‘It’s Insulting’: Juan Williams Slams NPR on O’Reilly Factor
- Posted on October 21, 2010 at 9:05pm by
Meredith Jessup
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During an appearance on Fox News‘ O’Reilly Factor Thursday evening, former NPR news analyst Juan Williams describes how he heard the news of his firing from National Public Radio (NPR).
O’Reilly and Williams speculate that NPR was pressured to fire Williams after he offered his opinion during a Fox broadcast earlier this week. Via RightScoop:
FoxNews.com also published a column from Williams Thursday in which he says he was “fired for telling the truth,” and describes how NPR tried to keep him from appearing on Fox News:
My point in recounting this debate is to show this was in the best American tradition of a fair, full-throated and honest discourse about the issues of the day. — There was no bigotry, no crude provocation, no support for anti-Muslim sentiments of any kind.
Two days later, Ellen Weiss, my boss at NPR called to say I had crossed the line, essentially accusing me of bigotry. She took the admission of my visceral fear of people dressed in Muslim garb at the airport as evidence that I am a bigot. She said there are people who wear Muslim garb to work at NPR and they are offended by my comments. She never suggested that I had discriminated against anyone. Instead she continued to ask me what did I mean and I told her I said what I meant. Then she said she did not sense remorse from me. I said I made an honest statement. She informed me that I had violated NPR’s values for editorial commentary and she was terminating my contract as a news analyst. …
I asked why she would fire me without speaking to me face to face and she said there was nothing I could say to change her mind, the decision had been confirmed above her, and there was no point to meeting in person. To say the least this is a chilling assault on free speech. The critical importance of honest journalism and a free flowing, respectful national conversation needs to be had in our country. But it is being buried as collateral damage in a war whose battles include political correctness and ideological orthodoxy.




















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Comments (162)
awiderview
Posted on October 21, 2010 at 10:04pmI’m a fan of NPR, but not of Juan Williams (I always thought he was a light-weight. I would usually see him on Fox). But being fired for what he said? That shows me that NPR can be pretty petty- not to mention narrow-minded (he expressed a personal feeling- people can judge him for that, if they care).
Report Post »Silat
Posted on October 21, 2010 at 10:03pmCome on over to the conservative side where capitalism reigns! Make more money, make more friends, make more sense!
Report Post »imareader
Posted on October 21, 2010 at 10:02pmA commenter posted this earlier today…I believe it bears repeating:
“This doesn’t have much to do with political correctness.
It’s about Stalinist tactics.
Firing Williams is a poster stuck to the wall with a knife….it’s for everybody in the future who might dare to disagree with the politburo at NPR.
If you do that, you can look forward to the bread line.
It will be interesting to see how many other ‘correspondents’ resign from NPR.
After all, aren’t they all courageous defenders of free speech?
My prediction…..0 resignations.”
Carry on, Juan..We’ve got your back.
Report Post »nmsmartone
Posted on October 21, 2010 at 10:01pma Conservative coming to the aid of an honest liberal – imagine that
Report Post »CollateralDamage
Posted on October 21, 2010 at 10:43pmO’Reilly is not a Conservative.
Report Post »walkwithme1966
Posted on October 21, 2010 at 11:06pmInteresting – O’Reilly really showed some sympathy for Williams. Personally I like Juan and I am sorry, no company fires someone after 10 years without at least sitting down and discussing it with him – that is just not right, morally or ethically!
Report Post »http://maboulette.wordpress.com
RightPolitically
Posted on October 21, 2010 at 9:59pmThis whole thing, the firing of Juan Williams by NPR, is the greatest thing ever to happen for him and for a CONSERVATIVE VICTORY on November 2nd. FREE SPEECH is at stake and is CENTER STAGE. America has a choice: vote for Democrates and FASCISM or…….. vote for CONSERVATIVE candidates, FREEDOM and LIBERTY!
Report Post »roberja
Posted on October 21, 2010 at 9:56pmForget npr, Juan, you have a real job now for a lot longer, for I hope longer than 3 years!
