Author Archives: abfifer

Columbine Apology

February 13, 2016 – 1:11 pm

The mother of one of the Columbine shooters told the families of her son’s victims last night on TV, “I’m sorry.” Sue Klebold, mother of Dylan Klebold, broke her years-long silence in an interview with Diane Sawyer in anticipation of release of her book, A Mother’s Reckoning: Living in the Aftermath of the Columbine Tragedy. […]

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How Active Should a Mediator Be in Pushing for Resolution?

February 2, 2016 – 7:52 pm

The panel of mediation experts who addressed this question in an ADR Section-sponsored phone conference today concluded, “It depends.” The more parties trust the mediator, the more the mediator can push without appearing “pushy.” From a legal perspective, mediators can be as pushy, or coercive, as they want to be, without repercussion. Prof. James Coben of […]

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A Better Apology from Gov Snyder

January 21, 2016 – 11:38 am

Governor Snyder apologized (again) for the Flint water crisis this week. This time, I think it truly was an apology. In his State of the State message Tuesday, as well as in interviews, he has taken responsibility for the disaster. He began his annual State of the State address Tuesday by addressing the residents of […]

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Governor Snyder’s Apologies in the Flint Water Crisis

January 12, 2016 – 8:58 am

Our governor, Rick Snyder, issued what he called an apology a couple weeks ago for what’s known as the “Flint water crisis.” Governor Snyder’s statement, in my humble opinion, didn’t meet the criteria for an effective apology, and the result has been – no surprise – more conflict. So yesterday, he tried again; he’s getting closer, […]

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I’m sorry that this isn’t an apology

December 22, 2015 – 5:59 pm

Mr. Sepp Blatter, former president of the international soccer association FIFA, was found guilty this week of ethical violations by the FIFA ethics committee, and was barred from taking part in any soccer-related activities for the next eight years. He has said he will fight the suspension. He has been under suspicion of ethical violations […]

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