While I rarely agree with Juan Williams on political issues, I stand strongly with him on this subject (“National Putrid Radio,” Editorial, Oct. 22).
It takes a man to speak his heart and not back away from his statements concerning boarding airplanes with Muslims.
This is the greatest injustice to freedom of speech that I have ever seen. When will the kowtowing and political correctness stop in this country?
Juan, I salute you. Stay strong, for you are a decent and honorable man.
Doug MacDougall
Freeport
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Williams was not fired because of his comments regarding Muslims. This was merely the opening that National Public Radio used to get rid of him.
His ultimate offense was engaging in rational, civilized debate with the conservative right as a frequent contributor to Fox News.
Anyone who has seen Williams engage with Bill O’Reilly and Charles Krauthammer, among others, has seen a person who debates issues on their merits, not someone who blindly clings to ideology.
It is sad that two core principles of our country, civilized debate and compromise, aregone. We are regressing into two sides that scream at one another and tune out the opposing view.
Peter W. Kelly
Hazlet, N.J.
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Under the guise of multiculturalism, our country is being consumed by small, ultra-liberal groups whose sole purpose is to divide and conquer the American way of life as we know it.
They are slowly and systematically chipping away at our Constitution. Remember the First Amendment?
It is time for people of all faiths to band together and say “enough is enough” and return to the values that made this country great.
Dan Clemens
Marlboro, N.J.
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When will this madness stop? These days, it seems everyone is playing the race card, and boy, is it getting old and worn-out.
Williams has every right to feel the way he and millions of others throughout the world feel about terrorism. It does make one nervous and scared.
It’s time the millions of decent Muslims get together and speak up against the small percentage who are bent on destroying innocent lives. I’ll bet they feel scared and nervous just like we do.
The only person who should have been fired was the spineless goon who fired Williams.
Ernesto Cavalier
Brooklyn
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“I may not agree with what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it.”
Whatever happened to people brave enough to make a statement like this and really mean it, too? Goodness knows they don’t exist at NPR.
Gordon Coffey
Brooklyn
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It is a disgrace that we have become so politically correct and left-leaning.
To fire Williams for voicing his fears plays into the hands of those who would apologize for “unwarranted Islamophobia.”
I lost several friends and co-workers on 9/11, and have seen politicians bend over backward to cajole and appease, as we become more manipulated by those who would destroy us and our democracy.
There is little doubt in my mind that the next attack on Americans could happen here in New York City, as we are the continuing target of radical Islamic extremists. Will these savants say that America provoked it?
Alan Gellerman
Flushing
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Williams’ comments are mild in comparison to what Paula Poundstone did a few years back. I guess NPR overlooked that slight infraction.
Derek Murphy
Oyster Bay
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Even though I disagree with him on many issues, I find Williams engaging and informative and his arguments, rational and honest. His approach is conducive to finding common ground and producing intelligent solutions.
Shame on NPR for censoring this man’s opinion. Political correctness from both the left and right must be fought by everyone.
John Ogando
Rockaway, N.J.