FULL LETTER: Here's a link to Keith Olbermann's FULL LETTER to viewers of Countdown

[Tx4obama]

A Statement to the Viewers of Countdown
http://www.scribd.com/doc/41623368/A-Statement-to-the-Viewers-of-Countdown


p.s. Please help to keep this thread bumped up so everyone can read the letter, thanks :)

[nadinbrzezinski]

1. thanks and kick

[blackspade]

93. Thanks Keith!

Kickity, KICK!

[LibDemAlways]

2. Thanks for posting this. Keith is a class act. I

look forward to his return.

[YvonneCa]

99. He sure is a class act. I am so glad...

...this has been resolved and Keith is back tonight. :)

[Tatiana]

3. K&R - What class. He offered to explain on and off air about the donations.

He thought the matter was settled and there would be no suspension, per his (union?) representative.

He learned of his suspension through the media.

I must say, Keith must have mellowed with age, and perhaps the loss of his parents as well. I think he realizes what's important in life. He was genuinely touched by all the goodwill and support shown towards him.

That's why he's coming back -- for his viewers. The old Keith would have told Phil Griffin where to shove it and contacted his attorney immediately.

[arcane1]

4. Wow, he lays it out in his typical classic style!

"an inconsistently applied rule" indeed!!!

Welcome back!!!

[bdamomma]

5. aw, Keith is such a good guy and so eloquent.

kick & rec

[Dappleganger]

6. Much respect.

[RamboLiberal]

7. K&R Thanks for posting

[sabrina 1]

8. Thanks for posting. Very interesting letter.

I would also like to acknowledge with respect the many commentators and reporters, including those with whom my politics do not overlap, for their support

Yes, that was surprising. I expected hypocrisy from them, but several of them did point out how ridiculous it was NOT to assume he would support Democrats. Good for them.

The real hypocritical moral finger-waggers were CNN et al pushing the false equivalency theory and forgetting about their own severe lack of integrity where it really counts, in delivering actual news, questioning lies told about far more important things than a political donation, about which no lies were told, and allowing the Bush administration to lie this country into war.

I'm glad he's coming back, but he is a target of those who prefer to control the news so people will hve to be vigilent from now on.

[AndyTiedye]

9. Has NBC Ever Suspended Anyone For Supporting a Republican?

Or does this rule only apply to Democrats?
:kick:

[txlibdem]

70. Now there's the $64,000 question!

Good point. (I sincerely hope the answer is yes...)

[AndyTiedye]

88. If There Were One, Surely NBC or One of its Apologists Would Have Mentioned It

:crickets:

[deminks]

10. Thanks for the link. Suspended without a hearing.

I am so looking forward to Tuesday night. We got your back, KO.

[Dyler Turden]

11. Here's the text of the letter if that's ok. (Thanks for posting this link)

A STATEMENT TO THE VIEWERS OF COUNTDOWN
by Keith Olbermann

I want to sincerely thank you for the honor of your extraordinary and
ground-rattling support. Your efforts have been integral to the remedying of
these recent events, and the results should remind us of the power of
individuals spontaneously acting together to correct injustices great or small. I
would also like to acknowledge with respect the many commentators and
reporters, including those with whom my politics do not overlap, for their
support.

I also wish to apologize to you viewers for having precipitated such anxiety
and unnecessary drama. You should know that I mistakenly violated an
inconsistently applied rule – which I previously knew nothing about – that
pertains to the process by which such political contributions are approved by
NBC. Certainly this mistake merited a form of public acknowledgment and/or
internal warning, and an on-air discussion about the merits of limitations on
such campaign contributions by all employees of news organizations. Instead,
after my representative was assured that no suspension was contemplated, I
was suspended without a hearing, and learned of that suspension through the
media.

You should also know that I did not attempt to keep any of these political
contributions secret; I knew they would be known to you and the rest of the
public. I did not make them through a relative, friend, corporation, PAC, or
any other intermediary, and I did not blame them on some kind of convenient
'mistake' by their recipients. When a website contacted NBC about one of the
donations, I immediately volunteered that there were in fact three of them; and
contrary to much of the subsequent reporting, I immediately volunteered to
explain all this, on-air and off, in the fashion MSNBC desired.

