NPR fires Juan Williams

[BB27]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4a6YdNmK77k

 

I just had to post this. Probably you have seen it or heard it, but I find it hilarious, and it explains conner quite a bit.

[OCinBuffalo]

Nah, then you'd be confused as a hypocrite liberal.

So I am supposed to give some guy who is obviously concerned, rightly or wrongly, even more cause for concern that, if there is trouble, I ain't going to back him up?

 

Perhaps you don't fly enough? I do, and the last thing we need is more anxiety on planes today. It's much better to simply return the nod and take my nap. If you don't fly, then none of this concerns you, and frankly nobody who does fly cares what those who don't have to say. It's not their asses on the line if something goes down.

 

In fact the frequent flier is annoyed by all kinds of things:

1. Tools who bring 20 little plastic bags to security

2. Tools on vacation

3. Tools who don't fly a lot, but have jobs that make them "important", crying because us regulars get better treatment.

4. Tools who want to walk 10 people abreast in the terminal when I have 10 minutes to connect

5. Tools who won't stand to the right on a moving walk, and then cry when I tap them on the right shoulder causing them to turn and get out of my way, because I have 10 minutes to connect. (Hey, it's nicer than the elbow I used to throw.)

...

56. Muslim guys in first class

 

So it's way down the list. It pales in comparison to fat people, crying babies, cougars, etc. sitting next to me.

 

But, it's still a concern.

Edited October 21, 2010 by OCinBuffalo

[Chef Jim]

So I am supposed to give some guy who is obviously concerned, rightly or wrongly, even more cause for concern that, if there is trouble, I ain't going to back him up?

 

Perhaps you don't fly enough? I do, and the last thing we need is more anxiety on planes today. It's much better to simply return the nod and take my nap. If you don't fly, then none of this concerns you, and frankly nobody who does fly cares what those who don't have to say. It's not their asses on the line if something goes down.

 

In fact the frequent flier is annoyed by all kinds of things:

1. Tools who bring 20 little plastic bags to security

2. Tools on vacation

3. Tools who don't fly a lot, but have jobs that make them "important", crying because us regulars get better treatment.

4. Tools who want to walk 10 people abreast in the terminal when I have 10 minutes to connect

5. Tools who won't stand to the right on a moving walk, and then cry when I tap them on the right shoulder causing them to turn and get out of my way, because I have 10 minutes to connect. (Hey, it's nicer than the elbow I used to throw.)

...

56. Muslim guys in first class

 

So it's way down the list. It pales in comparison to fat people, crying babies, cougars, etc. sitting next to me.

 

But, it's still a concern.

 

Wow, you must be 5'2" because that went right over your head. Telling someone how intolerant they are by being intolerant of them. See the ole liberal double standard.

[....lybob]

So, according to you, we should call people who don't want to stand up in open field during a lighting storm "irrational", because the chance they will get hit is so small? You are asking people to not recognize potential danger and instead put their faith in...what exactly? God? You?

 

Ok, got any kids? If we shouldn't recognize potential danger, then why don't you sign up to allow a child molester to be your neighbor? Since, not every child molester re-offends, and therefore we can't blame them ALL.

 

The fact is that potential danger is f'ing potential danger, and we all need to recognize it for what it is, not play pretend in fairy land. If Islamic people are offended, then the best thing for them to do is start working against the terrorists, and the Islamic Caliphate concept, immediately.

 

This is the only way the danger will be removed, permanently, and is the only way for people to stop looking at "all Muslims" as a potential threat. The TERRORISTS, not us, choose to hide themselves amongst "all Muslims", but only if "all Muslims" allow it. This continues to be about the choices moderate Muslims make, period.

I'm going to try to be a little more sensitive to the fact that you obviously live in constant fear.

[BB27]

I'm going to try to be a little more sensitive to the fact that you obviously live in constant fear.

 

 

I'd say he is a realist. There is a big difference between living in constant fear, and living in the real world. As opposed to living in a fantasy world where everything is free........

[DrFishfinder]

What a sad, sad commentary on our society, today. Pussification, indeed. To the max.

 

Let's fire anyone who states they either like or dislike anything, because either is sure to outrage some nimrod. Everyone should have no opinion on anything because someone will be offended by something or possibly nothing.

 

I hereby ban myself from listening to NPR.

[Jim in Anchorage]

You are coming awfully close to ruining my fun, now cut it out.

 

Especially when one considers Williams was hired specifically to provide personal opinions, both by Fox and NPR.

 

There is nothing libelous, obscene, or intentionally distressing about what Williams said, so there's no way he should have been fired. I would love to be the "wrongful termination" lawyers on this one = easy money.

 

Oh, and let's remember: Imus picked up SERIOUS ratings over his firing/re-hiring. So, Williams is sure to be rolling in cash and 10x more relevant when all is said and done. Williams' opinions will now receive even more national attention than they would ever have had he not been fired.