Report Post »zoepatty
Posted on October 21, 2010 at 9:55pmMr Williams, you just got a taste of the liberal media hyprocrisy. Now maybe he understands what conservatives have been talking about for years,
Report Post »Nicole from CA
Posted on October 21, 2010 at 10:05pmExactly. He will really get it now. And many on the fence will too. Thank you NPR!!!!
Report Post »Nicole from CA
Posted on October 21, 2010 at 9:55pmI could not be more trilled NPR did this. It totally backfired on them. I called it this morning and told a friend Fox would hire Juan full time and today they gave him a raise and extended his contract! Way to go Fox!
Check out this hilarious video on more self destruction…Barack & Michelle want you to get “fired up”. Relax already, we’re fired up.
Report Post »http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2fWKq-c66nw&feature=player_embedded#!
Mortis
Posted on October 21, 2010 at 10:24pmReady to go!
Report Post »hiramsmaxim
Posted on October 21, 2010 at 9:52pmHe is a good and decent liberal which there are few. The definition of a liberal control against FOX on George Soros liberal wrenching agenda welcome to the new world order. Control of liberals comes from $.
Report Post »clhathaway
Posted on October 21, 2010 at 9:40pmI remember when Clarence Thomas was being attacked and Williams stood up for him. I always liked him, even when he pissed me off. His later NPR colleague Nina Totenverg was instrumental in that hatchet job on Thomas. I wondered why he didn’t see NPR for what it was. Maybe now he will come fully out of the liberal cocoon. If he does it will take some time to process. Radical paradigm shifts happen suddenly but take longer to understand.
Report Post »halflink123
Posted on October 21, 2010 at 9:37pmI bet according to NPR, It’s OK to forget Fort Hood ever happened.
Report Post »tankchaser
Posted on October 21, 2010 at 9:35pmGreat job Bill, Great job Juan, take the battle to them, they have it coming, cowardly way of doing business at NPR. Bow down to your new master NPR, Soros won’t leave anything untouched now that his fingers are in the pie.
Report Post »c10win
Posted on October 21, 2010 at 9:34pmBash the Christians, bash the Tea Party, bash the American Patriots, but for God’s sake, say nothing of the muslims or latino illegals! Defund NPR (National Public Radio) now! Tired of my taxes being used against me! And Mr. Williams, I seldom agree with your viewpoint, but you are one of the very few liberals whose opinion is expressed in a professional manner without the whining and shouting down to get your point across. I hope the soros klan has to pay you enough money so you do not have to worry about working again!!
Report Post »BRAVEHEART
Posted on October 21, 2010 at 9:29pmNational Pinheads Radio another Noble use of taxpayers money by our fearless Socialist congress in Washington D.C. Juan didn’t lose a job He saved his sacred honor.
Report Post »usualsuspect
Posted on October 21, 2010 at 9:29pmThe left is showing just how ugly they are when you don’t tow the line of their agenda. I am no fan of Juan Williams but I will always respect his right to speak his mind. This world of the political correct is destroying my Country. It seems the only group of people you can speak ill of in this world is white rednecks or white Christians.
Report Post »CollateralDamage
Posted on October 21, 2010 at 10:16pmAlmost every time I heard Juan Williams speak, I disagreed with him but I never found him to be a typical libtalking name caller. He always seemed to be sincere. If he had said something like that about whites/Christians, he would still have his NPR job. Even though I don’t agree with most of his policies, I am glad Roger Ailes gave him a job (Juan is much better than Alan Colmbes).
Report Post »computerdweller
Posted on October 21, 2010 at 11:39pmIn the Clip above you could see in Juan’s eyes how hurtful this was to him. You could also see that when Juan’s eyes started to tear Bill tried to get off the subject. The sincerity and respect between these two was evident. Juan is the last of the old time liberals form the pre-Regan era. The one‘s that conservative’s could actually find common ground with. These two could probably sit down and find solutions that would actually end this countries divisions. But first lets throw the commie incumbents out of office and expose Soros for the hand behind them.
