Juan Williams: Chilling Free Speech In America (UPDATED, C.A.I.R. & The Money Trail Behind NPR)
UPDATE: 10.21.2010, The line in the sand is being drawn:
Juan Williams Signs New Multi-Year Deal with Fox News Channel
NPR Fires Juan Williams; Fox News Expands His Role
In making the announcement, Ailes said, “Juan has been a staunch defender of liberal viewpoints since his tenure began at Fox News in 1997. He’s an honest man whose freedom of speech is protected by Fox News on a daily basis.”
Also, today Glenn Beck announced on his television program that George Soros contributed $1.9 (Editors Note: My typo) $1.8 Million to NPR. Check out NPR’s memo at the bottom of this post.
What Would These Guys Have Done? (Oh, excuse me! What DID THESE GUYS DO?)
A few thoughts about the firing of Juan Williams by NPR because he spoke his truth and committed the sin of exercising his God-given right to free speech in the America infiltrated by progressive ‘know-it-alls‘.
- I’m not a big fan of Juan Williams but I will defend to the death his right to exercise his right to free speech.
- A close friend from Nigeria who fled that country because he was a christian used to tell me on almost a daily basis, “if you speak the truth, you are considered rude.”
- This isn’t so much about trying to shut down FoxNews and make people shy away from appearing on the cable news station, this is more about the CONTINUED ‘Chilling Of Free Speech’ in this country when it comes to anything the globalists don’t want interfering with their agenda. (Like Americans who have independent thought, action, and who exercise all of their freedoms.)
- This entire situation is just more fodder for the Dems and the administration to wave the left hand vigorously and distract you while they bitchslap you with the right. What are Wall Street and those federal economic agencies doing today? What’s happening with Fraudclosure or the value of the dollar? Oh that’s right, Fannie and Freddie need another bailout.
- NPR may have just broken the camel’s back; which is what always happens when you push good people too far – they let you know what they think!
- Do you think that Juan Williams will have a David Horowitz moment now?
- Are you as sick of the multiculturalism as I am? What are you first and foremost; an American or something else?
Juan Williams’ response to his firing by NPR:
RAW DATA: NPR Internal Memo on Juan Williams
The following is an internal memo sent on behalf of NPR President and CEO Vivian Schiller:
Dear AREPS,
Thank you for all of your varying feedback on the Juan Williams situation. Let me offer some further clarification about why we terminated his contract early.
First, a critical distinction has been lost in this debate. NPR News analysts have a distinctive role and set of responsibilities. This is a very different role than that of a commentator or columnist. News analysts may not take personal public positions on controversial issues; doing so undermines their credibility as analysts, and that’s what’s happened in this situation. As you all well know, we offer views of all kinds on your air every day, but those views are expressed by those we interview – not our reporters and analysts.
Second, this isn’t the first time we have had serious concerns about some of Juan’s public comments. Despite many conversations and warnings over the years, Juan has continued to violate this principal.
Third, these specific comments (and others made in the past), are inconsistent with NPR’s ethics code, which applies to all journalists (including contracted analysts):
“In appearing on TV or other media . . . NPR journalists should not express views they would not air in their role as an NPR journalist. They should not participate in shows . . . that encourage punditry and speculation rather than fact-based analysis.”
More fundamentally, “In appearing on TV or other media including electronic Web-based forums, NPR journalists should not express views they would not air in their role as an NPR journalist.”
Unfortunately, Juan’s comments on Fox violated our standards as well as our values and offended many in doing so.
Here is the truth:
We’re profoundly sorry that this happened during fundraising week. Juan’s comments were made Monday night and we did not feel it would be responsible to delay this action.
This was a tough decision and we appreciate your support.
Thanks,
Vivian
Vivian Schiller
President & CEO, NPR
Vivian has a wholelottasplaining to do.
Megyn Kelly interviewing Ibrahim Hooper of C.A.I.R.:
The money trail behind NPR from Bret Baier:
