Tag: Martin Bashir

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Censorship – Duck Dynasty flap vs Happy Holidays

Clip description: “With the controversy over Duck Dynasty patriarch Phil Robertson’ comments about homosexuality dominating cable news Thursday, Jon Stewart really had no choice but to offer the world his take on the issue. The Daily Show host took the opportunity to deliver a scathing take down of the “free speech absolutists” at Fox News.

“Look, I think what the guy said is ignorant,” Stewart said, “but I also have an inclination to support a world where saying ignorant shit on television doesn’t get you kicked off that medium.” But does Fox News truly believe you shouldn’t “pressure people to have to adhere to cultural norms of speech?”

“This led to an epic “War on Christmas” montage, after which Stewart explained that Fox’s “belief in free speech doesn’t extend to the holidays where the word Christmas is mandatory.”

So, on one hand, the Teabaggers say Phil Robertson should be able to say what he wants with no repercussions.

BUT – folks during the holidays should be REQUIRED to use the word “Christmas” and not “Holidays” (i.e. “Merry Christmas” instead of “Happy Holidays”). Isn’t that censorship also? Don’t people have a right to use the words “Happy Holidays” if they want without getting attacked?

Along the same lines, when Martin Bashir suggested someone should defecate in Sarah Palin’s mouth (and subsequently had to resign from his position at MSNBC), why weren’t the rignt wingers coming to HIS First Amendment defense?

Things that make you go “hmm…”

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Martin Bashir resigns from MSNBC after ill-advised comments regarding Sarah Palin

After weeks of fallout following his ill-advised comments regarding the former half-term governor of Alaska, Martin Bashir has resigned from MSNBC:

“Upon further reflection, and after meeting with the president of MSNBC, I have tendered my resignation,” the email read in part. “It is my sincere hope that all of my colleagues, at this special network, will be allowed to focus on the issues that matter without the distraction of myself or my ill-judged comments.”

In a statement, MSNBC president Phil Griffin paid tribute to Bashir:

“Martin Bashir resigned today, effective immediately. I understand his decision and I thank him for three great years with MSNBC. Martin is a good man and respected colleague – we wish him only the best.”

Bashir had been a host on the network since 2011, and had frequently raised eyebrows with his hyperbolic commentary. But his comments in November in response to remarks about slavery by Palin touched off a firestorm. Among other things, Bashir said that someone should defecate and urinate in Palin’s mouth, a punishment delivered to some slaves. He apologized, but the comments continued to haunt him.

I’m no fan of Palin, but the remarks were way past acceptable for any respectability for a journalist. This is an appropriate action that needed to be taken.