BS: Don Imus replacment

Subject: RE: BS: Don Imus replacment
From: Ron Davies
Date: 12 Apr 07 - 09:18 PM

Everybody has a track record. If this was the first time Imus had pulled something like this, then maybe he'd deserve another chance.

But his track record is dismal--it's not the first time for him by a long shot. Being outrageous may be his stock in trade--and up to now good for ratings. But it's time for that to stop--and this is as good an incident as any to make a stand against it.

You can be entertaining--even controversial--without not just stepping over the line but barrelling through it--which is what Imus, Michael Savage, dear Ann Coulter--and a long list of others--have done and still do.

He richly deserved to be fired.

I just read a quote in the WSJ very gemane to this--Free speech is enhanced by civil discourse. Something Imus--and many others--need to learn.

And those who defend Imus on free speech grounds definitely need to learn it.

Subject: RE: BS: Don Imus replacment
From: Amos
Date: 12 Apr 07 - 09:12 PM

Hey, Sharon, where ya been? Nice to see you!


A

Subject: RE: BS: Don Imus replacment
From: SharonA
Date: 12 Apr 07 - 08:41 PM

Well, not just been fired... Actually, it happened some 6 hours ago.

Subject: RE: BS: Don Imus replacment
From: Bobert
Date: 12 Apr 07 - 08:39 PM

When's the FCC gonna get fired???

Subject: RE: BS: Don Imus replacment
From: GUEST,mg
Date: 12 Apr 07 - 08:38 PM

I presume you know redneck is an offensive word.mg

Subject: RE: BS: Don Imus replacment
From: Amos
Date: 12 Apr 07 - 08:34 PM

He's just been fired, according to NPR.


A

Subject: RE: BS: Don Imus replacment
From: Bobert
Date: 12 Apr 07 - 08:30 PM

Screw Don Imus... He a racist and has a history of saying stuff that gives the rednecks in our country the ***warm and fuzzies***...


But Don Imus is small potatoes... Screw the FCC who has allowed mega meadia corporations to screw over our country in general and allow the right wing to own the puiblic air waves...

ClearChannel pisses me off alot more than "Dumbass" Don... Hey, we all (unfortuantely) know lots (way too mnay) Don Imus in our lives... I wish I had a buch fri every time I've hed to indure some redneck use the "n word" in my presence... So why Don Imus gets promoted to the top of the redneck class is beyond me...

But ClearCorruptChannel is much worse in the big scheme of things... It controls the not only the medium but the message... Yeah, not everyone has internet radio and so for tghe masses it's CCC and their payola and their thinkin' that America only need 10 bands and every other musiacn can rot in Hell.... And every patriotic citizen who is willing to stand up to the Bush regime can rot in Hell (think Dixie Chicks here)...

Yeah, screw Don Imus... He's just one creep...

Go after the real culprit: the FCC and their bed buds, ClearCorruptChannel...

Bobert

Subject: RE: BS: Don Imus replacment
From: SINSULL
Date: 12 Apr 07 - 08:27 PM

Am I the only one who caught Imus' boo boo calling Sharpton, "Reverend Hargis"? I almost fell on the floor laughing.

Subject: RE: BS: Don Imus replacment
From: Bill Hahn//\\
Date: 12 Apr 07 - 07:37 PM

Now that will be interesting. No more job to protect---so, will he meet with the basketball ladies?    It would surely show that he is sincere if---and only if---it were guaranteed that he is never given a live mic again.

Nothing has been mentioned---except for my comment about the NY Times piece---about the producer/writer for Imus. Over the years he has been the mud slinger and slop carrier---and he also started the conversation. Should he go?   Not much publicity in it but I do suppose he made a wee bit less money that Imus---but, probably, did well. I am sure that the exit door at CBS can accomodate more than one person leaving at a time.

Now---to send in a resume since there is finally some open time.

