The Don Imus Story

[EddieO's21]

Ok look, I don't put much in the Rant section but here we go...

The comments that Don Imus made regarding the women from Rutgers University Basketball team were unexcusable, tactless, rude, sexist, racist and the list goes on...

HOWEVER...I am sick and tired of the lynching that has been going on in the media over what should be done next with Imus. Or how implorable this has become. Or even, how many more apoligies he needs to 'make up' for what he said

Give me a break

This world it seems has become to pre-occupied with uncovering racists and biggots that people will turn anywhere to sniff them out. Obviously, I am not backing what Don Imus said...but the people who are attacking him, notably Jesse Jackson (lets not forget his remarks during his run for the presidency) and AL Sharpton are some of the worst abusers of racial profiling this country has seen. I watched Al Sharpton last night defend rap music as a 'cultural understanding' and that Blacks are free to use the N word for years of persucution and as an ideological symbol between them.

GUESS WHAT, ITS NOT OK, not one of these things are

if we are going to point the finger, we need to point it at blacks, whites, asians, gays, heteros, hispanics, because guess what we are all to blame for some wrongdoing in this field of utter hipocrasy.

In the mean time...lay off Imus, his career is gone, until XM picks him up or something, it's time to move on to something that really needs to be talked about in the media other than who's next on the chopping block

[Mackus]

Heh, heh. Yeah. Apologize. *end Jesse Jackson Southpark voice*

I'm not sure which story I'd rather never hear about again more, this one, or anything that has to do with Anna Nicole Smith.

[ledzepp8]

The whole thing is stupid and overblown, especially because they were basically quoting the Spike Lee movie School Daze. The moment anyone says anything slightly racist, you've got Al Sharpton and Jesse Jackson jumping on it to further their careers.

I saw this mentioned on another board talking about this situation: Listen to the Rutgers girls IPODs and count how many times you hear the words "nappy headed" or "hos".

Imus should have had enough common sense to not say what he said, but I really don't think there was any racist intent and he's basically getting hosed.

[NewMarketSean]

Jesse Jackson


Jackson has been criticized for some of the remarks he has made about Jews and Jewish issues: that Nixon was less attentive to poverty in the U.S. because "four out of five [of Nixon's top advisors] are German Jews and their priorities are on Europe and Asia"; that he was "sick and tired of hearing about the Holocaust"; that there are "very few Jewish reporters that have the capacity to be objective about Arab affairs"; [11] In addition Rev. Jackson had referred to Jews as "Hymies" and to New York City as "Hymietown" in January 1984 during a conversation with Washington Post reporter, Milton Coleman. [12]

Al Sharpton


Tawana Brawley Controversy

In the Tawana Brawley case, a 15-year-old black girl was found smeared with feces, lying in a garbage bag, her clothing torn and burned and with various slurs and epithets written on her body in charcoal. Brawley claimed that she had been assaulted and raped by six white men, some of them police officers, in the town of Wappingers Falls, New York.

Attorneys Alton H. Maddox and C. Vernon Mason joined Sharpton in support of Brawley. A grand jury was convened; after seven months of examining police and medical records, the jury determined that Brawley lied about being assaulted by the police. Sharpton, Maddox and Mason accused the Dutchess County prosecutor, Steven Pagones, of being one of the perpetrators of the alleged abduction and rape. The three were successfully sued for slander and ordered to pay $345,000 in damages, the jury finding Sharpton liable for making seven defamatory statements about Pagones, Maddox for two and Mason for one. [6]

Crown Heights Riot

The Crown Heights Riot occurred after a car accident involving the motorcade for the Lubavitcher Rebbe killing a young boy, Gavin Cato. A riot was sparked after a private Hasidic ambulance came to the scene and, on the orders of a police officer, removed the Hasidic driver from the scene. Gavin Cato and his cousin Angela were picked up soon after by a city ambulance. Caribbean-American and African-American residents of the neighborhood then rioted for four consecutive days fueled by rumors [7], [8] that the private ambulance had refused to treat Cato. [9]

Sharpton became the de-facto representative for the Cato family. During the funeral he referred to "diamond merchants" considered a code word for Hasidic Jews [10] [11], for shedding "the blood of innocent babies" leading marchers shouting "No Justice No Peace". A visiting rabbinical student from Australia by the name of Yankel Rosenbaum, 29 years old, was killed during the rioting by a mob shouting "Kill the Jew". [12]

I too, am sick of the racial double standard. But Imus had it coming. According to Howard Stern, Imus was a racist back in the early 80's when they worked for WNBC and said that Imus would dole out the N-word to Robin and other black workers at the station, saying it to their faces.

So Imus had it coming. I just wish his past racial remarks would come to light too, to show people defending him that this is not an isolated incident.

[EddieO's21]

Jesse Jackson



Al Sharpton

case and point

[ScottieBaseball]

I know this is going to seem unfair and premature, and I know this is the rants section and all, but fellas...this ain't the place for this debate.

***EDIT*** I'll unlock it and leave it that way as long as it steers clear of becoming a political debate.

[ledzepp8]

Jesse Jackson



Al Sharpton



I too, am sick of the racial double standard. But Imus had it coming. According to Howard Stern, Imus was a racist back in the early 80's when they worked for WNBC and said that Imus would dole out the N-word to Robin and other black workers at the station, saying it to their faces.

So Imus had it coming. I just wish his past racial remarks would come to light too, to show people defending him that this is not an isolated incident.

I'm not necessarily defending him, I don't listen to him and never have. But you're correct, it's a horrible double standard. This is why some people get it in their heads that whites are the only ones that can be racists. I love Chris Rock, but when he can say "Cracker ass cracker" in a comedic setting and Don Imus can't say "nappy headed hos" in a comedic setting then we have a double standard. I know he was talking about specific people, but everyone gets made fun of. People need to quit taking themselves and everything else so seriously.

[blueberryale77]

The comments that Don Imus made regarding the women from Rutgers University Basketball team were unexcusable, tactless, rude, sexist, racist and the list goes on...

HOWEVER...I am sick and tired of the lynching that has been going on in the media over what should be done next with Imus. Or how implorable this has become. Or even, how many more apoligies he needs to 'make up' for what he said

Give me a break


You think you're sick of it, try going to Rutgers! We've had student protests against Imus, emails from the university president, impassioned speeches from the coach about how these young women are all saints who are absolutely beyond reproach and in most cases were even valedictorians of their high schools...:rolleyes: Come on people, a shock jock said something he shouldn't have, have a little talk with your students about how racial and sexual slurs are bad, then let CBS watch his ratings and see if enough people boycott to make it worth their money to take him off the air. Now because of all this hoopla he's a martyr for the really dangerous racists out there. And as far as the public outcry, aren't there bigger issues out there (which we're really not allowed to talk about on the OH)?

Oh... and did you hear the Governor of New Jersey nearly got killed in a car accident (http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20070413/ap_on_re_us/corzine_crash) rushing to Trenton to mediate the meeting between Imus and the players? It's all fun and games until someone gets hurt!

[66-70-83-??]

You think you're sick of it, try going to Rutgers! We've had student protests against Imus, emails from the university president, impassioned speeches from the coach about how these young women are all saints who are absolutely beyond reproach and in most cases were even valedictorians of their high schools...:rolleyes: Come on people, a shock jock said something he shouldn't have, have a little talk with your students about how racial and sexual slurs are bad, then let CBS watch his ratings and see if enough people boycott to make it worth their money to take him off the air. Now because of all this hoopla he's a martyr for the really dangerous racists out there. And as far as the public outcry, aren't there bigger issues out there (which we're really not allowed to talk about on the OH)?

Oh... and did you hear the Governor of New Jersey nearly got killed in a car accident (http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20070413/ap_on_re_us/corzine_crash) rushing to Trenton to GRANDSTAND at the meeting between Imus and the players? It's all fun and games until someone gets hurt!

There, I fixed that line for you. :D

[Lefty0315]

Oh... and did you hear the Governor of New Jersey nearly got killed in a car accident (http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20070413/ap_on_re_us/corzine_crash) rushing to Trenton to mediate the meeting between Imus and the players? It's all fun and games until someone gets hurt![/QUOTE]

Do you think the state trooper that was driving will get a ticket for having a passenger with out a seat belt? :rolleyes:

[NewMarketSean]

I'm not necessarily defending him, I don't listen to him and never have. But you're correct, it's a horrible double standard. This is why some people get it in their heads that whites are the only ones that can be racists. I love Chris Rock, but when he can say "Cracker ass cracker" in a comedic setting and Don Imus can't say "nappy headed hos" in a comedic setting then we have a double standard. I know he was talking about specific people, but everyone gets made fun of. People need to quit taking themselves and everything else so seriously.



