NPR CEO Says Juan Williams Should Have Kept Comments Between ‘His Psychiatrist Or His Publicist’

by Glynnis MacNicol | 3:38 pm, October 21st, 2010

» 108 comments

The back and forth continues between Juan Williams, Fox News, and NPR. Earlier today NPR CEO Vivian Schiller told the Atlanta Press Club earlier today “he should have kept his feeling about Muslims between himself and ‘his psychiatrist or his publicist.’” Update: Schiller just apologized for her remarks saying “I spoke hastily and I apologize to Juan and others for my thoughtless remark.”

Earlier this is the memo she sent out to member stations.

“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.”

Emphasis mine, because that appears to be the root of NPR’s problems here. Essentially, Schiller is asserting that what Williams said on O’Reilly would either have been inappropriate on NPR or that he would have known better than to say it on NPR. It’s a conclusion I happen to disagree with. I frequently listen to Williams’ new analysis on NPR, particularly Weekend Edition Saturday with Scott Simon, and while I might have been surprised to hear Williams say what he said, I can certainly imagine him doing so. Much as I can imagine, say, Scott Simon calling him out on it and asking him to explain himself. However, as it stands, one is left wondering whether NPR’s reaction had more to do with their perception of Fox News than anything else. Audio of Schiller’s remarks below.

fox news, Juan Williams, NPR, Vivian Schiller

notsofast

She needs a shrink- that cut under nose needs to heal!
The Real Royal King

Good advice. Even just sharing with his spouse or priest could have avoided this.
writer

Could’ve saved a lot of trouble if they’d just given Juan a pre-approved script.
The Real Royal King

That’s exactly the problem, Kumquat. Williams was wearing his Murdoch cap. He was reading from Murdoch’s script.
writer

Is that like Robert Stephenson’s Obama cap? Isn’t he free to wear whichever cap he wants?
cmdrgmh

All news organizations need to be more like NPR. You get a right wing jagg spouting off, Fire thier ass. Fox should have fired all of thier people years ago. Woops, I forgot, they’re not a real news organization. My Bad.
CosmosDan

I hate it when those crazed stupid liberal bitches sound intelligent and rational , don’t you?

I think ya’ll could show her a thing or two by saying how stupid she is no matter how rational she sounds.
Go ahead.
notsofast

cmdrgmh said:
cmdrgmh says:
October 21, 2010 at 3:52 pm cmdrgmh(Quote)

Stop inhaling your own gas!
notsofast

CosmosDan said:
I hate it when those crazed stupid liberal bitches sound intelligent and rational , don’t you?

When one does, let us know.
notsofast

Shows that include punditry?

He has done that for ten years, bitch- suddenly you take action?

BS!
writer

I can see the humor. Juan is at the mike, saying whatever he wants, and she’s in the background giving the ‘cut’ sign across her throat. Maybe they could institute the old Vaudeville hook, where you reach out and pull the offending act off the stage.
CosmosDan

notsofast said:
When one does, let us know.

Great job. That sure showed her. Keep it up. Don’t feel you have to leave out profanity. We all know she deserves it.
CosmosDan

notsofast said:
Shows that include punditry?

He has done that for ten years, bitch- suddenly you take action?

BS!

Alright, now you’re rolling.
Big Eddie

Six Juan Williams stories so far . Who does he think he is , Glenn Beck ? … How about a story on the reaction of philosopher Meghan McCain to Juan ‘s firing ? There must be a Snooki angle here . Muslims on a plane . Hmm . … Get Steven Slater’s reaction .
The Real Royal King

The fact that Williams had been warned at least once before about his FOX commentary work puts a very different light on all of this. Obviously, NPR’s displeasure was well known.
The Real Royal King

Big Eddie said:
Six Juan Williams stories so far . Who does he think he is , Glenn Beck ? … How about a story on the reaction of philosopher Meghan McCain to Juan ’s firing ? There must be a Snooki angle here . Muslims on a plane . Hmm . … Get Steven Slater’s reaction .

I’d like Ms. McCain’s input, but I’d also like to know what James O’Keefe thinks about this. I know that’s two (2) Republicans and not fair and balanced, but maybe FOX can make an exception to its usual policy.
writer

There’s always a danger that when you have someone speak, they might actually express their own ideas.
sarainitaly

“News analysts may not take personal public positions on controversial issues; doing so undermines their credibility”

“he should have kept his feeling about Muslims between himself and ‘his psychiatrist or his publicist.”

