Posted on 01/10/2005 6:38:47 AM PST by mhking
Reaction to the Armstrong Williams-Department of Education scandal was swift and furious over the weekend, as I wasn't the only one to make a lot of noise on the issue (LaShawn Barber, Michelle Malkin, Rob Bernard, DC Thornton, Amy Ridenour, Sisu, Nate Livingston, Expertise, Booker Rising, Eduwonk, Wizbang, The American Prospect's Tapped column, Powerline & others too numerous to mention).
In the wake of Friday's revelations, Tribune Media Services, who syndicated his column to newspapers nationally, abruptly dropped his column, and most likely, his television show, The Right Side with Armstrong Williams (syndicated on Sinclair stations and aired nationally on cable/satellite networks TVOne and The Liberty Channel) will be cancelled as well. No word on his radio show, which airs on a handful of stations across the nation.
Williams was apologetic in this morning's column, appearing on TownHall.com.
I understand that I exercised bad judgment in running paid advertising for an issue that I frequently write about in my column. People need to know that my column is uncorrupted by any outside influences. I would like to take this opportunity to apologize for my bad judgment, and to better explain the circumstances.People have accused me, in various forums over the weekend, of wanting to 'throw Armstrong under the bus.' Nothing could be further from the truth. I certainly want conservative blacks of all stripes and from all quarters to thrive and succeed.The fact is, I run a small business. I am CEO and manage the syndication and advertising for my television show. In between juggling my commentaries and media appearances, I stepped over the line. This has never happened before. In fact, my company has never worked on a government contract. Nor have we ever received compensation for an issue that I subsequently reported on. This will never happen again. I now realize that I have to create inseparable boundaries between my role as a small businessman and my role as an independent commentator.
I accept full responsibility for my lack of good judgment. I am paying the price. Tribune Media has cancelled my column. And I have learned a valuable lesson. I just want to assure you that this will never happen again, and to ask for your forgiveness.
But at the same time, when ethical lines are crossed, I will call people on them. Period.
Many on the conservative side of the coin have railed on about people like Bill Moyers receiving tax monies to promote a political agenda in the past, yet those same voices are silent now.
The bottom line is that wrong is wrong.
I appreciate Williams' apology this morning, and his stock certainly rises a bit as a result. He has owned up to his mistake and is willing to move forward. I, too, am willing to move forward, and while I can certainly forgive his shortcoming in this case, I cannot ignore it.
I stand by my statement of Friday, when I indicated that his word would be suspect in the future.
While his apology appears genuine, only his actions as time moves forward will tell me if he truly has learned his lesson and is worth listening to again.
LOL.
"If I were trying to "promote myself," there are far more lucrative vehicles that I have at my disposal."
Sure you are......in terms of general public familiarity, you Armstrongs lesser. He is well-known and well liked. The thorn you are becoming in his side will backfire at you.
I wish you well in your effort that is going to harm you and ultimately assist Armstrong. He didn't need YOUR blessing to get where he is......and he sure doesn't need it now, either. Get off his back, man, in the long run it will only harm you.
btw, "promoting" ones self is rarely in and of itself lucrative......(something about a chicken and egg there, too, LOL. Bon chance! thrice, even)
What part of 'I don't care' do you have problems understanding?
I've written more than this prior to now, and will do so long in the future.
To hear you tell it, I don't have quarter to criticize anyone.
Tough.
And if anyone's on anyone's back, it appears that you are the one riding his jock. That's your prerogative. Enjoy.
Ever feel like the universe is just teasing you?
Interesting. I consider this a technicality, since he was a supporter of NCLB anyway. (I disagree with him, since Federal involvement in education is unconstitutional.)
I think his "apology" is sincere, and the situation doesn't affect my opinion of him - especially since I thought he was wrong on this topic to start with. Of all the nationally-syndicated Black Conservative writers, I think Armstrong Williams displays the most spiritual depth.
Uh huh, humiliating government propagandists is the END OF FREE SPEECH??? Yeah, sure, whatever.
You apperently didn't read my comments. Advertizing is making an honest living. There are laws against domestic propaganda for a reason. Even the legally sanctioned propagandsists deserve to be spat on and humiliated. Was Tommy Thomspon right to LIE about one of the anthrax victims "was a hunter," "drank from a stream?" No, he is a lying sack of excrement, and deserves every bit of derision heaped on him.
And contrary to your bleatings, dissention is not the sign of someone trying to use him as a ladder.
I'm not trying to be "better than" Williams or "worse than" anyone else.
I'm trying to be who I am, and to be the most honest person I can be.
But given that you consider honest dissention and criticism to be a jerk, there's obviously not any honest or open conversation with you.
No great loss there.
I would appreciate if you cease with the personal insults and direct your conversation elsewhere.
I'm going to presume that you are not attempting to troll for a response.
Excellent oped, and you are totally right here!
Thanks for the post and the ping.
piss off
You're a cheap opportunist, bashing Armstrong excessively for a petty technical oversight as though it was malfeasance. Fortunately, your misguided pointed pronouncements don't carry much weight, WHICH IS PRECISELY WHAT AILS YOU AND IRKS YOU.
Carry on, chump.....in a week or two, you will realize your tactical error.
Dang it, Mike! Quit being so diplomatic to those who don't deserve it. Tell it like it really is.
He's not on his jock. He's all on his nutsack.
I have asked you politely not to discuss this with me any more, and not to personally insult me any longer.
Now I'm going to be more formal.
Do not message me any more. Period.
I am copying TPTB to formally indicate my wishes.
I have no desire to converse with you.
Good bye.
Diplomatic is so much more fun! [g]
You need to learn some class.
Your sorry attitude isn't welcome here. I think you'd fit in a little bit better over at DU.
What say you, kitties?
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