Just to make it clear: I don't give a shit about Don Imus. And you all know that I HATE racists more

[Redstone]

than any other kind of scumbag, almost.

But some of you are really making me a bit sick tonight.

First, I see quite a few calls for muzzling rightwingers and racists, and banning them from the airwaves. Excuse me, people. First Amendment, anyone?

Second, please lay the fuck off of criticism of his ranch and related merchandise. The merchandise generates the money for the ranch, whose sole mission is to help kids with cancer. You got a problem with helping kids with cancer?

For Christ's sake, I thought we DUers were supposed to be the GOOD people?

Redstone

[LARED]

1. Agree (n/t)

[Morgana LaFey]

103. First Amendment? You've gotta be kidding me. NOT 1st Amendment

at all.

The First Amendment guarantees against GOVERNMENT CENSORSHIP. Any other type is usually considered either something like boycotting or, more usually, editorial control.

If the First Amendment really guaranteed that we could say -- or have "free speech" about -- anything we wanted anywhere and anytime we wanted, you could force the NYT or WP to print your LTTEs. You could force your way into my house and make me listen to your endless discourses.

But instead, those who OWN the magazine or publishing house or private home or private business or internet discussion forum get to CENSOR at will -- in any way they want. YOU have no "First Amendment Rights" with any of them. YOU only have a right to Free Speech vis a vis the government.

[uppityperson]

2. 1st time I've used Hide Thread. I agree and thanks.

even yours is going away now but had to post 1st.

[lligrd]

3. I'm With You Redstone

I was glad Imus got called on it but this is getting out of hand.

[HiFructosePronSyrup]

4. 1. It's not a first amendment issue.

2. I might be more impressed with his helping kids with cancer. If it wasn't for the whole hating black people thing.

[Redstone]

9. So, the fact that he's wrong about one thing negates his being right about another?

I'm surprised; you usually don't make statements that don't make sense, like this one did.

Yeah, he's a fucking racist. Is that the kids' fault? Should THEY have to sufer for it?

Redstone

[HiFructosePronSyrup]

22. I don't think Imus gives a shit about kids with cancer.

At least not black kids with cancer.

Probably in it for the tax write off.

[skooooo]

24. That's just ignorant to say

Try again.

[HiFructosePronSyrup]

27. "Ignorant"

Says an Imus apologist.

Hah!

[skooooo]

31. please point to any apology

Here's the point. You can't get past any opinion that doesn't jibe 100% with your own. Get over it. There are a lot of people who don't think Imus is evil, even if they disapprove of what he said. Sorry to burst your bubble on this one.

Should he quit? Maybe.

But not because some fascist mob sees that as the only plausible outcome.

[HiFructosePronSyrup]

32. Hey, Imus is a flaming racist bigot.

Just because you listen to him doesn't mean he isn't.

Get over it.

[skooooo]

35. Okay I'm over it.

peace

[Redstone]

46. Ad hominem attack, yest again, ans unsupported supposition. Where did that poster say that

he or she listened to the guy?

Redstone

[Redstone]

36. BAH, you're slipping here. Ad hominem attacks are not usually your style. Come on, saying

"Says an Imus apologist" is not only WAY below your usual level, it's kind of juvenile, don't you think?

Come on, give us back the BAH who THINKS about what he writes, please?

Redstone

[HiFructosePronSyrup]

53. From a person...

who thinks ignoring racism is a good solution to the problem, you're really not in much of a position to accuse others of not thinking.

[Redstone]

62. Ahem. Where did I advocate ignoring racism? Be specific, please.

Redstone

[Redstone]

30. You can thnk that all you want. Doesn't make it true, does it?

Redstone

[HiFructosePronSyrup]

34. Well, we know what's true...

Imus hates black people.

[Redstone]

39. See my other post. You don't sound like yourself tonight, and I'm wondering if you're OK.

Redstone

[HiFructosePronSyrup]

54. Frankly, Redstone...

I ain't the one who just shoved their foot in their mouth.