There definitely is a double standard, but racism against whites is hardly as bad as it can get the other way around. There is no stigma attached to racism against whites. I've never heard anything said about whites that I took offense to. And most of it reeks of a defensive ploy to respond to racism against blacks. But I've cringed several times when I've heard of racism, whether it be remarks or physical abuse against blacks.

That doesn't make either racism right, or more tolerable, I'm just saying that whites weren't made slaves for 500 years, and then kept apart from society for another 100, so we'll never know what that feels like, to be demeaned in that kind of manner.

[BaltimoreTerp]

http://www.kansascity.com/182/story/66339.html

[crstrobel]

I would like to know...

When a white person makes a boneheaded racial comment like Mr. Imus, why do they feel like the first thing they have to do is apologize to Jesse Jackson or Al Sharpton? Those are the last two I would apologize to. Seems to me that they make the situation worse and create an even greater divide.

[Spoonless]

I just think MSNBC could have held off dropping his show until after his telethon to raise money for SIDS. It's not like they didn't know he was having it. Way to take money away from a good cause.

[BaltimoreTerp]

I would like to know...

When a white person makes a boneheaded racial comment like Mr. Imus, why do they feel like the first thing they have to do is apologize to Jesse Jackson or Al Sharpton? Those are the last two I would apologize to. Seems to me that they make the situation worse and create an even greater divide.

It's like swimming in a shark tank, then cutting yourself :p

[blueberryale77]

I just think MSNBC could have held off dropping his show until after his telethon to raise money for SIDS. It's not like they didn't know he was having it. Way to take money away from a good cause.

Actually, unless MSNBC had a telethon going on simultaneously, it was a radiothon on WFAN in New York for a number of kids' charities including The Imus Ranch, which I think is for kids with autism. MSNBC stopped simulcasting his show a day earlier, but CBS Radio fired him in the middle of the 24 hour radiothon. Mike and the Mad Dog (WFAN personalities) claim the radiothon made more money because of the controversy and people showing their support for Imus. I agree they should have at least waited until after the radiothon. If WFAN were still an independent station, I'm sure they would have handled it better than the corporate executives did. This is just one of the many problems with consolidated ownership of the media.

[orioles119]

I agree with a lot said here. This isn't a political debate though... it's a debate on our society as a whole.

I'm not backing what Imus said, nor particularly care for him in the first place. It's inexcusable, however, for the reaction that it got from AS and JJ. Those two are worse.

[Spoonless]

Actually, unless MSNBC had a telethon going on simultaneously, it was a radiothon on WFAN in New York for a number of kids' charities including The Imus Ranch, which I think is for kids with autism. MSNBC stopped simulcasting his show a day earlier, but CBS Radio fired him in the middle of the 24 hour radiothon. Mike and the Mad Dog (WFAN personalities) claim the radiothon made more money because of the controversy and people showing their support for Imus. I agree they should have at least waited until after the radiothon. If WFAN were still an independent station, I'm sure they would have handled it better than the corporate executives did. This is just one of the many problems with consolidated ownership of the media.

Since his show was simulcast, I'd assume that the number to donate would have been broadcast as well, since Imus would have been talking about it. The charity event was why CBS had originally decided to wait to suspend him.

[EddieO's21]

There definitely is a double standard, but racism against whites is hardly as bad as it can get the other way around. There is no stigma attached to racism against whites. I've never heard anything said about whites that I took offense to. And most of it reeks of a defensive ploy to respond to racism against blacks. But I've cringed several times when I've heard of racism, whether it be remarks or physical abuse against blacks.

That doesn't make either racism right, or more tolerable, I'm just saying that whites weren't made slaves for 500 years, and then kept apart from society for another 100, so we'll never know what that feels like, to be demeaned in that kind of manner.

still, 500 years worth of slavery does not entitle them to prefered treatments...MLK did not want anything like that

[HoodGuy007]

Hey guys, I'm a wee bit buzzed right now, but i'll say the following --- the man calls his wife a ho. All the time. "I went home to see the ho last night." is a regular comment on Imus. Yes he said they were nappy headed... if that is the worst thing that female basketballl players can be called, we are all in trouble.

I'll let that argument die the second Jesse Jackson and Al Sharpton apoligize to the Duke Lacrosse players, because there is no double standard when it comes to running your mouth :rolleyes:

[TyCobb]

I actually use to watch Don IMUS on MSNBC at 8am everyday my freshman year because I found him so funny. He would disrespect so many of his guest and it was all good and fun. The fact that he said nappy-heady hoes over the air is by far no where near the worst thing he ever said, but by directing it towards private individuals made it awful.

I love IMUS, but I think CBS should fired him. No way can they allow a radio host to make fun of private individuals over the air. I hope Sirius/XM do pick him. I think him on Sirius with the quality of guest he brings can make for a great program.

[Dr. FLK]

Is anyone else just sick and tired of C. Vivian Stringer? I get it Viv, Imus said mean things. But, how exactly did he "tarnish Rutgers' spirit and success"? Why is it necessary to publicly announce that you accepted his apology? Imus said ignorant things about the appearance of your players. I'm not quite sure how that ruined your season. And, did Imus claim that this player (http://www.scarletknights.com/basketball-women/roster/roster-detail.asp?ID=367) and this player (http://www.scarletknights.com/basketball-women/roster/roster-detail.asp?ID=366) were excluded from his statement? Because, unless he did, maybe it's not so racist after all. Just get over it, have some class, and please shut your mouth. This opportunism is getting old, and I'm tired of hearing about her.

[rolliefingers]

I've vented at length about this on another board I post on, so I'm not going to get into it here. But basically, I'd like to see Al and Jesse devote more of their energies to promoting education to inner-city kids, stopping gun violence on the streets, etc. There are so many problems facing "Black America" (if such a thing exists) today, that making a federal case about Don Imus strikes me as completely ridiculous. Also, AS and JJ are probably not the most morally pure people to be crusading against racism.

Overreacting about something as dumb as this, IMO, sets back the cause of racial harmony. Lots of whites look at this and figure "Hell, if this is the biggest thing they have to complain about, racism must really be over, huh?!" when that is far from the truth.

It's like the boy who cried wolf, y'know? Save the moral outrage for things like that poor man who got dragged to death behind a truck by a bunch of racist Texans. THAT'S racism. What Imus said was a stupid, tasteless joke. Don't get it twisted!

[Sports Guy]

I can't stand Sharpton or Jackson. If they are so much, "for the people", how come they weren't on the Duke campus pleading for the lacrosse players?

They are a joke and should be publicly executed for being frauds.

[Mad Mark]

Imus effed up...twice. First by being stupid enough to say what he said in today's racial climate, and second, by not getting out in front of it the next day, by simply saying "on yesterday's broadcast I said something I shouldn't have. It's live radio, we work without a net, and sometimes we make mistakes. I'd like to apologize to anyone I may have inadvertently offended."
AND LET THAT BE THE END OF IT.

Imus is not (temporarily) unemployed because of what he said on the radio. He's (temporarily) unemployed because he didn't get out in front of the issue, and then let CBS make him do the perp walk of shame with Jackson and Sharpton.

I have to admit, though, that the players going on TV and saying that Imus had "ruined" their accomplishments was a hoot! They played the victim perfectly.

This whole episode was a stupid waste of time, and an indicator that other than a select few who settle their turf disputes with automatic weapons, that we have become a nation of thin-skinned wimps.

[rolliefingers]

I can't stand Sharpton or Jackson. If they are so much, "for the people", how come they weren't on the Duke campus pleading for the lacrosse players?

They are a joke and should be publicly executed for being frauds.I agree with the first part, but publicly executed? Jeez, man. Please don't ever buy a gun, OK? For the sake of humanity.

[rolliefingers]

I have to admit, though, that the players going on TV and saying that Imus had "ruined" their accomplishments was a hoot! They played the victim perfectly.I agree, totally ridiculous. It'd be one thing if the statement was truly slanderous, but everyone knew that the statement was a joke - a completely offensive, unfunny and tasteless joke, but still a joke. It's not like anyone LITERALLY thought these women were prostitutes, y'know?

It is unfortunate that they only got national media attention because of the scandal, and not their basketball playing, but please.

This reminds me of that Chris Rock bit where he talks about modern blacks crying racism if they can't get a cab, and comparing that to black people of an older generation. "Forget 'can't get a cab'. Back in the day, the old black man WAS the cab!" In other words, today's blacks on the whole have it a lot better than their ancestors, BECAUSE of the things their ancestors went through; comparing petty stuff like this to the Civil Rights Movement is both ridiculous, and insulting to people who faced actual, overt, violent racism in the past.

[Sports Guy]

I agree with the first part, but publicly executed? Jeez, man. Please don't ever buy a gun, OK? For the sake of humanity.

