a business where I read the reports on the incidents, but rarely get a chance to learn more on the people.  You share a response quickly to get your point across while people are paying attention, but you unfortunately do it while people are grieving."

"Every day and every comment is a balance. I have enough family, enough humility, and enough regret to share that my comments did not strike the right balance.  Seatbelts are important, but so is respect.  Even waiting a few days on something I believe to essential would have been the better approach.  For failing to do so, I share my apologies for folks already in grief."  

Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com link . . .

Mayor Q: "I can't take back comments . . ."