Former President Jimmy Carter apologized yesterday for his failure to take strong action more than 25 years ago when Islamic terrorists overran the American embassy in Tehran, Iran, and held Americans hostage for more than a year.

"My failure to take decisive action gave terrorists the impression that America was weak," Carter told the Baptist World Alliance. "America isn't weak, but I was. My failure emboldened the likes of Osama bin Laden and lead to the deaths of thousands of Americans over the ensuing decades.

"I am truly sorry," Carter said.

Of course, I may have read that wrong. If I did, then maybe Carter would be well advised to shut his trap and go back to building homes.