LOL...These guys just really piss me off...F'ing blood sucking leaches on society.

[bgfield]

In the Washington Post last week, on the front page, there was a picture of the Rutgers coach with a caption under it saying "we have been physically and emotionally drained and hurt" by Imus' comments.

PHYSICALLY HURT?! Give me a break. You can say all the worst things in the world to me, and it might hurt me quite a bit emotionally, but it's not going to inflict a physical wound upon me. This is way out of hand. It almost seems like one big South Park episode, the way they constantly mock stupid current events like this.

I don't think an apology was even all that necessary. His JOB is to offend. Suddenly he offends the wrong group of people and he's this evil hateful person? What a joke.

[MCL1021]

LOL...These guys just really piss me off...F'ing blood sucking leaches on society.

Jesse Jackson is such a freakin' hypocrite. I don't in any way back Imus on anything he did, because he's an idiot, but what makes Jackson so much better? He said some things a few years back about New York City being "himeytown" he oughta take a look at his own self. Pot calling the kettle black, huh? Some reporter from FOX News brought this up to him and he skated around the issue. I guess talking about jews isn't as bad as what Imus said. What a joke.

Sharpton is a fake too....

[BaltBird 24]

"How can we win the war against Al-Qaeda, when we can't even win the war against Al Shaprton?!" - Clayton Bigsby

[66-70-83-??]

I've vented at length about this on another board I post on, so I'm not going to get into it here. But basically, I'd like to see Al and Jesse devote more of their energies to promoting education to inner-city kids, stopping gun violence on the streets, etc. There are so many problems facing "Black America" (if such a thing exists) today, that making a federal case about Don Imus strikes me as completely ridiculous. Also, AS and JJ are probably not the most morally pure people to be crusading against racism.
Overreacting about something as dumb as this, IMO, sets back the cause of racial harmony. Lots of whites look at this and figure "Hell, if this is the biggest thing they have to complain about, racism must really be over, huh?!" when that is far from the truth.

It's like the boy who cried wolf, y'know? Save the moral outrage for things like that poor man who got dragged to death behind a truck by a bunch of racist Texans. THAT'S racism. What Imus said was a stupid, tasteless joke. Don't get it twisted!

They (Al, Jesse) don't care about racial harmony or racism- that is just the cover they use. All they care about is lining their pockets. It's their business- hijacking some event, going into town to hold rallies and shakedown whoever they can.

The irony is that the majority of African-American people have these guys pegged as frauds. It's only the lazy (and biased) mainstream media that either hasn't figured it out or doesn't care.

[McLovin]

Imus should have lost his job a long, long time ago for being a sexist racist. He says he is 'a good person who did a bad thing'. No, he is a bad person who did a bad thing. No amount of charity can make up for the fact that he is a documented sexist and racist.

Did anyone hear Keith Olberman talk about this on his show? He works for MSNBC, the same company. He said that Imus was absolutely unbearable to work with, and that if you took a show of hands on who wanted him to be fired at MSNBC, it would have been unanimous to vote for firing him. Olberman personally witnessed Imus doing things like calling assistants 'whores' to their faces. Think about that - how many times have you called someone you work with a 'whore' - to their face, in front of famous people at that? That's just someone who doesn't give a crap about anyone, period.

Howard Stern has been touting all sorts of stories about how much of a crap person Imus is - giving examples that he witnessed of him calling people the N word to their face. You might not like Stern or believe him, but people like Olberman are backing up his story.

[The Wedge]

Howard Stern bashed Imus in Private Parts, too, painting him as an arrogant ass.

Part of me wonders if Imus didn't use this once it snowballed as a way to "go out with a bang." But with the whole sponsors pulling out thing, it was probably about the money for his outlets.

[rolliefingers]

They (Al, Jesse) don't care about racial harmony or racism- that is just the cover they use. All they care about is lining their pockets. It's their business- hijacking some event, going into town to hold rallies and shakedown whoever they can.

The irony is that the majority of African-American people have these guys pegged as frauds. It's only the lazy (and biased) mainstream media that either hasn't figured it out or doesn't care.You know this for a fact? Did you poll every black person in America for that post?

[Mad Mark]

Howard Stern bashed Imus in Private Parts, too, painting him as an arrogant ass.

Part of me wonders if Imus didn't use this once it snowballed as a way to "go out with a bang." But with the whole sponsors pulling out thing, it was probably about the money for his outlets.

You know, it would be interesting to see how much time was left on Imus' CBS contract. Perhaps he's just as cynical as Jackson and Sharpton, and planned all this as a way to get:
1) a six-month vacation, and
2) a jump to satellite radio.
It wouldn't surprise me in the slightest.

[The Wedge]

I don't think he planned it all, or else he would have said something much worse. Something just makes me think, just a little bit, that once it got made in to a really huge scandal that he used it as such.

[McLovin]

a jump to satellite radio
This won't happen, not if Sirius does buy XM. Stern hates him so much he would use his influence to block him.

[MCL1021]

And if Imus does make the jump to satellite, Stern says he'll quit.

[Mark Carver]

And if Imus does make the jump to satellite, Stern says he'll quit.

Rightttttt, what's $350m to lose (about the amount left on his salary). :rolleyes:

[BaltimoreTerp]

You know this for a fact? Did you poll every black person in America for that post?

http://www.kansascity.com/182/story/71084.html

[blueberryale77]

http://www.kansascity.com/182/story/71084.html

Was there a poll of a representative sample of the roughly 35 million African Americans living in this country attached to this op-ed piece? If so I seem to be missing it.

[BaltimoreTerp]

Was there a poll of a representative sample of the roughly 35 million African Americans living in this country attached to this op-ed piece? If so I seem to be missing it.

No, but I was pointing out that others get it as well.

[scOtt]

Without reading thru two pages... I saw a commentator* saying last night, Imus has been doing this exact same thing for 30 years. He could fill his whole hour with clips of Imus slighting someone. You tune into Imus.... you EXPECT this sort of thing. :002_scool: So people are shocked... SHOCKED!!!!!11!!!!... that he has done it again? His whole point... Why now? Why this?

Y'all need to gear back your outrage meter! Step. Back. And see the larger picture! 1000's dying needlessly in Iraq and you're worried about some guy on the radio? :confused:



*talking head

[blueberryale77]

Without reading thru two pages... I saw a commentator* saying last night, Imus has been doing this exact same thing for 30 years. He could fill his whole hour with clips of Imus slighting someone. You tune into Imus.... you EXPECT this sort of thing. :002_scool: So people are shocked... SHOCKED!!!!!11!!!!... that he has done it again? His whole point... Why now? Why this?

Y'all need to gear back your outrage meter! Step. Back. And see the larger picture! 1000's dying needlessly in Iraq and you're worried about some guy on the radio? :confused:



*talking head

Perhaps you should have read the whole thread because almost everyone on here has been talking about how the whole thing was blown way out of proportion.

[McLovin]

Rightttttt, what's $350m to lose (about the amount left on his salary). :rolleyes:
Stern *is* Sirius. He won't have to quit - he has enough pull and he has the CEO's ear.

Honestly, I wouldn't even know who the hell Imus is if it weren't for Stern making fun of him. Never heard his show, and wouldn't know where to go to do so.

"I'm a cowboy - on a wheelchair I ride. I'm Imus - IIIIIIMMMUSSSSS! Am I - dead or alive?"

[rolliefingers]

No, but I was pointing out that others get it as well.I agree with Whitlock, I just don't think he speaks for most American blacks. Unfortunately.

Whatever good AS and JJ do for black people, they also do a lot of harm through their hypocrisies and grandstanding about things like this that don't matter.

[scOtt]

Perhaps you should have read the whole thread because almost everyone on here has been talking about how the whole thing was blown way out of proportion.
Not my point! Even if people AREN'T outraged about Imus, they are TALKING about him... Instead of talking about this immoral war in Iraq or the Att'y G'n'l lying to congress! People need to filter out the ***** that DON'T MATTER and focus on the ***** that do!

[blueberryale77]

Not my point! Even if people AREN'T outraged about Imus, they are TALKING about him... Instead of talking about this immoral war in Iraq or the Att'y G'n'l lying to congress! People need to filter out the ***** that DON'T MATTER and focus on the ***** that do!

Oh I spend a lot of time focusing on that stuff, I just don't talk about it on the OH because we're not allowed to. At first I hated that rule but now I see it as a kind of sanctuary because I can't get dragged into a political argument here without knowing the thread is going to get locked. Besides, Imus is slightly more worth talking about than Anna Nicole Smith.

