Anybody that has logged on to the Internet in the past couple of days is well aware that the far left in our nation are doing what the far left are best at: calling people racists, and hoping folks will be fired as a result.
The latest conspiracy fabricated by the left - albeit in a long line of conspiracies - deals with comments made by Fox News's Bill O'Reilly on his radio program.
Tuesday evening, O'Reilly invited liberal NPR correspondent Juan Williams on "The Factor" - who, coincidentally, was O'Reilly's radio guest when the supposedly offensive words were uttered - for his views on the subject.
Likely much to the chagrin of liberals throughout the nation, Williams came strongly to O'Reilly's defense, and pointed an accusatory finger at those that have intentionally mischaracterized what transpired for their own benefit (video available here, h/t Johnny Dollar):
It’s rank dishonesty, and the troubling thing is that if I hadn’t participated in the discussion, if I was just tuning into CNN, or listening to MSNBC, and heard that, oh, Bill O'Reilly said he went to Sylvia’s restaurant in Harlem and they weren’t using M-F and all this kind of stuff, I’d say, “Oh my god. What is he thinking? Where’s that coming from? Why did he say something like that?” Not understanding that that discussion, Bill O’Reilly, I’m telling you, it’s so frustrating. They want to shut you up. They want to shut up anybody that has an honest discussion about race. […]
And now they take this discussion and somehow turn it on its head. I’m really appalled. And, I say that as someone who’s, I can’t believe this is going on. It’s outrageous because the discussion we had was about how too often on TV are these rappers glorifying drugs, glorifying violence and degrading women. […]
Here’s my complaint. They’re trying to shut up anybody who’s having an honest thought about race relations in this country, and wants to speak honestly about the damage being done by the likes of these rappers or these comedians who use the N-word, and all of that. You know, they’re willing to celebrate Snoop Dogg, or Twista, or any of these guys who go out there and present these minstrel show images of black people. […]
When you said you went up to Sylvia’s, you said you went in there, the place was a normal restaurant, healthy discussion, people were pleased, and in fact, they celebrated the fact that here’s Bill O’Reilly with Al Sharpton – Oh my gosh, two celebrities are in the house. And then you said everything settled down like a normal restaurant, ethnic like an Italian restaurant. […]
I’m glad you said that. You should repeat that so they here it again. You said stereotypes are not true. I said you should go up there more often, it shouldn’t be a foreign trip. But it had nothing to do with racist ranting by anybody except these idiots at CNN.
Somehow, I don't imagine Williams's statements will be replayed on CNN or MSNBC.
How 'bout you?
—Noel Sheppard is the Associate Editor of NewsBusters. Follow him at Facebook and Twitter.
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Comments Policy
I saw this on TV. It is
September 25, 2007 - 22:04 ET by Felicity RandI saw this on TV. It is disgusting that CNN/MSNBC took a remark and used it to support their propaganda that Republicans/Conservatives are racists. CNN knew the story wasn't true! But truth has nothing to do with "journalism" today.
The MSM is once again using
September 25, 2007 - 22:06 ET by rbosqueThe MSM is once again using the airwaves to throw stones at those who do not worship at the altar of political correctness. I for one am fed up with their slander, distortions, and B.S.
They're like sharks, the LMSM
September 25, 2007 - 22:09 ET by krismcsherry---They're always on offense. Gotta look thrice before you cross the street. I've watched as much as I could stomach today as some of them gleefully peed all over themselves with indignation. It's quite an act.
I think when people like O'Reilly (or even me and you) are hit with mispresentations and exaggerations concerning remarks which are usually taken out of context---attacks, really, on the person---that slander their character, then the attacked should fight back legally. Just give 'em a hard time if nothing else. Because the sharks aren't going to stop. They have to be stopped--at least keep them on their side of the ocean.
Unbelievable.
Good point about the
September 26, 2007 - 09:53 ET by BeowulfGood point about the lawsuits. Use their own tactic of "death by a thousand cuts" to make them stop their attacks and misrepresentations, and make them actually go back to doing their job - factual reporting of the news. They are just so incredibly afraid of people making up their own minds. Not to mention the loss of power they would suffer. No more "shaping" public opinion.