Report Post »SnapTie
Posted on October 21, 2010 at 9:28pmIf Beckel said that you are right.
Report Post »AirFiero
Posted on October 21, 2010 at 9:26pmFox should hire Juan as the liberal perspective. Nothing wrong with hearing from all points of view.
Report Post »MissCherryJones
Posted on October 21, 2010 at 9:34pmI agree. He now has a 3yr contract with Fox. Now that’s Fair and Balanced. Good for Fox! Juan Williams is a level-headed guy. He actually takes opposing views into consideration, not just dismissing them because they’re not his.
Report Post »BenInNY
Posted on October 21, 2010 at 9:37pmThey did, Roger Ailes announced a new expanded contract today.
Amazes me that political correctness has stuck around all the way from the Frankfurt school in the 1920′s http://archive.newsmax.com/archives/articles/2002/4/4/121115.shtml
Report Post »But that’s Marxism: http://www.academia.org/the-origins-of-political-correctness/
rcman3
Posted on October 21, 2010 at 9:24pmI‘ve always liked Juan because he gave a ’fair and balanced’ opinion on the Factor…as a liberal. I could trust him to give an opinion that let me see the ‘other side’ without all the fluff. This proves to me that the ‘other side’ REALLY doesn’t like anything close to the truth coming out…and because of that, fired the best representative they had…idiots!!!
Report Post »Eternal Lucy
Posted on October 21, 2010 at 9:51pmYes, I’ve always really liked Juan Williams too. Tonight‘s O’Reilly episode was touching and gratifying to watch. I think he and Juan have had the last laugh!
Report Post »kryptonite
Posted on October 21, 2010 at 10:42pmO’Reilly was furious. It happened on his show and he’s taking it personally. I wouldn’t be surprised if that idiot Schiller is forced to resign for firing Williams and telling him to talk to his psychiatrist.
Report Post »Tightie Rightie
Posted on October 21, 2010 at 9:22pmEven Beckel on Hannity was outraged at NPR. I‘d say they’re in deep doo-doo.
Report Post »untameable-kate
Posted on October 21, 2010 at 10:10pmYeah when Beckel is mad at a lefty org you they did something hyperfoolish
Report Post »vivrobbins
Posted on October 22, 2010 at 1:58amBeckle, needs a bit of a tuneup, his comment to Pamala Geller on FBN sucked.
Report Post »neverending
Posted on October 21, 2010 at 9:22pmI believe this is just barely scratching the surface of what we are up against in the very near future. I truly pray I am wrong but I rather doubt it.
Report Post »CCC
Posted on October 21, 2010 at 9:21pmVivian Schiller / NPR just delivered the October surprise for the mid-term elections.
Report Post »Thank you Ms. Schiller and NPR.
Juan Williams comes out of this much better and NPR will be significantly diminished.
Huckabee Gingrich 12
Posted on October 21, 2010 at 10:12pmThat wasn’t the October Surprise. I don’t know yet what it is, but that wasn’t it. It’ll probably be something more along the lines of “Obama extends Bush tax cuts to everyone including illeagal immigrants who will also be granted the right to vote.”
Report Post »LUDWIKA BRONISLAWA
Posted on October 21, 2010 at 10:27pmHow funny her name is SCHILLER.
Report Post »carol m
Posted on October 21, 2010 at 10:28pmWell really lets face it, NPR never had much of a reputation in the first place. What is really telling here is that the liberals are really losing control and outing themselves at a time when they really should not be.
Report Post »thegr8restoration
Posted on October 21, 2010 at 9:20pmNo more public funding for NPR let Soros fund it! Soros can also pay for NPR’s settelment with Juan.
Report Post »Mike777
Posted on October 21, 2010 at 9:26pmI agree
Report Post »kryptonite
Posted on October 21, 2010 at 10:30pmDitto.