I genuinely look forward to rejoining you on Countdown on Tuesday, to
begin the repayment of your latest display of support and loyalty - support and
loyalty that is truly mutual.

-K.O.

[patricia92243]

12. Thanks for posting this - I couldn't get the link to work and was dying to see the letter from KO.

[tishaLA]

20. I did not make them through a relative... or any other intermediary

He shoots at Scarborough...

and scores!

[Dyler Turden]

21. I liked that as well.

Nicely done, Mr. O.

[malaise]

23. Go Keith

We've got your back.

[Tx4obama]

26. Thanks for posting the text. I couldn't figure out how to copy over at Scribd. n/t

[Alameda]

43. thanks I also couldn't get the link to work...very considerate of you.

[Coventina]

95. Thanks! Link didn't work for me either. n/t

[Kookaburra]

13. K&R

[secondwind]

14. K&R

[ProudToBeLiberal]

15. wow suspended without a hearing

keep fighting KO!

[hlthe2b]

16. Could anyone access & read using firefox?

I had to switch over to internet explorer... What gives?

[Dyler Turden]

19. Using FireFox here and got through ok.

Version 3.6.12

[avaistheone1]

17. Keith is a stand up & classy guy.

[me b zola]

18. K&R

[mmonk]

22. Gladly.

Got this statement by email. Keep it kicked.

[redirish28]

24. To Tell his rep he would not be punished than turn around and kick

him off in such a way he learned through Media sources is underhanded and low. VERY LOW.


IMHO leaves no doubt that it was given by higher up...perhaps comcast execs.

[KharmaTrain]

56. Standard Practice...

There's the old saying of "have my people meet your people". Sounds more like a screw-up on several fronts that got out of hand quickly. Mostly with his agent and the network that led management to believe he was breaking the rules. Fortunately its been resolved with only a few bruised egos out there. If anything Comcast...who still doesn't control MSNBC...has seen what a succesful franchise they may or may not be getting. The merger isn't a done deal yet...

[The Uncola]

25. It impressive to watch a man of integrity...

... respectfully handle a despicable action taken against him with such class.

[pacalo]

27. K&R!

[Better Believe It]

28. Good statement by Keith. R

[Guilded Lilly]

29. healthy KICK

[RoccoR5955]

30. Keith Olbermann FTW!!!!!

A class act. A class statement. I am already popping the corn for Tuesday night!

[Politicub]

31. A class act all the way

So glad Keith is coming back!

[Tx4obama]

32. Text of Olbermann's Full Letter below

It's now posted on Huffington Post too :)
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/11/08/olbermann-apologizes-to-viewers-not-msnbc_n_780703.html


A STATEMENT TO THE VIEWERS OF COUNTDOWN

by Keith Olbermann

I want to sincerely thank you for the honor of your extraordinary and ground-rattling support. Your efforts have been integral to the remedying of these recent events, and the results should remind us of the power of individuals spontaneously acting together to correct injustices great or small. I would also like to acknowledge with respect the many commentators and reporters, including those with whom my politics do not overlap, for their support.
Story continues below
Advertisement

I also wish to apologize to you viewers for having precipitated such anxiety and unnecessary drama. You should know that I mistakenly violated an inconsistently applied rule – which I previously knew nothing about – that pertains to the process by which such political contributions are approved by NBC. Certainly this mistake merited a form of public acknowledgment and/or internal warning, and an on-air discussion about the merits of limitations on such campaign contributions by all employees of news organizations. Instead, after my representative was assured that no suspension was contemplated, I was suspended without a hearing, and learned of that suspension through the media.

You should also know that I did not attempt to keep any of these political contributions secret; I knew they would be known to you and the rest of the public. I did not make them through a relative, friend, corporation, PAC, or any other intermediary, and I did not blame them on some kind of convenient 'mistake' by their recipients. When a website contacted NBC about one of the donations, I immediately volunteered that there were in fact three of them; and contrary to much of the subsequent reporting, I immediately volunteered to explain all this, on-air and off, in the fashion MSNBC desired.