[Redstone]

61. And that mean...?

Redstone

[boston bean]

5. What Imus and Bernard said was inexcusable on any level

to justify it in anyway is just plain wrong as far as I'm concerned.

[skooooo]

10. he's not justifying it

[Redstone]

Dupe

Redstone

[boston bean]

16. "You got a problem with helping kids with cancer?"

He has lost all credibility with me, because he helps kids with cancer this makes it ok, we should support him in that endeavor. No thank you. there are alot of people and organizations that help children with cancer who aren't bigots.

[skooooo]

37. no no no

It is not a justification - AT ALL. No apologies, no justifications.

[Redstone]

40. If you're not going to point out where I SAID that, it would be really fucking nice if you'd

stop accusing me of saying it.

Redstone

[boston bean]

48. I did damnit, you just can't see it. You are too caught up in your

own little ideas.

[Redstone]

60. You did, dammit? Where?

Redstone

[Redstone]

13. WHERE did I justify anything? Please point out exactly where. What I said is that it is NOT

those kids' fault, and they shouldn't have to suffer for it.

Redstone

[MichiganVote]

65. I don't think that your comments reflect justification for the Imus gaff's, Redstone

However I think the association you make with 1st Amendment rights is a weak one. Imus has rationalized his verbal remarks since the broadcast on more than one occasion. First Amendment? Hardly. A page straight from the original playbook of any mean spirited individual, especially those endowed with a mike.

Let's remember this is not the first time he has been called on the carpet for his big mouth. It is, however, the first time he picked on a group of hard working kids fulfilling a dream to win a championship. Cheap is the word that comes to mind.

I sincerely hope that anyone who supports kids and cancer will continue to support the charity of their choice. The Imus ranch would no longer be my first choice but that's me. Somehow I just can't picture donating money to any outfit that assists children of color with cancer whilst sponsors run around outside the org. utilizing graphic racist language.

Like you said..."they (the children) shouldn't have to suffer for it." Cancer isn't the only thing that kills kids.

Could be Imus needs to put his money where his mouth is and make a choice in life between pithy, obnoxious remarks on radio and his charitable activities. Could be this is his opportunity to clean up his act. Could be....we'll see.

[Redstone]

102. MV, you're my friend. PLEASE re-read my post. My first-amendment comment was directed

at DUers who called for Imus and other rightwingers to be banned from broadcasting.

Did you read that part? Did you understand it?

Re-read my original post, if you will. Read it closely. Do you see me offering any excuse for any kind of behavior, or do you see me asking DUers to refrain from attacking something that benefits children and which has nothing to do with how much of an asshole the guy who runs the organization might be.

Fuck me. I just give up.

Redstone

[MichiganVote]

106. Aw hell, if I'm counted as a friend whatever you wrote is fine with me.

Seriously. Calling for RW'ers to be banned from broadcasting is just plain useless.

Red, you're alright with me. Screw the rest of it.

[Redstone]

107. Well, hell, that's nice to hear, but don't hold back just because it's me. I can be every bit

as stupid as anyone else, and have done so, and have appreciated it when people pointed it out and made me realize that I had said something dumb.

I appreciate the sentiment, not to mention the fact that you GOT my point.

Redstone

[MichiganVote]

110. You couldn't be stupid if you tried.

[Redstone]

112. Ah, but I can be REALLY stupid WITHOUT trying. That's how stupidity works, yes?

Redstone

[Raine]

6. I agree nt

[jakefrep]

7. I agree completely...

...some of this stuff is just fucking insane.

[sendero]

8. It never ceases to amaze me..

...just how freaking fascist many who claim to be "liberals" really are. They are just as quick to deny someone else their rights as the wingnuts they decry.

Guess what - you don't have a RIGHT to not be offended. You don't have a right to deny the rights of others becuase you think your idea of what is right is perfect. I don't want wingnuts doing it, I don't want the religious right doing it, and I don't want you doing it either.

