NPR Host Takes Leave Of Absence-Congress Calls For Funding Elimination

On the heels of NPR Host Lisa Simeone being let go over her active involvement in Occupy D.C.,  Another NPR host is taking a leave of absence due to politics.Michelle Norris, co-host of "All Things Considered", the second most listened to NPR radio program, is voluntarily removing herself from the airwaves due to her husband taking a senior advisory position with the Obama Administrations re-election campaign.   She did a similar leave in 2004 when Broderick Johnson, her husband, worked for John Kerry.  While she is to be applauded for recognizing the obvious conflict of interest,   critics are pointing to this as another example of the open and often blatant left leaning stand of NPR personnell.   Norris will continue to work on non-political related projects for NPR, but will remove herself from any political reporting.  Again, a smart, laudable move.  But you have to wonder: what would be the left's reaction if a significant media figure were married to a prominent conservative activist or political figure?  There would be howls of conflict of interest.  As Sean Hannity has often said,  whether it's the Constitution, or common rules of fairness, the Left only use them when it's convenient for them.   The timing is not good for NPR either.  Norris' announcement comes just after Lisa Simeone was relieved of any free lance duties by NPR because of her involvement with Occupy D.C.  Simeone will continue to host her show that originates through WDAV in Washington D.C., but NPR appears to be scrambling to distance themselves from her actions.  This is curious, because NPR has allowed such reporters as Cokie Roberts and Mara Liasson have routinely voiced their personal bias/opinion on issues while reporting, and not from a pre-stated commentary position.   The NPR code of conduct and ethics applies directly to members of it's news division, of which Simeone was not a part.  Perhaps the kneejerk reaction, though, of NPR is because more than ever it has come under fire for A) real or perceived liberal bias-for which a reasonable argument can be made, and B)  despite nit picking and hair splitting by supporters, a percentage of NPR is funded from taxpayer money through the Corporation For Public Broadcasting.  In a way, it's private sector vs public sector when it comes to NPR.  Some outside of the CPR do not believe, nor have they ever, that the Federal Government has any business supporting a media organization especially during the difficult economic times of the last few years.