Your Views
simon on January 9th, 2004
why should he not be able to voice his opinions, after all we live in a free country.
Tony Crayshaw on January 9th, 2004
A stupid article from a very stupid man. The article was nothing more than a pub rant and was peppered with inaccuracies. The Kilroy Show should have been replaced ages ago with something a little bit up-to-date - but please God nothing like the Rod Liddle chat show that appeared on BBC2 on Saturdays.
Paul Smith on January 9th, 2004
Yes, I think he should be sacked. That said, however, if somebody had written a similar 'rant' about the French or the Germans... or even America, as regularly happens in the left-wing media... there might not be quite so much outrage.
Colin Stone on January 9th, 2004
Maybe the comments were OTT. However I do not think that he should be sacked, as he was not stating the comments in his role as TV presenter. We have become far too touchy about what people say. Freedom of speach ... ?
Rima Taha on January 9th, 2004
I think that someone who believes himself to be educated and knowlegable should be disgraced for these kind of comments. They are not only racist and incredibly predujiced but very hurtful to an Arab who is not a terrorist or an amputator but merely a normal human being living and paying taxes in this country. Also, Afghanistan is not an Arab country and not all Arabs are muslim and vice versa. It's about time that people know what they are saying before they say it. It is wrong to go about making such accusations!!!! I am disgraced and will consider continuing to live here.
Tony on January 9th, 2004
Thank goodness someone has the courage to say this. Hope he has lots of money as he'll never work again though.
George Davis on January 9th, 2004
The pompous ass that is Kilroy should have been taken off the air years ago. However, having lived and worked in many countries of the middle east for the last 15 years I can only say that his rant is accurate. Most of the arab world is morally, socially and fiscally corrupt and do have a real hatred for western culture and ideals.
Tony C on January 9th, 2004
The reason why its not the same to compare the comments to France/the French or Germany/the Germans is that Arabs constitute a race and therefore he is racist. Replace them with the word 'Blacks' or 'Jews' and you'll understand that he has crossed the line. No-one should be sacked for airing their views but that isn't a licence to be racist. Racists have no place on the BBC. The Sunday Express is another matter!
Dave McCabe on January 9th, 2004
No one's free speech should be stiffled, the muslim taleban in this country are quick to come out with anti british/US comments and they remain unchecked. It seems to me that muslims are unable or unwilling to take responsibility for the actions of some of the barbaric governments in the world based in the middle east. If the British government carried some of things thak Kilroy quite rightly pointed too, there would be a revolution, shame the muslims can't see beyond the blinkers of their Islam
Ben Cook on January 9th, 2004
Whilst I disagree with the sentiment, I don't see why he should be sacked for giving an opinion.
Sajad Nawaz on January 9th, 2004
Yes, he should be sacked and the BBC should so that it realy does cater for all but not supporting such presenters as Kiljoy!!, it was a VERY dated show anyway and BBC should use this as an excuse to get something new in place.
Martin Adamson on January 9th, 2004
If Newnight arts pundit Tom Paulin - who called for all Jewish settlers in Israel to be "f*****ng shot" - is still allowed to broadcast on the BBC, why should Robert Kilroy-Silk be banned?
Gordon Hedley on January 9th, 2004
"We are told by some of the more hysterical critics of the war on terror that 'it is destroying the Arab world'. So? Should we be worried about that?" Yes, Mr K-S, because that is called genocide. "what do they contribute? Can you think of anything? Anything really useful?... No, nor can I... " Your ignorance of history astounds me Mr K-S! (actually it doesn't - I've seen your shows!) You have clearly not heard of the many brilliant Arab scholars and philosophers that were teaching many great things in the past, while 'the west' were landing craft on the west coast of Africa to chain up every black man they could find and enslave him, or crusading through the know world torturing everyone who didn’t believe in god. Clearly 'the west' is superior Mr K-S, Clearly.
Tony C on January 9th, 2004
The debate is not about muslims its about Arabs. RKS' questions the contrbution of Arabs to civilisation forgetting alchemy, algebra, astronomy annd architecture (and we're only only on A). He calls Iran and Afghanistan 'Arab states' when they clearly are not and generalises about Arab people in a clearly stereotypical way - these are all the charges laid in front of him.
