I am bewildered by all the dispute over "freedom of speech" here. There are no laws stating Imus can't say what he said....just as there are no laws stating that 'rap' or 'hip-hop' performers can't say it.

   Imus didn't violate any law, he violated good taste and judgement. He used a degrading & insulting term in a VERY careless and inappropriate way. He exercised his freedom of speech, and the sponsors and employers exercised THEIR right to say they weren't going to put up with him saying stuff like that on THEIR turf anymore! - Virginia Sen. George Allen exercised HIS freedom of speech, calling someone "macaca"....and HE learned the limits.

Howard Stern was pushing the limits on his radio/TV show, and was close to getting canceled for it....so he moved to satellite radio.

I can stand on the corner with a sign saying "Down with Bushites" if I wish....it isn't even obscene. But if I am in BB's home and say it, he can tell me to leave....just because HE finds it ...ummm...'offensive'.
You simply have to learn what the limits are. Lenny Bruce tested the limits to make a point about what KIND of 'offense' was actually legal, and in what circumstances. Comedians ever since have used 'bad words' in night club routines, but they mostly can't do it on prime-time TV...or at a grade school show.

    Imus simply let bad taste in awkward attempts at 'humor' go too far once too often. He allowed his stupid language to 'directly' insult the wrong target...and it cost him a feww million dollars.

'Nuff said.