Injustice, NPR, and Crimes
An interest eclectic mix of themes in that title if I do say so myself. The fact that I feel NPR has done two things in the recent weeks that really brings up some questions about the image they have so often been accused of and denied and where they really stand. It is in fact odd that I find NPR to have actually been rather unjust in these two matters over the last couple of weeks. Additionally, I have to question the situation that has come about from the state of Texas regarding Anthony Graves unjust interment in prison, wrongfully. And Texas has nothing to offer for the sixteen years or so of his life – gone, stolen.
First up are the two things that have actually disturbed me in regards to NPR, normally a radio news source I can listen to with a fair amount of ease. I have often thought they lean a little bit more left then my personal taste, but that they were probably more balanced in and certainly provided more substance and research in the stories then a lot of other news media typically does. However, when they make a very clear announcement to staff and reporters indicating that even on their off time they can attend certain political rallies it smells of censorship. Granted, they have a professionalism to uphold and to a certain extent major on air personalities by loose the credibility that is given them by the general public if they came out strongly in favor of something. On the other hand, I have never heard of, at least in public, NPR specifically telling staff and reporters they can not attend other rallies.
A second incident concerning NPR and seemingly a pointing toward censorship is the story of Juan Williams and his firing. He was fired over admission that he gets uneasy of on a plan and clearly dressed Muslims are also boarding. Perhaps Juan’s comment hints toward a racial bias on his part, but really it seems more of a true fear on his part and given things that have occurred, who amongst us, if honest would not have some small uneasy feelings in such a situation?
Lastly, I want to turn my attention the state of Texas and a huge injustice of an unimaginable nature. Anthony Graves was convicted as an accomplice to a multiple murder, largely on the testimony of the admitted killer. During appeals and such, it became more than clear that the state of Texas had no evidence aside from the testimony to actually convict Graves. It has also been questioned if previous prosecutors of the case even had information suggesting his accuser admitted Graves did not assist in the murders. His accuser was put to death several years ago by Texas, saying again right before execution that Graves did not assist. Recently, re-trials led to Graves’ case be dismissed – totally, the state admitted it had NOTHING to make a case against Graves. For the eighteen years of his life they have taken, did the state over a few hundred thousand dollars? No – nothing at all. I do not know what price could compensate the loss the prime of ones life, but clearly Texas does not care at all what the value of an individual’s life is.