Moleman on January 9th, 2004
Wasn't modern civilsation born in the middle east???? Oh well, suppose it doesn't count for anything. Apparently anything done againt a muslim leads to outrage from their spokepersons, but they never denounce the suicide bombers that kill innocent civilians.
Steve on January 9th, 2004
Wasn't only racist, but he also basically accused all Arabs of being responsible for September 11th which is a terrible thing to say, especially as Arabs died in it too. He should be sacked for that comment.
DR FAYLSZALALAL AL-WARITH on January 9th, 2004
As an Arab I condemn his rant. He should be arrested under the race relations act. He obviously stands by what he has said, and that's why he hasn't apologised. Any aplology now would be too little, too late. He should never have spoken like this. The vast majority of Arabs are anti-terror, and condemn it in all forms.
Muhammad Ibrahim on January 9th, 2004
His comments are based on prejudice, a sheer lack of understanding of Islam. Many Arab nations are puppet nations to the developed world and do not have the infrastructures to contribute more than he is suggesting. The footage broadcast by CNN after 9/11 was clearly old footage from another event, spliced in, that should not have been broadcast at such a sensitive time, it was a sheer distortion of fact reinforcing prejudice. Suicide bombing is a serious sin in Islam, the destruction of the lives of thousands of innocent people is abhorent and contravenes the Islamic laws of warfare. The perpetrators of such actions are often from Islamically degenerate backgrounds in the first place (having girl friends, drinking alcohol, involved in other illegal crimes, forging passports, money laundering etc) The head covering (hijab) should be a liberating feature, not a submissive one. This is an injunction not made by man, or imposed by men, it should be one of free choice. Kilroy's comments are not only ill informed and prejudiced, they are very dangerous and only but fuel extremist views, racism and will contribute to making the world in to a more dangerous place. Kilroy should certainly be held accountable for such comments, even taken before the crown prosecution service to see if there are any charges he could be held accountable for. If he is guilty, his journalistic days will have to come to an end. It would be as equally outrageous for him to deny the holocaust happened, blamed the ills of current society on Jews. Such forms of prejudice can lead to the holocaust happening again. Just like Jewish organisations that speak out against anti-semitism, so to must Muslims speak out against such forms of Islamophobia. Here all moral, conscientious, law abiding citizens of the United Kingdom can stand united.
Mark B on January 9th, 2004
Is anyone really surpised at Kilroy's treatment ? The BBC don't like free-speech, hence their reaction. They are made up of left-leaning control freak luvvies farting around at the public's expense who believe that the BBC can engineer some sort of multi-cultural utopia in Britain. The main characteristic of such people is that they believe that their doctrine is unchallengable and so therefore anyone who disagrees is considered an unfortunate looney who should be punished. Overall, all I can say is well done Kilroy, keep up the good work and bad move BBC, the sooner they get rid of the licence fee the better !
Mr_X on January 9th, 2004
Kilroy is not a foolish man, and he has obviously put some thought into what he has said. I think what he has said reflects what many, many people in the Western world think - and he is going to pay the price for voicing his "personal" opinion publically. However, what concerns me is what is said about the Western world in the Arabic media ? Not even twelve months ago Al-Jazeera broadcast pictures of DEAD western soldiers which breaches the Geneva Convention (broadcasting pictures of Prisoners of War) and there was no problems seen there. Surely we are discriminating against ourselves here ?
J Rogers on January 9th, 2004
It's a sad day when we cannot state our feelings in our own country. I am one of the most moderate men in our age group that I know, always getting flak from some biggoted associates for my tolerance to our ethnic brothers. I somewhat ashamedly agree with Kilroy.
Alex Oughton on January 9th, 2004
Whether or not his comments were right, or justified, he certainly shouldn't be sacked for speaking his mind. That's what freedom of speech is all about, and I thought that was the point of some of these conflicts!
Andrew Gasking on January 9th, 2004
I cannot believe Kilroy has gone ahead and said this. He doesnt seem the type of person to say something so untoward. But he cannot be slated for expressing his view. He clearly has a very strong view on this which he felt cannot be ignored. Gutsy i must say.
steven livingston on January 9th, 2004
i think he is absolutely right -and should be able to say what he wants--this is a democracy--we should stop giving in to the arab boycot
Carl A on January 9th, 2004
Its a free country, he can say what he likes. His comments have nothing to do with the BBC so why have they taken this action. If he was talking about the USA instead of Arab nations the lefty PC people would be quite happy. I'm not saying everything he said is correct but there is quite a bit of truth in it.