I genuinely look forward to rejoining you on Countdown on Tuesday, to begin the repayment of your latest display of support and loyalty - support and loyalty that is truly mutual.

--K.O.

[nolabear]

33. Wow. Really nice. Can't wait to have him back.

[Egnever]

34. I find the idea that he didnt know about the rule a little hard to swallow.

Its not a new rule in journalism.

[jeff47]

40. When the NBC ethics department says

When the NBC ethics department says "There are no ethics policies at MSNBC", it's not unreasonable to not read the NBC ethics policies.

[yellerpup]

35. So glad the story is out in the open now. WTG, Keith!

:kick:

[WillyT]

36. K & R !!!

:kick:

[ChiciB1]

37. A KICK To Keep It Going... n/t

[defendandprotect]

38. Thank you -- !!! K&R -- and kick -- !!

[Gamey]

39. Surely I can't be the 1st to express cynicism?

My wife mentioned KO the same day I learned about it! Hmmmm...

That's some powerful stuff and perhaps that was the intention all along?

Of course I admire and respect KO and what his "ilk" do for the better cause of the American people, but these are the kind of "tricks" other current "news" media use to boost their bottom lines.

Just sayin'.

[mia]

41. k&r

Thanks for the link.

[lupinella]

42. R&K

Huzzah, Keith!:applause:

[City Lights]

44. Keith rocks!

:loveya:

Rec'd.

[Swamp Rat]

45. k&r

[McCamy Taylor]

46. K&R

[blue_roses_lib]

47. Kick

n/t

[damonm]

48. kick

[defendandprotect]

49. kick --

[SaveOurDemocracy]

50. K&R

[Douglas Carpenter]

51. kick and recommend!!

[pam4water]

52. All I can see is a blanks page :(

[Iggo]

55. Post 32, this thread.

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=389x9515707#9516509

[puebloknot]

53. K&R Sweet smell of success! nt

[era veteran]

54. That's a horse of a different color

What a strange place, the corporate world, with no honor that you tell him no suspension and then you do. GE was a suspicious owner, but I feel Comcast approaching.

[EFerrari]

57. That Olbermann kid sure grew up nicely.

lol

[YvonneCa]

100. Seems he had great...

...parents. ;)

[MrMickeysMom]

58. Thanks, Tx... that was truly a great read...

... from one of the best news and commentators I hope to keep listening to.

[orleans]

59. k&r n/t

[micraphone]

60. This even made the news in New Zealand..

... where a local network run Faux overnight... (digressing - and largely ignored!).

Reaction was, well, underwhelming. Why? People here in NZ cannot believe that a: anyone can BUY an election, and b: money (public, corporate or not) can be used, to BUY an election.

BTW OUR judges are not allowed to rule on election 'malfunctions' like 2001. The law is clear.

We don't, and never have had, any 'YOU MUST USE HAVA' touch-screen crap. All on paper. Period.

Problem never existed. And good reporters are lauded.

But hey, we're just a small country in the South Seas.

Nothing to learn here.

Move on.

[Enthusiast]

64. Citizens of New Zealand and

rest of the modern world are more aware of injustices in the U.S. than its own citizens. Keith's program is one of the few that actually strive to keep the citizens informed. Most of remaining media is a toxic stew of right wing talking points. That is why those of us that are aware were so enraged by Keith's dismissal. Thanks for sharing.

[Sherman A1]

61. K&R

:kick:

[tavalon]

62. This is his endzone dance

And he deserves it. His boss behaved badly.

[Enthusiast]

63. Fucking awesome, Keith! nt

[BumRushDaShow]

65. K&R

Great letter and hope to see him back tonight!

:kick:

[PuffedMica]

66. K&R

[SemperEadem]

67. well put, KO... glad we could be there for you

[RayStar]

68. Thanks

Keith has learned from his viewers how much we appreciate him.