The Closed Mind Erects Strong Barriers
I told y'all..just one
September 25, 2007 - 22:25 ET by ConservativeRexI told y'all..just one more mountain out of a mole hill for the MSM...
Media Matters
September 25, 2007 - 22:55 ET by River CityThe left is on the attack. For some reason they have picked BOR as their victim. Maybe they think he is weaker and easier to pick on than Rush. He renewed his radio show for one year but the left had it out there that he wasn't going to do it at all. They have also been planting stories that his ratings are down. I bet this gets worse.
“Government’s first duty is to protect the people, not run their lives.” Ronald Reagan
At our last "targeting"
September 25, 2007 - 23:03 ET by balboaAt our last "targeting" meeting, we discussed the various options available to us, and decided--after a rousing debate, cookies, and a secret ballot--it was time to go after BOR.
}}---> No surprise there Bal
September 26, 2007 - 01:50 ET by Cool ArrowSince CNN supplies all the coffee at the meeting. How else could you vote?
~LYDSEXICS UNTIE!~
decided--after a rousing
September 26, 2007 - 05:31 ET by motherbeltdecided--after a rousing debate, cookies, and a secret ballot--it was time to go after BOR.
That might not be too far off for CNN..O'Reilly may have hit the nail on the head when he said, in his Talking Points Memo, that CNN is desperate because he is kicking their butt 6-1 in the ratings.
I may be wrong, but was it
September 26, 2007 - 06:44 ET by Roger the ShrubberI may be wrong, but was it not you that brought this all up in the Open Thread yesterday, Bal? You were rather annoyed by O'Reilly, IIRC.
}}---> Too late Shrub
September 26, 2007 - 06:59 ET by Cool ArrowHe's slept since then.
~LYDSEXICS UNTIE!~
Righteous indignation
September 26, 2007 - 09:16 ET by general companyRighteous indignation apparently wares off quickly.
They hate BoR - he points a mirror at them!
September 26, 2007 - 13:47 ET by LibraryLady"They have also been planting stories that his ratings are down." rivercity
They used his ratings from when Michelle Malkin was subbing; even I can't stand to watch the show then and I am a huge Factor fan!
They hate BoR - he points a mirror at them!
September 26, 2007 - 13:50 ET by Free StinkerThey hate BoR - he points a mirror at them!
Libs consider that to be an unforgivable crime!
I'm not a big fan of BoR, but he's not afraid of the Libs, and I just love that!
On a dateless Saturday,somewhere in the world...
September 25, 2007 - 23:08 ET by krismcsherryAt our last "targeting" meeting, we discussed the various options available to us, and decided--after a rousing debate, cookies, and a secret ballot--it was time to go after BOR.
No coffee and punch. :(
Well, we used to have
September 25, 2007 - 23:15 ET by balboaWell, we used to have coffee, but the real nutballs got too wired and started babbling about Abbie Hoffman, so we had to dial it back a little.
Bal, I can't understand the fuss
September 26, 2007 - 07:49 ET by sarcasmoO'Reilly's comments sound either benign, or at most a little bit clueless considering the intellectual diversity of the black community, but certainly not racist IMO. It's troubling how often baseless allegations of hate are hurled these days, when there's often no hate there upon investigation. It sabotages honest debate about legitimate issues...
Besides, Bal, this is a yawner-issue compared to his other antics. IMO the left lost their best-by-far chance to go after O'Reilly when he got-away with the vibrator-factor incident, and now it's too-late on that one (but as usual, TheSmokingGun has details for the curious!).
JMR
Rally online with fans of Dr. Ron Paul.
It's troubling how often
September 26, 2007 - 10:03 ET by BeowulfIt's troubling how often baseless allegations of hate are hurled these days, when there's often no hate there upon investigation. It sabotages honest debate about legitimate issues...
