Memo to: NPR, Re: 1st Amendment

Memo to: National Public Radio
Att: Vivian Schiller, NPR CEO
From: Brian Olson
Re: 1st Amendment

It's been brought to my attention that you have terminated Mr. Juan Williams for statements made while appearing as a guest analyst on FOX News. NPR CEO Vivian Schiller had this comment which was posted on NPR's own website:

She says, and we quote directly. Williams should have kept his views about Muslims to himself, "his psychiatrist or his publicist."

Ms. Schiller, the issue here is not what Mr. Williams said, but a part of our Constitution which allows him the freedom to do so. As you may not have had time to read it, I'm providing a copy of it for your review. You may want to share this with your legal department as well, and if you'd like, your psychiatrist.

1st Amendment to the Constitution of the United States of America
"Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances."

Aka, FREE SPEECH.

As a journalist and RTDNA board member I've spoke on behalf of the 1st Amendment to numerous civic groups, members of government and the judiciary including the National Judicial College.

It allows us the freedom to speak our minds. Often times people say things that make our blood boil, but there is no alternative to free speech other than censorship and tyranny, which in this case NPR is guilty of.

Ms. Schiller, you have brought disgrace to NPR, yourself and the very fabric of our nation, our Constitution.

Accordingly you should apologize to Mr. Williams and the nation immediately if not sooner.

Thank you for your attention to this matter.

Brian Olson
Conversation Starters LLC
"We start the conversation about you"
(Because thankfully, the Constitution gives us the right to.)