Should we "defund" NPR?

[LiberalPrincess]

Racial & Religious profiling isn't fair either, but it happens too.

And we can choose to comment on it, or not. See how that goes? Juan Williams has the right to say whatever he wants. Yet the rest of us (and his employers) get their rights as well.

 

[ManMythLegend]

And we can choose to comment on it, or not. See how that goes? Juan Williams has the right to say whatever he wants. Yet the rest of us (and his employers) get their rights as well.

Why are you defending NPR so hard? They came out looking like a bunch of left winged, ideological fools.

 

[mouseforcemom]

And we can choose to comment on it, or not. See how that goes? Juan Williams has the right to say whatever he wants. Yet the rest of us (and his employers) get their rights as well.

You're darn right he has the RIGHT, First Amendment Right to boot. He didn't say this is my fear AND YOU SHOULD FEEL IT TOO. Which would have made it opinion. He stated a fear, not opinion and yes there is a difference.

In fact he stated during the overall piece, where he was actually taking the mickey out of O'Reilly on behalf of Muslims regarding O'Reilly's appearance on The View, that his fear was irrational but it was something he had thought.

Never have I seen more Left & Right Commentators come out and say this was a wrongful termination. From ABC, MSNBC, CNN, & of course Fox. It wasn't until I came here (and yes I get my news from a variety of sources) that I heard anyone state that he was rightfully terminated.

 

[ManMythLegend]

It wasn't until I came here (and yes I get my news from a variety of sources) that I heard anyone state that he was rightfully terminated.

You'll find that the Dis is mostly a contrarian indicator.

 

[LiberalPrincess]

You're darn right he has the RIGHT, First Amendment Right to boot. He didn't say this is my fear AND YOU SHOULD FEEL IT TOO. Which would have made it opinion. He stated a fear, not opinion and yes there is a difference.

In fact he stated during the overall piece, where he was actually taking the mickey out of O'Reilly on behalf of Muslims regarding O'Reilly's appearance on The View, that his fear was irrational but it was something he had thought.

Never have I seen more Left & Right Commentators come out and say this was a wrongful termination. From ABC, MSNBC, CNN, & of course Fox. It wasn't until I came here (and yes I get my news from a variety of sources) that I heard anyone state that he was rightfully terminated.

And he was not fired for his right to talk. He violated his contract. Simple as that. Do I think he should have been fired for that specifically? Probably not, but I am thrilled that he is gone. I think he is a bad reporter. And, again, keep using other reporters as examples why he shouldn't be fired. Then explain why the SAME reporters thought Helen Thomas should be. It makes zero sense.

 

[LiberalPrincess]

You're darn right he has the RIGHT, First Amendment Right to boot. He didn't say this is my fear AND YOU SHOULD FEEL IT TOO. Which would have made it opinion. He stated a fear, not opinion and yes there is a difference.

In fact he stated during the overall piece, where he was actually taking the mickey out of O'Reilly on behalf of Muslims regarding O'Reilly's appearance on The View, that his fear was irrational but it was something he had thought.

Never have I seen more Left & Right Commentators come out and say this was a wrongful termination. From ABC, MSNBC, CNN, & of course Fox. It wasn't until I came here (and yes I get my news from a variety of sources) that I heard anyone state that he was rightfully terminated.

LOL! And, by the way? His fear is his opinion. Don't know how you can argue that.

 

[mouseforcemom]

And he was not fired for his right to talk. He violated his contract. Simple as that. Do I think he should have been fired for that specifically? Probably not, but I am thrilled that he is gone. I think he is a bad reporter. And, again, keep using other reporters as examples why he shouldn't be fired. Then explain why the SAME reporters thought Helen Thomas should be. It makes zero sense.

If he violated his contract, why was it not enforced the FIRST TIME he violated said contract? We have contracts too, if I break it I fully entrust that should my boss wish to do so I would be terminated from the company I represent. However, if you continuously turn a blind eye to whichever article he is fact in violation of then only when it is truly convenient enforce said contract who really is on the up and up?

I only used one other example of another journalist, one who works for NPR to this day. I think your truth here is that while he shouldn't have been fired over this you are happy he is gone. Why not just say that to begin with?

 

[Deb in IA]

No.

Why defund ALL of NPR?

I, for one, enjoy "Wait, Wait, Don't Tell Me", "Whadya Know?", "This American Life", "The Story", and "A Prairie Home Companion", "The Diane Reems Show" and other NPR programming.

Why punish these programs?

 

[MissElizabeth]

But isn't there a big difference between tax exempt status and actually paying the bills? To my knowledge it is illegal for our government to in any way shape or form promote any ideology that's why our schools must be devoid of interference. Thay's why bribes and kickbacks are illegal. SO much of our legal system is built on the belief that no good comes from undue influence.

This would be different if the station were completely private but, even then, I think there might have been a wrongful termination. I don't think a person can be fired over beliefs no matter what they might be

Also, even if it's written into a contract of some kind one can't assume that contract is legal, if the contract itself contains illegal elements it is not binding or enforceable.