Sarc, how do you think the concept of "political correctness" came to exist? The entire concept is based on creating offense where none was intended, and usually none taken either. Now it is used for political or monetary gain, sidestepping real social issues, or personal attacks against those who refuse to "fall in line" with the party-line. Unfortunately for CNN, O'Reilly isn't going to be an easy victory. He'll hammer back, and I don't see CNN being able to stand toe-to-toe with him, especially with a black, liberal backer such as Juan Williams.
Once again, a poor battle selected by the lefties.
The Closed Mind Erects Strong Barriers
Okay, but seriously, what
September 26, 2007 - 08:17 ET by SMGalbraithOkay Balboa, seriously what do you think of the reporting by CNN and MSNBC regarding this incident?
Fair and balanced (ahem)? Or a hatchet job?
I'm agnostic on CNN's motivation; but if you don't think MSNBC is after O'Reilly - and willing to grab any stick they can to beat him with - then you've been sleeping, again, during our class lectures here.
SMG
It's piling on, no doubt.
September 26, 2007 - 10:15 ET by balboaIt's piling on, no doubt. I'm sure they relish the opportunity to throw BOR under a large, fast-moving bus.
Piling on?
September 26, 2007 - 10:28 ET by Cool ArrowHaving listened to the Radio Factor and watched the Show last night, I think it falls more into the category of lying than piling on.
Lying for the sake of ratings instead of something approaching the truth is political and journalistic whoredom.
Wow
September 26, 2007 - 13:00 ET by well99You hit the nail on the head.That pretty well sums it up.
I find it insulting, as a
September 25, 2007 - 23:21 ET by mostlymoderateI find it insulting, as a white person, that now we are nitpicking over benign comments such as O'Reilly's. Anyone that has read my comments before KNOWS that I despise O'Reilly (for different reasons) However, he did nothing wrong in this case. I think CNN really owes everyone an apology (especially Bill).
P.S. The MEDIA makes white people afraid of blacks. I am not just talking about rap lyrics. I am talking about the false accusations of racism that are so easily thrown at anyone that isn't black. Makes a guy like me not even want to "talk" to black strangers for fear of offending them. That sucks!
Yup
September 26, 2007 - 00:18 ET by well99Not a BOR fan either but give him credit for pushing Jessica's Law.On his own website is the recording of the radio show.It is pathetic how these left wing so called journalist put up this garbage.Juan was on the radio show with him and he was ticked on BORs tv show tonight.CNN and MSNBC must think no one can find out the facts.I really should email them and explain the internet thing to them.I keep putting it off.It is so easy to confirm info.The msm should try it some time.
But Juan is right - maybe
September 26, 2007 - 14:57 ET by TruthMongerBut Juan is right - maybe someday we will have genuine race discussions...
Until then the PC/MSM crowd thinks blacks are "extra special" victims - and most blacks find that justifiably unfair - as if they don't have enough crap to deal with already...
Imus and O'Reilly (ducks and Owls).
September 25, 2007 - 23:37 ET by acaiguanaSo, Noel, the MSM premise is that O'Reilly is on the same level playing field as Imus?
Let's see...
That would put me on the same playing field as a 10 year old making 'C' grades in school, um...
Not.
ACA
...
Quoted from: 'Acaiguana Notes from the Bomb Shelter' (soon to be a movie at theaters near you)
}}---> Kids don't try this at work
September 26, 2007 - 01:59 ET by Cool ArrowGet into a conversation about race at work and see if it isn't the White Liberals rushing to shut it down rather than the people of color who are willing to continue the discourse.
There are so many pandering, condescending, patronizing, honkeys ready to jump in to the rescue it's pathetic. As though people of color can't possibly have opinions of their own.
Even though we're encouraged to discuss diversity, it's too often an opportunity to regurgitate the talking points an exercise in legitimate conversation.
~LYDSEXICS UNTIE!~
Libspeak dictionary
September 26, 2007 - 04:26 ET by nkviking75Libspeak dictionary: Racist--A conservative who is having success against libs.
