Watch Live: Congressional Hearing on IRS Scandal

Live BlazeCast at 2pm ET: All the fireworks from the IRS Hearing!

Media

Famous Drill Instructor Apologizes for Obama ‘Socialism’ Comments

Jan. 4, 2011 1:14pm Jonathon M. Seidl

The famous Marine drill instructor who created a stir last week when he said President Obama was trying to implement socialism has released a statement apologizing for those remarks.

R. Lee Ermey said today that his comments were “misguided” and “emotionally based” and for that he is “truly sorry.” His full statement, which is posted on his website as a splash page, is below:

A Message from the Gunny

“I recently appeared at a fundraising event designed to collect toys and raise awareness for underprivileged children. While that event succeeded in raising thousands of dollars and hundreds of toys for this cause, I regret that I delivered a monologue that was inappropriately critical of the President. I was trying to be entertaining and simply went too far in this instance. I am mindful that my success as an entertainer relates in part to my experience in the Marine Corps, my devotion to its members, and the deep respect I have for members of all our Armed Forces. My comments should not be seen as reflecting on them or their views. I was just very disappointed in the amount of success that we were having raising toys and money for the underprivileged children this season. The poor economy has greatly hampered our efforts. My comments were misguided, and emotionally based, and for that I am truly sorry.”

Semper Fi

Mediaite wonders if the apology is a move to appease the insurance company GEICO. As many know, Ermey has had a resurgence as a GEICO commercial star. But recently, another GEICO voice actor was fired for a foray into political talk:

A few months ago, GEICO fired voice actor Lance Baxter AKA D.C. Douglas for being critical of the Tea Party and Freedomworks. Not only did they fire him, they fired him for a political outburst on his own free time. Will they now fire Ermey?

That could be the reason. But some may just wonder if this is Ermey crossing into “mamby pamby land”:

In CONTROL, Glenn Beck presents a passionate, fact-based case for guns that reveals why gun control isn’t really about controlling guns at all; it’s about controlling us. Find out more HERE.

Back to The Blaze »

Comments (549)

WHITE LOTUS2x
Posted on January 4, 2011 at 2:05pm
I read it as an explanation not so much an appology. Hes still the man.

Report this comment
Log in to ReplyReply
- Lucy Larue
  Posted on January 4, 2011 at 7:20pm
  WHITE LOTUS2X
  Really? then you read it WRONG Jackhammer!
  
  Report this comment
Rob
Posted on January 4, 2011 at 2:03pm
Dammit!

Report this comment
Log in to Reply Reply
The Man
Posted on January 4, 2011 at 2:01pm
What a shame

Report this comment
Log in to ReplyReply
- faithaz
  Posted on January 5, 2011 at 2:03am
  Yeah just like B.O shameful
  
  Report this comment
C.C.D.
Posted on January 4, 2011 at 2:01pm
What a disappointment! Is there anyone left out there that is man enough to stand behind their words? Obvious not. GUNNY, YOUR A DISGRACE, I hope you will be happy living in your yellow house in mamby pamby land YOU JACK WAGON !!!!!!!!

Report this comment
Log in to Reply Reply
tutilal
Posted on January 4, 2011 at 1:59pm
There we go again…… our FREEDOM OF SPEECH is gone!!!! while he did the right thing, “while collecting toys and mone for the less fortunate kids….” obama’s kids were having a “Christmas Vacation” worth over a million dollars… but obama keeps taking and taking more away from us.
As for Mr. R. Lee Ermey….. sorry you have to apologize….. we were counting with you to give us strenght, but I guess that obama is more powerfuld than we thought!!!

THERE GOES OUR FREEDOM OF SPEECH!

Report this comment
Log in to Reply Reply
Reasonabiliy
Posted on January 4, 2011 at 1:59pm
He would have been better to say, I appoligize for the comment at that venue because of the fact it may affect Toys for Tots negatively ;nevertheless, I stand by my presidential evaluation.

