There are really two ways to look at this. One is that Stark is sincerely sorry about his rather immature comments and has chosen to own up to them. That's all well and good, and if so God bless him for it. But another is that this is the equivalent of an attorney making a damning statement in front of a jury and then withdrawing it when the opposing counsel objects. Legally, the withdrawal may well negate the foul, but the damage is still done.
Frankly, I would have more respect if Stark had said something along the lines of "I am sorry that I offended people, including the President and others. I let my emotions get the better of me and I shouldn't have. But I do not apologize for feeling that it is just as important to our national well-being to make quality medical care available to all of our children as it is to protect them from terrorists." I, of course, completely disagree with Stark's opinion anyway, but at least he should have the courage of his convictions. Even if you accept (and I will concede the possibility) that Stark felt it was inappropriate to preach during an apology, his self-pitying "insignificant" comment was simple wimpery. (If "wimpery" is not a word, it should be!)
