MARC LAMONT HILL …FIRED AT CNN FOR FREE NON VIOLENT SPEECH

The tenured professor for media studies at Temple University, who was also a contributor at Cable News Network (CNN) was fired for what they claim were comments made by Hill in an address to the UN. Hill questioned the continuing separation or partitioning of the Israeli/Palestinian area by one side the Israelis and the blockade of the Palestinian people.  The noted black professor who stands up for the oppressed Palestinian people referred to Israel as an “Apartheid State”. You fully know of Apartheid South Africa that was liberated by Nelson Mandela and many Jamaican artistes including Robert Nesta Marley (Bob Marley),Peter Tosh and Buju Banton (Mark Myrie) to name a few freedom fighters.  They saw the separation of people on racial lines as dangerous, disgraceful, demeaning, despicable and distasteful, to put it mildly.

Marc Lamont Hill also made reference to the well used lines “from river to sea”.  This has been interpreted as Hill calling for the annihilation of Israel.  What he said he was referring to was that “Justice” should flow from river to sea.”

I short  “A free Palestine from river to sea” a quote from Hill’s speech to UN.

In my perspective to take certain words and or phrases from a twenty minutes speech and interpreted by them in a negative light is unfortunate, unfair, misleading and distorting.   Certainly  nothing short of intellectual dishonesty.  This is back stabbing and should be dismissed as cheap low down behaviour.  Thus does not build accord or great dialogue.  If this is apartheid as is being practiced by Israel, then Hill is right, as thus is an affront to decency.

Also “Racism is an affront to decency” Hopeton O’Connor-Dennie has stated this and articulated same in Vision newspaper repeatedly.  No apologies is being offered for that position.

For CNN, a supposedly respected internationally recognized media entity to have terminated Hill for his free speech is in itself an affront to press freedom … this was not hate speech by Marc Lamont Hill.  I have heard the full speech and it was a brilliant speech well delivered.  Shame on CNN.  There are right wing contributors at CNN who can be described as downright racist without apologies. They are not being fired. Why?

This will not end violence in the middle east,  only embolden the apartheid leaning Israeli government.  Violence against peaceful Israelis is being here condemned.  Fight back if attacked, this is self defense.  Everyone has such a right whether Israel or Palestine. Self preservation can never be unlawful. The blockade of Palestine by the Israeli government is illegal and must end.

Speaking on the Breakfast Club last Friday, Hill said “Idon’t wish any harm for Jewish people” Hill’s first comment publicly since his firing from CNN. We believe him.

Marc Lamont Hill has nothing to be ashamed of … time will vindicate your courageous move for standing up for fairness and be counted in a world forum like the UN.