Bill Hahn

Subject: RE: BS: Don Imus replacment
From: Charley Noble
Date: 12 Apr 07 - 07:25 PM

In my opinion Mr. Imus has worked hard to be fired from both his jobs. He has earned his early retirement. Now he'll probably write a book about his firing, blame the corporate leaders for not defending his freedom to defame others, and earn more millions in the process.

Well, I think there's something to be learned from his example. Some folks here may not want to learn that lesson but fortunately they are not in position to reach millions of readers or listeners.

I certainly would not support the FCC trying to provide and enforce standards, especially since major commissions were appointed by the Bush Administration. But I do support the idea of mass protest.

I also personally apologize to Ron Elesko for my willingness to fire back at him with dripping sarcasm.

I do wonder if Imus will still meet with the Rutgers basketball players now that he's fired.

Nice weather we're having!

Charley Noble

Subject: RE: BS: Don Imus replacment
From: kendall
Date: 12 Apr 07 - 07:20 PM

I'm not singling out Mr. Imus. ANYONE who uses the airways to spout that kind of crap should be reined in. Period.

Subject: RE: BS: Don Imus replacment
From: Donuel
Date: 12 Apr 07 - 07:15 PM

There is alot of meat left on this bone but my initial speculation of who the Imus replacement will be remains in question.
CBS has not named a succesor and MSNBC seems to have David Gredgory in the still warm Imus chair for now.

Perhaps they need another octogenatian like Larry King so they could go with ethnic humorist Don Rickles

or maybe they need more shouting and lure Bill OReilly away from Fox. or Laura or Rush etc.

But most
likely they are going to go with a black face. Whitmore is my favorite. He calls All Sharpton and Jesse Jackson racist terrorists who do their damage/defamation/devisivness and leave the city time after time.

Subject: RE: BS: Don Imus replacment
From: dwditty
Date: 12 Apr 07 - 06:46 PM

Mike Miller...don't forget to include Jimmy the Greek and the guy who said women could not be good golfers because their breasts get in the way on your list.

Subject: RE: BS: Don Imus replacment
From: Bill Hahn//\\
Date: 12 Apr 07 - 06:41 PM

Mike Miller: I have to disagree.   The Blacklist is a whole different can of worms than firing an offensive person because of public demand by the offended people and their supporters.
               As I said earlier, he probably will get canned for the wrong reasons.   If the networks thought there was money in keeping him they would have. Seems like they just realized a cash cow got gored (by his own doing) and now will have to look for another one. Imus was not censored. No government insinuated itself into this situation---though one has to wonder why F***K and other such words get one fined and banned but words that Imus used are not an issue with the FCC.
               My solution to all this---let the FCC stop banning certain words---that is selective. Let the market decide who stays on and in Imus' case, while, as said, the firing is for the wrong reasons they are the correct reasons for the networks and also satisfy the protesters. Happy ending. Except for Imus who can surely survive on the nest egg he has laid away---and his ego--well, that is another matter.
               Strange how we are concerned about the firing of a man who makes 10 million per year and really don't care a lot about the marginally employed and their problems---from job outsourcing to medical coverage.   Now that is obscene.

Bill Hahn

Subject: RE: BS: Don Imus replacment
From: GUEST,meself
Date: 12 Apr 07 - 05:52 PM

Yeah - seems that no matter how many times white people tell non-white people that they "should get over it", they don't. What's the matter with them?

Subject: RE: BS: Don Imus replacment
From: Mike Miller
Date: 12 Apr 07 - 05:32 PM

Kendall disappoints me. He is old enough to remember the blacklist and the rush for, what was then, political correctness. Don Imus should not have lost his job any more than Zero Mostel, Abner Biberman, Dalton Trumbo and the rest should have lost theirs. If America is the land of free speech, it must be the land of free and foolish speech. Don Imus' audience, apparently, like his style of "humor" and, if some of the postings on this thread are to be believed, they are not all sheet wearing yahoos. (I wouldn't know. I am. neither, amused or edified by shock jockery. I find the practice of calling women "ho's" degrading but I found it, no less, degrading when Snoop Doggy did it). Kendall, among others, seems to have a different standard of acceptable behavior based on skin color.
I, really, shouldn't be singling out Kendall. He is, no more, predictable, in this regard, than the majority of posters I think it comes with the genre. The folk scene, in America, at least, has been, for years, mostly white and leftist. As I am white and leftist, I have felt, very much, "at home". It is comforting to be around people who think like you (and it is, socially, easier to be around people who look like you.)
I am not preaching from the bleachers. I understand why the black community would be up in arms. It was their ox. I understand them because, I have that reaction when I hear a joke about Jews, told by a non-Jew. It is a reaction that exposes my vulnerability, my insecurity. Perhaps, I should get over it. Perhaps, we, all, should.