She should be fired for her remarks.
The Real Royal King

sarainitaly said:
“News analysts may not take personal public positions on controversial issues; doing so undermines their credibility”

“he should have kept his feeling about Muslims between himself and ‘his psychiatrist or his publicist.”

She should be fired for her remarks.

For stating, adhering to and enforcing corporate policy? Tumbleweed, you seem to be suffering some displacement. You are writing to Americans.
writer

If ‘corporate policy’ meant he was only allowed to say what they agreed with, why have him speak in the first place? Seems kind of silly.
SpineCrusher

writer said:
Is that like Robert Stephenson’s Obama cap? Isn’t he free to wear whichever cap he wants?

He blatently disregarded his agreement with NPR to not bring his personal feelings into news stories, but simply report on them.

Can you simply not wrap your head around that? You have no First Amendments rights at work. If you go to your employer and tell them that their company sucks (free speech) they will fire you.

Nothing is stopping him from going to another network that doesn’t hold their reporters to such a high standard.
SpineCrusher

notsofast said:
Shows that include punditry? He has done that for ten years, bitch- suddenly you take action? BS!

Really? You’ve been listening to NPR for the last 10 years?

Why do I find that hard to believe…
The Real Royal King

writer said:
If ‘corporate policy’ meant he was only allowed to say what they agreed with, why have him speak in the first place? Seems kind of silly.

If you’re not on the board, that is not a opinion which matters, Kumquat.
CosmosDan

writer said:
There’s always a danger that when you have someone speak, they might actually express their own ideas.

That’s what I tried to tell them when I got let go from my history teaching gig.
SpineCrusher

writer said:
There’s always a danger that when you have someone speak, they might actually express their own ideas.

I guess you’d rather have reporters give us their opinions instead of facts on the story…that’s why you watch Fox.
CosmosDan

The Real Royal King said:
I’d like Ms. McCain’s input, but I’d also like to know what James O’Keefe thinks about this. I know that’s two (2) Republicans and not fair and balanced, but maybe FOX can make an exception to its usual policy.

Maybe O Keefe can loan Williams his pimp outfit,
writer

And Spine Crusher, you only want to hear opinions that agree with yours. That’s why you hate Fox.
DEFENDER-90

Media Matters targeting Mara Liasson.
The post”What about Mar Liasson”
“NPR”s Mara Liasson and her long running association with Fox News has often raised questions,this might be the proper time for NPR to finally address that thorny issue”

Georg Soros 10/20/2010.1 Million to Media Matters.

This is all just a coincidence,right?
writer

Maybe O Keefe can loan Williams his pimp outfit,

Now that, Cosmos, would’ve definitely been a racist statement, were Williams not out of favor.
CosmosDan

writer said:
Maybe O Keefe can loan Williams his pimp outfit,

Now that, Cosmos, would’ve definitely been a racist statement, were Williams not out of favor.

well it’s a white Pimp outfit after all, so I’m an cross race smack talker.
writer

I did like Huggy Bear’s shoes with the goldfish in them.
CosmosDan

writer said:
I did like Huggy Bear’s shoes with the goldfish in them.

LOL!!! Me too. I think O Keefe would look really cool in those, with the right theme music.
felixw

NPR needs to do plenty of damage control right now. For a start, they need to convince people that censorship is better than free speech. Then they need to convince people to listen to their politically correct, censored news, instead of getting the full story over at Fox. Finally, they need to convince people that mild-mannered, inoffensive centrist Juan Williams is an evil bigot.

The chances of them convincing people on any of these accounts is nil.
Azarkhan

Vivian Schiller, a typical arrogant leftist b*tch.
SpineCrusher

writer said:
And Spine Crusher, you only want to hear opinions that agree with yours. That’s why you hate Fox.

personally, I don’t like opinions in reporting. I like facts and journalistic integrity.

I won’t watch Olbermann or Beck.

Sorry for the complexity, I know what I just said might not make sense to you.
possibly

Juan buddy, let me give you some advice:

When you started that sentence with “i am not a bigot” you knew you were in trouble.

I’m glad you were fired.
CosmosDan

Azarkhan said:
Vivian Schiller, a typical arrogant leftist b*tch.