[Clark2008]

114. A lot of these so-called "liberals" aren't very tolerant, either.

Check out any thread regarding the South or Christianity.

Floors me every time.

[Dinger]

11. I Agree, Especially For Helping Kids With Cancer

I think Imus needs to go, even if he's called cheney & co. war criminals. I'll miss that being said. Don't know if anyone else on MSNBC will do that, or anyone else for that matter. He fucked up, no exceptions or excuses, but I am really conflicted about the loss this will be to children with cancer and injured veterans who are being shafted by this government.

[goclark]

66. He can still help kids with cancer and the vets

In fact, he could dedicate his life to those two noble causes.

He could also take a course on Cross Cultural Understanding.

He would have lots of time to give his quality self to important issues of the day.

[ayeshahaqqiqa]

12. I've never heard his show

don't even know if it is on TV or radio. Only thing I've heard of him is the sound bites today. Don't think I'll ever want to listen to him. He has the right to speak his mind--the point is, you don't have to listen to it. Turn him off. That's how he will be muzzled--by low ratings.

I too am disappointed about how much has been said about this, and hardly anything about the mercinary who was called an enemy combatant and held for months without access to a lawyer, knowing why he was held, and without his family knowing where he was. Sure, he's a merc, but is this just another "test" to see how far the government can go with incarcerating Americans without following the Constitution? Imus's words may have hurt--the actions being done to Americans could wind up hurting a lot worse.

[Redstone]

15. "Turn him off. That's how he will be muzzled--by low ratings." YES. Yes, indeed.

Redstone

[blogslut]

14. Here's my wish

I don't want him fired. I want him to lose his audience. I call it a wish because unfortunately, the problem isn't the speaker but rather, the people that support the speech.

[Big Pappa]

17. Thanks Redstone.

n/t

[NormanYorkstein]

18. What does the First Amendment have to do with ANYTHING???

No one is suggesting sending the government after Imus, so this entire argument is total crap.

I'm going to use my First Amendment rights to demand that his guests, sponsors, and networks fire and boycott his sexist racist ass.

[Redstone]

25. 1) The First Amendment pertains to the people AT DU calling for rightwingers to be banned

from the airwaves. Did you READ my post?

2) Yes, it's you're First Amendment right to "demand" anything you want to, from anyone. And it's THEIR First Amendment right to tell you to stick it in your ear.

Everybody, not just the people who agree with us gets the same rights in America.

Redstone

[NormanYorkstein]

44. I agree 100% to your second point

As for the first I don't see anyone calling for him being banned *legally*, so what's the problem?

[Redstone]

50. Yes, there are people here who have called for exactly that. Just look around.

Redstone

[Monkeyman]

19. Got your Back on this one Bro

[Lost-in-FL]

20. ...

People rights to free speech end when someone is verbally attacked. That attack was uncalled and he needs to be taken out of the airwaves.

[skooooo]

21. Now Imus is Hitler...

hoooookay!

[HiFructosePronSyrup]

23. What have they got in common?

Well, they're both bigots.

But I think the point of that comment is that just because they get the trains to run on time doesn't mean they're good people.

[skooooo]

28. Ridiculous

Sorry, I don't put Imus in the same class as Hitler. If that makes me a "bad" Democrat, so be it.

[Lost-in-FL]

41. Really? Did I called Imus Hitler??

Wow!! :rofl:

I was just giving an example but I guess I need a drawing or big letters to help you get the point.

[skooooo]

49. Either that...

...or expand your ability to discuss something without dragging Hitler in to make a point.

[Lost-in-FL]

57. Fair enough...

[Redstone]

29. Did you READ my post? I NEVER said that the one justified the other! Christ on a crutch,

I thought I posted in plain English.

PS: You mentioned Hitler first. Godwin's Law says you're automatically out.

Redstone

[Lost-in-FL]

55. I don't know Redstone but

Maybe you didn't meant to sound that way but that is how it "sounded" to me. I am not the only one who thinks that way if you look other posts.