[scOtt]

because I can't get dragged into a political argument here without knowing the thread is going to get locked.
Was my goal from my first post. ;)


Besides, Imus is slightly more worth talking about than Anna Nicole Smith.
Imus. Anna frickin Nicole. It's ALL drivel! That the "News channels" feed you, like frickin' Similac. AGAIN. Back. Up. And. See. The. BIG. Picture! :rolleyes:

[blueberryale77]

Was my goal from my first post. ;)


Imus. Anna frickin Nicole. It's ALL drivel! That the "News channels" feed you, like frickin' Similac. AGAIN. Back. Up. And. See. The. BIG. Picture! :rolleyes:

I don't know what has gotten into you tonight, but I assure you you're barking up the wrong tree with me, buddy. You don't know me and have no right to accuse me of being some typical tv addicted American. Seeing as how you and I are both here on a baseball fanatic message board, it would appear that we share the same pop culture vice. And you know what? It's OK. We all need our escapism from time to time.

Have you been to jail for justice?

[scOtt]

Have you been to jail for justice?
WTF does THAT mean? :confused:

[blueberryale77]

WTF does THAT mean? :confused:

http://www.peterpaulandmary.com/music/24-02.htm

[scOtt]

http://www.peterpaulandmary.com/music/24-02.htm
ok... so there's half clarity of what you said.... So you're saying you've gone the distance of opposition? And I haven't?

Or you're saying I'm just FOS? A blowhard?

I'm not willing to back up my beliefs to the end?



If I could give you neg reps again, I would! WhoTF do you think you are to say I bow? To anyone or anything?

[blueberryale77]

ok... so there's half clarity of what you said.... So you're saying you've gone the distance of opposition? And I haven't?

Or you're saying I'm just FOS? A blowhard?

I'm not willing to back up my beliefs to the end?



If I could give you neg reps again, I would! WhoTF do you think you are to say I bow? To anyone or anything?

I did not accuse you of bowing to anyone or anything, although I don't think anyone since Jesus has been completely pure in that regard. You attacked me and I was simply pointing out that you know nothing about what I may or may not have done for the peace and justice movement. I would never presume that I could guess how you live your life outside of the Orioles Hangout or what good or bad things you have done for the world. Furthermore, your trolling is completely inappropriate for this forum. I do find it rather hard to believe that someone who goes trolling a baseball message board for a fight and then finds someone who said nothing that should have been offensive to them to give "negative rep" to is a serious, committed, well-meaning activist for anything. I sincerely hope I'm wrong and you're just having a bad night. You clearly have a lot of passion and energy, I hope you put it to much better use most of the time.

[scOtt]

I did not accuse you of bowing to anyone or anything, although I don't think anyone since Jesus has been completely pure in that regard. You attacked me and I was simply pointing out that you know nothing about what I may or may not have done for the peace and justice movement. I would never presume that I could guess how you live your life outside of the Orioles Hangout or what good or bad things you have done for the world. Furthermore, your trolling is completely inappropriate for this forum. I do find it rather hard to believe that someone who goes trolling a baseball message board for a fight and then finds someone who said nothing that should have been offensive to them to give "negative rep" to is a serious, committed, well-meaning activist for anything. I sincerely hope I'm wrong and you're just having a bad night. You clearly have a lot of passion and energy, I hope you put it to much better use most of the time.
Oh man! Me. Trolling! :rolleyes: You're the one who used the RAZOR words of PP&M against me. Whatever. In the end, I couldn't care less about what you think.

[blueberryale77]

Oh man! Me. Trolling! :rolleyes: You're the one who used the RAZOR words of PP&M against me. Whatever. In the end, I couldn't care less about what you think.

Boy, I couldn't tell that from the passion of your responses. Thanks for the green dot by the way.:D

[scOtt]

You should read my sig first. Before you think that your convoluted interpretation of Peter Paul and Mary applied to me IN ANY WAY, SHAPE OR FORM. Them and I would be simpatico, NOT diametrically opposed...

[blueberryale77]

You should read my sig first. Before you think that your convoluted interpretation of Peter Paul and Mary applied to me IN ANY WAY, SHAPE OR FORM. Them and I would be simpatico, NOT diametrically opposed...

I did, and I was trying to give you the benefit of the doubt despite the insults you hurled in my direction. Please read my PM and if this discussion must continue leave it off the public board. Thanks :)

[scOtt]

Again, ignoring some people's petty little fights... Imus was a KNOWN quantity. I don't for a second condone what he said, but no one here can really say they were flabbergasted by his comments. Hell, his minion is the one who really started it anyways. I don't know his name, but the other guy said some crap, then Imus, being Imus, said something else, MORE imflammatory. Still... are people just tuning in to catch Imus saying something un-PC? :confused: Seems like it would take like... 3 straight hours of listening to catch. :rolleyes:

Anyone see my point? This is MEANINGLESS in the grand scheme of things! There are so many REAL things to rail against and the stupid collective conscience of America sees Imus??? WTF is WRONG with people?

[blueberryale77]

Again, ignoring some people's petty little fights... Imus was a KNOWN quantity. I don't for a second condone what he said, but no one here can really say they were flabbergasted by his comments. Hell, his minion is the one who really started it anyways. I don't know his name, but the other guy said some crap, then Imus, being Imus, said something else, MORE imflammatory. Still... are people just tuning in to catch Imus saying something un-PC? :confused: Seems like it would take like... 3 straight hours of listening to catch. :rolleyes:

Anyone see my point? This is MEANINGLESS in the grand scheme of things! There are so many REAL things to rail against and the stupid collective conscience of America sees Imus??? WTF is WRONG with people?

How can you afford to be "yelling" at other people for discussing the story when you obviously know and care quite a lot about it yourself?:confused:

[scOtt]

How can you afford to be "yelling" at other people for discussing the story when you obviously know and care quite a lot about it yourself?:confused:
Are you reading-impaired?


EDIT:It's no big thing, I'm just asking.

[scOtt]

And just to clarify after this hijack....

Who CARES about Imus? When thousands of American servicemen are DEAD in Iraq and Afghanistan, MILLIONS of Iraqis are dead, the Attorney General continues to LIE to Congress about it, and the President continues to blindly support said Attorney General?

We have bigger fish to fry than Imus...

[Dr. FLK]

And now, C-Viv Stringer is writing a book. But, she claims she's NOT doing it to capitalize off of Imus? Oh really? Just go ahead, write your book, and fade off into the obscurity from whence you came. I cannot stand to hear this woman speak again. Just get over it. He said something dumb, he apologized, you accepted it, now shut up.

[Dr. FLK]

And just to clarify after this hijack....

Who CARES about Imus? When thousands of American servicemen are DEAD in Iraq and Afghanistan, MILLIONS of Iraqis are dead, the Attorney General continues to LIE to Congress about it, and the President continues to blindly support said Attorney General?

We have bigger fish to fry than Imus...

Way to inject political beliefs as fact into a thread on a completely unrelated subject. That's what this debate needed...

[McLovin]

Three cheers for thread-jacking! Huzzah! Huzzah! Huzzah!

[rolliefingers]

Anyone see my point? This is MEANINGLESS in the grand scheme of things! There are so many REAL things to rail against and the stupid collective conscience of America sees Imus??? WTF is WRONG with people?I totally agree with you, but...WTF, dude? I've never seen you act like this before.

[The Wedge]

Maybe he's channelling Squeeze, since she stopped posting. It is pretty out of character, but times like these can sometimes bring out things in people. I know that I'm pretty upset with the sensationalism tactics the media have used lately.

[rolliefingers]

Maybe he's channelling Squeeze, since she stopped posting. It is pretty out of character, but times like these can sometimes bring out things in people. I know that I'm pretty upset with the sensationalism tactics the media have used lately.I know, I miss Squeeze - I hope she's OK.

And totally agreed with the last part, although I think that with each passing scandal and tragedy, more and more people are getting fed up with stupid cable news/mainstream media sensationalism. Most people I've talked to think the Imus thing was total overkill, and the way the media has handled the Va. Tech story so far has been pretty distasteful (assigning blame before facts are collected, etc.).

Hopefully we, as a culture, start thinking more calmly and rationally about these things, and I think the Internet helps with that sometimes. Which is odd, because the Internet is sometimes seen as the outpost of wide-eyed nutballs, but it's increasingly becoming the only place to hear sane, rational discourse.

Weird stuff, man.

It's always been odd, to me, to hear people criticize the mainstream media for POLITICAL bias. The MsM absolutely has a bias, but it has nothing to do with politics - it's MONEY. Sensationalism of all kinds is what sells; if the product has a political slant, I think that's pretty secondary to the main problem.

[scOtt]

Maybe he's channelling Squeeze, since she stopped posting. It is pretty out of character, but times like these can sometimes bring out things in people. I know that I'm pretty upset with the sensationalism tactics the media have used lately.
Yeah, SquEEze was here this weekend, now she's back home... :( Sorry for the hijack.