(Yes, I know, O'Reilly has his shortcomings as a conservative, but just being on Fox News makes him e-e-e-e-e-vil in the eyes of the MSM.)
When you put the clowns in charge, don't be surprised when a circus breaks out.
}}---> Zackly Viking
September 26, 2007 - 04:42 ET by Cool ArrowIt's the OJ defense all over again.
Absent any tangible evidence, call him a racist. CNN is relying on Black Americans to fall in line behind them.
This game has got to be getting old real fast now.
Hillary will come to the rescue with some "down home" talk about how she come too faar turn back now. Maybe she'll throw in a tidbit about the Jena 6, and BOR gets lumped into a situation he's hardly even addressed.
That's the proof. BOR is deafeningly silent on Jena 6. He must be a racist. Don't be too surprised if Sharpton has a couple of unfounded insinuations to throw in tonight.
~LYDSEXICS UNTIE!~
delete
September 26, 2007 - 05:27 ET by motherbeltdelete
CNN - KMA
September 26, 2007 - 04:27 ET by BondPlainBondWhat makes this situation completely absurd is that O'Reilly called CNN BEFORE they aired their story about his (O'Reilly) "being racist". CNN saw/heard the whole conversation, understood it was NOT racist in any way, gave O'Reilly assurances they understood, and then proceeded to parrot the Leftwing blogs denouncing the whole episode as racist anyway.
CNN KNEW it was NOT even close to a racist conversation, yet they publicized and hyped it, knowingly and deliberately out-of-context, to garner that sick and sad hate-driven element among us as viewers.
CNN is disgustingly pathetic and overtly obvious in their blind genuflection and abject prostration to George Soros.
Juan Williams
September 26, 2007 - 06:18 ET by c5thenHe just clicked up several nothches in my estimation of him. What a stand-up thing to say and do, come out and defend a conservative freind that is being unfairly attacked by the two-faced and lying liberal media.
Way to go Juan!
The day that "politician" became a career choice is the day we started losing the Republic. Let's get it back! Fred08.com
}}---> Yeah, c5
September 26, 2007 - 06:41 ET by Cool ArrowHe's cleared out an area next to Bill Cosby and Larry Elder standing against the culture of daddies abandoning their children.
I read a story once that the incidences of rogue elephants in Africa was on the rise as a result of poaching. Seems the young bulls have a tendency to run roughshod through nature when there are no elders to train them up in the way which they should go.
Of course Liberals wil fellate Darwin at every given chance but denounce any possibility negative behavior interpolates into the human species.
~LYDSEXICS UNTIE!~
...the liberal plantation is
September 26, 2007 - 14:58 ET by TruthMonger...the liberal plantation is finally starting to leak its slaves:)
Abrams did a segment with a
September 26, 2007 - 07:14 ET by nicksmith112Abrams did a segment with a panel trying to attack B.O.
It was pathetic!
Steven A Smith of ESPN defended BO.
That might be worthy of blogging with clip if you can find anyone that recorded the show.
I'm a refugee from the Democratic Party.
Italian restaurant
September 26, 2007 - 08:13 ET by misterbillI took my wife to dinner at an Italian restaurant last night. It was , very pleasantly, much like any other restaurant we go to. Nobody was shot and killed during dinner. No one tried to "muscle" me or extort money from me. I was not offered "protection" for a fee. We did not have to duck under the table once during the whole evening. After all the Elliot Ness and other Italian stereotypes I have seen on TV I was quite nervous, but, fortunately, for no reason. And, Oh, yes, no one pinched my wife's bottom except me.
Tomorrow I will describe my visit to a Greek restaurant with as much ignorance as Bill O'Reilly showed in his description of "Dancing with Sharpton" at a (gasp) black restaurant. What a schmo!!!!
BTW, a quick preview of my Greek restaurant column--none of the help looked like Anthony Quinn.