Yeah, how dare she do her job as she sees fit. She think some fancy title like CEO gives her special privileges. What an ego.
writer

Well there ya go, Spine Crusher. You’ve been watching opinion shows like O’Reilly or Beck or Maddow or Olbermann and thinking they’re news broadcasts. Glad you’re finally catching on.
http://www.facebook.com/people/Robert-Timsah/1113150152 Robert Timsah

The politically correct people think if they stifle free speech it will somehow help the nation. They couldn’t be more wrong. We need people to speak freely so we exactly what people believe, think and feel. Then, once their beliefs and ideas are out in the open they can be debated. Take the issue of teen bullying that’s been happening. This has surprised people. Well, perhaps the reason for that is the political correctness police giving us a false impression that the country had changed its opinion on homosexuality when in reality (in the real world) nothing has changed. This is why I’m against political correctness as it attempts to neuter society of truth. Defeat Juan Williams comments instead of just firing him. What he said is what we all say in our homes. Right or wrong. Talking it about it is what needs to happen and is not a bad thing. It’s a good thing.
Seeing November From My Window

A REAL journalist wouild’ve asked her why Nina Totenberg is still on NPR when she wished Aids on Jesse Helms. Wait I forgot, it’s ok to do that, just don’t lay a finger on libs or muslims.
CosmosDan

Robert Timsah said:
Thumb up 1 Thumb down 0

The politically correct people think if they stifle free speech it will somehow help the nation. They couldn’t be more wrong. We need people to speak freely so we exactly what people believe, think and feel. Then, once their beliefs and ideas are out in the open they can be deb

I agree that Williams statement is something that should trigger a more honest and open dialogue about the irrational nature of his statement, however honest, and the problem of anti Muslim sentiment in this country, which would include Muslims telling us their feelings as well, and us being willing to listen.
Muslims need to understand that we need a strong denunciation of terrorism from them, and we need to listen to what we can do to not fuel more resentment among moderate Muslims.
crclarkNY

What a rationalizing weasel…
cd ohio

spinecrusher, not trying to be a ass, but there are very few non/slanted news shows anymore, papers, blogs are the same
Rescuedog

DEFENDER-90 said:
Media Matters targeting Mara Liasson.
The post”What about Mar Liasson”
“NPR”s Mara Liasson and her long running association with Fox News has often raised questions,this might be the proper time for NPR to finally address that thorny issue”

Georg Soros 10/20/2010.1 Million to Media Matters.

This is all just a coincidence,right?

So they seem to be saying “let the purges begin.” If the Media Matters people had actual power, they would put the rest of us in camps.
Azarkhan

CosmosDan said:
Yeah, how dare she do her job as she sees fit. She think some fancy title like CEO gives her special privileges. What an ego.

So it’s her job to suggest that Juan Williams see a psychiatrist? C**t.
felixw

Go check out what WON’T get you fired at NPR.

http://reason.com/blog/2010/10/21/what-wont-get-you-fired-from-n
Rescuedog

Seeing November From My Window said:
A REAL journalist wouild’ve asked her why Nina Totenberg is still on NPR when she wished Aids on Jesse Helms. Wait I forgot, it’s ok to do that, just don’t lay a finger on libs or muslims.

Nina Totenberg didn’t just wish Jesse Helms would catch AIDS, she wished his grandchildren would get it as well. She still works at NPR.

Video here: http://bit.ly/9itU1Z
Azarkhan

Republicans will win the House on Nov 2. NPR won’t get another f***ing dime.
TfT

Seeing Nov from my window: Yup, just another double standard from NPR. And Nina isn’t the only one who has bashed and trashed others in expressing her personal views. Didn’t NPR do something like “how to speak to a teabagger”? Their double standard is ridiculous.

And yes, if Juan was fired for his remarks, this lady should be fired for hers as well, despite her apology after it. Juan wasn’t given the opportunity to speak to or explain his comments. Actually, she should fire herself.

Defund NPR now.
http://twitter.com/pewestlake Paul Westlake

I think it’s obvious that NPR was just using this incident as a cover to get rid of Juan… because he’s an idiot. He’s the perfect example of the broken clock being right twice a day – unfortunately for him, he keeps speaking during the other times, too. NPR will survive because it has a larger base than Fox, and even a complete GOP sweep in November would not result in the immediate defunding of NPR and PBS. The GOP is starting a bucket list and this is definitely on it, but not as high on the list as eliminating medicare and social security, so I wouldn’t get too worked up. ;-)
tgk

“A critical distinction has been lost in this debate. NPR News analysts have a distinctive role and set of responsibilities. ”

Yeah, we KNOW what those roles and responsibilities are don’t we (wink, wink)? Juan forgot to tow the line didn’t he NPR?
Big_F-ing_Deal

Now that Juan got an extended contract at Fox and is no longer at NPR there is no reason to pretend he is anything close to a liberal voice. That’s all I care about. I wish him success as a conservative analyst.