[Tony-OH]

Again, ignoring some people's petty little fights... Imus was a KNOWN quantity. I don't for a second condone what he said, but no one here can really say they were flabbergasted by his comments. Hell, his minion is the one who really started it anyways. I don't know his name, but the other guy said some crap, then Imus, being Imus, said something else, MORE imflammatory. Still... are people just tuning in to catch Imus saying something un-PC? :confused: Seems like it would take like... 3 straight hours of listening to catch. :rolleyes:

Anyone see my point? This is MEANINGLESS in the grand scheme of things! There are so many REAL things to rail against and the stupid collective conscience of America sees Imus??? WTF is WRONG with people?

Sorry Scott, you took a perfectly good thread and turned it into politics and personal attacks. For that, you get a two day ban. You are acting ridiculous.

[Tony-OH]

I did not accuse you of bowing to anyone or anything, although I don't think anyone since Jesus has been completely pure in that regard. You attacked me and I was simply pointing out that you know nothing about what I may or may not have done for the peace and justice movement. I would never presume that I could guess how you live your life outside of the Orioles Hangout or what good or bad things you have done for the world. Furthermore, your trolling is completely inappropriate for this forum. I do find it rather hard to believe that someone who goes trolling a baseball message board for a fight and then finds someone who said nothing that should have been offensive to them to give "negative rep" to is a serious, committed, well-meaning activist for anything. I sincerely hope I'm wrong and you're just having a bad night. You clearly have a lot of passion and energy, I hope you put it to much better use most of the time.

Unfortunately ScOtt has these kind of days occasionally. Tell you the truth, it's a darn shame because he can be a real good guy.

[blueberryale77]

Unfortunately ScOtt has these kind of days occasionally. Tell you the truth, it's a darn shame because he can be a real good guy.

Thanks Tony. I really thought he was just having a bad night, which was why I tried to have a dialog with him, but everything I said just made him angrier. I really didn't mean to but at some point it gets very hard not to defend yourself when someone is attacking you personally for something you have nothing to do with, even if you know the person is not generally a bad guy. I apologize for everyone having to read all that and if there's a next time with something like this, I'll know better than to respond.

[Tony-OH]

Sorry Scott, you took a perfectly good thread and turned it into politics and personal attacks. For that, you get a two day ban. You are acting ridiculous.

Actually, after rereading how much you disregarded our rules and the fact that you have done this before, I'm extending the ban to two weeks...

[RayFink1e]

I haven't read everyone's post in this thread so sorry if this is a repeat or anything.

The one problem I have with this whole situation is Al Sharpton and Jesse Jackson. The crucified the Duke Lacrosse players claiming them to be rapists. There is quotes ( which at 5:00 in the mourning I dont feel like looking for) of Jesse Jackson just berading this kids. When in the end it turns out the Attorney General said there was NO EVIDENCE anything illegal was done.

Where is the apology from these to guys to the Duke kids. To me it just seems wrong.

P.S. Don Imus was an idiot for making those remarks. And what ever happened to the other guy who started it?

[geschinger]

I haven't read everyone's post in this thread so sorry if this is a repeat or anything.

The one problem I have with this whole situation is Al Sharpton and Jesse Jackson. The crucified the Duke Lacrosse players claiming them to be rapists. There is quotes ( which at 5:00 in the mourning I dont feel like looking for) of Jesse Jackson just berading this kids. When in the end it turns out the Attorney General said there was NO EVIDENCE anything illegal was done.

Where is the apology from these to guys to the Duke kids. To me it just seems wrong.

P.S. Don Imus was an idiot for making those remarks. And what ever happened to the other guy who started it?

I haven't read all the posts either but agree with your take. I'm very disappointed in the media as well. For Al Sharpton to lead the crusade against Imus and be given the platform he was without his hypocrisy being exposed equates to a shameful performance by the media.

[ledzepp8]

I haven't read all the posts either but agree with your take. I'm very disappointed in the media as well. For Al Sharpton to lead the crusade against Imus and be given the platform he was without his hypocrisy being exposed equates to a shameful performance by the media.

Well that's your left wing biased mainstream media for you...only this time they seem to have went after one of their own.:eek:

[BaltimoreTerp]

I haven't read all the posts either but agree with your take. I'm very disappointed in the media as well. For Al Sharpton to lead the crusade against Imus and be given the platform he was without his hypocrisy being exposed equates to a shameful performance by the media.

It's par for the course, because it is never brought up.

I think the most "racist" part of the whole thing is that the media, in these cases, is so lazy they think pointing a camera at two men who haven't been relevent since about 1983 (that would be the year I was born, boys and girls) simply because those two are good for a quick quote counts as showing the "black" perspective.

[McLovin]

Those who have issues with Jackson and Sharpton - do you think that Imus should have kept his job? The sad truth is that nothing probably would have happened if Sharpton hadn't led this crusade. Sure, he's a hypocrite, but Imus deserved to be fired.

And related to Scott's rant - yes, we are at war right now. And there are quite a few "nappy headed ho's" fighting on our side. Bigotry in general - white on black or black on white - is not something this country needs right now. If I'm a black man, and my country feels this way about me, why the hell would I take a bullet for them? We need unity, and hateful people like Imus should not be given the time of day.

Again, this was not a one-time slip-up by a random comedian. This is part of a long history of racist and sexist behavior by a man who thinks he is above society.

[geschinger]

Those who have issues with Jackson and Sharpton - do you think that Imus should have kept his job? The sad truth is that nothing probably would have happened if Sharpton hadn't led this crusade. Sure, he's a hypocrite, but Imus deserved to be fired.

And related to Scott's rant - yes, we are at war right now. And there are quite a few "nappy headed ho's" fighting on our side. Bigotry in general - white on black or black on white - is not something this country needs right now. If I'm a black man, and my country feels this way about me, why the hell would I take a bullet for them? We need unity, and hateful people like Imus should not be given the time of day.

Again, this was not a one-time slip-up by a random comedian. This is part of a long history of racist and sexist behavior by a man who thinks he is above society.


Personally I don't think he should of been fired. He apologized and apparently was sincere enough for the Rutgers women to accept his apology. The initial punishment before the situation was blown way out of proportion was appropriate. I find it hard to disagree with what Jason Whitlock says here (http://www.kansascity.com/182/story/66339.html).



Again, this was not a one-time slip-up by a random comedian. This is part of a long history of racist and sexist behavior by a man who thinks he is above society.


Where do you draw the line? Rosie O'Donnell has said things that are as offensive if not more offensive than what Imus has said. Should she be lose her career? How about any number of other entertainers including comedians and rappers whose sexist and racist commentary is far worse. Do you think their labels should drop them immediately?

[McLovin]

Personally I don't think he should of been fired. He apologized and apparently was sincere enough for the Rutgers women to accept his apology. The initial punishment before the situation was blown way out of proportion was appropriate. I find it hard to disagree with what Jason Whitlock says here (http://www.kansascity.com/182/story/66339.html).

I wouldn't disagree with that article. I think it's beside the point though - we're talking about a white radio host who has a history of calling women 'whores' and black people 'n1ggers'. Not black rappers. If you don't understand the difference, watch for the vastly different reactions elicitted when a white person vs. a black person says "what's up my nigga?" to a black person. I wouldn't recommend trying it yourself though (if you're white).

He's apologized before - Sharpton brought this up to him on his radio appearance, and Imus' defense was "you have a good point, reverend Al." 60 Minutes re-aired a piece from ten years ago where he denied saying he has a man on his team who's job it is to write "n1gger jokes." He denied it, and 60 Minutes produced the man he said it to, and he confirmed it. Imus' defense then turned to saying "well, that was said off the record." C'mon...

Again, we're talking about MULTIPLE occurrences over his career. This is a lifetime achievement award.

Finally, I don't know what Rosie said, so I won't defend her - but you have to take things in context. Was it satirical, or part of a bit? Imus has proven that it's not a bit - it's who he is. I appreciate racial humor as much as the next guy, but there is a line between humor and hate.

[EddieO's21]

Those who have issues with Jackson and Sharpton - do you think that Imus should have kept his job? The sad truth is that nothing probably would have happened if Sharpton hadn't led this crusade. Sure, he's a hypocrite, but Imus deserved to be fired.

And related to Scott's rant - yes, we are at war right now. And there are quite a few "nappy headed ho's" fighting on our side. Bigotry in general - white on black or black on white - is not something this country needs right now. If I'm a black man, and my country feels this way about me, why the hell would I take a bullet for them? We need unity, and hateful people like Imus should not be given the time of day.

Again, this was not a one-time slip-up by a random comedian. This is part of a long history of racist and sexist behavior by a man who thinks he is above society.

no i do not believe IMUS should have kept his job however, I am sick and tired over a double standard

[McLovin]

no i do not believe IMUS should have kept his job however, I am sick and tired over a double standard
I know, I'm with you there.

