The American Arab Forum unconditionally endorses the following petition.
(AAF president Aref is member of the NAAJA)
November 15, 2007
The National Arab American Journalists
Association (NAAJA), the
nation's largest professional union of Arab and Muslim American
journalists, today placed Radio Talk Show Host Michael Savage and his
nationally syndicated program "The Savage Nation" on the "Media Watch
List" (www.NAAJA-US.com)
because of his consistent use of anti-Muslim
rhetoric that crosses the line of professional conduct.
NAAJA, with more than 280 members, support the protest organized by
the Council on American Islamic Relations (CAIR) which is urging
advertisers to drop their Ads from Savage's program.
NAAJA has sent a letter to Michael Savage asking for a response to
the charges. If he responds, his response will publish it on the
NAAJA web site along with the MEDIA WATCH COMPLAINT.
NAAJA MEDIA WATCH is an effort to identify instances of inappropriate
and unprofessional journalism, and journalism misconduct as it
relates to Arab Americans, Arabs, Muslims and all minorities. The
issue is not the political views held by journalists or reporters but
rather the excesses they use. Public debate should be completely
open, but it should not include racist or discriminatory remarks, or
attempt to demean any racial, ethnic or religious group.
We urge our members to support the CAIR Boycott of "The Savage
Nation" and to join in writing letters of protest to advertisers on
the program. And we urge them to elevate this discussion to a
national debate in their publications and writings.
There are more than 80 Arab American and Muslim Newspapers and
Magazines, and more than two dozen radio and cable TV programs across
the United States.
Thank You
Ray Hanania
NAAJA Coordinator
for NAAJA Media Watch
rayhanania@comcast.
Because NAAJA believes in open dialogue and
discussion, and in fairness to
Radio Tlakshow Host Mike Savage (who I feel is not fair to Muslims and
Arabs), we believe in principle.
Here is Mike's response to us and my comments to him:
============
I don't agree with some of your views on Muslims and Arabs, but I also
believe in fairness and will publish your comments below because I believe
in open discussion and also giving people the benefit of the doubt.
But there are so many good Arabs and Muslims who do speak out against
Islamicism and Islamic extremism and hatred and bigotry not just against
Muslims, but also against Christians and Jews. It is wrong to make blanket
statements about all Muslims and even the Qu'ran. It is a book. I have read
it. But I also know (and I am a Christian and my wife happens to be Jewish)
that the meaning of any book can be distorted and taken out of context.
Calling the Qu'ran a "book of hate" is wrong and makes it very hard to
understand your intentions.
Thank you for writing.
Ray Hanania
Savage Responds:
From:
Savagemikesavage@
Sent: Saturday, November 17, 2007 12:47 PM
To:
rayhanania@comcast.
Subject: Re: Asking for you to apologize for anti-Islamic hate comments
You are only hearing what that questionable front-group CAIR wants you to
hear. Apparently you have never listened to my daily show which, thanks to
G-D, has now been on the air for 14 years. I have had as guests Muslims who
agree with me, i.e that there is much hatred and violence both in the
unevolved Arab world and in the Koran itself. Yet, I have said the very same
things about the "Old testament." The proclamations about stonings, killing,
etc. for homosexuality, adultery and so on. The difference, as I have pointed
out, is that even the most religious of Jews does not call for the execution
of adulterers or homosexuals, while too many in the Muslim backwaters still
do (witness the Iranian leadership!)
explaining the great contributions of the Arabs before the extremist sects
took over. As a PhD scientist (University of California, Berkeley,1978,
epidemiology) I know the history of science and the early Arab advances, as
well as the pollination between the Semitic minds (i.e the Jews and the
Arabs) after the self-sufficiency of the Koran gave way to the quest for
knowledge and commerce. I send you this in the hope that you will, yourself,
not give in to the bigotry and hatred being promoted by CAIR and see the
larger picture, the whole man and his years of rational discourse. If you
would publish this correspondence perhaps the hatred we both abhor would be
extinguished. Michael Savage
===========
Ray Hanania
NAAJA Coordinator
www.NAAJA-US.com
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The National Arab American Journalists Association is an independent,
professional organization established to promote networking among journalists of
Arab or Middle Eastern heritage. This list does not engage in political
discussions and is intended only for the dissemination of information to help
journalists Network. For more information visit:
www.NAAJA-US.com