I took my wife to dinner
September 26, 2007 - 08:53 ET by SMGalbraithI took my wife to dinner at an Italian restaurant last night. It was , very pleasantly, much like any other restaurant we go to. Nobody was shot and killed during dinner. No one tried to
If you had prefaced these remarks by arguing that the image of Italian-Americans in our media is a negative one - that they are portrayed almost exclusively as gangsters and thugs and criminals - and then mentioned that your personal experiences with them was at complete odds with that media portrayal, no one would say a thing.
Everyone, except for smear artists and/or complete dolts, would understand your point. Which again is that how the media portray people - inaccurately - can have a negative affect both on those people and how those people are viewed, fairly or not, by the rest of society.
O'Reilly's point is that black Americans are just like everyone else: they go to work, they wash their cars, they mow the lawn, they go to ballgames et cetera. But that this image of them is not being shown in the media.
See, this isn't that hard.
SMG
well that certainly sounds
September 26, 2007 - 15:01 ET by TruthMongerwell that certainly sounds racist to me:)
SMG --I guess--
September 27, 2007 - 00:34 ET by misterbillSMG --I guess--somehow, I expected BOR as a commentator with many years of experience to know that half, if not all of the MSM would be on him like ticks on a dog. My opinion still is that BOR's little story resulted in the exposure of his flanks to the rabid liberal press. MY example was merely to illustrate how silly he was to do that. He simply could have said that he was quite pleased with the restaurant and really enjoyed their food. (Some MSM fool would probably try to twist that, too, but it would be harder.)
True, but did his ratings
September 27, 2007 - 07:50 ET by dscottTrue, but did his ratings go up or down as a consequence of this little flap? If it works for Rosie O'Donnell to spike the View's ratings, let BOR continue to run his mouth and let the libs get their knickers in a knot. For once the libs may have actually helped the conservative cause financially. LOL
When you feel you have to walk on eggshells to avoid problems with the MSM you are being codependent, the cure is to stomp on the eggshells
Juan Williams' position on the BOR flap isn't surprising
September 26, 2007 - 08:19 ET by RJHe recently wrote a book entitled:
"ENOUGH: The Phony Leaders, Dead-End Movements and Culture Of Failure That Are Undermining Black America - And What We Can Do About It"
Come to think about it, his book and his attitude is likely the reason NPR wouldn't allow him to interview President Bush on their (government paid) air.
Another shameless Macca
September 26, 2007 - 08:21 ET by dscottAnother shameless Macca attempt on a public persona, surprise, surprise, liberals engaging in character assasination. They did the same thing to George Allen and were successful, that's why they have nerve to try it again. Shockingly, Williams sees our POV and defends left of center BO. CNN needs a thorough smack down for at least a week, then they will be very cautious about pulling that stunt again. If they don't feel the pain this time around, they will do it again just as shamelessly.
I usually don't care for Mr. Williams assertions, maybe he is growing up to become more conservative? Nah, even a broken clock is right twice a day.
dscott's postulate: When you feel you have to walk on eggshells to avoid problems with the MSM you are being codependent, the cure is to stomp on the eggshells and take away the mic.
I am not much of a fan of
September 26, 2007 - 09:08 ET by Sick-n-TiredI am not much of a fan of O'Reilly (I used to be but learned his 'facts' are not always correct or even close to correct i.e.his bastardizaton of the oil industry to which the majority of his facts were wrong), but nevertheless, what I do like about him is NOBODY is going to pigeon-hole him or bully him around. He doesn't take sh*t and gets right back in the face of those who try to tear him down. Bravo to him for that. George Allen, and all of these rest who have succumbed to PC and bowed down to the left should be ashamed; more people need to start standing up for themselves and their beliefs. The silent majority needs to wake up before it is too late.
he pissed me off on oil
September 26, 2007 - 09:40 ET by JPninerhe pissed me off on oil issue also, however I have theory on it...
theory is, O'Reilly is forced to play politics with select issues to keep his title of "independent" and "fair", from which he can bash the left. the sad fact is, most of the country buys into all the Oil company hate politics, and are ignorant of basic economics and when gas prices are high, Logic will never get through their emotions on the issue....So O'Reilly takes a Populist position on it, however he got good guest like Ben Stein to debate him on it to get the Truth out in those segments...instead of liberal hacks that would agree with him.
same with his position on Global Warming: "I don't know about global warming but I do know its good to get the gunk out of the air..." This appeals to Joe Blow, mindless voter.
anyway, I don't think O'Reilly is that stupid...just trying to get a Traditional - Conservative message "to the folks"...