ANd I did't called Imus Hitler but I gave an example of how bigots can be nice to others.


Peace

[Redstone]

64. But that's not what my post SAID. I have NO hidden agendas. I say exactly what I mean. Why do so

many people want to twist it into something I did NOT say?

I simply do not get it, but maybe that means I'm just too simple of a guy.

One last time, because I'm getting really disgusted (though not with you, personally): I did not make any fucking excuses for any fucking racists.

Anyone want to accuse me of doing so? Go ahead, and have fun.

Redstone

[Lost-in-FL]

69. I know you have no hidden agendas

And I am not twisting the info you gave. But you should know that even words like "olive garden" can
star a fight around here.

[YellowRubberDuckie]

26. Thank you...

Totally Agree with you, Redstone.
Exactly what I've been trying to say all evening.
Duckie

[walldude]

33. "Excuse me, people. First Amendment, anyone?"

I don't see how this is a FA issue. Imus's job is to "entertain", call him what you want, DJ, Shock Jock, whatever, he is paid to entertain. If he considers calling people "nappy headed ho's" entertainment then he ought to be fired for being a complete idiot who after 30 years still doesn't know what his job entails.

[Redstone]

59. DID you READ my post? I was talking abut DUers calling for him to be banned from the

airwaves, along with banning other rightwingers as well.

That's what I said. You're welcome to go back and read it again, if you wish.

Jesus fucking Christ, sometimes I wish I had the sense to just shut the fuck up instead of posting, because it's getting painfully obvious that a lot of people don't actually READ posts, but just react to what they THINK is being said, rather than what actually IS said.

Redstone

[boston bean]

67. here, here, me too.

I find your post in poor taste.

"Jesus fucking Christ, sometimes I wish I had the sense to just shut the fuck up instead of posting"

Sometimes we should take our own advice.

[salin]

38. yep

lets support a racist behavior that is repeatedly put on the airwaves (not a singular slip up). Gosh - he only slurs blacks and women on a regular bases. But he does some good as well (DeLay also had a charity for kids, though it isn't clear how many kids were actually to be served- but he does good, lets let him slide as well....)

Excuse me, first amendment rights has to do with the government and censorship. It doesn't say that some folks can be offensive, but others can not speak out (including voicing the intent to boycott) in response to that speech. I think those calling for action against Imus are expressing free speech as well. Or does that only apply to those given the high priced mouth piece (those given media contracts).

I would agree were folks asking for the government to shut Imus down, as that would be a violation of Free Speech. And I would decry that action.

However, other people expressing their free speech is NOT a violation of free speech, it is allowing folks to express their right to free speech.

[skooooo]

45. No one is "supporting racist behavior"

The problem I have is that anyone who has a slightly different take how this should be handled, is automatically called an "apologist," or is said to "support racism." You sell yourself short when you start out like that.

Otherwise, you make a good point about free speech. :-/

[salin]

89. Your call may be different

but some have soundly and passionhately come out in his defense and slammed those at DU who have any criticism. That, imo, is supporting racist behavior - as it excuses Imuses long pattern of accepting or voicing himself bigotted and demeaning terms on his show and instead turns the venom on those who dare to cry "enough!" Not all who question what the response to Imuses comments (not infrequent) on his show are appologist or supporters of such language.

However, those that attack critics with either words to silence (ala "You are Preventing Constitutional Rights" ala free speech while effectively suggesting that those critics have no first amendment rights themselves), or with outright attacks (ala you are as bad or worse than those who make partisan attacks on x or y - in essence comparing outcry against partisanship (( ala s/he said something mean about a dem/repub - foul!)) to those crying out against a pervasive racism on the airwaves that helps to perpetuate a cycle of racism in our society) do seem, to this reader, to be supporting racist talk radio because all anger is at the backlash and diminishing or denying the valence/problem of the actions of the radio/tv host and his show.