Report this comment
Log in to Reply Reply
jeffile
Posted on January 4, 2011 at 1:59pm
Sounds to me like someone put the squeeze on. I thought this fellow had a set of large ones but now we find he only has a set of peas.

Report this comment
Log in to Reply Reply
JohnnyJT
Posted on January 4, 2011 at 1:55pm
What did he become a Jack Wagon from Mambie Pambie Land himself.

Report this comment
Log in to Reply Reply
123gone
Posted on January 4, 2011 at 1:54pm
Give to GIECO according to your contract; we know where your heart is Gunny.

Semper Fi in the AV.

Report this comment
Log in to Reply Reply
troyvar
Posted on January 4, 2011 at 1:54pm
I read where he said his comments were inappropriate and misguided emotionally, but I don’t count that as a “please accept my humble apology”. As far as I’m concerned it’s a non-apology, apology. Carry-on Gunny, Semper Fi.

Report this comment
Log in to Reply Reply
rfycom
Posted on January 4, 2011 at 1:54pm
isn’t this the guy who dropped his pants and took a crap on the front lawn in the movie Saving Silverman?

I would have a beer with him, but he has no credibility on any subject other than acting.

Report this comment
Log in to Reply Reply
Warphead
Posted on January 4, 2011 at 1:51pm
I wonder just exactly what’s in those pictures they got on him. I’d really hate to think that Gunny would trade in his ideals for a buck. In the end his apology will hurt his career more than any endorsements he may lose now. You know what makes me sad? Seeing Gunny as just another victim of the PC police, that’s what makes me sad.

Report this comment
Log in to Reply Reply
bwesty
Posted on January 4, 2011 at 1:51pm
let’s remember who owns Geico…Obama’s buddy Warren Buffett

Report this comment
Log in to Reply Reply
SENIORCHIEF
Posted on January 4, 2011 at 1:50pm
So now, as we have seen in the 2 years since this Chicago thug known throughout the land as Obama, anyone who says anything that “diminishes” him must apologize, is a racist, is a bigot, hates America etc. You all know the crap spewed your way if you DARE question this neo-phyte president.
Where were the calls for apologies of all the idiotic liberals calling on Bush to die, to be brought up on war crimes, to be impeached etc.? A private citizen makes a comment and is forced to apologize?? Wjy doesn’t Hillary’s “You have an obligation to question your president. I will not keep quiet.” pertain to people who voice their concern about this completely inept Carter on steroids president?
btw, doesn’t Obama remind you of Pyle in “Full Metal Jacket”?

Report this comment
Log in to Reply Reply
radioguru
Posted on January 4, 2011 at 1:49pm
I hope “money” wasn’t the reason for his mind change.

Report this comment
Log in to Reply Reply
Tickdog
Posted on January 4, 2011 at 1:49pm
I am very disappointed to hear that he apologized… Pathetic…

Report this comment
Log in to Reply Reply
dalewalt
Posted on January 4, 2011 at 1:47pm
His ‘retraction’ wasn’t really a retraction; it was more of a ‘wrong place/wrong time’ sort of apology. You’re still the man Gunny.

Semper Fi!

Report this comment
Log in to Reply Reply
Dale
Posted on January 4, 2011 at 1:47pm
I am disappointed that Sgt. chose to apologize. I, as you, do not know the pressures brought to bear. However, will not watch his ‘Lock n Load’ programs any more. We need people who will stand up for what they think and say, otherwise it does no good to say anything. Representative Miller was forced to apologize after calling obomba a liar (which is true). DC corruption is so thick, I don’t know if we can continue calling it a stew. Sgt. Ermey our founders pledged their lives, their fortunes, and their sacred honor to Freedom. I, again, am disappointed you did not.

Report this comment
Log in to Reply Reply
Aaron Worthing
Posted on January 4, 2011 at 1:44pm
I will note that he didn’t say “i don’t think he is a socialist trying to f— up this country.” he just said he shoudn’t have said it.

i take it as him saying “i was there for toys for tots. i shouldn’t have dragged politics into it.” But i don’t see him as saying he shouldn’t say what he thinks if he just comes on a news show.