I agree with you on most of
September 26, 2007 - 10:19 ET by Sick-n-TiredI agree with you on most of the points, however he shouldn't pick and choose his battles/sides just to keep the viewers and stay in the middle, if that isn't how he truly feels. That is why i have learned to keep him at arms length.
Nevertheless, there are issues i think he is still great on i.e. child predators etc.
He himself can be a "pin-head" too...
in Dictatorships, they take
September 26, 2007 - 09:34 ET by JPninerin Dictatorships, they take over the Media and all media is state run and lie to the people to hold power.....the marketplace and 1st Amendment are suppose to guard us against such a thing here. Except for we keep trending to a hybrid of this, in which privately owned media, lie on purpose continually to the public, so their political party can gain power......
just goes to show how radically different worldviews in a nation, Christian based(Freedom) worldview of the right vs. Humanist - Socialism worldview of the left.....are leading us down a dangerous, divided road.
Boyce Watkins was just on
September 26, 2007 - 09:59 ET by chessplayerBoyce Watkins was just on CNN. He compared O`Reilly to Iran`s Ahmadinejad, and said Juan Williams of FoxNews is nothing but a "happy negro." I guess thats the same as an uncle tom.
A new entry in the Democrat
September 26, 2007 - 12:52 ET by MikeBA new entry in the Democrat Newspeak English Dictionary:
Uncle Tom (n) A male American citizen of African descent who acts like a normal person instead of playing the victim role for the Democrat party. The female equivalent is "Aunt Jemima". Both are synonymous with "house ni**er".
"A communist is someone who reads Marx. An anti-communist is someone who understands Marx." Ronald Reagan
Juan Williams
September 26, 2007 - 10:57 ET by OneZeroNormally I tune out whenever Juan Williams starts talking on FOX. This time, however, I was impressed with his position on the overall topic of racisim and his strong defense of BOR. I was also impressed with his strong comdemnation of CNN. (Or should I say "those idiots at CNN) I couldn't have agreed more.
I rarely agree with Williams, but this time he and I were on the same page.
There are 10 types of people. Those who understand binary and those who don't.
Swiftboat
September 26, 2007 - 11:03 ET by mikebromoO'Reilly was also against the John O'Neill and the swiftboats. He defended Kerry becauseof the Navy records. Tried to e-mail O'Reilly and tell him the Naval records are based on what Kerry reported!
The O'Reilly Comment
September 26, 2007 - 14:19 ET by RWSP2004Here is another blatent example of what is wrong with the news today. Producers and reporters are intellectually lazy. They assume things are true, because that's what they want to believe. They do not check their facts, therefore CNN and MSNBC took O'Reilly out of context. This is another reason they are continuing to lose viewers.
I am going to LMAO the day FNC outright buys CNN.
September 26, 2007 - 15:13 ET by Dave RShould be a real hoot watching all those CNN'ers hurling themselves off the roof of CNN Center.
When I'm president, privatization is off the table because it's not the answer to anything.-Hillary Rodham, September 3, 2007 AARP Legislative Conference.
}}---> When FNC buys CNN
September 27, 2007 - 00:45 ET by Cool ArrowLet's see, we'll keep the building, the equipment, Glenn Beck, and . . . ah, the rest of you can leave.
~LYDSEXICS UNTIE!~
Wait
September 29, 2007 - 00:58 ET by well99Lou Dobbs also.
The interview is on O'Reilly's webpage
September 29, 2007 - 00:29 ET by jimpeelThe radio hour in question is at http://www.billoreil... for any who wish to use their own ears to hear it and not the ears of those who hate O'Reilly. Use your own brains and analyze the interview yourself.