[NormanYorkstein]

73. agree 100%

[Beausoir]

42. Does his "ranch" accept young "nappy headed ho's" with cancer?

Just wondering.

[skooooo]

51. African American children yes....

...make up about 10% of attendees. Now that I've pointed the facts out, I'm sure I'll be accused of something else.

[Beausoir]

56. Imus refers to them as "nappy -headed ho's". I'm sure they really appreciate that.

If you are going to prop the racist up...at least be honest with yourself and use his vernacular.

[skooooo]

58. Use it yourself

Seems you can't get enough of it.

[Beausoir]

63. Whatsa matter? Are you embarassed? Ashamed? Disgusted?

People who prop up racists make me sick.
Shame on you. You are NO liberal.

[skooooo]

68. There it is.

Very liberal of you.

You can't bend your mind around the idea that there might be some other points people want to make about this whole thing that goes beyond CALLING IMUS A RACIST!

That's your own shortcoming, not mine.

[boston bean]

70. How can you deny he is racist? WTF i'm living in an alternate universe her on DU. WTF?

[skooooo]

71. MassDem...where did I deny he was racist?

Where where where?

Where did I do that?

Please let me know.

[boston bean]

75. RIGHT HERE! OMG

"You can't bend your mind around the idea that there might be some other points people want to make about this whole thing that goes beyond CALLING IMUS A RACIST!"

There is no other point, once he is a racist. If you don't agree with that then you deny he is one, as far as I'm concerned.

[skooooo]

79. Let's read this together, shall we?

You say, "there is no other point."

Well, yes there is.

It is possible to go beyond the fact that Imus made a ugly racist statement and look at other issues. Maybe you are not interested in those issues, but that doesn't mean they aren't there and that they can't be discussed.

Imus is racist - check. We got that. OK?

Should he be fired? That's another question.
Should he be censored? That's another question.
Should someone who has some character flaw be written off in total? That's another question.

All valid questions. None of which detract from the statement that Imus is racist.

[boston bean]

88. This is not a one time offense for him, do some research.

he does not belong on the air, he is a racist and racists don't deserve the right to do some good for one group of people while shitting on others. It doesn't work that way, he is way to well know and he deserves to be fired, that is the only fair thing to do.

So in my mind, looking at anything beyond the racist remarks to give him some good quality tends to make me think people are making excuses for him.

[skooooo]

91. Here are my issues....

Should he be fired? That's another question.
Should he be censored? That's another question.
Should someone who has some character flaw be written off in total? That's another question.

-----

People hate Thomas Jefferson because he had slaves. Well, I don't, sorry.
People hate Malcolm X because he espoused racist views in his early career. I don't feel that way. Sorry.

People hate MLK jr. because he was a womanizer. I don't hate him, sorry.

---

MassDem, I have to get off the computer. Peace to you. Despite our "differences" (which I don't think are that great) I respect your points and hope we can discuss other issues in the future.

[Beausoir]

74. It's unreal. People are actually defending this piece of filth.

Someone here nailed it earlier. It's the wink-wink nudge-nudge club.

And as long as he hides behind some sick kids...everything is ok.

[skooooo]

81. Where is he being defended in this thread?

[Beausoir]

72. Answer this one question: Is Don Imus a racist and a sexist?

Just yes or no will suffice.

[skooooo]

77. Yes...absolutely

..as are the vast majority of Americans on some level or another. Should he be punished? yes Is he being punished? yes

Should he be fired? not so sure about this

[Beausoir]

80. OK. At least we got that out of the way.

And..he's not being punished in any way shape or form. This will only serve to boost his ratings and make him more wealthy.

Corporate media LOVES stuff like this. Mainly because of people like you, who are willing to overlook his hate speech in order to "enjoy his many and varied guests."

YOU make Imus possible. Ponder that.

[skooooo]

84. Yes he is being punished...

It may not be enough in your opinion, or mine.