[ledzepp8]

Where do you draw the line? Rosie O'Donnell has said things that are as offensive if not more offensive than what Imus has said. Should she be lose her career? How about any number of other entertainers including comedians and rappers whose sexist and racist commentary is far worse. Do you think their labels should drop them immediately?

God, I hate Rosie with a passion. Maybe Imus should have just said that he didn't know that "nappy headed hos" was considered racist or sexist. That excuse seemed to work for Rosie.:rolleyes:

[geschinger]

I wouldn't disagree with that article. I think it's beside the point though - we're talking about a white radio host who has a history of calling women 'whores' and black people 'n1ggers'. Not black rappers. If you don't understand the difference, watch for the vastly different reactions elicitted when a white person vs. a black person says "what's up my nigga?" to a black person. I wouldn't recommend trying it yourself though (if you're white).


I'm perfectly aware of the reaction as it pertains to the "n" word but that isn't the issue. I guess I have a hard time grasping the logic behind why it is acceptable for some men to call women 'hos' and 'b**tches' while for others it is a firable offense. Why does the skin color of the person making the remarks make it any less sexist?



He's apologized before - Sharpton brought this up to him on his radio appearance, and Imus' defense was "you have a good point, reverend Al." 60 Minutes re-aired a piece from ten years ago where he denied saying he has a man on his team who's job it is to write "n1gger jokes." He denied it, and 60 Minutes produced the man he said it to, and he confirmed it. Imus' defense then turned to saying "well, that was said off the record." C'mon...

Again, we're talking about MULTIPLE occurrences over his career. This is a lifetime achievement award.

Finally, I don't know what Rosie said, so I won't defend her - but you have to take things in context. Was it satirical, or part of a bit? Imus has proven that it's not a bit - it's who he is. I appreciate racial humor as much as the next guy, but there is a line between humor and hate.

I don't listen to Imus so maybe the impression I have is wrong. Maybe you were a regular listener and have a different take. But IMO this is a case of someone whose shtick is to try and be humourous w/insults crossing the line by saying something unfunny and offensive. I find it hard to disagree w/this piece (http://www.latimes.com/news/opinion/la-oe-rice11apr11,0,5538321.story?coll=la-opinion-rightrail) where the author says:



Just as black comedians who make mean jokes about Asians and Latinos don't see themselves as racists, I'm sure that Imus doesn't see himself as a racist either. He reveres blues artists such as B.B. King and Ray Charles. He praises American icons such as Jackie Robinson and Martin Luther King Jr. He clearly likes former Tennessee Rep. Harold Ford and has interviewed Sharpton a few times. He treated Lani Guinier with uncharacteristic respect during her guest appearance to discuss her latest book.

His sympathy for the Katrina victims came through. And after the James Byrd dragging-lynching in Texas in 1998, Imus did not joke. In serious tones that couldn't hide his sorrow or disgust, he quietly remarked that it was unwise for black people to ever trust whites.

After listening to him for 10 years, I've concluded that Imus is not a malevolent racist. He is a good-natured racist. And the streak of decency running down his self-centered, mean persona is sometimes pretty wide.

Imus and company are jocular misanthropes who say what a lot of folk only dare to think. That's why many tune in: to eavesdrop on a seventh-grade white boys' locker room — and to hear some of the best political interviews on the air. More often than not, the humor works, but it is universally offensive and sometimes goes too far, as it did in this case.


Her conclusion makes a lot of sense IMO than how things ended up playing out.



It is what it is. If his show has to go, there are hard-hitting black and Latino acts on cable that will be put in the cross hairs next. In the end, it's healthier to have what people of all races really think out in the open rather than hounded into the shadows.

After Imus sincerely apologizes to the women on the Rutgers team and listens to the well-deserved criticism, he should go back to doing what he does best — tearing down the powerful.

[BaltimoreTerp]

I wouldn't disagree with that article. I think it's beside the point though - we're talking about a white radio host who has a history of calling women 'whores' and black people 'n1ggers'. Not black rappers. If you don't understand the difference, watch for the vastly different reactions elicitted when a white person vs. a black person says "what's up my nigga?" to a black person. I wouldn't recommend trying it yourself though (if you're white).

He's apologized before - Sharpton brought this up to him on his radio appearance, and Imus' defense was "you have a good point, reverend Al." 60 Minutes re-aired a piece from ten years ago where he denied saying he has a man on his team who's job it is to write "n1gger jokes." He denied it, and 60 Minutes produced the man he said it to, and he confirmed it. Imus' defense then turned to saying "well, that was said off the record." C'mon...

Again, we're talking about MULTIPLE occurrences over his career. This is a lifetime achievement award.

Finally, I don't know what Rosie said, so I won't defend her - but you have to take things in context. Was it satirical, or part of a bit? Imus has proven that it's not a bit - it's who he is. I appreciate racial humor as much as the next guy, but there is a line between humor and hate.

If he wasn't fired for any of that, why should he be fired for this?

That is where my problem comes from. Not that he was fired, but that he has said things in the past, only he happened to pick the wrong target this time, and the Reverends smelled blood.

And, I happen to see the idea that there is a difference in reaction to these ideas based on who is spouting them as extraordinarily insulting and the worst show of racism today. If you say that you cannot say a word because of your color, you are a racist.

[McLovin]

But IMO this is a case of someone whose shtick is to try and be humourous w/insults crossing the line by saying something unfunny and offensive.
Again, Imus has a history of being a sexist racist *off* the air - calling people whores and n!ggers because his coffee is too hot. Why would he feel the need to be in shtick mode 24-7?

[BaltimoreTerp]

I'm perfectly aware of the reaction as it pertains to the "n" word but that isn't the issue. I guess I have a hard time grasping the logic behind why it is acceptable for some men to call women 'hos' and 'b**tches' while for others it is a firable offense. Why does the skin color of the person making the remarks make it any less sexist?



I don't listen to Imus so maybe the impression I have is wrong. Maybe you were a regular listener and have a different take. But IMO this is a case of someone whose shtick is to try and be humourous w/insults crossing the line by saying something unfunny and offensive. I find it hard to disagree w/this piece (http://www.latimes.com/news/opinion/la-oe-rice11apr11,0,5538321.story?coll=la-opinion-rightrail) where the author says:



Her conclusion makes a lot of sense IMO than how things ended up playing out.

Nice find.

The point of freedom of speech is to protect unpopular speech. If you want to rid the world of people who say things you don't like, just don't complain when they start going after you.

[McLovin]

If he wasn't fired for any of that, why should he be fired for this?
I agree with your opinion. Again, many are against it being Sharpton who basically made this happen. It needed to happen a long time ago in my opinion. I would agree that many of the people crucifying him and capitalizing on this incident are self serving hypocrites.

[The Wedge]

Nice find.

The point of freedom of speech is to protect unpopular speech. If you want to rid the world of people who say things you don't like, just don't complain when they start going after you.

Actually, the point of freedom of speech is to protect the citizen from retribution from speaking against his government. It's just been broadly interpreted over the past 200+ years.

[McLovin]

The point of freedom of speech is to protect unpopular speech. If you want to rid the world of people who say things you don't like, just don't complain when they start going after you.
To me this isn't just about freedom of speech. The first Amendment says that I can call my subordinates at work n***ers and whores, but other laws supersede this Right.

I guess I'm glad he was fired more for what he's reported to have said off the air over the years. It took an on-air incident to get him in the end.

The bottom line is that even if he is a 'good natured racist', advertisers won't align themselves with such a person once it's been brought to light in the general publics eyes. In the end it's the advertisers who have tried this case.

[geschinger]

Again, Imus has a history of being a sexist racist *off* the air - calling people whores and n!ggers because his coffee is too hot. Why would he feel the need to be in shtick mode 24-7?

Any links to back that up? If that is accurate there are a lot of executives who should lose their job for allowing his coworkers to take that kind of abuse. I've heard that some of the MSNBC employees wanted him out but the reason given was that they didn't like heat they were getting by working for the organization that had him on the air. The kind of heat generated by a Jessee Jackson and Al Sharpton blowing the issue he was fired for completely out of proportion.

[RayFink1e]

The problem is no journalist whats to attack them because of the fear they are called a racist

[McLovin]

Any links to back that up? If that is accurate there are a lot of executives who should lose their job for allowing his coworkers to take that kind of abuse. I've heard that some of the MSNBC employees wanted him out but the reason given was that they didn't like heat they were getting by working for the organization that had him on the air. The kind of heat generated by a Jessee Jackson and Al Sharpton blowing the issue completely out of proportion.
No links, not that they don't exist - forgive me but I only have so much energy to dedicate to this debate! I've been listening to various talk radio shows for two weeks now, and people are coming out of the woodwork with stories - including former co-workers, employees, heck even incriminating interviews with Imus himself. Howard Stern and co. (former coworkers) are also having a field day this week with guests who worked with him and telling stories of working with him, but I understand you have to take that with a grain of salt.