And I really don’t think Juan DOES get the willies when he sees a Muslim on a plane. I think he just said that because he was running cover for O’Reilly like his good little ass-kissing self always does.
And now his ass-kissing has paid off royally.
Isn’t that the way with ALL Fox news contributors? They get paid good to carry the line, and this is a case in point.
cd ohio

come on paul you are usually fair , it was wrong to fire him for the reason stated
http://www.facebook.com/people/Robert-Timsah/1113150152 Robert Timsah

CosmosDan said:
I agree that Williams statement is something that should trigger a more honest and open dialogue about the irrational nature of his statement, however honest, and the problem of anti Muslim sentiment in this country, which would include Muslims telling us their feelings as well, and us being willing to listen.
Muslims need to understand that we need a strong denunciation of terrorism from them, and we need to listen to what we can do to not fuel more resentment among moderate Muslims.

I’m not Muslim and I can tell you the answer to that final question right now. Our foreign policy is the primary cause of terrorist attacks against the U.S. As long as we continue our asinine foreign policy, we’ll be in this war on terror.
Big_F-ing_Deal

Azarkhan said:
NPR won’t get another f***ing dime

People who don’t have the fucking balls to curse online should not try to curse online.
cd ohio

of course, BFD isn’t
CosmosDan

Big_F-ing_Deal said:
People who don’t have the fucking balls to curse online should not try to curse online.

Oh yeah, who are you the F***ing Swearing police?
Seeing November From My Window

cd ohio says:
come on paul you are usually fair , it was wrong to fire him for the reason stated

No he’s not. Stick around a bit.
http://twitter.com/pewestlake Paul Westlake

cd ohio said:
come on paul you are usually fair , it was wrong to fire him for the reason stated

I didn’t say it was fair or unfair either way, just that it was a convenient excuse to get rid of dead weight. It was a shady way to do it… welcome to media. ;-)
Seeing November From My Window

Big_F-ing_Deal said

People who don’t have the f**king balls to curse online should not try to curse online.

I think you are confusing lack of ballage with class.
http://twitter.com/pewestlake Paul Westlake

Seeing November From My Window said:
cd ohio says:
come on paul you are usually fair , it was wrong to fire him for the reason stated

No he’s not. Stick around a bit.

And you are…? ;-)
http://twitter.com/pewestlake Paul Westlake

Seeing November From My Window said:
I think you are confusing lack of ballage with class.

I think you’re confused by “class” all the time. ;-)
CosmosDan

Azarkhan said:
So it’s her job to suggest that Juan Williams see a psychiatrist? C**t.

I agree, I don’t think voicing irrational fears publicly calls for anything like that. That could hurt someone’s feelings.

Like I said, I’m much more pissed that he tipped off the terrorist about Muslim garb.
cd ohio

chris from ohio just got on mediaite about a week ago
Big_F-ing_Deal

Seeing November From My Window said:
Big_F-ing_Deal said

People who don’t have the f**king balls to curse online should not try to curse online.

I think you are confusing lack of ballage with class.

A person with class wouldn’t TRY to curse yet blank out a few letters.
Only a pussy would do that.

Either shit or get off the pot.
cd ohio

remember my bengals suck
Seeing November From My Window

Paul Westlake says

And you are…? ;-)

Someone who has been reading your bilge for a while.
SpineCrusher

writer said:
Well there ya go, Spine Crusher. You’ve been watching opinion shows like O’Reilly or Beck or Maddow or Olbermann and thinking they’re news broadcasts. Glad you’re finally catching on.

umm…that’s not what I said at all…like I said, I thought the complexity might go over your head.

or are you just being disingenuous again you little rascal?
Azarkhan

Big_F-ing_Deal said:
People who don’t have the fucking balls to curse online should not try to curse online.

Fuck you.
Big_F-ing_Deal

Azarkhan said:
Fuck you.

