I am not sure if this is the correct area to place this but I didn't want to subject anyone to "ratings" in Issues and Causes. So, I am posting this here for discussion.

Just wondering if anyone is familiar with what is going on and what their opinions are.

For those of you who do not know, I will try to recap in a nutshell.

Don Imus is a radio and television personality. He has a talk radio show that can be viewed on television on MSNBC. He is known for making, distasteful remarks, at times. Some call his humor, potty humor. Some think he is really quite funny. Anyway, during one of his broadcasts, they were recapping a basketball game played by the Rutgers girl's baskeball team. Rutgers lost. While they were airing a clip, Imus made a comment about the team. He called them "nappy headed hos" (nappy headed whores). Most of the girls are African-American and there is no question that they are the ones to whom he was directing his remarks. There was quite an uproar over this. Imus was suspended for two weeks. Reverend Al Sharpton is calling for Imus to be fired and he is not backing down. Sharpton thinks it is high time that people who make these racist comments need to be dealt with in a way that isn't a simple slap on the back of the hand, which is what he views the suspension to be.

So, for those of you who are familiar with this, any comments? What are your views?
For those of you not familiar with this, please do a Google search to gather more info. Then post back here with your views.

I am quite interested in hearing opinions. I think this really cuts to the heart of the racial problems we are still having in this country, and I am wondering where people stand on this issue.

Zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz zzzzzzzzzzz

I pretty much expected that answer from you "spam on whitebread."

Thank you for the scintillating dialogue. You really challenged me mentally. I am sitting here, during yet another snowfall. It would be nice to have a discussion on something other than the bible, the present administration, global warming, or spam and the many uses thereof.

Ok, This is my opinion. Sharpton is a sleazebag out for self promotion first and only. He's the worst example of a civil rights advocate that there is.

What Imus said was reprehensible. He should be punished for it. But Imus is not a bad person, just a stupid one. I don't believe Imus is a racist. Imus is clearly trying to make amends for the remark. But its being blown WAY out of proportion by Sharpton.

I read where Imus pointed to the cancer patient ranch he runs pointing that he's basically a good person and Sharpton responding saying; "This is not about whether you are a good man. What you said was racist." While the latter is true, wouldn't it be better to use Imus's platform to promote the fight against racism rather than hold him up as an example? If you are calling for someone's firing for ONE stupid remark, doesn't it matter what good he has done? Are you going to take away the good things he does but wouldn't be able to continue? None of these things enters into Sharpton's pea brain. He doesn't think about consequences, just promoting himself.

And another quote I read was from Bryan Monroe president of the Nat'l Assoc of Black Journalists. He stated; "These woman are devasted by what he said." I wonder if Monroe actually talked to any of the team members. I can't imagine they would be "devasted" by a stupid offhand remark from a guy like Imus. Upset? Sure! Angry? Definitely! But devastated? Give me a break.

Suspend Imus for a couple of weeks. Make his publicly apologize. Make him go to Rutgers and tell the team how sorry he is. But fire him? Lets not be ridiculous.

By the way, I am not an Imus fan. I don't like him or listen to him.

Well I thought we all knew that Imus is the most boring person in the Media. I really expected his true colors to show at some point. Just stating my position on Imus. Zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz but enough about me, let's talk about you.

Imus is another example of a has-been who is trying to latch on to any publicity he can. You can tell by his looks that he's scared of fading away: badly dyed hair, grow it long to appear young and hip, a face like a cadaver. If people didn't give him the time of day he wouldn't even be on the air. Who are these people that listen to him?

I like what Glenn Beck said on CNN last night, what he said is terrible but those there americans are supposed to have freedom of speech and freedom of the press so if he gets pulled off the air, who next?

Aparently he's just extremely rude to everyone (ive never seen this show though) but yeah. While his comments may be rude an arrogant if he silenced where does it end.

Imus is another example of a has-been who is trying to latch on to any publicity he can. You can tell by his looks that he's scared of fading away: badly dyed hair, grow it long to appear young and hip, a face like a cadaver. If people didn't give him the time of day he wouldn't even be on the air. Who are these people that listen to him?

Yep, As alwys Karma, you are right on. Who are these people?

I like what Glenn Beck said on CNN last night, what he said is terrible but those there americans are supposed to have freedom of speech and freedom of the press so if he gets pulled off the air, who next?

Aparently he's just extremely rude to everyone (ive never seen this show though) but yeah. While his comments may be rude an arrogant if he silenced where does it end.

We can't talk about the present administration on this post, sorry.:rolleyes:

Hi Ruby - Great topic here.

Lots of Monkey hugs to you :).

Imus? - Don't watch him at all. But when I do see the rare spot of him, to me, just nothing but noise that comes out. Sadly, I feel the same way about Al Sharpton. Nothing but noise comes out. Each individual has the opportunity to do great things based on the positions that they have, and yet, at least in my eyes, they are blown opportunities.

With that said, the comments that Imus made, were just disgusting. But I do not care one ioda what someone like him thinks. But see, that is easy for me to say, as I generally don't fall into the categories where ugly comments are made about a group of people. So I really am unsure if I even have a right to comment on Imus's ugly comments or anyone else's for that matter. From where I sit, pfffft, who cares what that sad sack thinks? But, if I were a part of a group, that throughout time, would be poked, pushed, called names, time after time after time, would I so easily dismiss it? I don't think so. Think I would be darn hurt. And the last thing I would want would be an apology from him. Why? Has his heart changed? Has all the ugly inside him been removed? When he looks at people, does he see them as the person inside, or what they look like outside? This doesn't apply just to Imus, but to all of those who have said ugly words about another group of people.
An apology? Fire him? Why? I wouldn't want squat from him. Notta nothing. To me, to request something from him, is saying, "Imus, I value your opinion so much"... blleeeek.

This kind of nonsense always breaks my heart. No one feels better after and there really is no need for it whatsoever. I will never ever understand predjudice or racism. Ever. If someone is kind and loving, why care what they look like?

We can't talk about the present administration on this post, sorry.:rolleyes:
Maggie, maggie, maggie. Now don't go putting words in my mouth.


Thank you all.

Scott, I agree with 99% of what you have stated. The only difference is that this was not a one time remark by Imus. He has done this before. He basically insults everyone but he has made racial remarks towards African Americans in the past. He has never been called to the carpet so intensely before. I do believe that in his heart of hearts, the guy is a racist just because of the way he so matter of factly blurted out the remark. I have always thought the guy is an idiot. Does it mean he should be fired? I don't know. I don't like him and don't watch the guy, and for the life of me, I don't understand why he still has a show. Are his ratings that high?