 

Once again, liberals will get the EXACT OPPOSITE of what they intend. Hysterical. When will they learn? If conner is a sound representative of liberals? Never.

 

Didn't take long

Edited October 21, 2010 by Jim in Anchorage

[Pine Barrens Mafia]

Well I'm not sure I know what you meant by bringing up someone completely unrelated, then.

 

Also, I find it real funny that guys like you and Joe can figure out what my political leanings are, when I haven't really indicated that here, ever. Like I said, you can see right through me.

 

Whoa, easy there cowboy. When did I ever assign you a political leaning. Looking at your signature, I think I've actually been pretty evenhanded with you, since you've been as such with me.

[LeviF]

Whoa, easy there cowboy. When did I ever assign you a political leaning. Looking at your signature, I think I've actually been pretty evenhanded with you, since you've been as such with me.

Here

 

and here

[The Big Cat]

NPR is funded by the US Government.

 

IF they aren't responsible for NPR, then they also aren't responsible for what Blackwater does.

 

So, you are now not allowed to complain if Blackwater kills civilians.

 

 

That is logic conner, feel its sting.

 

NPR is no more funded by the Big Bad Government than any company.

 

Please. Member stations receive 5% of their revenue from government. NPR? National Public Radio (which, as an entity doesn't provide the bulk of public radio programming), gets the lion's share of its cash from member station dues. Granted NPR produces public radio cornerstones Morning Edition and All Things Considered, where Williams was employed, but if you're not getting classical music in between, you're getting programming that came from other member stations.

 

LINK

 

The man was a NEWS ANALYST. It was his job to add insight to the news. The opinion he so truthfully expressed is downright offensive to some people. Whether that's right or wrong, whether they're entitled to being offended, or whether they're big fat giant pussies for feeling offended, he alienated a large enough portion of his listenership thus minimizing the credibility of his perspective--his NPR livelihood.

 

But who knows?

 

May be behind the scenes he's a pain in the ass. May be his employers were looking for an opportunity to justify canning a minority employee.

 

Wait, what am I saying?

 

It's Obama's fault.

Edited October 21, 2010 by The Big Cat

[OCinBuffalo]

Wow, you must be 5'2" because that went right over your head. Telling someone how intolerant they are by being intolerant of them. See the ole liberal double standard.

Ah, I took it a completely different way.

 

I'm going to try to be a little more sensitive to the fact that you obviously live in constant fear.

I'll meet you in the middle:

I'm going to try to give a little more of a crap about what you say, and not immediately reject it as utter nonsense.

How's that?

 

And, don't confuse fear with refusing to believe in your PC fairy tale.

 

Edit: Oops...looks like BB27 beat me to the "fairy tale" punch.

Edited October 21, 2010 by OCinBuffalo

[Chef Jim]

I've only had one instance where I felt afraid on the plane. This happened shortly after 9-11. We had just taken off, maybe 30-45 seconds in the air. Two guys stood up at the same time from different parts of the plane and started to head to the front of the plane. I don't remember what they got up for but for a couple of seconds it was very concerning.

[Nanker]

It's just revenge of the guilty liberal left.

President BO threw his grandmother under the bus when he said, "...The point I was making was not that my grandmother harbors any racial animosity. She doesn't. But she is a typical white person who, uh, if she sees somebody on the street that she doesn't know there's a reaction that's been been bred into our experiences that don't go away and that sometimes come out in the wrong way and that's just the nature of race in our society. We have to break through it..."

Obviously Williams is viewed by supporters of President BO as an uppity black person who doesn't know his station and don't believe he's a credit to his race.

[OCinBuffalo]

NPR is no more funded by the Big Bad Government than any company.

 

Please. Member stations receive 5% of their revenue from government. NPR? National Public Radio (which, as an entity doesn't provide the bulk of public radio programming), gets the lion's share of its cash from member station dues. Granted NPR produces public radio cornerstones Morning Edition and All Things Considered, where Williams was employed, but if you're not getting classical music in between, you're getting programming that came from other member stations.

 

LINK

 

The man was a NEWS ANALYST. It was his job to add insight to the news. The opinion he so truthfully expressed is downright offensive to some people. Whether that's right or wrong, whether they're entitled to being offended, or whether they're big fat giant pussies for feeling offended, he alienated a large enough portion of his listenership thus minimizing the credibility of his perspective--his NPR livelihood.

 

But who knows?

 

May be behind the scenes he's a pain in the ass. May be his employers were looking for an opportunity to justify canning a minority employee.

 

Wait, what am I saying?

 

It's Obama's fault.

Dammit! I asked Tom not to curtail my fun with conner, and now you have absolutely killed it. Killed it dead. Bah! Although, I am a little leery of any organization providing its own #s, kinda like I'd rather get #s from an auditor, not the CFO, there's little doubt that these numbers are close. But, this is what I was going to walk conner into, in the hopes that hilarity would ensue along the way.