[disillusioned73]

69. A kick for KO

:dem:

[txlibdem]

71. Mr. Olbermann is a class act. NBC should be chastised.

Roundly.

[Love Bug]

72. They didn't even have the guts to tell him themselves?

He had to find out from the media he'd been suspended? Cowards. Figures.

[myrna minx]

73. K&R n/t

[whathehell]

74. Love the Keith! n/t

[HopeHoops]

75. K&R

[SunsetDreams]

76. K&R Thank you Keith

[COLGATE4]

77. K&R

[BetsysGhost]

78. KO

is a hypocrite.

[plcdude]

79. really?

you should elaborate you know.

[BetsysGhost]

87. Why?

he knows.

[EFerrari]

101. Ruh oh! Someone on the internets called someone a name!

[Change Happens]

84. KO = G O D!!!

[Dappleganger]

106. AH

gouda is awesome on pizza.

[davidwparker]

80. K&R

[jwirr]

81. K&R

[Hamlette]

82. So, why has a rich, political guy like Keith never donated before?

I have a tiny fraction of what Keith does and I donate every election.

[KansDem]

83. Shellacked...

I thought it more timely than "kicked" ;)

[wryter2000]

85. K&R n/t

n/t

[pgodbold]

86. K & R

[Celtic Raven]

89. K&R For Keith!

[pattmarty]

90. FIRE GRIFFIN!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Kingofalldems]

91. He's back! Keith hating repub won't like this one

Yeah!:shrug:

[Kalyke]

92. Kickin' for the lunch crowd

:kick:

[NoSheep]

94. Thanks for all you do Keith.

[siligut]

96. So eloquent and humble

He is also supportive when he points out what people can do when they join together.

[valerief]

97. K&R

:kick:

[vanbean]

98. This saga is a classic example of how bad things turn into good things.

I can't tell you, I can't express how bummed I was when he was "fired". Especially after Jon Stewart equated KO with Beck and the batshits. But now, it feels good to know that we still aren't totally screwed. There may be hope after all. We still may be able to have ignorant citizens awakened to the fact that we have a mixed economy in which both capitalism and socialism can be utilized and regulated for the highest efficiency, by a democracy. Keep on Keithing on!

[patricia92243]

105. Do you have a link to this - I'm very surprised that Jon would compare KO to Beck - unless it were

to point out that KO is a class act and Beck is mentally ill.

[Tx4obama]

111. It was the video mash-up of the 'commentators' that Stewart played at the rally. n/t

[vanbean]

115. I was shocked too. Do you really need a link?

[patricia92243]

117. I'm still not sure if it is a joke or not - that is why I was wanting to actually see it.

[vanbean]

118. It was no joke. Here is a link for you, but it is hard to believe you need one.

http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-503544_162-20021281-503544.html?tag=contentMain

"Beck, Keith Olbermann and others appeared in montages offering incendiary rhetoric that Stewart deemed dispiriting. (Olbermann did not take kindly to this: "It wasn't a big shark but Jon Stewart jumped one just now with the 'everybody on <24 hour> cable is the same' naivete," he wrote on Twitter.)"

If you are lying it is unacceptable to be indignant. If you are responding with the truth you have a right and an obligation to be indignant.

[RedCloud]

102. Absolutely shocking NOW how he was mistreated.

We always need to hear both sides of the story.

[David Zephyr]

103. Integrity. K&R.

Integrity to the core.

[Ozymanithrax]

104. Kieth, we have your back. n/t

[gateley]

107. Bumped and recced! nt

[DebJ]

108. Thanks. n/t

[merkins]

109. badonkadonk

K&R

[texastoast]

110. Kick n/t

[Tx4obama]

112. Be sure to sign the National Congrats Keith Card on the link below...

The thank you card is being sponsored by the same folks that put up the original petition to bring KO back.

Sign card here: http://act.boldprogressives.org/sign/congrats_keith_victory

[DesertFlower]

113. K&R. nt

[southerncrone]

114. K&R!

:kick: NBC ASSSS, Keith!

[Bucky]

116. Ha-ha! 300th Rec is mine