CAIR and Michael Graham

The Washington Times ^ | August 18, 2005 | Joel Mowbray

[krasdorf]

CAIR and Michael Graham Local talk-radio station WMAL is under assault from the Council on American-Islamic Relations, a group that has savaged journalists, critics of radical Islam, even the Fox TV show "24" -- but which just as steadfastly has refused to specifically condemn various Islamic terrorist organizations. CAIR has instigated a campaign to pressure the Disney-owned WMAL to fire its already-suspended midday host, which came on the heels of its initial effort to have him suspended. Though the outcome is uncertain in the current situation, two things are certain: 1) CAIR will continue demonizing genuine criticism of radical Islam as "Islamophobia," and 2) it will never specifically condemn radical Islam or Islamic terrorist organizations such as Hamas and Hezbollah. At issue are remarks made by mid-morning host Michael Graham, in which he said that "Islam has, sadly, become a terrorist organization." But what is lost in most media accounts -- and is never mentioned by CAIR -- are the surrounding statements made by Mr. Graham, which put the thrust of his comments in an entirely different light. Mr. Graham's comments, in fact, were not met with immediate condemnation or outrage. He wasn't suspended until July 28, almost a week after his on-air remarks. In the interim, CAIR spokesman Ibrahim Hooper even came on Mr. Graham's show -- telling him that CAIR didn't want him fired, just punished. Once Mr. Graham was suspended indefinitely later that week, CAIR quickly called for his head.

[krasdorf]

local DC Michael Graham fans need a big freep campaign to get him back on the air. HELP! send email to ABC/ WMAL to request to put him back on the air!!!

[Zrob]

The "Religion Of Pieces" (heads, arms, legs, etc.) defending itself from the radical truth tellers.

[Virginia Ridgerunner]

Yep, this whole thing has gotten a bit weird. WMAL is saying "no comment" and Michael (FReeper name 'Suspects') has all but disappeared, except for the column he published on Sheehan's anctics this week for the Jewish World Review (http://jewishworldreview.com/0805/graham081705.php3). When this thing first blew up, he called down the thunder on WMAL and ABC Radio, resulting in a barrage of over 10,000 emails to the station, as a opposed to CAIR's measly couple of hundred.

Shortly afterward, he begged everyone to stop since the deluge was causing station operations to grind to a halt, and then he went on vacation. Since then, he has pulled down his website, but WMAL has kept his show alive, albeit with "guest" hosts, and also maintained his host link and associated images and advertisements on its master website. My guess is that the station wants him back but ABC Radio is refusing to budge in the matter, leaving him in limbo.

Michael, if you're out there, we're still with you, buddy! Just let us know if and when you need the flame throwers turned on again!

[RADAR1797]

This situation is very strange and I wish Michael could break his silence long enough to let us know what is going on. I have been hitting his website daily (www.michaelgraham.com) and noticed when it started to be trimmed and then removed. I don't know whether this happened because of pressuring from above or if his site was hacked. Nonetheless it is a strange situation and Michael needs to be back on the air. He obviously is still valued by WMAL as his commercials are still being run prominently on the air.

[battlecry]

Do you think his family was threatened?

[krasdorf]

Return Michael Graham!!
SIGN THE PETITION TO RETURN HIM HERE:

http://www.ipetitions.com/campaigns/SupportMichaelGraham

[Virginia Ridgerunner]

Done!

[RADAR1797]

I certainly hope not. It would not be a good way to advance the cause that Islam is a religion of peace.

[RaceBannon]

Islam is a religion of peace, and they will kill you to prove it!

[W.P. Wily]

It's not looking good. From http://www.dcrtv.com/

"At WMAL: Michael Graham Fired? Randall Bloomquist Suspended? - 8/18 - DCRTV is hearing rumblings that WMAL has fired late morning talk show host Michael Graham. Graham was suspended in late July for calling Islam a "terrorist organization." And after complaints from a local Islamic organization and several of WMAL's sponsors. Despite the suspension, the ABC-owned news talker had been running promos for Graham and ads featuring Graham. Apparently, Graham's union is filing a request for arbitration. Also, we're hearing that Randall Bloomquist, who'd worked with Graham in Richmond and Charlotte, might be on the outs as WMAL's program director. More soon....."

[RADAR1797]

The deafening silence is certainly not helping the rumor mill. Well if there is a time for a modern union to be useful, this is it. Michael needs to get back on there air. He did a wonderful job just a couple of weeks before reporting in Iraq and getting the pulse of our troops doing the heavy lifting. This whole affair is mind-boggling and needs to be resolved.

[Smartass]

FLASH: KFI-AM Los Angeles HIRES Talk Show Host Graham FIRED By WMAL After Islam Remarks...

'KFI has an extended offer for Michael Graham to fill in at the station because KFI still values free speech,' says KFI pd, Robin Bertolucci... Developing...