Free Speech?

Today I wished that I were a contributor to NPR.

Don't get me wrong, I don't support the organization, but if I had been a contributor, I would have cancelled future contributions or asked for my money back.

Their firing of Juan Williams for expressing his personal opinion on Bill O'Reilly's show on the Fox Network was wrong, wrong, wrong. Had he expressed a similar opinion about the Tea Party, I'm sure he would still have a job.

I've seen Juan Williams many times on the Fox Network, some of those times I've strongly disagreed with him, but I never would expect Fox to stop having him on any show.

Last year, there was a discussion about something on O'Reilly's show and the other guest said something to Juan Williams that is a racial slur. Mr. Williams said nothing, he didn't yell or scream. Bill O'Reilly commented and said how wrong it was.

Then, to add insult to injury, the head of NPR inferred that Mr. Williams had a psychiatrist. I've heard that she has apologized, however, that remark was totally uncalled for and cannot be taken back.

The powers that be at NPR should look at some of their other commentators. I just heard one seemingly wish or, or suggest, that Jesse Helms or one of his grandchildren get AIDS from a transfusion. Why is that OK?

As far as Mr. Williams' opinion that he gets a little nervous if he sees Muslims in full Muslim attire at an airport, don't we all? I also seem to remember someone commenting that his grandmother gets nervous and even crosses the street when she sees a black man coming in the opposite direction. That person wasn't fired, in fact he was elected president.

Juan Williams is my hero for speaking out about his feelings and for being so vocal about his firing.

A Bold Fresh Read

I'm in the middle of reading Bill O'Reilly's latest book, A Bold Fresh Piece of Humanity. Although I'm a bit older than he, we had the same type of background and education. He had 16 years of Catholic school education, the first 8 years with the nuns.

While reading, I could see the same scenario playing out in my own Catholic school with the nuns and their battles or set-to's with the boys. Of course, the girls never did anything wrong, the boys on the other hand bore the brunt of the discipline.

The discipline, or maybe it was the sense of responsibility instilled in us, allowed us to learn even though there were 60 children in a class with one nun and no assistants.

I am enjoying this book immensely. Some parts bring me back to my own childhood in Queens and the freedom that we had. Summers were a time to enjoy at our own pace, we had no schedules. Ah, the good old days. The lazy, hazy days of summer.

If you get a chance, read this book. It is particularly enjoyable for anyone who came from a blue collar working neighborhood and had the opportunity to attend Catholic school and be exposed to the nuns. What a wonderful education I had.

Now I have to get back to my book.