Karma, you stated exactly what I have thought since he showed up on Television. The guy looks like a cadaver. How he has managed to stay alive and sitting upright all these years is beyond me. I have no idea who his core audience is but I am hazarding a guess that they aren't people I would be friends with.

As always Allheart, you are all heart. I agree with the "noise" comment. Both men disgust me. They are on the same end of my personal intolerance scale. I would like to see them both shipped off to the Island of Has Beens and Wannabes.

I pretty much expected that answer from you "spam on whitebread."

Thank you for the scintillating dialogue. You really challenged me mentally. I am sitting here, during yet another snowfall. It would be nice to have a discussion on something other than the bible, the present administration, global warming, or spam and the many uses thereof.

No love, those words came out of your mouth.

If you want to get nitpicky with me, my dear, I never said "we cannot talk about the present administration..." as you have stated. I said, "It would be nice to have a discussion on something other than,..." Two very different statements indeed, my darling.

Don't mess with me spam lover. I am surrounded by a seemingly inexhaustable supply of snow. Someone lied. It ain't spring.

Well then just go outside and make some snow Angels for a while and stop being a pitbull! GRRRRRR! You have cabin fever.

Ruby,

I just looked high and low for a SPAM beater. Sorry, came up empty handed.

Maybe it's best, since my last research, well... :o

Many hugs to you.

Amen Scott... and probably stuff after it I did not read.

What really blows my mind is that anyone listens to either one of them, unless it is for a good laugh.

... a sad laugh, though...

You are very right maggie, but I can't help myself. I am a pitbull, after all. Anyway, not just cabin fever. Tax return fever too.

Heehee Allheart. Would love to see what you might turn up this time around.

http://www.cyberbrahma.com/rants/images/spam1.jpg

Like many other "shock jocks" on the radio... Imus keeps his job by delivering ratings for his show. If people are not paying attention to him, he's going to loose his gig. So what does he do? The same thing so many of these characters do... They try to be more outrageous and controversial than their competition. He knew this comment would get a reaction, that's why he made it.

I don't like shock media, but I recognize the fact that these guys have to play these characters for the sake of getting ratings. I'm sorry our culture embraces this stuff, but if the masses weren't drawn to it, these guys wouldn't be doing it.

Al is playing the same attention game, but he really believes his own BS. That's the difference. He's not putting on a show for ratings, he actually believes his own outrageous demands.

Should Imus be fired? I don't know... maybe.
Should Imus be fired because Al says so? I don't think so.

Like I said, I don't like or listen to him. But if you fire Imus for that remark, then you got to fire Hannity for his hate mongering. The first amendment does have some presence here.

Hannity is a complete idiot! He calls himself Catholic and Conservative like I call myself but in my opinion he is an embarrassment to both!

Never heard of him... and I think I am very glad I have not, by the sounds of it.

Sometimes it is very scarey how much ugly there can be in this world.

Hannity gets his script faxed to him from the White House every morning. Same with Rush. I have a hard time believing any of them any more. Faux News.

Like I said, I don't like or listen to him. But if you fire Imus for that remark, then ya gotta fire Hannity for his hate mongering. The first amendment does have some presence here.
Agree -- If he is fired and they hold all radio commentators to the same standard -- they would all be off the air -- Which really might be a good thing -- just listen to the hate some of them broadcast and think of the fools that suck it up. -- Savage

Scott you bring up a very good point regarding the first amendment. And someone like Hannity.

Are racist remarks protected under the first amendment?

I wonder if an African American on air personality made racist remarks towards white people, in the same vein as Imus did toward AAs, if that person would be allowed to continue, or be suspended, or fired?

I guess in the end, it will all depend on whether influential people will cancel bookings on Imus's show or if they will book in the future. I think his guests are what keeps him on air. I can't imagine it is a direct result of his intelligence, or his wife's rockin' boobies, although the latter may be the reason he is still on.

I watched the press conference with the Rudgers team. All very well spoken women. They will be having a meeting with Imus so he can apologize. His producer actually said "ho" first and then Imus repeated adding the "nappy headed.... ". I agree with scottgem, if you fire him because you don't like what he said - who's next. We have freedom of speech, that doesn't mean free to say what we like as long as it doesn't make anyone mad.

I think everyone is racist. No matter what color your skin is.

3218

Ya know. I think these are the young ladies that creep was referring to. Now, I am really mad. Look at these beatufiul young girls. It's all well and good for us, with some years and wisdom under our belts, to be able to know that creeps do exsist. But tell that to these young girls hearts. Just awful!

They are beautiful girls and should be very proud of their accomplishments. They should not give that creep one second of their time.

How dare he!!

We get all upset that someone would say something like this. And yes, he is in the wrong. But, we are ready to having him thrown out in the streets and beat up (basically)
He made an off handed comment (Like I said - he was wrong)

But then you have people in this world that abuse - physically abuse - other people and they get slapped on the hand and not much is done about it. And no one in society seems to care.

What is wrong with that picture is that there 6 African American girls there who have been racially abused by a complete and utter moron and it has been confirmed to them what they already thought and that is that they are looked at differently in this world compared to the other 2 innocent team mates who sit there in the same photo. That's what is wrong with the photo.

When Imus made the comments they were about the team as a whole. Including the two white girls in the picture.

They are both huge losers, who will do anything to get a camera on them.
Does anyone else remember when Imus was a VJ on VH1. Anyway he needs to retire. As for sharpton look at any of these its where he originally came to the attention of the public.tawana brawley - Google Search (http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&client=firefox-a&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&hs=n2n&sa=X&oi=spell&resnum=0&ct=result&cd=1&q=tawana+brawley&spell=1)


I personal would pay almost anything to see these two in a cage match to the death (both preferably)

And besides is this sexist or racist? Or maybe he is jealous of their hair
Or maybe doesn't like ladies basketball.

Don't really listen to him or care, but there is one thing every one seems to have forgotten. WHAT HAPPENED TO OUR FREEDOM OF SPEECH! It is his opinion, that's all.
I will not change the world and it will not change the basket ball team.

Instead focus on how you can help someone today.

Peace.

When Imus made the comments they were about the team as a whole. Including the two white girls in the picture.

You reckon?? Interesting observation. Don't know if I agree though!

I believe previous comments are correct. If it was a black, in this case, person saying it would it have been such a big deal.