 

And now you have ruined it.

 

As far as the other stuff goes:

1. Does it mean anything that Juan Williams was specifically hired by Fox to provide a rational representation of liberal views on issues? Hiring an idiot makes for bad TV, which is why Colmes got the boot. Hiring a liberal who can definitively state his case, and prove his point,(think anti-conner) only helps Fox accomplish its goal = dominate the ratings.

2. Juan Williams was hired for his analysis, provided it jives with what the far-left people at NPR think is OK? Sorry, that's not being a NEWS ANALYST, that's being a TRAINED PARROT.

[drnykterstein]

Dammit! I asked Tom not to curtail my fun with conner, and now you have absolutely killed it. Killed it dead. Bah! Although, I am a little leery of any organization providing its own #s, kinda like I'd rather get #s from an auditor, not the CFO, there's little doubt that these numbers are close. But, this is what I was going to walk conner into, in the hopes that hilarity would ensue along the way.

 

And now you have ruined it.

 

As far as the other stuff goes:

1. Does it mean anything that Juan Williams was specifically hired by Fox to provide a rational representation of liberal views on issues? Hiring an idiot makes for bad TV, which is why Colmes got the boot. Hiring a liberal who can definitively state his case, and prove his point,(think anti-conner) only helps Fox accomplish its goal = dominate the ratings.

2. Juan Williams was hired for his analysis, provided it jives with what the far-left people at NPR think is OK? Sorry, that's not being a NEWS ANALYST, that's being a TRAINED PARROT.

Oh "having fun", is that what you call it when you are dead wrong and won't admit it? Dude, you are by far the dumbest person on this forum. An impressive feat by any measure (there are a *lot* of really stupid people around here).

Edited October 21, 2010 by conner

[The Big Cat]

As far as the other stuff goes:

1. Does it mean anything that Juan Williams was specifically hired by Fox to provide a rational representation of liberal views on issues? Hiring an idiot makes for bad TV, which is why Colmes got the boot. Hiring a liberal who can definitively state his case, and prove his point,(think anti-conner) only helps Fox accomplish its goal = dominate the ratings.

 

Prior to this, NPR had made it explicitly clear that when Williams went on Fox, he did NOT represent NPR. And that his work with Fox was in no way affiliated with, nor reflect in any way on his duties with NPR.

 

LINK

 

2. Juan Williams was hired for his analysis, provided it jives with what the far-left people at NPR think is OK? Sorry, that's not being a NEWS ANALYST, that's being a TRAINED PARROT.

 

This assuming he was fired the NPR monolith, the likes of which only exist in evil, evil companies.

[OCinBuffalo]

Didn't take long

Hehehehehehe. I truly enjoy being the polar opposite of conner.

 

I am betting Williams does quite well. I wouldn't be surprised if he gets his own show.(Let's see how long this takes)

 

Oh "having fun", is that what you call it when you are dead wrong and won't admit it? Dude, you are by far the dumbest person on this forum. An impressive feat by any measure (there are a *lot* of really stupid people around here).

Yeah, all the CEOs(me), Ph.D.s, Masters Prepared, etc. people around here are real idiots...compared to you.

 

I am joining the growing group of people here who want to know your credentials, scientific or otherwise.

 

I am rapidly becoming convinced that your only qualification is: internet connection.

 

Prior to this, NPR had made it explicitly clear that when Williams went on Fox, he did NOT represent NPR. And that his work with Fox was in no way affiliated with, nor reflect in any way on his duties with NPR.

 

LINK

Which only proves them to be intellectually vapid. Williams has consistently called for comprehensive reform(amnesty) for illegal immigrants on Fox. Does that mean NPR doesn't support comprehensive reform(amnesty)?

 

Juan's positions don't change, regardless of where he delivers them. So what difference does it make where he says what?

 

The only difference is in the mind of the retards at NPR.

This assuming he was fired the NPR monolith, the likes of which only exist in evil, evil companies.

I don't speak gibberish. Please translate.

[Magox]

I hereby ban myself from listening to NPR.

I'm thinking about doing the same.

[drnykterstein]

Hehehehehehe. I truly enjoy being the polar opposite of conner.

I've definitely become more than a poster here. It is certainly common place around here to attribute positions or stances to me that I've never taken. Such goes life.

 

"Any man who inflicts the human race with ideas must be prepared to see them misunderstood." -- H. L. Mencken

 

OC if you are a CEO, I would love to short sell your stock. Seriously, you give me a ticker symbol, and I put as much money as I can into shorting it. I have 100% confidence in you to fail at everything you try at.

[Magox]

Of course you don't. If you accepted opinions and facts were two different things, you'd have to admit you're full of ****.

