Juan Williams' firing is hard to justify

[Commentary] It would be an understatement to say that National Public Radio's firing of analyst Juan Williams for his comments about Muslims has created a furor.

Commentators across the political spectrum have slammed the radio network. Internet message boards have been jammed. Cable TV and talk radio cannot get enough. Appearing on Fox News' "The O'Reilly Factor" Monday night, Williams said he worries when he sees people in "Muslim garb" get on an airplane. "I think, you know, they're identifying themselves first and foremost as Muslims," he said. "I get worried. I get nervous." By Wednesday afternoon, NPR had tossed aside the longtime contributor and analyst, saying he had violated ethics rules that prohibit its contributors from showing their personal biases or even going on shows "that encourage punditry and speculation rather than fact-based analysis." Never mind that Williams also talked, in the same interview, about the need to rise above anti-Muslim bigotry. Forget that NPR has not cracked down on its other analysts who, if sometimes more artful and circumspect, have offered their opinions to other news outlets. By acting precipitously, NPR has given aid and comfort to its enemies who would portray it as a ready accomplice of the political left. The loudest are now demanding Congressional hearings and a cut-off of federal funding.