You can tell he did not want to say this. He’s just trying to convince Sunny to stop vandalizing everything in sight, only hurting her feelings (with deep regret) now that he’s run out of options because she wouldn’t listen to his pleas.
If you know bailing people out costs money (which means precious time and hard work) and he’s done it countless times, imagine how much Sunny has cost him in their lifetime without an apology.
Both are wrong in their own way.
Hitch believes staying out of trouble is the best option, but it keeps the races divided forever.
And Sunny believes that the goal is worth the trouble, but stealing a crown jewel is low even for her standards (That alone could start a war unintentionally seeing as how it angered the citizens).
It’s like choosing between what we believe to be a greater and lesser evil.
If they cut to a compromise, and followed through with diplomacy and honour instead of stealing and gambling crystals that don’t belong to her, things would have worked out better, and the races getting along would have felt more natural.
The reason I understand Hitch more is because he feels remorse whenever he’s done damage (however minor or even deserving) and tries not to go too far. To his credit he never started a war and told Sprout not to. He truly believed the propaganda because it was too many sources against one that said otherwise and neither had any solid evidence. When he was presented with solid proof, that’s all he needed. He constantly told Sunny breaking the law is wrong and she just kept doing it without batting an eye. She got her new friends mom thrown in jail and regretted nothing. One can understand why he’s saying this if you think about it.

It’s likely he stuck with sunny just following the idea not throwing it away for their friendship. He can’t even bring himself to arrest her because their bond is too strong.

@Background Pony #E7AA
I know this ALL too well

It’s tough maintaining friendship with someone who’s fallen victim to BS ideologies. It’s even harder when they unknowingly insult your family in the process.

Even Hitch says something like this. All these disrespects and condescension toward her father. It’s not enough Sunny has to face his death but she also has to listen to these ponies talk about him like some fanatic. They should be glad Sunny is so kind and tolerant or she would definitely want some kind of revenge on her town.

I honestly think Hitch owes her an apology for saying that. Especially since she was proven right.

It’s NOT made up, it’s fully proven pony-reviewed research!