I do not understand the uproar. I am a minority (latin) and have never been offended by what any one says about my race. Even in this case, I should be offended then. There are many latinos with "nappy" hair. I can concur with some of the comments about my race, so what. When I get offended is only when someone says something negative about me as a person.

We are ALL racist and prejudice. Don't tell me no. I have black friends, yes they want to be called black not african americans, and they make "racial" jokes and comments about their own race (light skin vs. dark skin) and other races, mine included. To my face. We get a big kick out of it. I asked one of my friends what he though about this. He's response: " they probably are nappy hair ho's"... and laughed.

I am sure many of you will not like my opinion. And that is great. We can't all agree with everyone. Imagine if we did. We would all have the same thoughts, politically views, religion, sexual preferences, and the inability to think for ourselves.

Rac·ism > noun
1 : a belief that race is the primary determinant of human traits and capacities and that racial differences produce an inherent superiority of a particular race

Prej·u·dice > noun
Preconceived judgment or opinion (2) : an adverse opinion or leaning formed without just grounds or before sufficient knowledge b : an instance of such judgment or opinion c : an irrational attitude of hostility directed against an individual, a group, a race, or their supposed characteristics

Hello Ruby:

To those of you who are saying this is a Freedom of Speech issue, you're wrong. I don't own the corner soapbox. I don't own the newspaper. I don't own the TV station.

But I OWN the PUBLIC airways and license their use. They should NOT be used to spew venom.

excon

So because he is on the radio - he doesn't have 1st amendment rights? You may not like what he says - but he does have the right to say what he wants.
Just like we have the right to say what we want to on this forum. It is freedom of speech. When you start taking things like that away - where does it end. Every person being crucified for an unpopular opinion? I don't want to live in that world.
If the comments made by this radio personality offended you - then turn off your radio or don't watch as he is broadcast on MSNBC. That is your right. No one is forcing you to listen or watch.

When Imus made the comments they were about the team as a whole. Including the two white girls in the picture.

Sorry Now. I don't agree with this statement. He was not including the white girls in that comment. Those words were most definitely directed toward the black members of the team. I don't think there is any debate about that.

Matt, I agree with you. I think the thing that made me start this thread in the first place was Al Sharpton's "pitbull" attack against Imus. I don't like Imus. Never have. But, I don't like Sharpton either. Every time I see him I am reminded of the Tawana Brawley scandal. The man is shameless in his attempts for publicity and personal recognition.

I was thinking about this last night. Do you remember a few months back when Rosie O'Donnell did a very blatant stereotypical impression of an Asian person? I don't watch The View. I don't have any desire to see a bunch of women sitting around spewing their personal opinions about anything and everything. BORING to me. But, I saw those clips of O'Donnell doing her "impression." I was shocked at that. And, what was the result? Nothing. Nothing was done.

I think the only way to get rid of all these idiots is for the general populace to stop watching this garbage and giving them all these most undeserved ratings. As long as the producers of these shows are making money, they will continue.

Atyourservice, I don't know if I agree fully with what you are saying. I grew up in an era in which my friends preferred to be called black. But, when the moniker of African-American came along, some of my friends preferred to be called that. It makes it very difficult for me to find the proper balance. How far do we carry the politically correct concepts? If we keep picking at each other we will never move in a more positive direction. I am assuming that you are much younger than I. I keep hoping that with each generation, there will be more things that we can all find common ground on than the obvious differences people seem to get hung up on. I agree with you that we all harbor racist or prejudicial thoughts to some degree. But, we need to recognize that it just isn't a constructive way to live our lives. Generalizations don't benefit anyone.

I don't know if I believe this is a Freedom of Speech issue. When it comes to using public platforms to use words and slurs that are hurtful to a large group, it becomes muddied for me. The Ku Klux Klan are allowed to hold "conventions" under the Freedom of Speech the right to hold public gatherings acts. When the Ku Klux Klan marches in towns and hold those gatherings, I can choose not to attend. But, they will never, ever be given a nationally syndicated television show that will allow them to come into our homes every day spewing their hateful messages.

In the case of Don Imus, Al Sharpton, Rosie O'Donnell, Sean Hannity, and all the others out there, where do we draw the line? Why are they allowed to spew hateful messages? Granted, they don't do it as the basis of their shows platforms. But, it appears to me that the only way we are going to get anywhere as a society is to hold someone accountable at some point in time. Is Don Imus the person who should be held up as an example? I don't know. As I said, I don't like either Imus or Sharpton. But, maybe all this fuss will have a positive effect in that people will start to think about what they are saying before they open their mouths. It would be nice to think that would be the outcome. But, after all this fuss dies down, will we just backslide again? Probably.

Hello Now:

He can say what he wants - just not on MY airways where I grant the license.

You don't see a distinction between the corner soapbox and the public airways?? Fortunately, the law does.

excon

So because he is on the radio - he doesn't have 1st ammendment rights? You may not like what he says - but he does have the right to say what he wants.
Just like we have the right to say what we want to on this forum. It is freedom of speech. When you start taking things like that away - where does it end. Every person being crucified for an unpopular opinion? I don't want to live in that world.
If the comments made by this radio personality offended you - then turn off your radio or don't watch as he is broadcast on MSNBC. That is your right. No one is forcing you to listen or watch.

This is a common misconception, but the First Amendment doesn't really apply to this situation or this site. The First Amendment states: Congress shall make no law ... abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press Rev Al is not Congress (thank god). If CBS or MSNBC decide to censure, suspend or terminate Imus's contract they have a right to do so because they are exercising editorial control of their broadcasts. This site has rules about what can't be said here and people and posts are banned if they violate those rules. Since the site is privately owned (as are the broadcast facilities Imus uses), they have the right to do this.

However, there is the concept of Freedom of Speech at play here. Americans hold dear the right to be able to voice their opinions. To say what they feel about various issues. What they say doesn't have to popular or even respectable. Imus's comment was reprehensible and he should be severely criticized for it. But he had the right to say it. Just have we have the right to criticize him for saying it and to not listen to him (or buy the products of his sponsors).

If Imus is terminated it should be because no one will sponsor his program because they don't like what he says. That would be the right of the sponsors to express their freedoms.

He was not including the white girls in that comment. Those words were most definitely directed toward the black members of the team. I don't think there is any debate about that.

I think it was a racist and sexist comment. When he used the word "ho's" - he was saying something against the entire team.

I don't want to get in a debate on what he meant the statement to be - because he is an idiot and you can never understand an idiot. I think he insulted the whole team - black and white.

