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Flake was describing his “Cast Away“-esque trip to the Marshall Islands, when he said something that some people (not us) found offensive.
When asked about why he decided to go on this grueling trip, Flake had this to say:
“I did it mostly for physical exertion. I love Teddy Roosevelt’s speech he gave on the strenuous life.”
Flake said, ever since he left his childhood ranch, “I’ve felt like a pansy, I guess, and this made it feel like I was actually doing something again.”
If you’re scratching your head wondering what about that was offensive, good for you.
However, some members of the PC Police would tell you that the word “pansy” has a negative connotation and Flake should apologize — which he did.
In an e-mail to Politico.com writer Ben Smith, Flake spokesman Matt Specht responded to the criticism by saying:
“Congressman Flake didn’t realize that that word can have a negative connotation,” Specht wrote to Smith. “He simply meant ‘wimpy.’ He apologizes if anyone took offense to it.”
Bending over and apologizing to a few pansies who found this offensive? Jeff Flake: Ultimate pansy.