[The Wedge]

I do agree that you have to take Stern with a grain of salt, but he's been calling Imus a jackass for more than 10 years.

[McLovin]

If that is accurate there are a lot of executives who should lose their job for allowing his coworkers to take that kind of abuse.
And I agree with this 100%. Problem is they are willing to sweep things under the rug so long as the dollars are rolling in.

[Leitch]

Coming late to the debate here, but hip-hop didn't invent racist slurs, hip-hop isn't the only type of music that promotes violence and denigrates women, Don Imus didn't call those women "nappy headed hos" because 50 Cent told him to do it, and mainstream hip-hop is the way it is because white suburban teenagers are falling all over each other to buy a product that gels with their racist views of black people as dangerous gangsters.

Porter Wagoner writes a song about killing his wife and he's a storyteller. Biggie puts out Ready to Die and he's destroying a community.

[elextrano8]

...mainstream hip-hop is the way it is because white suburban teenagers are falling all over each other to buy a product that gels with their racist views of black people as dangerous gangsters.

This is just an absurd statement. Absolutely absurd!

[BaltimoreTerp]

Coming late to the debate here, but hip-hop didn't invent racist slurs, hip-hop isn't the only type of music that promotes violence and denigrates women, Don Imus didn't call those women "nappy headed hos" because 50 Cent told him to do it, and mainstream hip-hop is the way it is because white suburban teenagers are falling all over each other to buy a product that gels with their racist views of black people as dangerous gangsters.

Porter Wagoner writes a song about killing his wife and he's a storyteller. Biggie puts out Ready to Die and he's destroying a community.

So because people don't want to punish the one we should simply embrace the other as a major component of our culture?

Do you believe that there should be words and ideas that it is OK for one race to say and express, but not other races?

[Leitch]

So because people don't want to punish the one we should simply embrace the other as a major component of our culture?

Do you believe that there should be words and ideas that it is OK for one race to say and express, but not other races?

I'm saying that trying to turn Don Imus remarking about the Rutgers team being comprised of "nappy headed hos" into a discussion on the content of hip-hop music is passing the buck and changing the subject to deflect from Imus the criticism he well deserves.

And that hip-hop isn't perfect, but every form of music has plenty of sexist, racist, violent and ugly content, yet hip-hop is far and away the most consistently maligned.

Should we continue to rain down a hail of scorn on hip-hop while ignoring that similar content is in virtually every other form of music and, for that matter, artistic expression?

You don't see anything wrong with Don Imus, well-known racist, sexist pig calling the Rutgers basketball team "rough", "hardcore hos" and "nappy headed hos" because hey, Snoop Dogg uses the word "ho" in his music?

[blueberryale77]

You don't see anything wrong with Don Imus, well-known racist, sexist pig calling the Rutgers basketball team "rough", "hardcore hos" and "nappy headed hos" because hey, Snoop Dogg uses the word "ho" in his music?

I don't see what's wrong with "rough"... that just means they're aggressive basketball players.;)

[ledzepp8]

I'm saying that trying to turn Don Imus remarking about the Rutgers team being comprised of "nappy headed hos" into a discussion on the content of hip-hop music is passing the buck and changing the subject to deflect from Imus the criticism he well deserves.

And that hip-hop isn't perfect, but every form of music has plenty of sexist, racist, violent and ugly content, yet hip-hop is far and away the most consistently maligned.

Should we continue to rain down a hail of scorn on hip-hop while ignoring that similar content is in virtually every other form of music and, for that matter, artistic expression?

You don't see anything wrong with Don Imus, well-known racist, sexist pig calling the Rutgers basketball team "rough", "hardcore hos" and "nappy headed hos" because hey, Snoop Dogg uses the word "ho" in his music?

Your point is taken, but I don't think anyone would say that hip hop is the only genre of music that has sexist, racist, violent or ugly content. Hip hop is being brought up(and I'm a huge rap/hip hop fan)because that is the genre that most blacks listen to and it's the genre performed mostly by blacks. People can't say that Don Imus saying it is racist but it's fine and dandy for Three 6 Mafia to say the same thing.

[BaltimoreTerp]

I'm saying that trying to turn Don Imus remarking about the Rutgers team being comprised of "nappy headed hos" into a discussion on the content of hip-hop music is passing the buck and changing the subject to deflect from Imus the criticism he well deserves.

And that hip-hop isn't perfect, but every form of music has plenty of sexist, racist, violent and ugly content, yet hip-hop is far and away the most consistently maligned.

Should we continue to rain down a hail of scorn on hip-hop while ignoring that similar content is in virtually every other form of music and, for that matter, artistic expression?

You don't see anything wrong with Don Imus, well-known racist, sexist pig calling the Rutgers basketball team "rough", "hardcore hos" and "nappy headed hos" because hey, Snoop Dogg uses the word "ho" in his music?

No, but I also don't see anyone making a serious effort to stop Snoop Dogg from using "ho", so why the fuss about Imus?

I guarantee more people hear these words and ideas from any one hip-hop artist on a given day then from Don Imus, and the main audience of the former is more likely to pay attention to what is said then that of the latter.

I'm not saying we should ban these words, just that there needs to be more consistency and less hypocrisy.

Either allow or deny; you cannot have it both ways.

[mweb]

I do agree that you have to take Stern with a grain of salt, but he's been calling Imus a jackass for more than 10 years.

Actually I don't agree you have to take him with a grain of salt. Yeah, he makes a lot of jokes and does some sketches, but he's one of the most honest people out there imo.

[McLovin]

No, but I also don't see anyone making a serious effort to stop Snoop Dogg from using "ho", so why the fuss about Imus?
Sharpton has been trying to clean up rap for a while. Not defending him, but Sharpton is now on a campaign against rap and music in general. This rhetoric didn't just start two weeks ago - google 'Sharpton 90 day ban'

Dunno if I'd call it a 'serious effort' - just saying...

[RayFink1e]

I love Howard Stern. Bubba the Love Sponge is hilarious too. He comes on at 3 on Howards station

[EddieO's21]

I'm saying that trying to turn Don Imus remarking about the Rutgers team being comprised of "nappy headed hos" into a discussion on the content of hip-hop music is passing the buck and changing the subject to deflect from Imus the criticism he well deserves.

And that hip-hop isn't perfect, but every form of music has plenty of sexist, racist, violent and ugly content, yet hip-hop is far and away the most consistently maligned.

Should we continue to rain down a hail of scorn on hip-hop while ignoring that similar content is in virtually every other form of music and, for that matter, artistic expression?

You don't see anything wrong with Don Imus, well-known racist, sexist pig calling the Rutgers basketball team "rough", "hardcore hos" and "nappy headed hos" because hey, Snoop Dogg uses the word "ho" in his music?

wow, totally disagree...no offense to hip hop either but...hip hop in this generation is a far and away the most sexist, racist, and homophobic of all genres of music. From their music videos which depict women with no pants getting on their knees constantly to using the N word, ho, as well as PLENTY of other choice explitives, I find it funny that you could even compare hip hop with pop, country, blues, r&b, soft rock, classical or whatever. Yeh of course it happens in the other music genres on a RARE occasion, but not in the frequency or the SEVERITY that it does in hip hop.

they showed a ludicrous video the other day talkin about how he got ho's in each city round the US listing each city and which ho lived there, thats precious. Yup, I can see Alan Jackson saying the same thing. Gimme a break, blaming all of music of mainstream entertainement is a cop out and trying to be too PC just not to offend anyone. The job of higher ups should be to uncover the truths and be COLOR BLIND about it. The truth is that hip hop has some stand up artists, they do...but most are far from role models. People need to come to realize that until hip hop lyrics, in my opinion and videos are toned down and severly change, there will always be this huge hipocracy and double standard

[Mark Carver]

Actually I don't agree you have to take him with a grain of salt. Yeah, he makes a lot of jokes and does some sketches, but he's one of the most honest people out there imo.

So, if Imus goes to satellite, than he's leaving, leaving $350m?

[McLovin]

So, if Imus goes to satellite, than he's leaving, leaving $350m?
LOL, he won't have to leave anything. Stern has more than enough clout at Sirius to get his way with any hiring.

[mweb]

So, if Imus goes to satellite, than he's leaving, leaving $350m?

My comment had nothing to do with that, and besides, Howard didn't say he'd quite if Imus came to Sirius.

[Leitch]

No, but I also don't see anyone making a serious effort to stop Snoop Dogg from using "ho", so why the fuss about Imus?