Hello again:

Here's where we get into trouble. Free speech is not free. There are limits on it. You can't shout fire in a crowded theater. You can't organize a prayer meeting in public school, and you can't use the PUBLIC airways to spew venom.

The key word is PUBLIC. YOU and I own the airways. We license the providers and regulate the content. We don't let pornography on Good Morning America, and we ought not let racists spew hate on a different channel at the same time.

Look, I'm not a believer in regulation. I think you should be able to eat all the transfat you want and it's fine with me if you don't wear your seatbelts. But, since there are only a FEW airways, they are considered to be a “common”, like electricity is a “common”, or the highways, and we REGULATE commons, as we should.

Since WE regulate and license, the onus of Imus' pronouncement shifts from him - to US. We (government) have the power to remove him or let him stay. IF we let him stay, does that mean that we, the public sanction what he said??

I think it does.

excon

I totally get what you are saying, excon, I do. But, part of what makes us who we are - is our differences. I do not choose to listen/watch Don Imus. Or anyone else I find boring or offensive. But, there are others that enjoy listening or watching and actually share some of the same views. (right or wrong)
I guess what gets me going is that we are in such an uproar over words that came out of this man's mouth - when there are so many other - bigger issues in our country that should have our attention and our passion. Not an idiot like Don Imus.

I have to agree fully with what ScottGem and excon have both stated. We do tend to forget those aspects they have both very logically and effectively have pointed out.

Nowwhat, why not get into a debate about it? That was the reason I posted. I am not trying to drag people into a fighting match. I want to know peoples opinions and I wanted to have an animated discussion and friendly debate about it.

So, I still don't agree with what you are saying. You cannot separate the words that were spoken. He called them "nappy headed hos." If he just said "hos" I would wholeheartedly agree that he was referring to the entire team. But, he didn't.

Like most have said already, what Imus said is reprehensible. (The degree of punishment is where many disagree).

But, as a person who has only seen the Imus show a few times and doesn't know much about the man, I can appreciate that he has put himself waaaay out there to be criticised and yelled at by continuously appearing apologetic in public... especially by stepping outside his own territory and into Al Sharpton's and scheduled, soon, to be on the women's, he insulted, territory.

He could've pridefully stood by his hurtful and insensitive comments, or made protected and weak apologies, like other shock jocks (and comedian) have done recently.

I totally get what you are saying, excon, I do. But, part of what makes us who we are - is our differences. I do not choose to listen/watch Don Imus. Or anyone else I find boring or offensive. But, there are others that enjoy listening or watching and actually share some of the same views. (right or wrong)
I guess what gets me going is that we are in such an uproar over words that came out of this man's mouth - when there are so many other - bigger issues in our country that should have our attention and our passion. Not an idiot like Don Imus.


I just saw your post after I posted my last response. I agree with you about bigger issues. Care to start a thread on a topic of interest or concern to you?

Ruby, I can debate with the best of them - What I didn't want to debate was the mind of an idiot. I agree what he said was wrong and all of that. But, I think he insulted the whole team. The entire team was at the press conference - not just the black girls. He made a racist and sexist statement.

As far as starting my own thread - I wouldn't know which topic to choose.

Hello again:

The key to my post, is that we're really not talking about this jerk. On that, we agree.

But, since this jerk is licensed by you and me to do his thing, and WE can CHOOSE to stop him cold or let him continue, I think the conversation is much more about US than it is HIM.

excon

Of course the entire team was at the press conference. They are a team, after all.

If you don't want to debate the mind of an idiot, then don't. I did not force you to join in on this discussion.

You have made a point that there are bigger issues in our country. I agree. When you feel like discussing one of those issues or you choose a topic that is of interest, then start a thread. If I am around and have something to say, or to add to the discussion, I will.

P.S. Thank you excon. You have hit the nail on the head as to what my intentions were here.

Like most have said already, what Imus said is reprehensible. (The degree of punishment is where many disagree).

But, as a person who has only seen the Imus show a few times and doesn't know much about the man, I can appreciate that he has put himself waaaay out there to be criticised and yelled at by continuously appearing apologetic in public....especially by stepping outside his own territory and into Al Sharpton's and scheduled, soon, to be on the women's, he insulted, territory.

He could've pridefully stood by his hurtful and insensitive comments, or made protected and weak apologies, like other shock jocks (and comedian) have done recently.


Yes, man. I think he has really put himself out there. Actually, his handling of it has surprised me. Maybe his ratings are not that great after all. Look at Howard Stern. I wonder if he would have apologized to the extent Imus has. I tend to doubt it. He is always defending his right to state whatever is on his mind.

My husband and I talked about Howard Stern last night. I am curious of what his take is on this. He (I think) hates Don Imus. But he is always defending his right to say what he wants.

There are so many battles to pick - do we start with the small ones or the big ones? And what is considered small or big? Getting Don Imus off the air - what does it accomplish. I guarantee you there is another one just like him waiting in the wings - waiting to get his big break. So what do we do?

I don't know the answer to "what do we do." As you can see from my responses I am questioning the entire process as well.

However I do know that Howard Stern and Don Imus DO hate each other. The feud goes back about 25 years. I used to listen them both when they were both on the same radio station out of NY. Imus felt that he was a mentor to Stern and Stern owed his success to Imus. Stern didn't agree. Boy, you should have heard some of that infighting. Now THAT was entertainment.

I just read that Staples and Proctor & Gamble have pulled advertising on the Imus show. Biglow Tea Co. has said that he has put their advertising in jeopardy.
So, in the end, money is going to determine his fate.

So, in the end, money is going to determine his fate.That's the way and the reason most things are done in the U.S.

Hello Ruby:

To those of you who are saying this is a Freedom of Speech issue, you’re wrong. I don’t own the corner soapbox. I don’t own the newspaper. I don’t own the TV station.

But I OWN the PUBLIC airways and license their use. They should NOT be used to spew venom.

excons



True this kind of talk (Imus not the con) Is not helping anyone. It's sexist racist, and just downright insulting to these "girls" yes they are practically just teens and I know if someone called my nieces or daughter a ho, I would not be happy. Imus is picking on children, who have done nothing wrong, only attempted to succeed. And both these men are lowlifes trying to take advantage of the situation for personal gain. (who even was paying ant attention to Immus) To sum up both of them should be deported to Canada. LOL

I know if someone called my nieces or daughter a ho, I would not be happy. Wow, you must be going crazy trying to shut down rap music then! They say much worse stuff than Imus.