John Marsden on January 9th, 2004
Simon is wrong, we DON'T live in a free country, its a sad misconception. I don't think he should be sacked - but forced to choose between his column or his chat show.
Alex Varley on January 9th, 2004
He's told it how it is. Some people are afraid to acknowledge the huge problem that is the middle east.
Adam on January 9th, 2004
Robert is merly voicing the opinions that many of the residents of the UK feel; sure he has made generalisations but dont millions of people do that everyday? Everything he has said is true and he SHOULD NOT be punished for doing so.
Mike Toone on January 9th, 2004
Power to his elbow I say. The PC luvvies have had their way for far too long. If Kilroy Silk is to be "arrested" for Racist comments, then so should certain hooked handed Muslim Clerics !!!!
Peter Tjittes on January 9th, 2004
It's a matter of principle, this is a country with freedom of speech. You don't have to agree with him. But he has the right to speak his mind. No, he should not be sacked for his comments
googs on January 9th, 2004
no he should stay and voice his throughts, im muslim and hate the arab world too, there only think about number 1. and there oil. a nuclear bomb should bring theses people to the real world, to teach them not to kill just because of religon.
Alan Spencer on January 9th, 2004
I am 100% behind Robert in his views. Every word he has said is true. Unfortunatly because he is a major celebrity, he has voiced his opinions to the general public. Which is a no no. Even more so he has voiced his opinions and upset his bosses who are gutless and scared to back him up. Yet they show programmes about war and violence, and especially in the past ,programmes glorifying the IRA, which I find obnoixous. But nothing is ever said about those programmes. Correct?. Leave Robert alone. He has only voiced the real opinion of millions of peace loving people. Even yourselves.
Ray Brown on January 9th, 2004
He should be sacked. We can't have public figures who appear regularly on a publicly funded broadcaster coming out with racist nonsense like that. I can't believe some of the comments posted here either. Would you have all said that you agree with his comments if he had said 'What have black people done for the world?' Has the BNP taken over the page?!!! The large contribution of the Arab peoples to humanity is clearly stated in any decent history book.
Kris on January 9th, 2004
I don't see why somebody should be taken off air for expressing his opinions in a country of free speech. Just because he has a TV show shouldn't make any difference to how people view him. There are many of writers who write racially predjudice pieces and get away with it - why should Kilroy be any different?
Robert on January 9th, 2004
Well if you thought FTA satellite will stop LOTR coming to BBC1, it definetely isn't now. The comments made by the actor who played Gimli last month to the media are comparable to Mr Kilroy-Silk's. So will the BBC ban the film from being shown because of this?
aok_roolz on January 9th, 2004
Kilroy should be given the boot! I mean come on, that is an immature viewpoint and almost suggests that he is strait out of 1970's south United States!!
Peter J H on January 9th, 2004
Why is that no-one wants to listen until some-one go's slightly over the top. It's about time people not only in this country but around the world started to pay attention. THE MAN WAS TELLING THE TRUTH WHY IS HE BEING USED AS A SCAPEGOAT? The white people in this country have for years accepted the fact we are allowed to have black community centres muslim this indian that we live in a multi-cultural state but we are not allowed white clubs or english clubs or free speech as this proves. GIVE THE MAN A BREAK HE WAS TELLING THE TRUTH.
Peter Taylor on January 9th, 2004
I thought we lived in a country that allowed free speech. He was not advocating any violence against Arabs. His views were not expressed on the BBC. No he should not be sacked by the BBC. If he is then what is being said is "there will be no criticism of the Arab world on the impartial BBC.
Darren Ruback on January 9th, 2004
I dont know about sacked but definately a good choice taking the show off the air. This matter needs to be investigated
Peter Taylor on January 9th, 2004
Tony C seems to think that criticising people of a different race automaticaly makes them racist. Come in George Orwell with your thought police.
fred on January 9th, 2004
why cant we say what we think these days without fear of offending? He is perfectly entitled to air his views, if you agree fine, if not dont buy the paper. he should stay on air as it has nothing to do with the bbc.
Peter Taylor on January 9th, 2004
Oh dear Mr Hedley, it was the Arabs who were enslaving the blacks. The west transported them as instructed by the slave masters i.e. the Arabs.