LOL
SpineCrusher

Azarkhan said:
So it’s her job to suggest that Juan Williams see a psychiatrist? C**t.

she said that should have been a comment shared with his psychiatrist, because he works for NPR and is only supposed to report on stories not share his personal opinion.

I think you’ve forgetten what a journalist is. I agree that alot of “news” programs are actually filled with pundits, analysts and otherwise “talking heads”…they are not held to the same standard as journalists and hence tend to spend a lot of time saying things like “some people believe”, “I believe” and “most people think” instead of just providing facts with evidence.

You should try listening to NPR sometime and then you’ll understand why he was fired for making the comments his did.

What flies as commentary on Fox news doesn’t fly as news on NPR….because it isn’t. Opinion is not news…any of this sinking in?
Azarkhan

SpineCrusher said:
What flies as commentary on Fox news doesn’t fly as news on NPR

Maybe that is because “commentary” is not “news”. I think everyone understands that except NPR.
SpineCrusher

Azarkhan said:
Maybe that is because “commentary” is not “news”. I think everyone understands that except NPR.

No NPR understands and practicing real news reporting. They have high standards for their staff, which is why he was fired for the statements he made.

You are refusing to connect the two dots in front of you and are instead taking your crayon and chewing on it.

That’s not healthy.
notsofast

CosmosDan said:
Great job. That sure showed her. Keep it up. Don’t feel you have to leave out profanity. We all know she deserves it.

You prove there are too many freaks and not enough circuses!
CosmosDan

Robert Timsah said:
I’m not Muslim and I can tell you the answer to that final question right now. Our foreign policy is the primary cause of terrorist attacks against the U.S. As long as we continue our asinine foreign policy, we’ll be in this war on terror.

I agree. PArt of my point is that if we want to fight for free speech let’s have it work for everyone, including our Muslim citizens. Not long ago an American Muslim who had repeatedly denounced terrorism made a comment about our policies being partly responsible for 9/11 and was vilified for blaming America, even though many non Muslims had said the very same thing. People want moderate Muslims to do more to denounce terrorism, which is understandable. Are we just as willing to denounce anti Muslim rhetoric and actions directed at Muslim citizens.
IMO, the dialogue and our use of language isn’t just about being polite and politically correct. It’s about having the concern and the brains to not fan fires of mistrust and bigotry by being needlessly careless.
But hey, elections are on the way so you can expect a lot of dialogue on Fox of liberal NPR, and those bad Muslims trying to squelch free speech. They could actually have and promote the kind of two way dialogue they claim we should have but that won’t serve the agenda half as well as slamming others repeatedly.
notsofast

CosmosDan said:
CosmosDan says:
October 21, 2010 at 4:01 pm CosmosDan(Quote)

Poor danny boy- I see all your red thumbs!

Fat, drunk and stupid is no way to go through life, son

bawahaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa
CosmosDan

notsofast said:
You prove there are too many freaks and not enough circuses!

You mean SHE right?, because obviously I’m on your side here. Typo forgiven.

I understand , you must have been looking at your big book of insults while you were typing. What page was that BTW , cause it’s a goody.
http://twitter.com/pewestlake Paul Westlake

Seeing November From My Window said:
Paul Westlake says

And you are…? ;-)

Someone who has been reading your bilge for a while.

So you feel confident in telling others that I’m not fair but not confident enough to actually tell me when you’ve allegedly seen me being unfair. Maybe you can see how, from that perspective, your comments are utterly meaningless and diminish any credibility you might hope to gain from such an observation… except among your fellow liberal-haters. It’s a crowded bandwagon but I’m sure there’s room for you. Hop on! LOL
CosmosDan

notsofast said:
Poor danny boy- I see all your red thumbs!

Fat, drunk and stupid is no way to go through life, son

bawahaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa

Whoops, you must have lost your place in your insult book. You’ve used that one before. Careful, people might think you’re unoriginal.
Seeing November From My Window

Paul Westlake says:

So you feel confident in telling others that I’m not fair

Yes I do. If I had time to waste, I’d post some of your comments proving my points, but I just don’t care that much.
notsofast

CosmosDan said:
CosmosDan says:
October 21, 2010 at 6:01 pm CosmosDan(Quote)

You are nothing dannyboy!

A big fat zero!

CosmosDan said:
You mean SHE right?, because obviously I’m on your side here. Typo forgiven.

Nope you dannyboy!