When my husband and I were talking about this - he said the same thing.
That some of the same things are being said in rap music

Wow, you must be going crazy trying to shut down rap music then! They say much worse stuff than Imus.
Yes I have been spending quite allot of time trying to shut down rap.:p Here's my strategy, never buy, listen or acknowledge it in anyway. LOL
Since I don't actually listen to it I don't really know. I was just trying to make the point that these girls didn't deserve to be singled out and insulted. Yes he does have the right but it is still just mean. Rap music is vulgar and everyone knows it (except me) Imus named a specific group, besides I do agree rap needs to be contained also. At least if it is too much keep it of the radio.

I agree with Matt. In rap music, the performers are not throwing insults directed at a specific group of young women they do not know.

That actually is where you get into a freedom of speech/expression right. Just as with the KKK, we do not have to attend these events or purchase recordings.

The problem for me, comes into play when we are paying for entertainment. I have satellite. I do not have a choice where I live. I pay for the service. Therefore, I feel I do have a right to state that I do not approve of certain content.

And, yes Nowwhat, I saw that this morning too. "Money will determine his fate" comes back to what I was saying earlier. If the producers cannot make any, he will be axed. This should be very interesting to see how it all plays out. I am wondering if this will set a precedent or create new rules that will be followed by the owners of these networks. I guess time will tell. But, this incident truly seems to be having a snowball effect for Imus at the moment.

Ah my favorite words, "I agree with matt" I just think this is more personal then black/ white he didn't say this about black women in general but about these young ladies specifically. Also Sharpton is a poor excuse for a representative.

Just heard that MSNBC canned Imus

Oh the old comment "there are bigger issues than this to deal with so why bother discussing it"

So where do we stop. There are bigger issues than education, transport etc in the world so does that mean we don't deal or talk about it?

Stuff our homeless lets just look at the bigger issues and deal with world famine. No, it can't be like that! Sorry, doesn't add to this discussion much but I just get annoyed when people just throw away an issue by saying there are bigger worries in the world. Well right now for these girls and Mr Imus there probably aren't!

It is more than sad - to hear Don Imus ruin his long career over his thoughtless and racially slurred comments - to hear CNN beat this dead horse over and over - to see Al Sharpton ONCE AGAIN hogging the media - to witness the genuine shock of the Rutgers team as they try to process being in this media feeding frenzy..

Maybe we should get out an old stockade from the Puritan days, I am sure there is one somewhere, and place Imus in the town square and flog him. Would that make him sorry enough to please everyone?

Yes, shy, I agree. The whole situation is very sad. Al Sharpton has just sunk his teeth into this and won't let go. If he didn't, there wouldn't have been such a media circus.

Scott, I just heard the same news. I guess enough of the larger sponsors complained and/or pulled their spots. Money does talk. But, who knows. The way things work in this world, Imus will pop up somewhere else at some point. Maybe Sirius Radio, like Howard Stern.

Sirius Radio would be the way to go, for Imus. Howard Stern has not suffered from going over there.
I have listened to Imus for many years and have often agreed and disagreed with his comments. I am not defending him at all on the Rutgers comment. But also, if people know he is controversial, then do not listen to him. Listen another programming - like NPR.

I heard the news as well.

I wonder if his words made those girls sad inside. I think his words did. That is so very sad. Imagine feeling that way. I know, when I was 18 or 19, those words would have hit me quite hard.

Once again, just another sad sad situation and no happy ending.

True, Allheart, no happy ending. I think of how hard each of those girls worked all through their previous school years and earned the right to be at Rutgers. How many teens would give their right arm to get into Rutgers? Those girls made it - by being smart, sharp, athletic, capable, talented, and dedicated young women. To have someone else, who has never met any one them, make that hoe comment, is beyond comprehension.

Even though you know inside, his words do not fit, in their shoes, at their age, knowing how there are some ill minds in society, I tell you, I would have been mortified.

Hello again,

But, there is a happy ending. #1) Those girls will scooped up by top notch firms and their careers are set. GOOD for them. #2) NBC got it. GOOD for them. 3#) Racism, which we pretended went away, showed us we have work to do. GOOD for us.

excon

True, excon. Just today there was another article in the newspaper about a young actor who was picked up by police and was making racial slurs. Wonder if his career is down the tubes too? It ought to be.

I am not sure if this is the correct area to place this but I didn't want to subject anyone to "ratings" in Issues and Causes. So, I am posting this here for discussion.

Just wondering if anyone is familiar with what is going on and what their opinions are.

For those of you who do not know, I will try to recap in a nutshell.

Don Imus is a radio and television personality. He has a talk radio show that can be viewed on television on MSNBC. He is known for making, distasteful remarks, at times. Some call his humor, potty humor. Some think he is really quite funny. Anyway, during one of his broadcasts, they were recapping a basketball game played by the Rutgers girl's baskeball team. Rutgers lost. While they were airing a clip, Imus made a comment about the team. He called them "nappy headed hos" (nappy headed whores). Most of the girls are African-American and there is no question that they are the ones to whom he was directing his remarks. There was quite an uproar over this. Imus was suspended for two weeks. Reverend Al Sharpton is calling for Imus to be fired and he is not backing down. Sharpton thinks it is high time that people who make these racist comments need to be dealt with in a way that isn't a simple slap on the back of the hand, which is what he views the suspension to be.

So, for those of you who are familiar with this, any comments? What are your views?
For those of you not familiar with this, please do a google search to gather more info. Then post back here with your views.

I am quite interested in hearing opinions. I think this really cuts to the heart of the racial problems we are still having in this country, and I am wondering where people stand on this issue.
I don't like either personally, Best way to handle it cut them off, If we don't lessen to them they will be cut off. If we lessen we will surely become like them. What we let in our mines and the people we surround ourselves with, we will surly become like them.

