The Acrobatics of Accountability

By Catty von Catacean · 2025-12-11

A new trend swept through state diplomacy today: the I-did-nothing-wrong-but-don't-be-upset apology. It's a charming routine in which the speaker insists their words were harmless, impersonal, and entirely justified — yet somehow expects the reassurance to land softly. Catty applauds the flexibility required. Not everyone can twist themselves into a pretzel while claiming they never bent at all. —Catty von Catacean