Belief and intent

So, Larry Craig issued a statement bemoaning the Minnesota Court of Appeals' vote to uphold his guilty plea.

I disagree with their conclusion and remain steadfast in my belief that nothing criminal or improper occurred at the Minneapolis airport.

Recall, this is the guy who said "It is my intent to resign" then didn't resign. Craig knows what words mean, and he doesn't hesitate to parse them. So when he says it is his "belief" that nothing criminal happened, I take him literally. He believes that he's not a criminal.

What he didn't say was, "nothing criminal happened." This statement denies that criminal behavior occurred. The previous statement essentially admits the behavior, but denies that it was criminal.

Here's another way to look at this. "I didn't shoot the guy." Denying the behavior. "I shot him, but it was in self defense, so I believe nothing criminal occurred." Admitting the behavior, denying it's criminal.

He's pondering an appeal. Now that he can't use campaign money to fund his defense, this will be a tough decision.

Boise Metro Chamber of Commerce, here's a picture you can use on the flyer announcing the forum where you want to thank Larry.