Thought I'd share some interesting quotes :

Black leadership has to recognize that principles more than speech, character more than a claim, is greater in advancing the cause of our liberation than what has transpired thus far.
Louis Farrakhan
I think that ego-driven leaders will be a thing of the past because the masses are tired.
Louis Farrakhan
There really can be no peace without justice. There can be no justice without truth. And there can be no truth, unless someone rises up to tell you the truth.
Louis Farrakhan
They call them terrorists, I call them freedom fighters.
Louis Farrakhan
You must recognize that the way to get the good out of your brother and your sister is not to return evil for evil.
Louis Farrakhan
Sometimes I feel like rap music is almost the key to stopping racism.
Eminem
How do you make things fair?
Al Sharpton
I have been guilty of letting ungodly things around me.
Al Sharpton
If O.J. had been accused of killing his black wife, you would not have seen the same passion stirred up.
Al Sharpton
If you can get the proper definition of trouble, then we can find out who the real troublemakers are.
Al Sharpton

If you play the theatrics too much, you get in the way of your own cause.
Al Sharpton
In the South, blacks were blacks and whites were whites. In the North, blacks are Caribbean, African, Dominican, Southern.
Al Sharpton
One thing people never talked about, after the marches, was how we were able to take such hostility and not respond.
Al Sharpton
My goal is to goad people into saying something that ruins their life.
Don Imus
I am free of all prejudices. I hate every one equally.
WC Fields
I think every group of black guys should have at least one white guy in it.
Dave Chappelle

Chris Rock's Rude Interruption
On the world:
"You know the world is going crazy when the best rapper is a white guy, the best golfer is a black guy, the tallest guy in the NBA is a Chinese guy, the Swiss hold the America's Cup, France is accusing the U.S. of arrogance, Germany doesn't want to go to war, and the three most powerful men in America are name 'Bush,' '' and 'Colon.' Need I say more?"

Shaun Powell had a GREAT column about all this in today's Newsday. You can read it here:

It's more than just Imus - Newsday.com (http://www.newsday.com/sports/ny-sppow0412,0,1533389.column?coll=ny-sports-mezz)

ScottGem,

Excellent, excellent column! Thank you for sharing. I hope more people take a look at it.

manimuth

Hello:

Well, leave it to me to disagree. When I was a kid, they told me rock and roll was bad. It wasn't. So no, I don't think it's Snoop Dog's fault any more than the 60's were John Lennon's fault.

Does art reflect or shape society? I think it's a reflection, therefore I look beyond artists for the REAL problems we have. It's easy to stop there, but pure folly.

excon

ScottGem! I will ditto manimuth's sentiments! THANK YOU. What a great article! If you hadn't posted it, I wouldn't have seen it. Very powerful words! We need to have more people discussing this problem and bringing it out in the forefront.

P.S. I love you ex but this time I don't agree with you. MWAH.

Hello:

Well, leave it to me to disagree. When I was a kid, they told me rock and roll was bad. It wasn't. So no, I don't think it's Snoop Dog's fault any more than the 60's were John Lennon's fault.

Does art reflect or shape society? I think it's a reflection, therefore I look beyond artists for the REAL problems we have. It's easy to stop there, but pure folly.

excon

I figured I should explain my position. The difference here is that in your day, those performers did not denigrate women the way they do today. The line has most definitely been crossed. These songs treat all black women in a most disrespectful way. If they want to talk about whites and cops and make a statement, that is one thing. But, these other songs that Powell is writing about, do not contain any constructive political messages or stances, just hateful words.

excon,
I see your point. I agree that art is often a reflection but I think it is unwise to completely deny its impact on the young and the impressionable; especially in a day and age when exposure to "artistic" music and television shows, meant to be satirical and entertaining, are greater than exposure to solid, good, role models and guidance.

Can art shape or inspire people's views? Yes! Yes! especially when the viewers are young.

I also agree that the problem does NOT stop with the "artists" who call women "b***hes" and "hoes".

manimuth

The difference here is that in your day, those performers did not denigrate women the way they do today. The line has most definitely been crossed. Hello again, Ruby Dear:

My day? I'm not that old.

I don't disagree with you about the songs. However, my premise remains the same. Are the performers denigrating women because their society does? Or does their society do it because the performers do?

I think it's the former.

excon

Are the performers denigrating women because their society does? Or does their society do it because the performers do?

Hello excon,

I don't believe it is as simple as that. Sometimes there is a diconnect between what society says or does and what artists do. Why is the "N" word OK in rap songs but horrendous in social use? Do you think rap artists use the words "nappy hoes" because Imus, and other white men, go around saying the words or is it the other way around?

It's not always a simple cause and effect when it comes to art and society. Sometimes art can transcend society and be provocative, inspirational, and revolutionary. So, it is not always just a mirror for society. Sometimes it can be a powerful smack in the face.

manimuth

Wow, this topic exploded, since my last post I've been hearing a lot about this on the news. It seems to come down to the fact that he directed the comments against individuals, there have been many examples stated of other radio hosts that use this kind of language directed at many different ethnicities but because he said this about a very small group of people that's where the outrage is coming from.

For instance, this language is used by rappers etc all the time but no one cares but because he insulted such a small team so directly a lot of people won't stand it.

Did anyone see AC360 about this last night?

Why is the "N" word ok in rap songs but horrendous in social use? Hello man:

I don't think the "N" word IS horrendous in black social circles. I think they call each other that ALL the time. THAT was my point.

You must be a white manimuth.

excon

I don't think the "N" word IS horrendous in black social circles. I think they call each other that ALL the time. THAT was my point.

I think that is where some confusion comes from. You hear people saying things like that about their own race and it's precevied o.k.
So, another group picks it up and holy crap, the bottom just fell out. So the lines get blurred on what is acceptable and what is not.

When that whole Michael Richards thing happened at the comedy club - there was a call for people - of all colors - to stop using the "N" word. I wish that would be picked up more. Just stop using known words that breed hate and anger.

You must be a white manimuth.

Sir, I don't think that has anything to do with this.

Although I know that the "N" word is an often accepted part of black language, my point is that there is a disconnect between what is accepted in society and what art portrays. Because, rap music is a part of OUR entire society, not just black society. All races listen to the music and, in fact, most rap albums are bought by young whites. BUT, the use of the "N" word is NOT a reflection of the society that listens to it- only a part of society that is somehow "allowed" to use it. And so, there's the disconnect. (and the hypocrisy.)
The excuse for the use of the words "b***hes" and "hoes" in rap music, that is heard by everyone in society, is that those words are regularly used against women in the black social environment? That is not only wrong but hypocritical, especially when there is outrage when a white man uses the same language. That was a point of the column and that is why I liked it.

The “N” word is not the only thing I talked about in my posts. What I wanted to point out is that it is not right to sum up art as: "a reflection of society". Because it isn't always that simple. Because if art ALWAYS reflected society, then society wouldn't be so surprised and outraged when one imitates art. There is more to this issue than just art as a reflection of society. There is hypocrisy, many underlying issues of racism in our country, profit and rating,. these are just some of the issues involved in everything we're talking about on this thread. I also said that the problem does NOT end with blaming “artists”

P.S. I am neither white nor a man. :)

Hello again, Ruby Dear:

My day?? I'm not that old.

