Juan Williams told Bill O'Reilly that he felt nervous and uneasy about boarding airplanes when there are folks wearing Muslim clothing boarding the same flight. Williams did not say that he did not board such a flight; he didn't indicate that he suggested others not board the flight; he did not, from what I've read, ask that folks in Muslim garb not be allowed to board the flight. Apparently, in spite of some unease he took his scheduled flights. Yet Mr. Williams, a person of the Left is now considered a bigot for revealing this visceral emotion, which resulted in no overt nor covert actions against Muslims. He has been fired by NPR as a result of his comment.

Many of us have such feelings, if not about Muslims some other group: bikers; excessively tattooed persons; gays or some other religion or skin color as examples. Our feeling, as his, may be visceral; we can't always prevent them from coming to mind. In most cases the feeling passes and we go on with our business, recognizing that that feeling is unfounded. That is a mature, adult action. It is only when we act on those feelings in a way that negatively impacts the that group that causes these visceral reactions that we can be said to be bigoted.

Actually, I find it refreshing that Mr. Williams spoke of his feelings. When he speaks out or writes, contrary to his own occasional negative feelings, in support of Muslims that I know that he has actually analyzed his position both in a personal and a professional manner. I applaud his honesty. I am sorry that NPR felt that such honesty needed to punished...nor am I surprised.

Additionally, I'm surprised that this insane action hasn't been posted here earlier.