Arnett fired

033103 | NBC

[dep]

"It was wrong for Mr. Arnett to grant an interview with Iraqi state television," said NBC in a statement. NBC, MSNBC, and National Geographic have all fired him.

Arnett on live, apoligizing to "NBC, MSNBC, National Geographic, and the American people." He then goes on to say that all he said in the interview was "what we all know.

[Carry_Okie]

Dont waste to much time on Arnett today, he was fired by all. Great news.

That's "Keep your eyes on reprise."

I think. ;-)

[VRWC_minion]

Playing stupid, and being stupid are two entirely different things....

I doubt there is any thrid party proof of his intent and without that you just have his word. No jury would convict him on his intent, even assuming he gave them "comfort".

[Green]

I didn't see where anyone complained about his credibiltiy.

Have you watched any of the journalists on tv that have been questioned about their opinion of Peter's interview with Iraqi tv? The one's that I have seen have all questioned how he could possibility be seen as being objective in his reporting after giving that interview.

[not_apathetic_anymore]

I haven't read all the replies yet someone else probably already posted something along these lines...

I HOPE that all the public furor is what caused them to quickly rethink yesterday's statement of "professional courtesy" interview. What I really wonder is this: were there back channel discussions between the administration and the networks saying you'll never ask another question in a press conference unless you dump Arnett.

However it happened I'm glad it did, and I hope public sentiment was involved!

[SierraWasp]

Well... As others just pointed out, he "adopted" the US right after the Gulf War I. I guess he didn't even read the pledge he took an oath to, just like all liberal politicians who ignore theirs!!!

[VRWC_minion]

I read the transcript and yes, I was outraged by it. Does that mean I think he should be fired ? No. So long as we have the similar crap coming from the rest of our talking heads.

[sweetliberty]

"I agree but he has been censored."

That is ridiculous! It is my understanding that it is only censorship when it comes from the government. He still has the right to spew his anti-American crap. He does NOT have a right to a national platform in which to do it! And given the fact that he NOT in the United States at this time, I'm not even sure how much right he actually has on enemy soil to bad mouth the U.S. and, in my opinion, give aid and comfort to the enemy. Either way, Americans have the right to do exactly what we did. WE don't want to hear this crap when our troops are over there and at risk. National Geographic and NBC/MSNBC are part of the free market economy. We the people and THEIR response to their subscribers have everything to do with their success or failure, which is as it should be.

[Redbob]

I'm waiting for a U.S. prosecutor to charge him with giving aid and comfort to the enemy.
Certainly there are at least two people who witnessed his act.

[William McKinley]

Well, I'd like to say from the beginning that the 12 years I've been coming here, I've met unfailing courtesy and cooperation. Courtesy from your people, and cooperation from the Ministry of Information, which has allowed me and many other reporters to cover 12 whole years since the Gulf War with a degree of freedom which we appreciate. And that is continuing today.

Tell it to Newsday, among others.

In answer to your question, it is clear that within the United States there is growing challenge to President Bush about the conduct of the war and also opposition to the war.

Support for Bush and the war effort is at an all-time high.

[VRWC_minion]

The one's that I have seen have all questioned how he could possibility be seen as being objective in his reporting after giving that interview.

And they think that Jennings is objective ? Even the Fox news guys are clearly no objective. Everyone reporting on this has an ax to grind.

[SierraWasp]

You have nailed the essence of Arnett's crime!!!

[chiller]

"The bizarre idea that opposition to the war in the US is growing despite a bevy of polling evidence showing the exact opposite."

Bravo! In other words, Arnett was lieing about the sentiment here in the US. That's aiding the enemy.

"...our reports help the anti-war crowd in the US"...(Arnett paraphrased from interview)

He's scum and so are those that aired his reports. Boycott them. Please, please watch only FOX.

[Neets]

Why waste your time Bill???

It's clear he/she likes playing with Benedict Arnetts words here.

Normal thinking people know full well what BA's words were, what his "message" was, the same words and messages from yesterday, today and tomorrow.

[sweetliberty]

There have been several posts to the effect that Arnett became a naturalized citizen in the 80's. If so, he didn't take the oath of loyalty he swore very seriously.

[Grampa Dave]

You mean the same pledge/oath that was ignored by Jake Reno and its left wing lunatics in the Injustice Department?

The same pledge/oath that was ignored by the left wing lunatics in the State Department since the end of WWII?

As you noted, the pledge/oath, immediately ignored by all rat politicians when sworn into congress?

[VRWC_minion]

It is my understanding that it is only censorship when it comes from the government

Personally, I think its dangerous for us to be cheering the firing of a reporter for the reason of speaking his mind. I can see the argument that he should never of agreed to do the interview but our cheering should be based on that and not on what he said.

[VRWC_minion]

Your two selections appear to be true. What in them are false ?

[aristeides]

But I don't think he's a U.S. citizen. I know he wasn't born here. Is he naturalized?

[Amore]

This is great! I wake up in the middle of the night, hear Arnett's comments and NBC's weasly response thereto. so I fire off a few choice e mails to NBC, MSNBC & my local affiliate, and see that of course Freepers are doing the same. Go back to sleep, wake up, and poof! NBC canned his sorry rear end. Sweet!