Ah, my dear, but you are. When you say such things as, "When I was a kid, they told me rock and roll was bad." Of course, you are only as old as you feel, but when you state something like this, well, all I can say is, when parents told children that, it was nigh on close to 60 years ago honey.


I have to agree with manimuth's and nowwhat's responses to you on the other statements made. Regarding the "N" word in black circles, you are right, but that is where the problem lies. It needs to stop. As long as black people keep putting each other down in that way, white people view it as tacit acceptance of such language. It is not acceptable to call ANYONE something with such a derogatory connotation connected to it.

Lowtax, I never saw the program last night. I am sorry I missed it. I like AC360. Maybe you could give us a recap of the program if you have the time.

Hello again, man:


BUT, the use of the "N" word is NOT a reflection of the society that listens to it- only a part of society that is somehow "allowed" to use itI beg to disagree, and I don’t know what you mean by “allowed”.



Because if art ALWAYS reflected society, then society wouldn't be so surprised and outraged when one imitates art.I disagree again. If society does something (which I maintain they do), then artists depict it (which I maintain they do), and society KEEPS on doing something , only people like you will say that they’re imitating art, when in fact, they’re doing what the art was based on.


P.S. I am neither white nor a man. Then you’re a humorless non white female.

excon

excon, manimuth is not humorless (and In my opinion is an asset to this web site). I would appreciate it if you are inclined to personal attacks that are completely baseless and are knee jerk reactions to someone disagreeing with you, that you limit yourself to attacking me, since I am the one who started this thread, and I welcome such irresponsible antics from you. En garde mon ami!

Ok, excon. We seem to go around in circles. I am not disagreeing with you... only pointing out the hypocrisy in the relationship between art and society. It is not a very simple relationship and not everything about art can be excused as "reflection of society".

Anyway,
I don't have the energy to go back and forth so will bow away now.

It's not fair to call me "a humorless non white female" because if you knew me, you would think I was very much full of humor :P

Have a nice day and see you around, excon :)

Thanks for your support Ruby.
You have a wonderful thread here; chock full of material that we should be talking about.
:)

Hello again:

Yer cool with me, man. You, Rubydooby, are another matter. Put 'em up.

excon

I pee on your leg.

Good Topic Ruby.

Let me first say that I do not care for Al Sharpton. When he appears at the time of any civil rights issue he makes it worse rahter then better as far as I'm concerned. Who the hell appointed him spoke person for African Americans. I wish people would stop assuming he speaks for the majority. HE DOES NOT!

As far as anus (aka Imus) is concerned, his comments were beyond RUDE and OFFENSIVE. His comments were both racist and sexist. My question is where the heck is the organization called N.O.W. do they not address sexist issues that deal with African American women. Feel free to correct me if I am wrong. Has anyone heard from them? Those women did not deserve to be called hoes or nappy headed anything for that matter. I am not aware of any parent that would be please with someone calling their daughter a ho on a national radio show, and not cause a stink about it.
I heard the replay of his comments and he was clearly laughing. Yes he apologizes.. goody goody gum drops. I guess he is going to rehab as well. I hope they make sure to seat him aware from the dude from Gray's Anatomy (made rude homosexual comment). We have become a society where people do not have to pay for the consequences of their actions,yet they are rewarded with press time and money. Yes Glenn is correct in one part, that there is freedom of speech. BUT that freedom has its limits. Ex. You can not yell fire in a crowded movie if there is no fire. Please feel free to review previous US Supreme Court decisions on freedom of speech. Also, the radio stations personalities are not free to say what ever they want; they have limits to what they can say or even do. So I do not agree with Glenn Beck that he(Imus) has freedom of speech.
Imus also goes on to say that people in the African American community and music artist uses those terms, so how can they scream foul. Give me a break. 1. African American civil rights leaders have been protesting the use of those terms in hip hop music for years. But it doesn't get air time because it’s not salacious/violent enough. 2. Not everybody in that community agrees or even approves of the use of those terms. You have to remember we live in a diverse country as well as community. These individuals that are so often called African America solely based on their skin color;are also South Americans, Africans, Caribbean and some Europeans. Are we suggesting that everyone approves.
Imus should be fired just as everyone else before him who has made similar comments. My last point is that many people associate with people of different backgrounds on a daily or periodic basis, (work, social events, fund raiser, RANCHES) it doesn’t mean they like them.

Gg, actually, NOW has been vocal about this. I read some articles about them calling for Imus to be fired. Unfortunately, Al Sharpton and others have drowned them out. I don't know if NOW really was as vocal as they should have been. I think this is attributable to the leaders of that organization, and their own personal agendas. It is a shame. They are a much more credible organization than Sharpton and his cronies are.

But, in the end, it seems that Imus is definitely paying the price for his "humor."

But, in the end, it seems that Imus is definitely paying the price for his "humor."

Yes, but I'm afraid that Al Sharpton will chalk this one up as another "win" for himself, since the network was under a lot of pressure from the media hooplah created by Sharpton. I'd rather that the punishment came quick and swift and credited to all of us; not to Sharpton's big mouth, but as always, his big mouth did the job!

Yes, manimuth, I agree with you on that.

Here is something I read today and found it rather amusing:

AOL's Jason Whitlock- Time for Jackson, Sharpton to Step Down - AOL Sports (http://sports.aol.com/whitlock/_a/time-for-jackson-sharpton-to-step-down/20070411111509990001)

karent23 that website was good reading. I completely agree with the article. Quote:
The Rutgers players are nothing more than pawns in a game being played by Jackson, Sharpton and Stringer. Unquote. African American should protest against the both of those self serving jerks.

Interesting article karen. Kind of repeats and adds onto Powell's article in Newsday. I think Whitlock has a good point. The problem is no one can stop these guys. They are and always have been, intent on promoting themselves. No amount of bad press or bad decisions on their part seems to shut them down.

I have just seen Al Sharpton just take a side because of race no matter the facts, So honestly just him taking a side normally makes me thing automatically that he is wrong. In my personal opinon he is the worst example of what the equal rights movement is suppose to be and would most certainly be a disgrace to the real heroes like ML King.

I believe some of his causes have done a lot of good but often it is in spite of him.

Anytime individuals such as Jesse Jackson and Al Sharton get involved in an issue dealing with race... people automatically assume it is not legit and that it's just another complaining.
I agree that both Al Sharpton and Jesse Jackson are a disgrace to the civil rights movement. They should not even go down in history as being part of it. The only movement they have been a part of is the self interest movement. The Rutgers women basketball team has a legitimate grip and they should have confronted Imus. When Al Sharpton got involved it turned the issue into media circus. The issue lost legitimacy.