Personally i would love to see him get his own fox show. i would like to watch 60 minutes of him going to congress and trying to whip them into shape. “Have you no honor? You are a disgrace!” maybe have it be the lead in for beck.

as for the geico angle, well it depends. i doubt they plan to use him in a second commercial, so unless they pay him ever time they air the thing, and they threatened to stop airing it, why would he care what geico thinks? my sense of the man is that he is probably rich enough and has enough integrity that he would not be willing to have his chain pulled like a common dog. if he said he was sorry, to the extent he said he was sorry, i will take his word for it.

Report this comment
Log in to Reply Reply
Eve
Posted on January 4, 2011 at 1:42pm
I don’t think an apology is necessary at all. Obummer and his misguided liberal dimwits are in mamby pamby land. He spoke the truth, people are NOT donating as much as they would if….by chance they had a job, created from that “Shovel Ready” stimulus fail. I’m disappointed he apologized.

Report this comment
Log in to Reply Reply
kamin
Posted on January 4, 2011 at 1:39pm
He was right in his original statement but he’s correct it was the wrong venue. I don’t fault him trying to correct that.
Semper Fi Gunny

Report this comment
Log in to ReplyReply
- Cookiepuss
  Posted on January 4, 2011 at 11:22pm
  Well Stated,…..I couldn’t agree more….Go Gunny Go!…..
  
  Report this comment
aleon
Posted on January 4, 2011 at 1:38pm
The wrath of Obama and his thugs left him no choice.

Report this comment
Log in to Reply Reply
JD Carp
Posted on January 4, 2011 at 1:36pm
I have known Gunny for over 5 years and he didn’t issue that apology. That is clearly a statement prepared by the Commandant of the USMC to get Toy’s for Tots out of hot water. . He also may have been pressured by Glock firearms as he is the current spokesman. A Marine apologizes for nothing, ever! Semper Fi Gunny!

Report this comment
Log in to ReplyReply
- TSUNAMI-22
  Posted on January 4, 2011 at 2:33pm
  I agree, but unfortunately “impression is truth” to people who simply don’t understand.
  
  I’d love to have a drink with Gunny Ermey anytime.
  
  Report this comment
jacobstroubles
Posted on January 4, 2011 at 1:35pm
Nobody should ever have to appologise for speaking the truth..
this would also includ D Issa of Calif feeling compelled to try to walk back his “most corrupt president” statement.

This is the total crap that the whiney cry baby bleeding heart lying liberals want to enforce.
The freaking little thought police.
The socilists/marxists.
They’ll be working full force on your freedom of speech & thought this year kiddies.

Report this comment
Log in to ReplyReply
- WhiteTeaParty
  Posted on January 4, 2011 at 5:12pm
  Hehehehehehe
  
  I love it. Ermey knows who signs his paycheck.
  
  Report this comment
- Lucy Larue
  Posted on January 4, 2011 at 7:14pm
  A- freaking-men Jacob’s Troubles.
  I am again posting from “Wonderland” where down is up and up is down.
  It sickens me that there was an apology. Why? Why did Gunny apologize when none was needed?
  Filthy Lucre?
  Good ol’ Gunny …., a total YAHOO!
  
  Report this comment
Diamondback
Posted on January 4, 2011 at 1:35pm
I too am disappointed. Gunny makes a truthful comments, then backsdown under pressure.

No respect left for you JACKWAGON. Go on over to MambyPamby land from now on.

Coward.

Report this comment
Log in to ReplyReply
- chasbronson
  Posted on January 4, 2011 at 5:30pm
  I agree its off to mamby pamby land for ya jack wagon you done been drinking the kool aid.
  
  Report this comment

It appears that you have Javascript Disabled. Please enable Javascript in your browser preferences for a better user experience on TheBlaze. You can not comment without Javascript enabled.