Report Post »snidewoman
Posted on October 21, 2010 at 9:17pmI really like Juan.. I’ve watched him a lot on Fox.. he is a good guy and takes guts to appear on a conservative station and hold his own. I don’t always agree with him but I think he is a great guy.. the only person who should be fired is Vivian Schiller for her snarky comment that Juan should tell his psychiatrist his fears. That was MUCH worse, her intent was ugly, Juan has never done that because he is a professional. I hope she gets fired and NPR loses its government funding.
Report Post »littlebin518 ✟
Posted on October 21, 2010 at 10:40pmAgree 100% – well said.
Report Post »Even though this hurts now Juan, I think it will work out the best for you.
Best of luck to you Juan. You are a decent man.
MidAmerican
Posted on October 22, 2010 at 12:20amDitto, my fellow Americans.
Report Post »jenk99
Posted on October 22, 2010 at 9:32amI love Juan even though I disagree with him 95% of the time. But there is no question where his heart is. He has truly believed in these people for a long time. To see him on O’Reilly last night was so sad. I was actually in tears after that segment. He now realizes what these people are all about and he is devestated. I knew the day would come where he would finally realize it, it just stinks that it had to be this way. It may not seem like it now, but this is the best thing that could have happened to him. Everything happens for a reason and now his eyes are open to the truth. I just hate it for him though. You never want to see an honest, good man treated that way. He did not deserve that at all.
Report Post »JohnLocke
Posted on October 21, 2010 at 9:17pmUnbelievable. With all of this, Mr. Williams still is saying things as he sees them — GREAT for him. I’m sick and tired of political correctness, and people scared of hurting other peoples’ Feelings when there are serious legitimate concerns to discuss.
Report Post »Anarcho Capitalist
Posted on October 21, 2010 at 10:48pm“It is a conspiracy without leader or direction, and the random little thugs of the moment who cash in on the agony of one land or another are chance scum riding the torrent from the broken dam of the sewer of centuries, from the reservoir of hatred for reason, for logic, for ability, for achievement, for joy, stored by every whining anti-human who ever preached the superiority of the ‘heart’ over the mind.”
You may like this -> http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U8PPUZms3aQ&feature=related
Report Post »FreedomOfSpeech
Posted on October 21, 2010 at 9:10pmI usually don’t like it when people play the race card, but this situation demands it. NPR fired their only black on air commentator. NPR is racist. Nuff said.
Obama burns books like the Nazis.
Report Post »Tightie Rightie
Posted on October 21, 2010 at 9:14pmPrediction game… what time from now until tomorrow will we read the first “Juan Williams is an Uncle Tom” comment from the NAACP or Media Matters?
Report Post »snowleopard3200
Posted on October 21, 2010 at 9:15pmThe officials of NPR have crossed the line in this case. For as far as I can tell, this man was simply making an effort to do the job for which he was hired to do; and to be fired without being allowed to explain his side face to face with his employer or accusers is unexcusable – that is being tried and found guilty in a secret court.
Sounds familiarily like that of the Obama Administration recently to my recollections.
I have heard that he is now hired by Fox News for three years (if the newspod was right on the radio)
http://www.artinphoenix.com/gallery/grimm (art)
Report Post »TruthTalker
Posted on October 21, 2010 at 9:15pmNational Progressive Radio better catch a ride on the me culpa bus real soon or they are going to be in deep financial trouble very quickly.
Report Post »snowleopard3200
Posted on October 21, 2010 at 9:20pm@Truth Talker
They can always turn to rich old uncle Soros in their time of need…hopefully he will just fire the lot of them by saying “forget it!!!”
Report Post »FreedomOfSpeech
Posted on October 21, 2010 at 9:29pm@TR People on the left have been calling him an uncle tom for years. He’s laughing all the way to the bank. Getting 700k a year from Fox as of today.
Report Post »MissCherryJones
Posted on October 21, 2010 at 9:32pmThis is beyond race. This is about towing the line. Juan Williams was not liberal enough, black or otherwise. He had the gall to talk to the “Enemy.” Heaven forbid that he have a frank discussion about the issues and not resort to bashing, name-calling etc. Juan Williams seems to be a stand up guy, even though I don’t necessarily agree with his views. He has my respect because he is willing to have a conversation with the opposing view. I support Juan Williams, and the de-funding of npr!