A person with your IQ should have a low voice too!
http://twitter.com/pewestlake Paul Westlake

Seeing November From My Window said:
Paul Westlake says:

So you feel confident in telling others that I’m not fair

Yes I do. If I had time to waste, I’d post some of your comments proving my points, but I just don’t care that much.

You cared enough to chime in the first time. So, basically, you felt like saying something nasty and indulged that impulse regardless of the relevance or accuracy of your comment, and with no inclination to backup your assertion with even the most basic rhetorical analysis. So, I guess, we can translate your comments, roughly, as such:

“Paul is a poopyhead! So there!”

Brilliant, maestro.

OK,
CosmosDan

notsofast said:
You are nothing dannyboy!

A big fat zero!

I’m not sure where I said ” October 21,2010 at 6:01 pm CosmosDan{Quote}” but I must have because you have it right there so it must be right. I can see how a statement like that might annoy you, so I’ll forgive your angry words knowing that soon we’ll be back on great terms again. In fact I’m going out shopping soon and I’ll plan on picking up a new insult book or two for you. I’m a little concerned that yours have lost their former piercing brilliance. Take Heart, help is on the way.
Patrick Henry

The Real Royal King said:
For stating, adhering to and enforcing corporate policy? Tumbleweed, you seem to be suffering some displacement. You are writing to Americans.

King, why don’t you stop harassing Sara? Every time she posts, you think you have to post some smart*ss statement to get a dig at her. I think most of us would much rather read what she has to say than what you spew out here.
NORBIT

So basically, National Public Radio is about as credible as COUNTDOWN!!!!

LOL!!!
notsofast

CosmosDan said:
CosmosDan says:
October 21, 2010 at 6:22 pm CosmosDan(Quote)
Thumb up 0 Thumb down 1

Go away, cross-dresser dannyboy! Your mama calls!
notsofast

SpineCrusher said:

notsofast said:
Shows that include punditry? He has done that for ten years, bitch- suddenly you take action? BS!”

Really? You’ve been listening to NPR for the last 10 years?

Why do I find that hard to believe…

God, I always underestimate how dumb you libs are!

Juan has been with FOX for over 10 years, you half-wit cross-dresser!
NORBIT

This is the face of Obama Democrats – and this is what you’ll have back in leadership if you vote for ANY Democrat.

These people are just arrogantly Inept!!!

These are two-bit Smear merchants, who use NPR as a Radical-Left attack dog!
fanofamerica

Patrick Henry said:
King, why don’t you stop harassing Sara? Every time she posts, you think you have to post some smart*ss statement to get a dig at her. I think most of us would much rather read what she has to say than what you spew out here.

Amen P. Henry! It’s so predictable, in a twisted, stalker kind of way.
Arkansas Steve

Glynnis,
This woman’s words sound a lot like one of your “headlines”!
wpk5004

This could hardly be considered a surprising move on behalf of NPR. As a reporter for a nationally respected news source, Williams’ role with NPR implies a certain level of credibility. As stated by Schiller, this reputation precedes him, whether he is broadcasting for NPR or commentating on FOX. NPR sets these standards to protect the objectivity of their reporters and the credibility of their business; precisely why their employees have been prohibited from attending the ‘Rally to Restore Sanity’.

If he were to remain with NPR, this would send a message that prejudicial statements are acceptable for a credible journalist. The veracity of his fear of Muslims is irrelevant; what if Katie Couric or Rachel Maddow said, ‘I’ll be honest, and I don’t want to sound politically incorrect, but if I’m walking down the street and a black man is behind me, I get nervous’? Would that be acceptable if it she felt that way? Enforcing negative stereotypes against a group is ignorant from anybody, but from a journalist it is irresponsible.

Once a journalists professional integrity has been compromised, their credibility is irreparably damaged. If Williams is willing to express that he has prejudicial sentiments towards Muslims, how could he be viewed as objective in the public eye? (I would like to note that he said he is nervous of people who wear ‘Muslim garb’ on an airplane. The hijackers on 9/11 wore button up shirts and jeans, not turbans and jubbas.)

The biggest problem I see is that the Islamophobia that has engulfed our nation suggests that this behavior is reasonable and acceptable. If Williams can express a prejudicial fear of a minority in our country and still wear that badge of objectivity and credibility, what does that tell the young journalists of our country about what it means to be professional?
Mr.Papshmer

Oh God, yes! Please keep these people coming until election day!
CosmosDan

notsofast said:
Go away, cross-dresser dannyboy! Your mama calls!

