Fear and NPR

Dismayed Juan Williams was fired by NPR, I read his comments about being nervous when he sees passengers in Muslim garb on a plane and read his subsequent comments and NPR’s public statements. I’ve concluded the following:

First, NPR has shown itself again as a purveyor of left of center agendas. They admonished Mr. Williams to not mention he was from NPR when on Fox. They didn’t say any network other than NPR – just Fox! Could they be any more blatant? Moreover, guests on news shows are introduced by name and affiliation by the host. The guest does not say, “Howdy, I’m from NPR!” Who is NPR to demand of other networks that they withhold such information from their viewers?

Second, as much as I respect Mr. Williams, his professed nervousness comes from the base fears all of us share, born out of ignorance and unfamiliarity. Yes, those that attacked us on 9/11 were from Muslim countries. (I don’t say they were Muslims, lest I insult an actual Muslim.) But they didn’t dress traditionally. They took great pains to look like Westerners. A man in a Kufi should be no more suspect that one in a yarmulke or wearing a cross.

Joe Booth

Spokane