Juan Williams Fired From NPR

[scribblet]

Williams was fired for telling the truth, this attempt by the left to stifle dissent and free speech is becoming more aggressive IMO. The CEO's comments about Williams where out of line too.

Just this week, Mark Steyn's talk in London, Ontario was cancelled due to pressure from Muslim groups, and George S. is busy trying to shut down Fox et al. and threatening to sue writers, Canadian writers don't have the same free speech protection as in the U.S. - Pity. Couple this with the attempt by Avaaz to shut down the proposed SunTV, and it seems that the muzzling of free speech is becoming more aggressive.

http://www.newsrealblog.com/2010/10/21/george-soros-targets-glenn-beck-and-fox-news-for-eradication/

http://fullcomment.nationalpost.com/2010/10/21/a-common-cause-for-muslims-and-jews-free-speech/

[lukin]

Williams was fired for telling the truth, this attempt by the left to stifle dissent and free speech is becoming more aggressive IMO. The CEO's comments about Williams where out of line too.

Just this week, Mark Steyn's talk in London, Ontario was cancelled due to pressure from Muslim groups, and George S. is busy trying to shut down Fox et al. and threatening to sue writers, Canadian writers don't have the same free speech protection as in the U.S. - Pity. Couple this with the attempt by Avaaz to shut down the proposed SunTV, and it seems that the muzzling of free speech is becoming more aggressive.

http://www.newsrealblog.com/2010/10/21/george-soros-targets-glenn-beck-and-fox-news-for-eradication/

http://fullcomment.nationalpost.com/2010/10/21/a-common-cause-for-muslims-and-jews-free-speech/

The far left doesn't like any opposing points of view. And George S. with his billions is pulling many strings to try to silence any and all opposition. Very scary times indeed.

[bush_cheney2004]

NPR is going to feel some backlash from this, as will local public radio stations...in the form of less and/or protested member contributions, which are critical to funding operations. American public radio and television networks receive far less government ching than in Canada (e.g. CBC).

[scribblet]

NPR is going to feel some backlash from this, as will local public radio stations...in the form of less and/or protested member contributions, which are critical to funding operations. American public radio and television networks receive far less government ching than in Canada (e.g. CBC).

Is there any chance that congress could pull their funding?

It just seems to me that the left is becoming more intolerant towards opposing views and extremely more aggressive at shutting down free speech, it's very chilling.

[bush_cheney2004]

Is there any chance that congress could pull their funding?

There are always pressures on the Corporation for Public Broadcasting's funding, and it has already been slashed over the past decades. This will only bring more scrutiny and pressure.

It just seems to me that the left is becoming more intolerant towards opposing views and extremely more aggressive at shutting down free speech, it's very chilling.

Strategically, they messed with the wrong person in a Juan Williams, who will only have a larger contract (and role) on Fox News, just to hammer home your point.

[GostHacked]

I heard FOX gave him a job.

[waldo]

Williams was fired for telling the truth, this attempt by the left to stifle dissent and free speech is becoming more aggressive IMO. The CEO's comments about Williams where out of line too.

Just this week, Mark Steyn's talk in London, Ontario was cancelled due to pressure from Muslim groups, and George S. is busy trying to shut down Fox et al. and threatening to sue writers, Canadian writers don't have the same free speech protection as in the U.S. - Pity. Couple this with the attempt by Avaaz to shut down the proposed SunTV, and it seems that the muzzling of free speech is becoming more aggressive.

http://www.newsrealblog.com/2010/10/21/george-soros-targets-glenn-beck-and-fox-news-for-eradication/

http://fullcomment.nationalpost.com/2010/10/21/a-common-cause-for-muslims-and-jews-free-speech/

lots of buzz about NPR 'just looking' for an excuse to offload Williams given his long history with Fox News. I expect if Williams feels he's been unjustly let go, he'll seek available recourse... is there a problem? When you read the NPR follow-up commentary it appears to emphasize a breech of NPR's code of ethics - also highlighting distinctions on NPR viewership over an evaluated blurring of objectivity between the roles of a reporter/journalist versus a commentator/analyst... so don't feel too troubled for Williams continued analyst role, given Fox News has just signed him to a $2 million contract extension. Juan William's speech... is still free!

newsflash: Marc Steyn 'talk' not cancelled... simply moved to a different venue. Mark Steyn's speech... is still free!

