On October the 28th, 2009, Jon had the good sense to invite two guests who favor (get this) a peaceful, non-violent, diplomatic approach to the middle east problem. No harm in a little civil discussion, huh?
The guests were Anna Baltzer, a Jewish-American author, and Dr. Mustafa Barghouti a former candidate for the presidency of the Palestinian National Authority. Jon actually had a heckler two nights ago; a Joe Wilson style Neocon who yelled "liar" when it was suggested by Dr. Barghouti that Palestinians were under a "longtime occupation". According to Anna Baltzer:
The show was overwhelmed with angry emails and phone calls prior to the appearance, and up until the last minute it seemed like they might cancel. During the taping, the show had it's only heckler in 11 years. The entire staff were very nervous and may come to regret the monumental decision (and not make it again) as they will surely be inundated now that the show has aired.
In addition to the intimidation tactics described above, Neoconservatives and Israeli extremists have been all over the internet calling Anna Baltzer a "radical" and "self hating Jew" and a terrorist sympathizer. I'm not aware of the story getting picked up by Fox News (yet), but it's only a matter of time.
Anna Baltzer suggests calling and/or emailing the show so the production staff is not intimidated by rabid Neocons into not bringing anyone with a "pro Palestinians point of view" on their show (meaning: people who see Palestinians as human beings deserving of food, water and peace).
Here's the link for sending feedback to the show. Please choose The Daily Show with Jon Stewart as your topic, and put a positive word or two in the subject line! Thanks!
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