Juan Williams fired from NPR

[GoodWitch58]

Sanchez said some really stupid things about the Jewish controlled media. His comments sounded premeditated. Williams didn't say anything too outrageous, just a bit silly and off the cuff, but given the man's body of work, it seems like it was a really wild overreaction by NPR. There must be more to the story.

I agree (about Rick), but he always said stupid things--even during his days back in Miami--he was known for it! LOL.

 

[beachFool]

I also admit to the same reaction when I see blacks with gang garb on or bearded white men with motorcycle gang colors showing. .

They are just trying to "get your nerve".

I ran a liquor store for 15 years/

Here's a trick I learned:

Look them straight in the eye and give them respect otherwise they'll get your nerve.

I sent a biker to HOG rally in Destin today. No one else would talk to him.

 

[LuciferSam]

William's statements to me were a personal statement kind of like saying he's afraid of heights, bridges, clowns, or the number 13.

 

[Matt J]

William's statements to me were a personal statement kind of like saying he's afraid of heights, bridges, clowns, or the number 13.

Ah ha! You call yourself liberal when in fact you're a heightist, bridgeist, clownist, and tredecimist!

 

[Lake View Too]

I've been around people in full body burkas (if that's what Juan was talking about), and it is scary. To me, it's just plain important to be able to see anyone's face, for any clue as to what this person is all about. I've always seen Juan as a pretty straight talking guy,a bit non-consequential, if you know what I mean, but I think, once he entered the Fox camp, his credibility on NPR went steadily downhill. He was let go because almost anyone associated with Fox is associated with a "news organization" that has little respect for the facts.

 

[idlewind]

I've been around people in full body burkas (if that's what Juan was talking about), and it is scary. To me, it's just plain important to be able to see anyone's face, for any clue as to what this person is all about. I've always seen Juan as a pretty straight talking guy,a bit non-consequential, if you know what I mean, but I think, once he entered the Fox camp, his credibility on NPR went steadily downhill. He was let go because almost anyone associated with Fox is associated with a "news organization" that has little respect for the facts.

And I suppose NPR is a paragon of factual reporting? Or does FOX giving any time for conservative positions offend your liberal sensibilities?

 

[Mango]

What I find interesting is some people were very quick to criticize a protester(s) in New York City, who were against the mosque being built near the Towers, who made assumptions about a man with garb on similar to what a Muslim or Mideasterner might wear, but don't take issue with what Williams said. All of a sudden, political correctness has become such an affront on society. Personally, I do not feel that this has anything to do with political correctness. IMHO, it has everything to do with castigating people.

Andy, no, I do not think there is anything amiss in being aware of what is going on around you, but there's a difference between street smarts and lumping people into categories based on skin color, clothing, religious beliefs, and then making assumptions. I don't feel this is healthy to our society, and certainly not an example that should be made for the youth of Country; which is why I can see the rationale for firing Williams. I've never seen NPR as just a media news outlet, but also an educational and intellectual outlet, similar to PBS Broadcasting.

 

[futurebeachbum]

You know, if you examine the population of hijackers who have hijacked domestic American airliners in recent memory and flown or attempted to fly them into buildings you find that approximately 100% were of Middle Eastern descent and were Muslims.

That clearly doesn't say that all Middle Easterners or Muslims will hijack planes and I don't overtly assume that.

However, as a frequent flyer, when I fly I watch the behavior of people who are obviously young Mddle Eastern men a heckuva lot more closely than I watch young moms with their babies, Nuns, experienced flyers, etc...

If I didn't I either be really, really stupid or blind.

 

[walk the walk]

You know, if you examine the population of hijackers who have hijacked domestic American airliners in recent memory and flown or attempted to fly them into buildings you find that approximately 100% were of Middle Eastern descent and were Muslims.

That clearly doesn't say that all Middle Easterners or Muslims will hijack planes and I don't overtly assume that.

However, as a frequent flyer, when I fly I watch the behavior of people who are obviously young Mddle Eastern men a heckuva lot more closely than I watch young moms with their babies, Nuns, experienced flyers, etc...

If I didn't I either be really, really stupid or blind.

The following Christmas holiday after 911, my wife and I were flying into Chicago,we had a middle eastern man sitting behind us.The middle eastern man had forgotten his briefcase back by the bathroom before the flight and needless to say,that was a uncomfortable feeling.After he retrieved his briefcase,I was suspect,remember this was just after 911 and everyone was on edge.The man never really showed his face and kept a news paper in front of him.As we are getting ready to land,the wheels touchdown and then we lift back up(a touch and go),this was very nerve racking to say the least and the Middle easterner was praying to Allah:shock:.You cannot make this stuff up.We landed safely but in hindsight,the middle easterner was either truly terrified himself or it was a dry run(suitcase near the bathroom). We never will know for sure but I can relate to Juan as millions of Americans do.

 

[GoodWitch58]

The following Christmas holiday after 911, my wife and I was flying into Chicago,we had a middle eastern man sitting behind us.The middle eastern man had forgotten his briefcase back by the bathroom before the flight and needless to say,that was a uncomfortable feeling.After he retrieved his briefcase,I was suspect,remember this was just after 911 and everyone was on edge.The man never really showed his face and kept a news paper in front of him.As we are getting ready to land,the wheels touchdown and then we lift back up(a touch and go),this was very nerve racking to say the least and the Middle easterner was praying to Allah:shock:.You cannot make this stuff up.We landed safely but in hindsight,the middle easterner was either truly terrified himself or it was a dry run(suitcase near the bathroom). We never will know for sure but I can relate to Juan as millions of Americans do.

So, did you make any attempt to engage him and see what the situation was?
Could have been his first flight; he could have just lost his job, or his family, or his fortune...or maybe he was afraid of "you", the others unlike him on the plane, who might retaliate by blaming him because of what had just happened on 9-11....

somehow we must get beyond this stereotyping and at the same time remain alert to the possibility of any real problems--most of which will come from people who are dressed to blend in; not, stand out...