I will ponder your point. And I will say that I have learned a lot today from debating with people, so don't write me off, calling me "you people." You don't know me, okay? Even "bad" people like me want to keep an open mind and hear other points of view.

[Catherine Vincent]

83. Left on, Beausoir!

:)

[skooooo]

85. Yes how chic for Beausoir to say I'm not a liberal.

Glad you enjoy it.

[Catherine Vincent]

95. I enjoyed the whole post, mind you.

:hi:

[Beausoir]

104. Thank you, friend.

Got any good pics of you-know-who to share with me?

Tee-hee.

[terisan]

43. So long as I run a charity I can call women dirty names on the public airwaves ?

No thanks. I intend to stand up for myself as a woman. If you want to be self-sacrificing that is your business but please don't push that role onto others without our permission.

[Bluerthanblue]

47. your first ammendment right ends when it bumps up against my

right to "Life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness".

Calling talented young women athletes what he did- violated that.

"Hate speech" isn't 'free'-

If he wants to talk like that in the privacy of his own home, that is a completely different thing.
People shouldn't have to worry about hearing his crap while their radio scans for a decent channel.

peace,
blu

[SmokingJacket]

52. He did some good stuff, and screwed himself over

with his asshole mouth.

[Redstone]

76. One last time, because I'm getting really disgusted here. I challenge anyone to show me

exactly where in my OP I made any excuses for any racists.

For the few who may not know, I'm only half white, and so is my wife. And my wife is indeed half African, which is the group who is the target of 99% of the racism in this country.

So why the FUCK would I want to be "excusing racism," do you suppose? No, don't bother answering that one, because I won't read it (see below).

So you know what? You can go on failing to read what I said, and instead accuse me of saying things you think I said, and post all kinds of strawman and ad hominem attacks on me, and I hope you have fun with it, because I'm not going to read any of it.

Screw this. I've learned my lesson about trying to interject some logic and sense into a heated subject.


Redstone

[boston bean]

82. Reading this, I am even more confused then.

You think a racist should be supported to help kids with cancer.

That right there seems to that me that you make excuses for him. That he's not all bad. The man does not belong on the airwaves and a racist like him should not have contact with children like he does.

He is a racist first and foremost. There is nothing that can make him clean again. Have I said it clear enough now.

[skooooo]

87. No he is a human first and foremost.

And we all have our character flaws. Maybe we don't have a microphone in front of us to advertise it to others, true.

[boston bean]

90. this isn't some little sex fling. This is a mans true character, he is a racist, even you admit

that.

you continue to try to find redeeming qualities for this racist.

[skooooo]

92. No...not listing his 'redeeming qualities'

I've got to go, though. I will think about what you've said. Peace.

[The Straight Story]

78. From the comments posted here so far Redstone here is my take:

(Btw if I don't reply for a bit we are busy packing as the wife heads out tomorrow, taking a break while I wait on the Laundry to finish - so not blowing ya off if I disappear for hours or days...I won't be around DU much for weeks as I get to moving, etc)

I would say what amazes me the most about some issues is that a person can do tons of really good things, but they do something bad - and apologize I might add - and it's all over, they are labeled, and all good is erased.

I can play that game too probably with just about any liberal/dem in existence if I wanted to - but there are always apologists who twist it when it is someone they like 'well, sure they voted for X but they also voted for Y & Z so we can't hold it against them all the time...'

It's like that old internet adage - 'the first one to call someone else a Nazi loses the argument'.

People say some dumb things, then get branded for life - nothing can redeem someone ever to some people. Personally, I can't stand Imus, the man just sicks me out for many reasons, but he is an entertainer, says stupid shit (he is on the air hours a day, bound to say something dumb ass eventually), and even apologizes for it. I think some people are easier on people who drown their own kids in bathtubs.

I agree that folks should tone down calls for banning all of a group from the airwaves, and why make kids suffer just to prove a point to someone who has already apologized for making a dumb ass statement? It ain't gonna hurt Imus - he has enough money to quit and retire.

