Posted on 07/29/2005 4:35:40 AM PDT by suspects
My radio station, 630 WMAL, has publicly announced that I've been suspended by ABC (no doubt Ted Koppel and Peter Jennings are thrilled) and I am "under investigation" for my discussion on Islam and the tragedy of its current links to terror.
What is ABC Disney "investigating?" I have no idea. Here's the Washington Post-Democrats take on it: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2005/07/28/AR2005072802241.html
But I do know the one and only reason I've been suspended: CAIR.
As a talk show host, author and columnist, I've repeatedly criticized the current state of Islam and called for its reform. As for the "controversial" statement that "Sadly, as it is constituted today, Islam IS a terrorist organization, but the good news is that the major of Muslims--who don't support terror--can change that and take back their religion," I first made that statement on the air last Thursday.
Did I get suspended Thursday? No. Friday? No. Monday? No.
It wasn't until CAIR launched its campaign against me in the mainstream media and the story appeared in the Washington Post-Democrat that my job was threatened.
THIS IS THE KEY FACT: ABC DOES NOT WANT TO FIRE ME. CAIR WANTS TO FIRE ME. AND RIGHT NOW, CAIR IS WINNING.
Read the story today about "sources say Graham won't be fired." Read the first WaPo story where management stands behind me 100%: "Remember that this is talk radio. We don't do the dainty minuet of the newspaper editorial page. It's not 'Washington Week in Review.' It depends on pungent statements to drive it. Michael is rattling the cage. It's designed to start and further a conversation, and it has certainly done that."
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2005/07/25/AR2005072501649.html
Not any more. "Pungent statements" that offend CAIR (whose members have repeatedly made "pungent" remarks defending Hamas and other terror groups) are no longer allowed. Not at ABC, anyway.
Michael Graham mail@michaelgraham.com
I've never heard of Michael Graham but this sounds awful. Don't forget the sponsors.
bttt
Howlin, would you deploy your massive ping list for this worthy cause, suggest they call the Programming number
bttt
Michael I haven't been able to listen to your show since you left Richmond and left us with the God-awful Mac Watson (I'm trying not to hold that against you), but that's not going to stop me from letting WMAL and its sponsors know how I feel.
I don't know about Limbaugh in the DC area, but you can catch Hannity live on Sirus satellite radio.
Sorry to hear about this terrible injustice, but remember, you are ALWAYS welcome back in Charleston!
Where the weather in nicer, the traffic is slower, the women are prettier and everyone is more polite - even the transplanted Yankees!
We really miss you here!
Keep up the good fight. I'll send a message to WMAL.
bttt
I have been a loyal WMAL listener since the 70's. I started listening to Harden & Weaver, and remember when Chris did the sports. I also loved Trumbull and Core; Chris, I am an alumnus of the Trumbull & Core School of White Water Rafting - I still have the photo of me taken by Blue Ridge Outfitters.
Andy, I'll never forget your excited coverage of the opening of the Fort McHenry tunnel in 1985. Broadcasting from the WMAL plane during Trumbull & Core, you were telling the folks how to avoid the Harbor Tunnel to get to the new one. When Chris remarked how excited you were, you told us "I'm their Shepherd!"
After 30 years of WMAL, I'm afraid that I can no longer listen. When Grandy & Andy announced this morning that Michael Graham was suspended for his opinions, I realized that the management had caved to the likes of CAIR. If they bring Michael back, I'll gladly reconsider - but I am not holding out much hope; I know how powerful CAIR is.
Thanks you two for 30 wonderful years! Starting this evening I am tuning in to FOX radio at AM 570.
Bump. This can not be allowed to stand.
Great letter!
I've been a listener since we moved to the area in the early 90s.
I was kind of annoyed when they got rid of Dr. Laura, but Michael's grown on me!
Couldn't happen to a nicer guy!
ABC Disney + Michael Graham? They're not worthy!
What are they worried about? One weekend of honest news and documentary coverage about Islam in America and 95% of CAIR's membership would be fleeing to the airport, hotly pursued by outraged citizens with pitchforks and torches.
Making an enemy of media executives would be just about the stupidest thing CAIR or any Muslim group could do.
E-mail sent.
bttt
Just sent my email to the General Manager. Same tone as my letter to Chris and Andy: saddened, but determined to not listen any more.
bttt
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.