I think Imus is a stupid S.O.B. for saying something like he did about the girls. But I wonder how many of these girls watch Cris Rock and laugh when he uses the N word and every other word out of his mouth is F**K or Motherf**ker. And Chris is one of Oprah's best friends.

Or if they watch a MTV video or listen to some of that rap out there that is violent towards women.

Now don't go using the B word letmetellu... That's part of the problem in the rap songs we're talking about!! ;)

We are a society that promotes and glorifies TRASH. Then we look puzzled when our kids start using bad words and then we are even more confused when these kids grown up to be adults that use those trashy words. Say something nice you get nothing. Say something nasty and they will pay you to put on a CD. We have become a society that subscribes to filth.

Again I don't agree with Imus and what he said, but people of all races should realize that he is a comic and that is the way he makes his living the same as many other comics that make remarks about all different races. I made the remarks earlier about Chris Rock and his language at his shows. I think it is deplorable, I se nothing funny about it, and still as he is telling his black jokes and down grading the black race, men and women, there is a large crowd that can not get their breaths because they are laughing so hard. Yet if I used the N word to one of the people at the show they would put me down in every way that they could think of, I was not the one that made the N word a bad word, in fact when I was young I thought I was doing a black friend a favor because I called him the N word instead of a negro because we both thought that negro was a negative way to refer to black people. I am not ashamed to be in a crowd that uses the N word and still I really don't understand why. Please don't cuss me out but I would like to ask someone exactly why and when did it become the most hated word in the english language?

Please don't cuss me out but I would like to ask someone exactly why and when did it become the most hated word in the english language?

I would suggest getting this book; Strange Career of a Troublesome Word (http://www.amazon.com/Nigger-Strange-Career-Troublesome-Word/dp/0375421726). It will explain how this word became so vilified.

Well, Imus is off the air - for now anyway. CBS and MSNBC have pulled the plug.
I would be willing to bet that satellite radio will pick him up next week.

I would be willing to bet that satelite radio will pick him up next week.Hello again:

I don't think so. Sirius and XM are trying to merge and are awaiting SEC approval. Hiring Imus wouldn't help that process. Poor racist - his timing is just bad.

excon

Poor racist - his timiing is just bad.

THis made me laugh.:p

Sirius and XM are trying to merge and are awaiting SEC approval. Hiring Imus wouldn't help that process.

Yep. They won't touch this with a 10 ft. pole because they have to avoid any controversy.
So, Imus is out of a job for the first time in 30 years.

Do you think his career is over?

Not at all a "freedom of speech thing" in any sense whatsoever.

You could get fired for wearing flip-flops and a tutu to work. Working is not an absolute right. Sponsors pulled probably due to public pressure, domino effect, canned imus for dinner. Extreme? Sure. Maybe. no. that's for the sponsors to decide and his employers.

How is this different than when jimmy the greek was canned a decade or so ago for stating that black athletes were stronger and faster because slaves were "bred" to be that way? It was the same kind of situation, just more civilized talk. He said a dumb thing in the media spotlight. Poof. Bye-bye paycheck.

Imus has not lost his freedom of speech. I'm free to whistle dixie out my nose. Doesn't mean I'm guaranteed to get and keep a job. Though id bet you'd be in a niche market as a flip-flopped, tutu wearing, nose whistler.

Employeers can dictate a lot more than PC speech from their employees.

Sharpton is a clown. The media loves clowns. Made for each other. If imus had been talking about the mens lacrosse team accused of rape and called them a bunch of "punk-a$$ white bread crackers" where would the public uproar be?

Is punk-a$$ hyphenated?

Anyway... I do, however, agree with what fr chuck said. He's probably done some good too, I imagine, just by being in the spotlight. Lets face it... having this debate isn't necessarily a bad thing, and sharpton helped bring it forward. But he's still a sleaze. I hate to say bad words about a guy who's in bad shape, but even the governor (who was critically hurt on the way to mediate the meeting between the rutgers team and imus)... what the hell? Why does the governor need to step in and mediate? Really? Political grandstanding all over the place.

I do completely disagree with the notion that some words should be fine for one group to use but not another. N-word of course the prime suspect. If you propagate it, and use it to make money (rap, etc) can you really make a logical argument about how some can use it while others cannot?

I understand the reflex. My daughter, half latino, knows there are some words said in her latino circle that are fine within the circle... but probably not outside. She has asian friends who call dressing up their cars the way the do "ricing" the car... again, within the circle, its "fine"...

Well, OK. Whatever. Yes, we need some common sense in our public officials (theoretically) but if you use crap language you shouldn't be "scared for life" (as one player mentioned) when that crap language comes back around.

In a situation like this, where just about everybody is stupid as a wad o gum, my wife and I ask each other if they are playing "I & A". Which is short for a game called Idiots and A$$holes... you get to decide who's being the I and the a... sometimes people are both.

Maybe matel would let me market that game?

Kp, I wish I could rate you for that little speech. You would get a big thumbs up from me.

I do believe, with time, when sirius and xm have managed to do what they want to do, and enough time has passed, Imus will be back, if all this hullabaloo hasn't killed him first.
He has been fired before. This will all be a bad memory in another 6 months to a years time.

I heard there was an article in today's Wall Street Journal, that talked about how Imus met his downfall. Apparently there is a media monitoring group that monitors all broadcasts. They were the ones who first reported the gaffe and started posting e-mails about what should be done. It wasn't until some black journalists started an outcry that Sharpton picked it up.

Hmmm. Very interesting Scott. Most of us who have followed the careers of Imus and Stern, know that the FCC and any monitoring groups have been looking for any and every opportunity to really grind both of them into the concrete. I guess they finally found it with Imus. Now, they can be free to turn their full attention onto Stern. What fun!

An off-topic question (kind of). Does the FCC regulate satellite radio? I wasn't sure. I thought that was why stern went with Sirrus. So he could say whatever he wanted.
Is it different when you are paying for the service? Like cable TV?
Just wondering.

I don't think sirus abides by the same standards... it's like paying for HBO.

I believe karen is correct. So, the bottom line would be that we, the paying audience are the ones that would have a say in content. If we are upset and cancel subscriptions, then it would have the same effect that Imus's sponsers are having now.

But, you can bet anything that the FCC and all these regulatory agencies are monitoring content. If what ScottGem stated is true, they will just find ways around the new system. They will feed what they have heard, to anyone and everyone willing to make a lot of noise, such as the great Rev Sharpton.