Anna Baltzer: Daily Show needs letters of support for having Barghouti & me on

Dear friends,

Last night Dr. Barghouti and I were on “The Daily Show” with Jon Stewart talking about Palestine.

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 was 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. That is why it is CRUCIAL that the show receive letters of support from anyone who appreciated the interview.

PLEASE take a moment to give a quick thank you to the Daily Show. I'm sure they will likely be affected by numbers rather than length, so it's OK to make it short, but spread the word to others! Be sure to put "Thank you" in the subject, and maybe Dr. Barghouti & my names. Fill out the form here:

http://www.comedycentral.com/help/questionsCC.jhtml

make sure to choose The Daily Show with Jon Stewart as your topic). You can also try calling 212-468-1700.

Many of you who watched the show on TV noticed that everything of real substance that I said was edited out. The major issues cut out were (1) the U.S. role in aiding Israel, (2) the lack of adequate coverage in mainstream U.S. media, and (3) the Palestinian-led movement for Boycott / Divestment / Sanctions (BDS) to nonviolently pressure Israel to comply with international law.

The full, un-cut interview is available on the Daily Show homepage www.thedailyshow. com and will eventually be moved to:

Part I: http://www.thedailyshow.com/watch/wed-october-28-2009/exclusive---anna-baltzer---mustafa-barghouti-extended-interview-pt--1

Part II: http://www.thedailyshow.com/watch/wed-october-28-2009/exclusive---anna-baltzer---mustafa-barghouti-extended-interview-pt--2

It's worth watching and comparing with what they allowed said in the TV version.

Regardless of the cuts, this was a huge step for the movement (and Dr. Barghouti's left-in parts were excellent, in my opinion). If you agree, do make your letters positive, even if you decide to mention the disappointing discrepancy between the full interview and what was aired.

I believe the interview wouldn't have happened three years ago. Times are changing. Keep on keepin' on...

Anna

PS. I launched a new version of my website in time for the show, in case you're interested:

www.AnnaInTheMiddle East.com

Daily Show: October 28, 2009: Exclusive - Anna Baltzer & Mustafa Barghouti Extended Interview Pt. 1 A Witness in Palestine: A Witness in Palestine [Anna Baltzer's Homepage]

[This article has generously been brought to our attention by Sarah Meyer of INDEX RESEARCH]