James O’Keefe continues to stick it to NPR with a second tape—this time audio—released featuring a telephone conversation between senior director of institutional giving Betsy Liley and a man posing as Ibrahim Kasaam from the fictional Muslim Education Action Center. The video is here and the Daily Caller is reporting on it here. In the video, “Kasaam” asks numerous questions about his intended gift, but it’s the one surrounding taxes that is about to make (likely fleeting) headlines.
After Kasaam asks if NPR contributions come under government scrutiny, Liley says that the organization has been audited in the past. Then, she offers, “If you are concerned in any way about that, that’s one reason you might want to be an anonymous donor. And, we would certainly, if that was your interest, want to shield you from that.”
The point is reiterated.
Kasaam:So it sounds like you’re saying that, um… I mean, it sounded like you were saying that NPR would be able to shield us from a government audit. Is that correct?
Liley:I think that would be the case, especially if you anonymous. And I can inquire about that.
Politico’s Keach Hagey reports that Liley was placed on “administrative leave” yesterday.
We’ll look at this further as more develops but important to note that a) Liley nor NPR actually promised to make the donation anonymous at any point, b) no one has yet suggested what is so damaging about this donation being anonymous other than the fact we wouldn’t know it came from—gasp!—Muslims, and c) later in the tape, Liley actually talks about the donations NPR receives from a number of religious groups, including Jewish, Catholic, Lutheran, etc.
Thanks for staying on this issue, Joel. You've done a really good job with bypassing the pearl-clutching and garment rending, and breaking these events down to the essence. Well done.
One hates to lose one to a little snot like O'Keefe,but even more contemptible is the belly-crawling cowardice of the Board of Directors and particularly the journos at NPR. It's pretty disgusting to see them grovel like that.
And I'll echo what Jay Rosen said: "They are out to get you, too, O Holier Than Thou Journos." http://is.gd/JaDmhE
#1 Posted by James, CJR on Thu 10 Mar 2011 at 07:59 PM
Joel, if James starts praising your work, you may give a thought to worrying about your credibility outside the fading 'white left' demographic . . .
#2 Posted by Mark Richard, CJR on Thu 10 Mar 2011 at 08:20 PM
It's my hope that, once your meds kick in, you wil have the ability to reflect on what a profoundly idiotic post you made here, and be embarrassed. Seriously, son, seek help. Nobody has to endure such blind, unbridled rage. There is treatment available for you. You'll feel better. Really.
#3 Posted by James, CJR on Fri 11 Mar 2011 at 09:58 AM