What I find interesting is some people were very quick to criticize a protester(s) in New York City, who were against the mosque being built near the Towers, who made assumptions about a man with garb on similar to what a Muslim or Mideasterner might wear, but don't take issue with what Williams said. All of a sudden, political correctness has become such an affront on society. Personally, I do not feel that this has anything to do with political correctness. IMHO, it has everything to do with castigating people.
Andy, no, I do not think there is anything amiss in being aware of what is going on around you, but there's a difference between street smarts and lumping people into categories based on skin color, clothing, religious beliefs, and then making assumptions. I don't feel this is healthy to our society, and certainly not an example that should be made for the youth of Country; which is why I can see the rationale for firing Williams. I've never seen NPR as just a media news outlet, but also an educational and intellectual outlet, similar to PBS Broadcasting.