I saw an after-the-fact interview with Sanchez... one where he offered the requisite mea culpas. He seemed quite genuine in suggesting his comments, particularly those targeting Jon Stewart, were really not his views - as he repeatedly held out his new book making quote/content references to substantiate what the 'real' Sanchez was all about. Sanchez repeatedly stated he 'screwed up'... mentioned he called Stewart and apologized. Are you saying Sanchez was insincere in all his follow-up apologies? Sanchez seemed quite elated at the new opportunities that have already been coming his way... he was a little guarded to speak to exactly what they were. Of course, speculation abounds that his little CNN Sirius satellite radio tirade was simply a Fox News audition.

Edited October 22, 2010 by waldo

[sharkman]

While Williams may still have free speech on Fox, there is no free speech on NPR, and that is the problem. I hope the tea party gets a hold of this truth and runs with it.

[waldo]

While Williams may still have free speech on Fox, there is no free speech on NPR, and that is the problem. I hope the tea party gets a hold of this truth and runs with it.

whaaa! Are tea-baggers the last-hope vestige for (cue Braveheart)... Frrreeeedddom!

really - c'mon! From Fox News... no less!

Juan Williams may be gone from National Public Radio's line-up of commentators, but billionaire liberal icon George Soros has donated $1.8 million to hire 100 new reporters for 50 of its member stations.

The money will go to launch a project called Impact of Government, which Soros' Open Society Foundation says will "bring greater transparency and accountability to the workings of state capitals across the country."

The group, which describes its mission as building "tolerant democracies whose governments are accountable to their citizens," calls it a response to the decline in news coverage of state legislatures.

"A strong democracy requires a diverse, independent, and highly functioning watchdog press to help people hold the government and private sector accountable," Ann Beeson, executive director of U.S. Programs at the Open Society Foundations, said in a statement earlier this week.

Vivian Schiller, NPR president and CEO, said the boost puts the public radio stations in a better position than other news outlets to cover the impact of state government on local communities.

"Our network provides a perfect vehicle for cross-state, cross-region, and national analyses of the most critical issues facing our country," Schiller said in the statement.

[scribblet]

While Williams may still have free speech on Fox, there is no free speech on NPR, and that is the problem. I hope the tea party gets a hold of this truth and runs with it.

The fact that NPR is some public funding is also an issue, but they may have done Williams a favour LOL

The wider issue here IMO is the aggressive suppression of free speech and continuing intolerance from the left.

The last I heard was that steyn's speech is a no go due to complaints from certain quarters.

http://www.nationalpost.com/news/Centre+refuses+host+Steyn+lecture+free+speech/3709430/story.html

[bush_cheney2004]

The fact that NPR is some public funding is also an issue, but they may have done Williams a favour LOL

The wider issue here IMO is the aggressive suppression of free speech and continuing intolerance from the left.

Agreed...the blunder here is not so much Williams specifically, but the focus and attention this event now invites from all sides.

[Pliny]

Juan was talking about his feelings of apprehension when getting on a plane if he saw some Muslims getting on the same plane. Do you think that NPR fired Juan because they were a little apprehensive of Muslim retaliation?

[waldo]

The wider issue here IMO is the aggressive suppression of free speech and continuing intolerance from the left.

The last I heard was that steyn's speech is a no go due to complaints from certain quarters.

http://www.nationalpost.com/news/Centre+refuses+host+Steyn+lecture+free+speech/3709430/story.html

hey scribbler... even though you received the following in reply, you've opted to simply repeat the same link you previously provided. This seems to be a pattern of yours (where you recently continued to simply throw back the same link (3 times) as some kind of reach for "in print authority").

newsflash: Marc Steyn 'talk' not cancelled... simply moved to a different venue. Mark Steyn's speech... is still free!

Apparently, you can't even be bothered to read beyond headlines - from your own supplied (now twice) link:

Strictly Right have found a larger — and more expensive — venue. Mr. Steyn will speak on Nov. 1 at London's 1,600-seat Centennial Hall

BTW - could you clarify exactly how you perceive this as an, as you say, "aggressive suppression of free speech and continuing intolerance from the left"?

I understand the Steyn organizers made a conscious decision to move from the original venue, the University of Western Ontario, to the London Convention Center (LCC). This was described as a "business decision" by the organizers. The management of LCC is described as also making a "business decision". But the wascally "left", hey scribbler... somehow, the "left" forced another venue move... a third move... into a larger facility! Doesn't more space/seats allow for a greater reach for the Steynspeak?

[waldo]

Juan was talking about his feelings of apprehension when getting on a plane if he saw some Muslims getting on the same plane. Do you think that NPR fired Juan because they were a little apprehensive of Muslim retaliation?

no - do you Pliny?

[scribblet]

Juan was talking about his feelings of apprehension when getting on a plane if he saw some Muslims getting on the same plane. Do you think that NPR fired Juan because they were a little apprehensive of Muslim retaliation?