See, that cross-dresser thing, that’s what I mean about your insults having no pizzaz. No creativity. I’ve seen 12 years olds do better than that. Maybe you’d do better if you typed with both hands.
The Real Royal King

fanofamerica said:
Amen P. Henry! It’s so predictable, in a twisted, stalker kind of way.

Sorry, but I have a low tolerance for insufferable twits. I’ll try to minimize it, but it’s really in Tumbleweed’s control, not mine.
The Real Royal King

CosmosDan said:
See, that cross-dresser thing, that’s what I mean about your insults having no pizzaz. No creativity. I’ve seen 12 years olds do better than that. Maybe you’d do better if you typed with both hands.

Nutso wasn’t always so lame. Something has happened. Sad, really.
nutsofast

notsofast said:
You are nothing dannyboy!

A big fat zero!

Nope you dannyboy!

A person with your IQ should have a low voice too!
Go away, cross-dresser dannyboy! Your mama calls!

Uh oh.

His panties -uh MY panties are in a bunch
I’ve been had – I am really the cross dresser, and I’m afraid I won’t be accepted
WAAAAAAA
My insult subscription ended.
WAAAAAAA
nutsofast

nutsofast said:
Uh oh.

His panties -uh MY panties are in a bunch
I’ve been had – I am really the cross dresser, and I’m afraid I won’t be accepted
WAAAAAAA
My insult subscription ended.
WAAAAAAA

MOMMY

Where’s my MEDS!!!!!!!!
fanofamerica

The Real Royal King said:
Sorry, but I have a low tolerance for insufferable twits. I’ll try to minimize it, but it’s really in Tumbleweed’s control, not mine.

Though I don’t agree with your political views on here, never had you pegged for a ‘blame the victim’ type of guy. Sad.
ganymede

Juan Williams is a nice guy but he won’t be missed that much on NPR. The reason is that he was always a mugwump, wanting to have things both ways. Journalists don’t want to and shouldn’t be partisan, but it helps to have good moral character and a strong spone, something that’s in very short supply on most MSM outlets, but, of course, more on FOX than anywhere else. The problem with the whole Juan Williams issue is that most RW’s don’t listen to NPR. I could say it’s because of education levels, but it’s also a different culture. If you listen to NPR, there’s no way you can listen to Rushbo. Rushbo’s audience is composed of people who definitely don’t question authority especially when it’s wrapped in a flag. His audience, as well as Beck’s is composed of people who’ve been sleeping most of their lives and have only awakened because the economy has collapsed and there’s a black President. Political naivity reigns on the right. My only hope is that there will be forming soon a truly Populist political movement that isn’t backed by the Koch Brothers, Richard Mellon Scaife, Karl Rove and Rupert Murdoch.
sarainitaly

Patrick Henry said:
sarain

fanofamerica said:
Though I don’t agree with your political views on here, never had you pegged for a ‘blame the victim’ type of guy. Sad.

fanofamerica said:
Amen P. Henry! It’s so predictable, in a twisted, stalker kind of way.

Thank you!

Steve had threatened to ban if the personal attacks continued, but so far nada.

I try ignoring him and it doesn’t work, and he is allowed to just continue to attack me personally over and over again – and then I end up lashing out, which I don’t like to do. He is obsessed, and totally stalker like.

He also railroads every thread he enters, too, adding nothing but insults.
msrubyslippers

WE ARE NOW SEEING “SHARIA LAW” IN ACTION!

THANKS TO OBAMA AND 3 RAMADAM DINNERS PAID BY YOUR TAX DOLLARS!

LIBS ARE FINALLY LEARNING TO SEE THE TRUTH!

MOSLEMS ATTACK US AND THE WEST!

A FACT!
VRWC Destruction Machine

Big_F-ing_Deal said:
And I really don’t think Juan DOES get the willies when he sees a Muslim on a plane. I think he just said that because he was running cover for O’Reilly like his good little ass-kissing self always does.

The whole country gets the willies due to the fact an airline passenger has to go through a gauntlet to board a plane. It is not without reason.

BTW, 3000 died on 9/11/01 not because of Christians, Buddhists or Wiccans. It was because of MUSLIMS.
Cancon2

Get her snarky ass into court. You know, I think that she was such a pompous ass in the remarks she made that they just need to stand on their own. A hyper Liberal Elite, in charge of the workers party under George after her time at the Grey Lady. It is just going to be a huge blowback and exposure. For such educated people, the idiological blinders and ingrained superiority complex drowns outs the edit function, then they are revealed.