I say give em all MORE airtime because they keep shooting themselves in the foot - I want their views out there so people can see why we are different than they are. And every time something like this happens, it gets more and more coverage and makes more people aware of the problems with the rw type folks.

[Bluebear]

86. The First Amendment does not apply to commercial ventures,

He is paid to opine.

If I work for Holiday Inn and when people check in I say "don't stay here, it's a bedbug infested rathole", do you think I should not be fired because I have "freedom of speech"?

[MadMaddie]

93. Redstone I have to kinda agree and kinda disagree with you..

I agree that Imus is doing a wonderful thing by running the camp for kids with Cancer and no one can take that truely good thing from him. I support him in that endeavor.

But on the other hand...as a minority, as a woman and just a believer in decency and respect.....

Is it okay for him to attack the Rutgers womens basketball team, that achieved something that most teams can only dream about, making the final two?

What about the fact that these black kids are in college and striving to achieve something, trying to achieve the American dream. Don't they deserve respect? It's not all right to attack these kids and it's not all right to let him say I am sorry and let it go.

And no he and others shouldn't be muzzled, none of them should, HOWEVER; they should be held responsible for their actions.

We as a nation have let this behavior fester in this country, with the current Administration, the Republican Congress, O'Reilly, and the Coulters and the rest of the lying pundits. Unfortunately for Imus he stepped in the shit at the wrong time and America is Fed up.

And we at DU have our failings just like every other American but you and I both can attest that most if not all of us will cop to it...when we are wrong...

[Luminous Animal]

101. Exactly... he should be held responsible for his actions.

Imus can spout racist, misogyist crap all he wants. Conversely, I have the right to call him on his bigotry, to boycott his advertisers and to complain to his employers.

Imus is PAID to spew his bigotry. He is paid because he appeals to BIGOTS and thus enables a huge corporation to make a lot of MONEY. Bigotry, apparently, can make a lot of people rich so that they can buy up even more media and flood the airways with even more BIGOTS. Thus controlling and restricting the content of the dialogue in the public sphere. I have as much right to fight Imus's idiocy as he has to spout it.

[Mike Daniels]

94. Personally, I want to know what right Sharpton has to demand an apology from anyone

Given that I've yet to hear him apologize for his role in the Brawley incident or to any of the men he slandered during the case.

[Catherine Vincent]

96. Wasn't that a youthful indescretion?

[AlCzervik]

97. there is plenty wrong with Al Sharpton but i think Imus called him asking to

come on his show.

[Mike Daniels]

98. Then Imus was an idiot

Anyone who goes onto Sharpton's show with the intent of apologizing for anything they said should insist the "good" Reverend go first.

[AlCzervik]

99. well i think I mus only confirmed his idiocy.

[MLFerrell]

100. Excuse me, people. First Amendment, anyone?

Indeed.

That being said, nobody is proposing (I hope) that Imus be muzzled, restricted of his right to say whatever the fuck he wants.

We're just working together to divest that racist piece of shit from his cushy gigs that he currently enjoys.

Free speech is one thing. Corporate sponsorship of hate speech is another.

When someone makes blatantly racist remarks (as Imus has done time and again), they do not deserve a national (dare I say international?) platform from which to spew their vitriol. It's not a question of free speech, it's a question of dollar signs.

Imus can say whatever the fuck he wants. Shout it from the rooftops for all I care. But why should we avoid deriding him and his corporate masters (and rightly so) by taking a stand with respect to the one thing that actually IS effectual? The almighty $.

Do I have a problem with helping kids with cancer? No. Of course not. But there are better ways to fulfill that philanthropic goal than tacitly supporting a racist piece of shit like Imus.

[Major Hogwash]

105. Thanks for trying, Redstone.

This was over a joke that wasn't funny, and went bad.
This wasn't reported as "news" the way Fox spews their racism.
CBS and MSNBC have suspended Imus's program for 2 weeks, starting next Monday.