Report Post »Huckabee Gingrich 12
Posted on October 21, 2010 at 9:57pm@FOS
Report Post »Haven’t you been paying attention?
Soros is now calling the shots at NPR.
Former NPR Listener
Posted on October 21, 2010 at 10:03pmThe only black male at NPR has been fired. Where is Jesse Jackson, Al Sharpton, Ben Jealous and the NAACP when you really need em? Forget it! They’re too busy with frivolous matters to further there own racist agendas.
FIRED UP FREE MAN !
Posted on October 21, 2010 at 10:16pmFired Up Free Man is now on facebook people, come on over and lets get things started
@ Fired Up Free Man or Firedup Freeman, See you soon!
Mr. SOROS is an international criminal. Any government official taking money from this monster or those he supports should be brought up on treason charges. Anybody who takes money from this monster has sold his soul and our government to HELL ! GOD BLESS AMERICA AND THE LIGHT OF DAY! For only TRUTH and the light of day is what this country DESERVES. Democrats seemed to have been infected by this DEADLY parasite and his minions. This country will NOT rest until SOROS is in prison orange and handcuffs standing in front of a military tribunal in Guantomino Bay, Cuba
If you have any complaints about Mr. SOROS here are the names and addresses, maybe you can send them a line.
Tides Foundation Info:
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Media Matters Information:
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(202) 756-4100
“SOROS IN CHAINS”
Report Post »FIRED UP FREE MAN !
Posted on October 21, 2010 at 10:17pmFired Up Free Man is now on facebook people, come on over and lets get things started
@ Fired Up Free Man or Firedup Freeman, See you soon!
What we need is an INVESTIGATION of those who CONTROL the public airwaves. It would appear channels would rather LOOSE money than report the TRUTH. The same goes for the newspaper industry. Has SOROS really infected the American body so thoroughly? We need people who know how, to chase this information out. It needs to be done quickly and thoroughly! Only threw the light of day can America SURVIVE this insidious INVASION into our POLITICS, our SCHOOLS, our NEWSPAPERS, and finally our CHILDREN. We must move quickly or face COLLAPSE!
WHERE IS THE FBI? They are responsible for PROTECTING our government from FOREIGN and DOMESTIC interference. No one citizen can fight the AMOUNT of money flowing in to these left-wing COMMUNIST insurgence organizations. Only when all of the citizens finally STAND UP and FIGHT back are we going to have a chance at regaining our FREEDOM!
Please call the FBI and give them any information you may have on this invasion against our constitution, our government, and our schools.
FBI info:
• To provide information on select major cases, call our Major Case Contact Center at 1-800-CALLFBI (225-5324); and
• To report fraud, waste, and abuse involving disaster relief, contact the National Center for Disaster Fraud by calling (866) 720-5721, by e-mailing disaster@leo.gov, or by writing: National Center for Disaster Fraud, Baton Rouge, LA 70821-4909.
“SOROS IN CHAINS”
Report Post »kryptonite
Posted on October 21, 2010 at 10:22pmFormer NPR Listener said: “The only black male at NPR has been fired. Where is Jesse Jackson, Al Sharpton, Ben Jealous and the NAACP..?”
Too busy keeping blacks enslaved and making big bucks in the process.
Report Post »LUDWIKA BRONISLAWA
Posted on October 21, 2010 at 10:23pmTurn about IS fair play! lol I feel so bad for Juan, this whole thing is just disgusting. This will open even more eyes and perhaps even Juan will ‘come to the dark side’. Seriously though, I hope Juan knows just how many of us out there support him.
Report Post »FreedomOfSpeech
Posted on October 21, 2010 at 10:25pm@Huckabee I’ve been paying attention. I know Soros gave them $2 million. But Juan has a racial case here. Usually I hate it when people go that route, but wouldn’t it be great if NPR got sued for discrimination and lost? One of the left’s most prized assets would be exposed as and proven to be racist. That would be rich.