Dai on January 9th, 2004
While i wouldnt put all muslims or arabs into the same pigeon hole he has, he does make a fair point and i think he's brave to say what a lot of people are thinking. After liviing in various middle eastern countries most of my life i have to agree with some of his points. Some people in the muslim world tend to talk themselves and their religion up quite a lot with aboutsolutly nothing to back it up. I dont think he should be sacked, there's nothing wrong with expression your opinion even if he did it in a more foolish manner that your or I might.
Darius on January 9th, 2004
We should all be able to express our views. Whether this shows us to be ignorant is another matter. His comments does not represent the BBC and it's opinions.
Craig on January 9th, 2004
I think he is entitled to his view as everyone is however the way in which has written it is totally wrong. I don't think sacking him is the answer as this as has been commented previously is a country that allows freedom of speech. He won't probably work for the Squeekly clean Beeb anymore but a commercial network will snap him up.
Chris on January 9th, 2004
At last somebody has had the guts to start the debate. The BBC's over-reaction just proves that we do not have the freedom of speech in the UK. Our government constantly tells us what to think.
Mark on January 9th, 2004
WELL SAID THAT MAN! That all that needs saying really, but I'll back myself up! While it may not be 100% accurate, its not far away - and it needed saying. If it had been the other way round, would there be this fuss. For the first time ever, I actually like Kilroy!
Rich on January 9th, 2004
In a country where we supposedly have the right to free speech, how can a man's views, be it racist or not, be reported to police to be investigated. I bet that there have been thousands of articles in the arab world branding the west, and its supporters, pigs and evil, and correct me if I am wrong but on September 11th, werent most of the terrorists arab. Even if the article says that all arabs are terrorists, do you think any sane person brand every person from a region the same?
Alex Johnson on January 9th, 2004
I think that he should be sacked and made an example of by the BBC, that this sort of petty bigitory should not be tolerated by the vast majority of this country who are not racist and especially not tolerated by the BBC. People may say its freedom of speech but when it insights racial hatred it should not be published, that kind of speech should be kept to the privacy of your own home.
Rob on January 9th, 2004
Kilroy has voiced his opinion. He should NOT be silenced or punished, but there are people out there who are trying to mute his voice just because he has different views to them. It reminds me of my student days, when the lefties sold Soicialist Worker papers outside student unions - they also tried to shout people down if there was a difference of opinion!
Just a guy on January 9th, 2004
It's true that we are entitled to our opinions and we have freedom of speach, however what most of you are forgetting is that we also have a responsibility to that right. Clearly Kilroy didn't take any responsibility while making that rant he just felt angry and typed whatever he had on his mind, not bothering with the proper research required of journalist.
scabby on January 9th, 2004
no, I think he has a right to express his own opinions in his own column. We should be allowed freedom of speech. He doesn't incite anyone to act against these nations, but he does provoke thought and hopefully debate about what people really think or would say if they were not bound up by political correctness. Had he said this about China, or certain African nations there may not have been such a reaction.
Henry W on January 9th, 2004
He should not be sacked. We see numerous comments in the press from people who say The West is destroying the Middle East yet none of these commentators are sacked from their main jobs. The point being raised is that Saddam Hussein is/was not the only dictator in that part of the world who is/was in charge of an oppressive regime. Is the oppression and brutality of one regime more or less acceptable than another? And how does that acceptability relate to oil production? He spoke his mind. Yes, he over-generalised, but doesn't everybody?
jp on January 9th, 2004
free speech needs to be exercised, scour the daily broadsheets or tabloids and you'll find someone ranting about something, I don't think what he saud was accurate and I don't agree but maybe someone should check if his viewing figures have been dropping lately! Sacking him would be a bit much, maybe dedicate a weeks worth of his shows to the debate!!!!!!
Graham Terry on January 9th, 2004
Should he be sacked. NO! We all saw the pictures on television. So good on yer Robert. See you again on the box real soon...
Jonny on January 9th, 2004
Way to go robert! Its about time someone had the guts to say what millions of us think. Rather than being sacked he should be applauded for his comments as this country and its citizens should stop trying to be so bloody PC and careful all the time.
