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Exploiting a Mistake (Mark Belling)

I’ve appreciated conservative talk show host Mark Belling (WISN, Milwaukee) for three reasons. First, and obviously, he is a conservative. While I’ve differed with his conclusions on a number of issues, I find his prevailing commentary refreshing. Second, Belling’s clarity of thought and analytical abilities are exceptional. Third, unlike many talk show hosts who look for national or high profile but far-removed discussion topics, Belling concentrates on local issues, those that have an immediate and direct impact on his listeners.

I was surprised by the report that Belling was suspended by Clear Channel for a racial slur [more]. Although he has issued an apology for his mistake, Belling’s abrasive style and conservative stand has generated a long list of antagonists that are using the situation againt him to its fullest extent.

Most interesting, however, is the coverage by the American Mind of a critic who made the same blunder as Belling.

Today, another vocal critic of Belling learned first-hand how an off-the-cuff remark can hurt others. On Charlie Sykes' radio show Victor Huyke, publisher of El Conquistador, told Sykes and his audience that the Hispanic community would no longer be treated like a "retarded stepchild." Sykes immediately pointed out that some would find that remark as hurtful as the term Belling used. Huyke was taken aback and immediately apologized. Sykes told him he could demand he be fired, but accepted the apology. Hopefully, Huyke takes to heart want [sic] can sometimes be said in the heat of the moment. If so, he should extend that to Mark Belling

I agree. In fact, this is a lesson in grace that all should consider before exploiting the blunder of another in an exaggerated manner rather than debating the merits of an opponent's position.

How will this all end up? Belling, while suspended, apparently will not lose his job.

Updates:

WAUKESHA - Controversial conservative radio talk show host Mark Belling has been suspended for nearly a week from his radio program and his Sunday morning TV program, "Belling and Co.," has been placed "on hiatus" by Milwaukee’s WDJT-Channel 58. But his weekly newspaper column is still running in The Freeman and a group of about 20 protesters demonstrated outside the paper Friday afternoon, seeking to have Belling removed from the newspaper as well. Carrying signs that called for Belling’s column to be removed, members of the group said they could not accept an apology from Belling for a racial slur he made on his WISN-AM 1130 radio show, believing he was being insincere [more]

The bottom line is that the calls to silence Belling are not primarily based in the event that led to his suspension. Rather, they are based upon a long standing disagreement with Belling’s conservative ideology that critics have not been able to answer directly.

On Nov. 15, Mark Belling returned to his afternoon radio talk show after a weeklong hiatus sparked by reaction to his use of an ethnic slur to refer to illegal Mexican immigrants. [Milwaukee Journal]

I don't agree with Belling on a number of issues and certainly did not appreciate the humor he reportedly used on Nov. 15. However, it is refreshing to see that WISN sanctioned Belling but did not give into those who used a (stupid) blunder in an attempt to stifle his conservative voice.

Want more information? Click here to search the Milwaukee Journal

What are your thoughts?

Posted by tim at November 10, 2004 12:30 PM

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Comments

|| Hopefully, Huyke takes to heart want [sic] can sometimes be said in the heat of the moment. If so, he should extend that to Mark Belling ||

there is definitely a difference from "heat of the moment" and repeating a poor choice of word(s) and mockingly apologizing. although i am sad to see mark has been kicked off the air...he should have been a bit more intelligent with words that he very much knew would be taken offensively. we all know he did it on purpose and didn't simply slip up "heat of the moment". mark was being a bigot and now he has to suffer the consiquences of not being responsible with his 1st amendment rights. with that being said...i still think he should get a second chance as we are all sinners and all make mistakes...hopefully he will learn from this one. peace.

--AC

Posted by: AC at November 14, 2004 12:23 AM

Lu 17:3 Take heed to yourselves: If thy brother trespass against thee, rebuke him; and if he repent, forgive him. 4 And if he trespass against thee seven times in a day, and seven times in a day turn again to thee, saying, I repent; thou shalt forgive him.
Mt 18:21 Then came Peter to him, and said, Master, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? till seven times? 22 Yahushua saith unto him, I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven. 23 Therefore is the kingdom of heaven likened unto a certain king, which would take account of his servants. 24 And when he had begun to reckon, one was brought unto him, which owed him ten thousand talents. 25 But forasmuch as he had not to pay, his master commanded him to be sold, and his wife, and children, and all that he had, and payment to be made. 26 The servant therefore fell down, and worshipped him, saying, Master, have patience with me, and I will pay thee all. 27 Then the master of that servant was moved with compassion, and loosed him, and forgave him the debt. 28 But the same servant went out, and found one of his fellowservants, which owed him an hundred pence: and he laid hands on him, and took [him] by the throat, saying, Pay me that thou owest. 29 And his fellowservant fell down at his feet, and besought him, saying, Have patience with me, and I will pay thee all. 30 And he would not: but went and cast him into prison, till he should pay the debt. 31 So when his fellowservants saw what was done, they were very sorry, and came and told unto their master all that was done. 32 Then his master, after that he had called him, said unto him, O thou wicked servant, I forgave thee all that debt, because thou desiredst me: 33 Shouldest not thou also have had compassion on thy fellowservant, even as I had pity on thee? 34 And his master was wroth, and delivered him to the tormentors, till he should pay all that was due unto him. 35 So likewise shall my heavenly Father do also unto you, if ye from your hearts forgive not every one his brother their trespasses.

Posted by: CKH at November 19, 2004 11:22 PM

It is amazing when a liberal uses a term such as "Uncle Tom" or "Aunt Jemmima" the reaction is muted.

Posted by: Bob Paul at November 23, 2004 8:18 AM

FYI, "wetback" is not a durogatory term for an illegal coming from the south. they typically swim the rio grande in south texas to get here, hence the term "wetback". as a texan, i can say we definitely have too many "wetbacks" here(in houston). in the last 10 yrs it's really turned into a kinda 3rd world enviroment in many parts of our city...not to mention the strain on social services to accommodate all these folks showing up needing gov't help. you'd think they would at least learn some english and adhere to our rules of the road.

Posted by: cthack at November 23, 2004 8:39 AM