Report Post »grandmaof5
Posted on October 21, 2010 at 10:25pmHurray for FOX for snatching Juan Williams up for their network. It is obvious NPR was just looking for an excuse, reasonable or unreasonable, to get rid of him. I would bet this stems from “Spooky Dude” not wanting Juan associated with conservative commentators for fear he will leave the Dark Side. Welcome to the side of truth, freedom, integrity and the American way! God bless you, Juan.
Report Post »CollateralDamage
Posted on October 21, 2010 at 10:39pm@ kryptonite: +1 well said
Report Post »thepatriotdave
Posted on October 21, 2010 at 10:52pmJuan is getting just a small taste of what we Conservatives put up with all the time. Maybe now he will see that the Fascists are on the left.
PatriotShops.com
Report Post »SalvatoreA
Posted on October 22, 2010 at 12:49amNuff said.
Report Post »klstj
Posted on October 22, 2010 at 1:14amFired for making a comment on a personal feeling, not referring to others. No use of ill terms or anything derogatory. Decision made by higher ups with no exit interview or consultation. He is a victim of discrimination for having a personal fear, no different than being afraid of flying, Muslims or no Muslims. By the way, I heard nothing of the graphic assault on Ginny Thomas?
Report Post »Resolve
Posted on October 22, 2010 at 7:45amWelcome to the family Juan =0)
Report Post »ishka4me
Posted on October 22, 2010 at 8:51amMr. Williams is a brave journalist. he debates with the opposition in calm and respectful tones. This is how the country is sopposed to be. Different opinions expressed to the people without personal attacks. i do believe that mr. Williams was fire for his association with fox. The democrats are now eating their own.
Report Post »ishka4me
Posted on October 22, 2010 at 9:11amdon‘t let it go o’reilly. NPR belongs to us, not george soros
Report Post »libertybella58
Posted on October 22, 2010 at 9:25amNPR/Soros killed 2 birds with one stone (so to speak) to create chaos when they fired a black journalist. Soros and his executives are sitting back enjoying the chaos and rhetoric as they plot their next move on their gameboard. I’m glad Fox News picked up Juan. I don’t always agree with him but I like him. He speaks the truth as he sees it and gives a hearty debate.
Report Post »chazman
Posted on October 22, 2010 at 9:37amDefund NPR right now … the American people have spoken.
Report Post »1stzookid
Posted on October 22, 2010 at 11:48amhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U9DQ4EpgYzY
Watch this, Judge Napolitano interviews Anthony Shaffer
Report Post »noslack327
Posted on October 22, 2010 at 11:58amHey , FIRED UP FREE MAN, is absolutley right. At the heart of this Jaun Williams contraversy is master mind George Sorros. This guy is worse than any terrorist, spy, or mob figure that this country has ever faced. When it comes to FREE AMERICA, George Sorros is public enemey #1. It is either us or him, he has a head start and will absolutley destroy us unless something is done. People had better wake up, SOON IT WILL BE TOO LATE! Fired up free man, I looked for you but could not find you. On facebook I am Blane leanne holloway, please f. req. me.
Report Post »timeisnow
Posted on October 22, 2010 at 12:07pmNPR LINK BELOW- click on link and call the station in your area, call them and let them know you will cut off any funding for taking George Soros Socialist dirty money and for pushing a Socialist agenda.
http://www.npr.org/stations/?q=08003
Report Post »2
Posted on October 22, 2010 at 8:09pmEveryone, Please keep in mind we all pay for NPR & PBS witch I have not seen for year because of the Left lean they have. My Children and Grandchildren don’t even know what they are. I tell them when they are 9 or 10 about PBS and why we don’t watch it.
WE MUST STOP FUNDING THIS CRAP.
Report Post »LET THEM GET THEIR OWN MONEY.
IF WE CAN HAVE A SAY WHY PAY? NO MORE….