The Huh? File: Olbermann vs. Williams

Kieth wasn't gone long, was he... He closed his return show with a nice, humble quote.

"I'd like to close tonight by discussing something that I'm sure has happened to you dozens of times in your own life. You know, when there is a petition supporting you and it winds up being signed by 300,000 people, and you get 21,000 tweets in a 72 hour period, and then you’re invited to be on television because you aren't on television because they want you on to be the lead story on “Good Morning America,” and “Larry King,” and "Letterman," and you break the traffic records on the Huffington Post, and you're on the front page of the New York Times without being dead or in jail or Charlie Sheen or something. Well maybe you’re used to it, but for me it was a kind of a surprise, and all I can seriously say is I'm stunned and grateful and it still feels like a universal hug."
Read more: http://newsbusters.org/blogs/noel-sheppard/2010/11/09/keith-olbermann-almost-dislocates-shoulder-patting-himself-back#ixzz14uNKCVmI"

No, Keith, I haven't experienced the wonder that 300,00 signatures brings you. Nevertheless...

Let's look at the big picture: Olbermann, a rather vocal supporter of all things Democratic (read: jackass) was suspended for contributing to candidates during the election. This was in violation network policies.

Excuse me?

Please tell me why he's allowed to publicly tell America to push the Democratic buttons on the machine and to lampoon anyone who even smells conservative but yet his station doesn't allow him to contribute cash to a candidate? I ask you, what's the difference?

Conflict of interest? I don't think so. It would have been so if he supported Libertarian or Republican candidates.

Undue influence? I don't think so. He contributed to John Conway of Kentucky who ran against Rand Paul and two Representatives from Arizona, Raul Grijalva and Gabrielle Giffords. Would his contribution have cemented an interview or some other privilege? I submit his verbal support would have done more than his dollars. He donated after he interviewed each of the candidates. I donate to people I like too.

Violation of policy? What kind of corporation makes their employees who can visibly stump for a cause cease from financial contributions? That's like Peyton Manning being suspended for supporting NFL Charities, but using him as a sound bite to tell others to support the cause.

Aha! here's the issue! We made it! Hypocrisy 101:

Juan Williams got canned for expressing his opinion. OPINION. Trumped by official NPR policy. Williams should be entitled to expressing his journalistic opinion. He's got a right to it. But Williams apparently wasn't slurped like Olbie was to come back. The journalistic world turned their backs on him because he answered a question honestly.

Olbermann gets suspended and allowed to make a triumphant return (rightfully so) for expressing his opinion with his checkbook instead of his bully pulpit. In between he was apparently the toast of the town and MSNBC became a pundit pinata.

Where we these folks for Juan? Oh, I'm sorry... he went counter to the mantra. Grounds for excommunication.

I disagree with Olbermann's politics, but he should have the same rights as you or I. He was taking a positive step to ensure candidates of his choice had potential success. He does it everyday.

How about having a foil for Olbermann's Left-Side Story on the air, then hold both to the same standard. The entire network goes democrat, why shouldn't a portion of their paychecks?

Chip Grefski