Martin Bashir has resigned from MSNBC in the wake of the controversy he started when he advocated doing something very unpleasant to Sarah Palin.
Almost three weeks after his shocking on-air trashing of Palin, he finally stepped down from the network. A steep price to pay, yes, but deservedly so.
At issue was Palin comparing America’s Chinese debt to slavery, and her insistence that her claim was not racist. Bashir tried to make light of this, and failed.
He essentially advocated that someone use her mouth as a latrine, but didn’t even word it as nicely as that. His resignation statement was appropriately contrite:
"After making an on-air apology, I asked for permission to take some additional time out around the Thanksgiving holiday," Bashir said.
"Upon further reflection, and after meeting with the President of MSNBC, I have tendered my resignation."
"It is my sincere hope that all of my colleagues, at this special network, will be allowed to focus on the issues that matter without the distraction of myself or my ill-judged comments.
"I deeply regret what was said, will endeavor to work hard at making constructive contributions in the future and will always have a deep appreciation for our viewers – who are the smartest, most compassionate and discerning of all television audiences."
"I would also wish to express deepest gratitude to my immediate colleagues, and our contributors, all of whom have given so much of themselves to our broadcast.”