What she says here is simple, Don’t agree with us, you need professional help or spiritual guidance.
You self rightous bitch. Someone should have called her out right away from the audience.

Unfortunately she was just laying out the rules for the hacks in the room, that maybe didn’t get the memo.
Kinnison

“Buh-bye Federal funding”. If NPR wishes to be a cheer-leader for the Left in this country, fine. Just don’t expect the U.S. taxpayer to continue funding it. Guess what’s going to be one of the first bills introduced in the new Republican-dominated Congress in January? Defunding NPR. Maybe George Soros will pony up more bucks for you besides the $1.8 million for more left-wing reporters…
fizeit

What is it that you ranters above don’t get. Juan Williams was not a columnist or commentator for NPR. He was a straight news reporter. NPR’s ethics standards require that you do not mix the two. Juan Williams did so and did so repeatedly in spite of warnings from NPR that he was stepping over the line. Now, all of you carrying on, don’t you realize that it is outfits like Fox (I can’t bear to utter the word ‘news’ in conjunction with their shenanigans) that have degraded our public media and have made a mockery of fair and honest reporting in favor of bloviating at its highest pitch. NPR stood up for respectable (and hopefully, respected journalism. Juan Williams did not get it; and obviously, most of you above don’t get it either. What a sad commentary on our loss of ability to discriminate, let alone, get the facts and understand them.
http://twitter.com/pewestlake Paul Westlake

fizeit said:
Juan Williams did not get it; and obviously, most of you above don’t get it either. What a sad commentary on our loss of ability to discriminate, let alone, get the facts and understand them.

Bingo. To the ultra-righties, bias is anything they disagree with and balance is everything that makes them look good. Period. They don’t let a single opportunity to play victim while attacking everything “other” pass. They are the playground bullies who laugh like hyenas while they’re punching the little kids and then scream like banshees when they plunked in the nose. They’re the kids that put firecrackers in other kids pants and then cried like they were watching the death scene from Carmen every time they got caught. In a word – psychopaths. And some of them are one electoral loss away from turning that psychopathy into sociopathy. And it’s only just begun.
http://www.facebook.com/people/Noa-Napoleon/100000196522640 Noa Napoleon

Williams is no bigot! He’s ultra PC from my perspective, which makes it very odd that he would be fired for violating NPR’s so called journalistic rule’s. This proves that no matter how PC one is liberal networks like NPR and MSMBC will never be satisfied. It also proves that free speech is not something liberals care much about. This is truly unnerving because for one NPR is showing they have no ability to be even handed, only that are desperately PC and that they are about putting Democrats in power at all cost. NPR’s firing of Williams reveals something about liberal news stations in general, not to mention the sophists who post on this site. They don’t mind at all when their stations get in bed with extremist Billionaires, or when their anchors ignore the facts and when their anchors deny their own internal contradictions like they try to say Fox does. Juan did not sin, its NPR who is doing exactly what they are accusing Williams of with this blatant PC extremism! Their inability to evenly calculate where bigotry might actually exist, or doing it selectively as they do here with Williams, will at last result in them losing Federal funding!! So whereas NPR cried fowl on Williams for his PC blunder, they unwittingly revealed they are the worst kind of PC bigots! Here are the facts. NPR is a liberal organization funded by Billionaire George Soros, who uses public funding to advance liberal ideas and politicians. Sorry the millionaire bullies the liberal had expected to strong arm those big bad GOP “bullies” into submission, are about to die from a self inflicted wound!! This makes MSNBC’s slogan about “Leaning Forward” seem all the more likely that they are the next ones to fall, we can only hope by leaning forward on their spears in disgrace!
http://twitter.com/pewestlake Paul Westlake

Noa Napoleon said:
Here are the facts. NPR is a liberal organization funded by Billionaire George Soros

And me. And millions of other Americans around the country, including some very powerful corporations, including oil companies. And NPR has been around doing the exact reporting they’re doing today for a very long time, long before Soros had millions to give. He is far from their only, or even their main, benefactor. He gave them a nice injection of funds recently, to be sure, but they didn’t spring into existence that day. So your “here are the facts” declaration is a cute bit of sophistry, as usual, but that’s all it is. Just another meaningless tirade, “full of sound and fury, signifying nothing.”