Juan Williams fired from NPR

[GoodWitch58]

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classy


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I agree; and I can even forgive her for her "clumsy" way of firing him. Over the last few months, maybe years, I have heard him on various occasions push his comments to the very edge of what I thought was editorially okay from an NPR analyst...I can just imagine her that day: " I've had enough--that's it--he's out of here." Having been in that very same position with an employee, I can totally relate. And, I still believe he knew exactly what he was doing; what the consequences would be; and played it to his benefit.

Interesting that we have not heard him apologize for going beyond the pale...

Enough already. He had a choice to make and he made it. And he's right where he wanted to be.

 

[Teresa]

NPR has higher standards than most news organizations. I don't see what's the big deal. There a plenty of liberal commentators who would never make it on NPR who I listen to nonetheless. People like Olbermann, Maddow, Chris Matthews, Lawrence O'Donnell. Schiller was right, it's between Juan and his shrink. I'm not interested in what makes Juan tick, what frightens him, or if the color yellow makes him sad etc. . For the record, when I hear banjo music, I paddle faster. I've never donated to NPR before, but I will now.

now that's funny as hail.

I don't care about what makes Juan tick. But I am a believer in NPR's integrity. I'm convinced they had to let him go.

thank you for donating to NPR.

 

[Bob Wells]

Was he not a commentator, someone who would normally give his opinion? I think NPR was wrong, but obviously he was an at will employee. So much for freedom of expression.

 

[Andy A]

Was he not a commentator, someone who would normally give his opinion? I think NPR was wrong, but obviously he was an at will employee. So much for freedom of expression.

It would appear that "freedom of expression" only applies if you are expressing it from the left. Of all the analysts on NPR, only one is considered Conservative. So you all watch and listen to NPR all you wish. Just don't use any of my tax dollars, or in this case, cents, doing it.

 

[scooterbug44]

"Freedom of expression" or "freedom of speech" does NOT mean there will not be consequences for what you say (or that you aren't completely wrong).

It means you can say it.

Not that you should, not that it is a good career move, not that you are right, not that you won't be criticized, and not that you can just blithely say whatever the hell you want and whine when it comes back to bite you in the arse.

 

[GoodWitch58]

all reputable news organizations have editorial parameters. Williams obviously violated those of NPR and he was fully aware of the fact that he was doing it. He was warned; he chose to ignore the warning--the CEO used her authority to make a change.

His "freedom of expression "has only been curtailed by one organization. He is free to say whatever he wants in another venue.

Never doubt that the head of Fox News will utilize the same authority if, in his opinion, the circumstances demand it.

 

[Andy A]

"Freedom of expression" or "freedom of speech" does NOT mean there will not be consequences for what you say (or that you aren't completely wrong).

It means you can say it.

Not that you should, not that it is a good career move, not that you are right, not that you won't be criticized, and not that you can just blithely say whatever the hell you want and whine when it comes back to bite you in the arse.

For 2 million, someone can "bite me in the arse" anytime.

 

[Kurt]

I listen to NPR in the car. Other than 30Aradio and Seabreeze it's the only thing worth owning a radio for. I can hardly ever remember hearing Juan - must be because I tune out the politics. Mostly what I listen to are the entertainment shows.

The interview with Keith Richards on Fresh Air last night was priceless. Alone worth more than the fraction of a penny a year I'm funding through taxes.

Thank goodness for some real discussion - marketplace money, sceince friday, tech nation, etc... This American Life is one of the best shows I've ever heard. Got a problem with Prairie Home Companion?

Please - let's not kill every tiny last bit of culture and enlightenment in America because of a few knuckleheads.

Besides - the whole thing was probably orchestrated through his agent and had an agreement for the new job before the firing.

 

[GoodWitch58]

Exactly.

 

[scooterbug44]

For 2 million, someone can "bite me in the arse" anytime.

Yeah - that contract goes a long way in making me feel zero pity for ol' Juan.