Herb on January 9th, 2004
Of course Kilroy should NOT be sacked for his comments. Have any of the ranting do gooders even read the article? Free speech...What a laugh! Name one thing that was untrue in Kilroy's article? Political Correctness now rules the world and anyone going against the grain of the suppressors is dealt with as you see what has happened to Kilroy. Big Brother is WATCHING. As a sidelight, read Pat Buchanan's book DEATH OF THE WEST.
Robert Alexander on January 9th, 2004
Here here Mr Kilroy!! If only more people had his courage and sense.
kilroy lover on January 9th, 2004
NO !!!!! He should not be sacked, besides how do you sack a man who owns his own production company and the BBC buy his programs. GO ON KILROY MY SON TELL EM! leave kilroy alone you bullies he only speaks from a collective view.
iain smith on January 9th, 2004
I think he probably made the comments owing to stress over his mothers death and therefore after a brief suspension the matter should be forgotten and he should be allowed to return to his show, as i'm sure he will express regret for what he said. That having been said, it is certainly the case that a lot could and should be done in the Arab world to improve democracy/human rights etc,a nd i would like to think Arab people themselves would be the first to demand those progressive changes, and I would also hope that they would start to be more vocal in their denunciation of criminals like Osama Bin Laden, who after all do more to destroy the reputation of Arab and Muslim people than anything else.
Dave on January 9th, 2004
Kilroy should not be sacked its ok for arabs & muslims to say they hate us because of our involvement in the war on terror & our support for the u.s i think the pc idiots have gone 2 far this time. What a waste of police resources if they have 2 get involved in this one. What the hell happened to freedom of speech?
Julia Anthony on January 9th, 2004
Kilroy has in recent years lost the plot. He's run out of ideas to discuss and so seemingly wants to be seen as controversial, craving media attention perhaps. Whilst people should be entitled to have opinions, to use a national paper to attrack a whole race regardless of one's views is unforgiveable.
phelings on January 9th, 2004
RKS was simply saying out loud what a lot of UK citizens think. But of course, free speech is a thing of the past over here
Neal Coady on January 9th, 2004
I think Kilroy should be sacked immediately. He has abused his position as a BBC presenter (by clearly being racist) as his comments wouldn't have been published if they came from a member of the general public. I agree with the free speech ideal, and he can rant as much as he likes from the dole queue.
SA on January 9th, 2004
Its racism, pure and simple. If we are going to allow a racist to host a chat show about social issues, we are taking ourselves back to the dark ages. Interesting to note that he has been referred to the police for inciting racial hatred. His vitriolic, and highly inaccurate, rant could provide the bullet for an agressive bigot looking for a punch-bag. Goodbye Kilroy.
Matt Brennan on January 9th, 2004
Amazing, this was the same loud-mouthed Kilroy-Silk, that was castigated for saying in the 1980s that Ireland was a nation of 'priests, publicans and pixies' Now that was offensive, obviously the foul-mouthed bigot didn't learn his lesson then. It turned out that he had never been to Ireland. The right decision was to sack the bigot!
SA on January 9th, 2004
Oh dear. The arguments in support of Kilroy fall into two categories: 1 - "he has the right of free speech": well, yes we all do, but if i say that all blacks are dirty rapists who carry knives and abuse children then i lose my right to free speech because i am, basically, slandering a whole people based on the colour of their skin. 2 - "everything he said was right": if you truly believe that then you know nothing about the Arab world and the people of the Arab world. How many Arabs are Christian, for example? Well 10% of Egyptian Arabs are Christian (yes, thats right, read the sentence again if it helps), in Lebanon its even higher: over 40% of Lebanese are Christian.
M Gosling on January 9th, 2004
No he shouldn't be sacked it's about time someone spoke up about overruling, murderous Arabs.
thms on January 9th, 2004
i honestly can't stand this rude, arrogant and opinionated man. how dare he stereotype millions of arabs with his sweeping generalisation? The bbc are right to distance themselves from his racist views i fully support free speech but please remember free speech has many colours
Tom on January 9th, 2004
Why is Robert Kilroy-Silk not allowed to voice his own views? He didn't air them on 'Kilroy' so why has his show been taken off air? Repressing opinions will cause a resurgence in support for extremist political groups such as the British National Party. People are now reluctant to voice their opinions for fear of upsetting someone, and the only way they will feel safe about doing so is if they have the support of the majority - expressed through the ballot box.
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