 

 

 

Talk about missing the !@#$ing point. How you got "NPR is the federal government" from OC's post is absolutely mind-boggling...and you somehow think THAT'S the point of the thread?

 

 

 

Generally, there's two reasons for that:

1) I agree with the larger point, and hence see no point in discussing it.

2) The details do actually matter. For example: the detail of whether or not Williams expressed a personal opinion or a fact is kind-of an important one.

I think you know what I meant,

 

anyway here is Juan Williams explanation of what went down.

 

http://www.foxnews.com/opinion/2010/10/21/juan-williams-npr-fired-truth-muslim-garb-airplane-oreilly-ellen-weiss-bush/

 

Yesterday NPR fired me for telling the truth. The truth is that I worry when I am getting on an airplane and see people dressed in garb that identifies them first and foremost as Muslims.

This is not a bigoted statement. It is a statement of my feelings, my fears after the terrorist attacks of 9/11 by radical Muslims. In a debate with Bill OReilly I revealed my fears to set up the case for not making rash judgments about people of any faith. I pointed out that the Atlanta Olympic bomber -- as well as Timothy McVeigh and the people who protest against gay rights at military funerals -- are Christians but we journalists dont identify them by their religion.

 

And I made it clear that all Americans have to be careful not to let fears lead to the violation of anyones constitutional rights, be it to build a mosque, carry the Koran or drive a New York cab without the fear of having your throat slashed. Bill and I argued after I said he has to take care in the way he talks about the 9/11 attacks so as not to provoke bigotry.

 

So when I said "telling the truth", this is exactly what I meant. In this exact same context.

 

Anyway, here are some other parts of it:

 

asked why she would fire me without speaking to me face to face and she said there was nothing I could say to change her mind, the decision had been confirmed above her, and there was no point to meeting in person. To say the least this is a chilling assault on free speech. The critical importance of honest journalism and a free flowing, respectful national conversation needs to be had in our country. But it is being buried as collateral damage in a war whose battles include political correctness and ideological orthodoxy.

 

I say an ideological battle because my comments on "The O’Reilly Factor" are being distorted by the self-righteous ideological, left-wing leadership at NPR. They are taking bits and pieces of what I said to go after me for daring to have a conversation with leading conservative thinkers. They loathe the fact that I appear on Fox News. They don’t notice that I am challenging Bill O’Reilly and trading ideas with Sean Hannity. In their hubris they think by talking with O’Reilly or Hannity I am lending them legitimacy. Believe me, Bill O’Reilly (and Sean, too) is a major force in American culture and politics whether or not I appear on his show.

 

Years ago NPR tried to stop me from going on "The Factor." When I refused they insisted that I not identify myself as an NPR journalist. I asked them if they thought people did not know where I appeared on the air as a daily talk show host, national correspondent and news analyst. They refused to budge.

 

This self-reverential attitude was on display several years ago when NPR asked me to help them get an interview with President George W. Bush. I have longstanding relationships with some of the key players in his White House due to my years as a political writer at The Washington Post. When I got the interview some in management expressed anger that in the course of the interview I said to the president that Americans pray for him but don’t understand some of his actions. They said it was wrong to say Americans pray for him.

 

Later on the 50th anniversary of the Little Rock crisis President Bush offered to do an NPR interview with me about race relations in America. NPR management refused to take the interview on the grounds that the White House offered it to me and not their other correspondents and hosts. One NPR executive implied I was in the administration’s pocket, which is a joke, and there was no other reason to offer me the interview. Gee, I guess NPR news executives never read my bestselling history of the civil rights movement “Eyes on the Prize – America’s Civil Rights Years,” or my highly acclaimed biography “Thurgood Marshall –American Revolutionary.” I guess they never noticed that "ENOUGH," my last book on the state of black leadership in America, found a place on the New York Times bestseller list.

 

This all led to NPR demanding that I either agree to let them control my appearances on Fox News and my writings or sign a new contract that removed me from their staff but allowed me to continue working as a news analyst with an office at NPR. The idea was that they would be insulated against anything I said or wrote outside of NPR because they could say that I was not a staff member. What happened is that they immediately began to cut my salary and diminish my on-air role. This week when I pointed out that they had forced me to sign a contract that gave them distance from my commentary outside of NPR I was cut off, ignored and fired.

 

And now they have used an honest statement of feeling as the basis for a charge of bigotry to create a basis for firing me. 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 independence of thought.

 

Daniel Schorr, my fellow NPR commentator who died earlier this year, used to talk about the initial shock of finding himself on President Nixon’s enemies list. I can only imagine Dan’s revulsion to realize that today NPR treats a journalist who has worked for them for ten years with less regard, less respect for the value of independence of thought and embrace of real debate across political lines, than Nixon ever displayed.

Edited October 22, 2010 by Magox