I really feel bad for the guy, I don't think Mr Williams deserved this.

I haven't read the whole thread, so I apologize if I'm repeating something someone else already said but...

by your logic the government should revoke the tax exempt status of churches, then?

Churches are allowed to function as tax free not-for-profits but in exchange they cannot back specific political candidates. Churches may speak to issues, but they can not endorse candidates.

I listen to A LOT of NPR. A LOT. And I doubt you could prove that there is any government interference in their programming. NPR is an excellent news source, with global bureaus and high journalistic standards, like that other bastion of informational excellence- the BBC. There's a huge HUGE difference between state-funded and state run. And its been done well for a long time.

 

[LiberalPrincess]

If he violated his contract, why was it not enforced the FIRST TIME he violated said contract? We have contracts too, if I break it I fully entrust that should my boss wish to do so I would be terminated from the company I represent. However, if you continuously turn a blind eye to whichever article he is fact in violation of then only when it is truly convenient enforce said contract who really is on the up and up?

I only used one other example of another journalist, one who works for NPR to this day. I think your truth here is that while he shouldn't have been fired over this you are happy he is gone. Why not just say that to begin with?

Because there is no rule that someone has to be fired the first time. He has been violating his contract for years, and they had enough. Completely their choice and their right. Are you really arguing that? That he should have been fired earlier? And I said about 40 pages ago that I was thrilled he is gone. He is a sexual harasser, something I take much more seriously than his bigoted comments. You used your NPR example, and I am still waiting for a reason why the same press brought out the pitchforks for Helen Thomas. What was the difference?

 

[ManMythLegend]

Because there is no rule that someone has to be fired the first time. He has been violating his contract for years, and they had enough. Completely their choice and their right. Are you really arguing that? That he should have been fired earlier? And I said about 40 pages ago that I was thrilled he is gone. He is a sexual harasser, something I take much more seriously than his bigoted comments. You used your NPR example, and I am still waiting for a reason why the same press brought out the pitchforks for Helen Thomas. What was the difference?

Juan Williams is a great American. Anyone who "knows" him has said so. You don't know him.

 

[MissElizabeth]

Doesn't matter to me. 9/11 carried out by Muslims. Muslims have clothing that can easily be identified. Therefore if I'm sitting on a plane next to someone that is a Muslim, I know they pray to the same God that was also prayed to by people that killed Americans and still to this day wish the death of America. Makes me very uneasy...

What's even more sad is that most of the time they have small children with them. Normally that would mean I have nothing to worry about but I know some Muslims would have no problems at all sacrificing their own children to inflict pain on America. Sad, very sad.

Just curious- priests molested children. Priests wear clothes that can be easily identified. Does seeing a priest make you very uneasy?**

The guy in the cube next to me at work is a Muslim. No way you could tell by looking, btw.

**disclaimer: I'm not anti-Catholic, just making a point.

 

[LiberalPrincess]

Juan Williams is a great American. Anyone who "knows" him has said so. You don't know him.

Actually, I have been on a panel with him and I worked for the Post at the same time. And his sexual harassment history (admitted by him) will never make him a great American. But, thanks for your view!

 

[LiberalPrincess]

Just curious- priests molested children. Priests wear clothes that can be easily identified. Does seeing a priest make you very uneasy?**

The guy in the cube next to me at work is a Muslim. No way you could tell by looking, btw.

**disclaimer: I'm not anti-Catholic, just making a point.

I mentioned that earlier and was ignored. Certain religions can be feared for their "garb". Others can not.

 

[ManMythLegend]

Just curious- priests molested children. Priests wear clothes that can be easily identified. Does seeing a priest make you very uneasy?**

The guy in the cube next to me at work is a Muslim. No way you could tell by looking, btw.

**disclaimer: I'm not anti-Catholic, just making a point.

I don't see priests in the same light I use to so your point only further establishes my point.

 

[MissElizabeth]

I don't think donating money is a constitutionally protected right.

And I think freedom of speech applies to everyone. . .so not sure how your comment applies.

I also think NPR had the right to fire Williams. I think it was a bad choice and now I think they will have to deal with the ramifications. Which is fine by me.

There's a recent Supreme Court decision that says you're wrong. (I disagree with the SC on that, btw).

 

[ManMythLegend]

Actually, I have been on a panel with him and I worked for the Post at the same time. And his sexual harassment history (admitted by him) will never make him a great American. But, thanks for your view!

You're welcome. I always have enjoyed Juan's insight into politics, especially around election time. Can't wait to listen to him on FOX for the fall elections!!

 

[ChrisFL]

I'm so glad this is a non-political thread

 

[snarlingcoyote]

And this would not be a political thread how?

Ya' got me.

 

[LiberalPrincess]

You're welcome. I always have enjoyed Juan's insight into politics, especially around election time. Can't wait to listen to him on FOX for the fall elections!!

And I can't wait to listen to NPR without a risk of having to hear his sexual harassing self! And I think Fox News is horrifying. See? It is win win!