Possibly, but not likely, he didn't refer to ALL muslims either.

It's just advanced political correctness and the continuing attempt to suppress opinion that doesn't coincide with the liberals who go along with appeasement.

It's interesting to note that LCC refusal to book Steyn's speech was because of complaints from Muslims, and, that his speech was about Muslims and free speech.

Edited October 22, 2010 by scribblet

[waldo]

It's interesting to note that refusal to book Steyn's speech was because of complaints from Muslims, and, that his speech was about Muslims and free speech.

what? Aren't you going to repeat your same link? (/snarc). The LLC LCC management describes it as a "business decision". Again... just how does the move (not cancellation) of the Steyntalk fit into your spiel on "left's suppressing free speech"?

Edited October 22, 2010 by waldo

[scribblet]

“The reason offered by the LCC [in a Tuesday morning phone call] was that they had received pressure from local Islamic groups, and they didn’t want to alienate their Muslim clients. It’s interesting to note that the LCC is owned by the City of London, and is therefore a government operation,” wrote Strictly Right’s Andrew Lawton at the website.

and as Juan Williams says:

Well, now that I no longer work for NPR let me give you my opinion. This is an outrageous violation of journalistic standards and ethics by management that has no use for a diversity of opinion, ideas or a diversity of staff (I was the only black male on the air). This is evidence of one-party rule and one sided thinking at NPR that leads to enforced ideology, speech and writing. It leads to people, especially journalists, being sent to the gulag for raising the wrong questions and displaying

Edited October 22, 2010 by scribblet

[Shady]

In this case NPR 'Shirley Sherroded' Juan Williams. If you look at the entire point he was making, which was stressed after the Sherrod incident. Remember, context, context, context. He was actually making the point that even though people may have certain feelings, we still need to differentiate between Muslims, and the small group of extremists. I'm not sure why so many people have missed it.

Here's the full segment:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sNJHaP3nZvc

[waldo]

scribbler... pay attention!

Again... just how does the move (not cancellation) of the Steyntalk fit into your spiel on "left's suppressing free speech"?

[Shady]

Anyways, what do we expect from an organization that gets most of its funding from George Soros? The only good that comes out of this, is that it exposes the intolerance of the left, and also the federal funding of National Progressive Radio will be stopped. Something we should be doing to CBC.

[GostHacked]

and as Juan Williams says:

Well, now that I no longer work for NPR let me give you my opinion. This is an outrageous violation of journalistic standards and ethics by management that has no use for a diversity of opinion, ideas or a diversity of staff (I was the only black male on the air). This is evidence of one-party rule and one sided thinking at NPR that leads to enforced ideology, speech and writing. It leads to people, especially journalists, being sent to the gulag for raising the wrong questions and displaying

He is to report news, events and facts ... not his opinions/feelings. Unless he is an OPED writer. But what journalism SHOULD be and what it really is, are two different things.

[GostHacked]

In this case NPR 'Shirley Sherroded' Juan Williams. If you look at the entire point he was making, which was stressed after the Sherrod incident. Remember, context, context, context. He was actually making the point that even though people may have certain feelings, we still need to differentiate between Muslims, and the small group of extremists. I'm not sure why so many people have missed it.

Here's the full segment:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sNJHaP3nZvc

Your right he did try that. However Bill was having none of that (typical of Bill and Fox) Because it does not fit into his worldview. But in the end, Williams actually goes against Bill O. and stands up, and in a way supports the exact reasons he was let go at NPR.

That's priceless.

[Shady]

He is to report news, events and facts ... not his opinions/feelings.

That's not true. On Fox, as well as NPR, he's specifically there as commentator/analyist. Get your facts straight.

Your right he did try that. However Bill was having none of that (typical of Bill and Fox) Because it does not fit into his worldview. But in the end, Williams actually goes against Bill O. and stands up, and in a way supports the exact reasons he was let go at NPR.

Once again you need to get your facts straight. He agreed partly with Bill, but partly disagreed. And if you're looking for an individual or group who's having "none of that", it's NPR. They continue to purge any dissenting views and opinions. American tax dollars at work!

[bush_cheney2004]

He is to report news, events and facts ... not his opinions/feelings. Unless he is an OPED writer. But what journalism SHOULD be and what it really is, are two different things.

In other words..... you can't tell him what to do.

[scribblet]

He is to report news, events and facts ... not his opinions/feelings. Unless he is an OPED writer. But what journalism SHOULD be and what it really is, are two different things.

Maybe on NPR but this is a guest spot elsewhere, he was asked, he answered, did you watch clip posted.

I think NPR will regret this, they are allready losing subscribers.