I guarantee more people hear these words and ideas from any one hip-hop artist on a given day then from Don Imus, and the main audience of the former is more likely to pay attention to what is said then that of the latter.

I'm not saying we should ban these words, just that there needs to be more consistency and less hypocrisy.

Either allow or deny; you cannot have it both ways.

Every time a white person makes a racist noise in a public forum and people get offended, they point to hip hop and whine that "Dre does it too!", as if rappers put a gun to their head and forced them to do it.

I don't necessarily think the Imus thing was handled perfectly, and I really think there are way more important things to be concerned with(SCOTUS just banned an abortion procedure because it made them go "ick" for instance), and I'm not about to defend "*****es ain't s** but ho's and tricks" as the pinnacle of art and the lifeblood of harmony between the sexes, but it doesn't have a damn thing to do with Don Imus being a racist pig and getting called on it.

[Mark Carver]

My comment had nothing to do with that, and besides, Howard didn't say he'd quite if Imus came to Sirius.

Ok, just going by...


And if Imus does make the jump to satellite, Stern says he'll quit.

[BaltimoreTerp]

Every time a white person makes a racist noise in a public forum and people get offended, they point to hip hop and whine that "Dre does it too!", as if rappers put a gun to their head and forced them to do it.

I don't necessarily think the Imus thing was handled perfectly, and I really think there are way more important things to be concerned with(SCOTUS just banned an abortion procedure because it made them go "ick" for instance), and I'm not about to defend "*****es ain't s** but ho's and tricks" as the pinnacle of art and the lifeblood of harmony between the sexes, but it doesn't have a damn thing to do with Don Imus being a racist pig and getting called on it.

Yes it does, because if you want to attack one you have to attack all.

[mweb]

Ok, just going by...

Well that was a misquote, and my comment still had nothing to do with that, so I don't see why you challenged my post with this.

[MCL1021]

He was more than likely just joking, as I don't really think he's worried if they hire Don Imus to come to Sirius (which they won't) so to that, I apologize for not putting a JK or a face or something.

[mweb]

He was more than likely just joking, as I don't really think he's worried if they hire Don Imus to come to Sirius (which they won't) so to that, I apologize for not putting a JK or a face or something.

I heard him say that he wouldn't quit if Imus was hired by Sirius.

[RayFink1e]

The problem is Stern has a ownership share in Sirius now.

[McLovin]

The problem is Stern has a ownership share in Sirius now.
Um, so do I. Sirius is a publicly traded company. The shareholders own it...

[MCL1021]

I heard him say that he wouldn't quit if Imus was hired by Sirius.

Yeah, you are right, but then I think jokingly, he said something to the effect of "well on second thought, I might not stick around if they hire that senile...yada yada" :D

[BaltimoreTerp]

Um, so do I. Sirius is a publicly traded company. The shareholders own it...

I think Stern owns more then you do ;)

Either way though, I think he just has to threaten to quit, and they won't go with Imus. He IS Sirius right now.

[McLovin]

I think Stern owns more then you do ;)

I dunno, we'd need an official count to be certain. Does he have more than 100 shares?!

[geschinger]

I'm saying that trying to turn Don Imus remarking about the Rutgers team being comprised of "nappy headed hos" into a discussion on the content of hip-hop music is passing the buck and changing the subject to deflect from Imus the criticism he well deserves.


I don't think there are many that have no problems w/what Imus said. He deserved the criticism. The comaprison to what other entertainers get away with is relevant when considering whether or not he should of lost his career as a result of what he said when so many others can say much worse w/o getting criticism let alone having their career ended. I've yet to see a logical explanation for why the double standard that exists is acceptable.

[BaltimoreTerp]

I don't think there are many that have no problems w/what Imus said. He deserved the criticism. The comaprison to what other entertainers get away with is relevant when considering whether or not he should of lost his career as a result of what he said when so many others can say much worse w/o getting criticism let alone having their career ended. I've yet to see a logical explanation for why the double standard that exists is acceptable.

Exactly.

Like I have been saying, if you want to attack one, you have to attack all, or you are enabling that double-standard to exist.

[RayFink1e]

Stern has alot of ownership in Sirius. I read he got a bunch of stock recently for hitting a certain number in subscribers since he came to Sirius.

[SHAWN555]

Where is the outrage over Sharpton's comments about Mitt Romney and pretty much the whole mormon religion. Sick of the double standard this guy and JAckson get away with.

How about Jackson meeting with the Braves becaused they do not have enough african american players. These people do nothing to help race relations they are all about getting themselves in the spotlight.

Sharpton never met with the Rutgers team to see how they were affected by the imus situation.


Imus will be back on the air in september. He is also suing cbs for 120 million and will get a large amount of it. CBS's contract with imus encouraged him to be like a shock jock and to say controversial things. They were also supposed to give him a written warning before he could be fired for things said on his show.

[66-70-83-??]

Where is the outrage over Sharpton's comments about Mitt Romney and pretty much the whole mormon religion. Sick of the double standard this guy and JAckson get away with.

How about Jackson meeting with the Braves becaused they do not have enough african american players. These people do nothing to help race relations they are all about getting themselves in the spotlight.

Sharpton never met with the Rutgers team to see how they were affected by the imus situation.


Imus will be back on the air in september. He is also suing cbs for 120 million and will get a large amount of it. CBS's contract with imus encouraged him to be like a shock jock and to say controversial things. They were also supposed to give him a written warning before he could be fired for things said on his show.


The team he should be contacting is the Duke Lacrosse team.

Sharpton, and others, really owe an apology to them for what was said about them. Of course, SHarpton/Jackson and the other race-baiters (who have made millions off this cottage industry) will never offer an apology like they demand from others all the time.

When will the "mainstream" media see Sharpton/Jackson and their like for the hypocrites they are ? Most of us regular "joes" (of all races/classes) have figured them out long ago and don't give them the credibility that the media does.

[SHAWN555]

The team he should be contacting is the Duke Lacrosse team.

Sharpton, and others, really owe an apology to them for what was said about them. Of course, SHarpton/Jackson and the other race-baiters (who have made millions off this cottage industry) will never offer an apology like they demand from others all the time.

When will the "mainstream" media see Sharpton/Jackson and their like for the hypocrites they are ? Most of us regular "joes" (of all races/classes) have figured them out long ago and don't give them the credibility that the media does.



I agree but it will never happen. They are just about getting on television or being mentioned in print. Both are miserable human beings and do nothing to improve race relations in this country.

[ledzepp8]

I agree but it will never happen. They are just about getting on television or being mentioned in print. Both are miserable human beings and do nothing to improve race relations in this country.

That just about sums them up.

[ixcuincle]

2 words on Al Sharpton : Tawana Brawley.

Anyways , the whole unjust Imus firing has spurred more firings...as JV and Elvis , a New York radio duo , were fired for prank calling a Chinese restaurant. It is a shame that no one can say anything controversial on radio anymore , even in jest.

----------------

"Somehow it was determined that everyone on the radio should be nice...When did this happen , and who decided that?" - Opie of Opie And Anthony , 5/14/2007

[ixcuincle]

http://xmradio.mediaroom.com/index.php?s=press_releases&item=1452

Opie And Anthony suspended for 30 days...wow , they are going insane on radio personalities who are even slightly offensive. What's next , soccer fans demanding Jim Rome be taken off the air? What's going on?

[McLovin]

http://xmradio.mediaroom.com/index.php?s=press_releases&item=1452

Opie And Anthony suspended for 30 days...wow , they are going insane on radio personalities who are even slightly offensive. What's next , soccer fans demanding Jim Rome be taken off the air? What's going on?
The problem with them and Imus is that they aren't funny. The O&A bit wasn't funny. You can't make the argument that it's humor or satire. Racist or sexist things are said, and it's just crickets...

[ixcuincle]

The thing was Imus' comment was simply a bad joke and was not intended as hate speech. Neither was JV and Elvis' phone call which got them suspended , or the O&A bit with the homeless guy. None of them were hate speech. I remember Opie and Anthony weighing in on the whole debate on their FM radio show , and they made the points that there is a difference between comedy and hate speech. Honestly , none of the aforementioned 3 should be , or should have been , fired. See Jason Whitlock article for why Imus shouldn't be fired.

BTW , Opie and Anthony did return for their "terrestrial radio" show but they didn't mention the XM suspension at all , and their show seemed less funnier than usual. I suspect lawyers were involved...:mad:

A final point : Imus is suing CBS radio and has hired a great 1st Amendment lawyer. If CBS disapproved of the "h word" they could have filtered it out or put it on delay... http://money.cnn.com/2007/05/01/news/newsmakers/pluggedin_arango_imus.fortune/index.htm