Martin Bashir Resigned From MSNBC
Martin Bashir resigned from MSNBC this week. The Martin Bashir resignation was a consequence of one of his ‘Clear The Air’ segments. In that segment he was less than kind to Sarah Palin.
Martin Bashir was reacting to Sarah Palin comparing the deficit and Obamacare to slavery. Many on the Right have resorted to equate Obamacare and the deficit to a form of slavery. For descendants of slaves that comparison is obscene.
For those empathetic to those affected by the institution of slavery, the comparison is obscene. Martin Bashir graphically illustrated in his segment a few of the hundreds of dehumanizing events that were imposed on slaves. Sarah Palin had said that “Our free stuff today is being paid for today by taking money from our children and borrowing from China. When that note comes due … it is going to be like slavery when that note is due.”
Martin Bashir’s response was snarky and graphic. He had had enough. “Given her well established reputation as a world class idiot, it’s hardly surprising that she should choose to mention slavery in a way that is abominable to anyone who knows anything about its barbaric history,” he said.
Martin Bashir then recounted the writings in the diary of Thomas Thistlewood, the son of a tenant farmer. In his diary Thistlewood detailed the “cruel and brutal” punishment inflicted on his slaves. One such brutality involved forcing one slave to defecate in another slave’s mouth. Another cruelty was rubbing salt, pepper, and lime juice into a slave’s wound from flogging.
Martin Bashir then ends his segment saying, “When Mrs. Palin invokes slavery, she doesn’t just prove her rank ignorance. She confirms if anyone truly qualified for a dose of discipline from Thomas Thistlewood, she would be the outstanding candidate.”
Martin Bashir apologized for the segment. It seemed this was not enough for most. His statements continued to haunt him and MSNBC. Martin Bashir decided to resign today. His email follows.
After making an on-air apology, I asked for permission to take some additional time out around the Thanksgiving holiday. Upon further reflection, and after meeting with the President of MSNBC, I have tendered my resignation. It is my sincere hope that all of my colleagues, at this special network, will be allowed to focus on the issues that matter without the distraction of myself or my ill-judged comments. I deeply regret what was said, will endeavor to work hard at making constructive contributions in the future and will always have a deep appreciation for our viewers – who are the smartest, most compassionate and discerning of all television audiences. I would also wish to express deepest gratitude to my immediate colleagues, and our contributors, all of whom have given so much of themselves to our broadcast.
Both the Right and the Left displayed a false sense of indignation over Martin Bashir’s comments. The Right continues to lie, make racist, sexist, misogynistic comments on a daily basis. There is rarely consensus to chop the head of the ones inflicting these ills.
Martin Bashir made a rhetorical statement that was absolutely in line with the liberties and false equivalences Sarah Palin and the Right have been expounding. For that he would not be forgiven. Martin Bashir’s resignation is another Right Wing win over a spineless Left.
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Martin Bashir is one of the few bright lights of intelligence and knowledge in our socio-political lives. The tactic of forcing free voices of truth out of the public arena will soon result in the reality of Reinhold Nieblluer’s(sp) attributed poem, that SOON they were come for “ME
and there will be no one to help.
The forces of reaction (not conservation) are killing everything, and there is no strong counterweight and value. Are we all going to extinction at the hands of ignorance and fear?
Wasn’t it the left though that started the practice of political correctness to silence speech and opinions we don’t like? Doesn’t seem like we’re in a position to complain when the tactic gets used against us. Just sayin’…
No need to resign, Martin, I doubt Ms Palin even relized that you insulted her. Stay in the fight. If MSNBC has any balls they will not accept your resignation.
Did I miss it? There were a number of quotes in the article from both Palin and Martin, but I didn’t see a quote of the comments from Martin that are at the center of the controversy. This seems like a very odd omission.
If you’re going to write an article against his resignation, wouldn’t you want to address the reason directly? Very odd.
I am done with MSNBC for this. They are more interested in looking good and being stars than good reporting. My suggestion, start watch Aljazar. It is refreshing with guess what just news, no comments, no frills, just the news. They have an anchor kinda reminds me of a young Walter Kronkite. Have a look and be refreshed. For some of you just get past the name.