The only one who wins is Fox.
I say that because viewers of Imus' simulcast on tv that early in the morning won't change the channel to watch CNN because it is a repeat of their 2 AM news tape.

Now Fox won't have much competition from MSNBC in that same time slot.

MSNBC fired Phil Donahue just after the Iraq War started even though he had the highest ratings on their entire cable channel.
Donahue was against the war even before it started; he had Scott Ritter and Richard Butler, the former head of UNSCOM on his program to discuss the WMD's in Iraq.
Ritter stated then that we knew for "a fact" that we had already discovered 98% of all of Saddam Hussein's WMD's and destroyed them.

That was clear back in February of 2003 - before the war started.

So, MSNBC has made mistakes before.

Imus was the only radio disc jockey on a major radio station to call Cheney a war criminal.
The I-man has been doing that for months now.

Imus said he was sorry and apologized.
He even said today that he has been humiliated.
But, that's not enough for some people.
Probably people who don't even listen to his program.

People have always had the option to turn the little radio dial to another station if they didn't like what they heard on Imus's program.
That's what the little dial on the right of the radio is for.

At the same time, Rush Limbaugh refers to Barack Obama as "half-rican", yet you don't read even half the level of outrage over Limbaugh's comments here.
Unfortunately.

However, trying to get Rush fired for his racist comments on the radio airwaves is like trying to get Bush impeached - fruitless.
The FCC will probably fine Imus a couple of hundred thousand dollars and CBS will pay his fine.

It's too bad Imus didn't talk about lesbians more often like Howard Stern does.
The liberals here would have fell over themselves defending Stern - on the basis of "free speech".

This controversy started over a bad joke.
A tasteless joke.
And even though Imus apologized for it, it isn't enough for the self-righteous.
The comment was never intended to be taken seriously, it was an off-hand comment that was intended as a joke.
And Imus said he was sorry for it.

You'll never hear Rush say he was sorry for referring to Obama as "half-rican".

[kerry-is-my-prez]

108. Part of this is that re: woman - it's always comments about their looks or their clothing.

THAT'S what seems to be what is the utmost importance to a lot of people. It's not about their intelligence (unless they call people dumb blonds) or personality (unless it's to say that a powerful woman is shrill or a bitch).

I used to constantly get put down by people (usually men) calling me a dumb blond - even though I went to a top College, had good scores on my SATS. I always had to "prove" that I had a brain.

Funny now that I'm older and have put on about 20 lbs - I have people telling me how smart I am.

[earth mom]

109. What's bugging me is that it's obvious that this country hasn't progressed much since MLK Jr.

When I see threads dissing people from both sides of the fence, I find it sad, but also insulting when it's aimed at my race. Excuse me, but I haven't done a damn thing to oppress anyone, nor do I talk trash about anyone EXCEPT the evil greedy corporate bastards who are ruining this country and exploiting it's people!

Not only that but to pile on Imus while ignoring the same kind of vile crap that is spewed by black rappers is hypocritical IMO. That may be called free speech, but I don't want to hear that kind of shit from anyone-I don't care what race they are.

[Fleshdancer]

111. Imus has not been denied his rights to the 1st amendment

Imus is not in prison for his comments. In fact, he hasn't been penalized or brow beaten at all by the government of the United States of America in any way. He said hateful and racist remarks at his place of work...most Americans would suffer negative consequences from doing this so what makes Imus above it all?

His employer is facing extreme criticism from his public and on the job remarks and people around the country are utilizing their rights to free speech by telling advertisers that Imus is offensive enough to not purchase anything they advertise on his show.

Imus can say any damn thing he wants on his free time. Hell, he can apparently do it on the radio when most DJ's I know can't. For all we know, he's sitting in his house this very minute insulting every type of human on Earth that doesn't look, live or think like him. To believe, however, that he should say these things without any reaction whatsoever from listeners, advertisers and employers is just unrealistic.

[tsuki]

113. I am tired of the closet mysogynists. Rather have one spew his bile

than hide it.