Subject: RE: BS: Don Imus replacment
From: Wesley S
Date: 12 Apr 07 - 04:58 PM

CNN is reporting that the Imus radio show has been canceled.

Subject: RE: BS: Don Imus replacment
From: kendall
Date: 12 Apr 07 - 04:01 PM

One more time. There is an article circulating on the internet that accuses Bill Clinton of doing away with his enemies. That has been exposed as an outright lie. Now, in my opinion, anyone who continues to repeat that lie, knowing it is a lie either has no respect for the truth, or they are blinded by their hatred of Bill Clinton.
That commandment, "Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbor" doesn't say "Unless he's a democrat, or you hate him".

I'm not in favor of government censorship but freedom of speech has limits, and people like Imus and Stern should be held accountable.

Subject: RE: BS: Don Imus replacment
From: Greg B
Date: 12 Apr 07 - 04:00 PM

"Recently I was reading Stan Hugill's brilliant collection, and there
were some dated references that would be considered racist by todays standard."

A couple of folks here have had US Government employees try to
tell us not to sing certain politically incorrect songs (no,
not with the n-word) from that collection. I believe we replied
with their oath of service (something about uphold and protect
the Constitution), followed by the 1st Amendment and refused to
even HAVE that conversation.

But Mr. Hahn, and dianvan, and others keep driving right over the
salient point without ever noting it--- if we're to get in the
business either of government censorship or de facto public
censorship of public commentators, 'legitimate' or not, we run
into the problem of who's to be the arbiter of who is 'legitimate.'

If someone says 'cut off the funds, bring the troops home by
date certain' someone else will say 'That's aiding and comforting
the enemy, that's treason, he's just like Hanoi Jane, fire him.'
Someone else claims that the WTC attackers may have had a legitimate
underlying beef--- fire him too. Get out of the mainstream, and you
get fired or fined.

I don't care for Imus, either. I find him tiresome and boring. He
is, none the less, a legitimate social commentator--- some would
even say a 'journalist'--- and to start demanding his censure or
firing is to embark on the slippery slope where they may just come
for YOU or your favorite commentator next. 'Are you now or were
you ever a member of...' How quickly we forget.

It leaves me cold to think of the FCC doing it. Ever since Janet
Jackson's boob fell out, the local radio station has to play
the censored version of the Who's 'Who Are You.' And one of the
local DJ teams, who always ended with Eric Idle singing 'Always
Look on the Bright Side' now has a version where Eric sings
'...life's a piece of isht, when ya look at it...' That kind
of crap stopped for a few years. All because of Janet Jackson's
tit, it's back. I'd hate to think of political commentators being
subject to similar winds of whim.

Subject: RE: BS: Don Imus replacment
From: WFDU - Ron Olesko
Date: 12 Apr 07 - 03:42 PM

"There is a huge difference between a Chappelle, who, like Richard Pryor, Lenny Bruce, etc; are comedians with a social point of view in their humor."

There is a difference in execution of the humor, but I do believe that all are, or were, attempting the same thing.   Imus just wasn't funny and his attempt at humor had little relevance. Chappelle, Pryor and Bruce had the relevance.    While Imus is no longer funny in my opinion, there was a time when his programs had a great deal of social relevance and he did poke holes at social issues. I remember his character of Billy Sol Hargus that skewered all of the evangalists that were prevelant at the time.

As for comparing him to Hitler, that just isn't fair and a poor analogy. There is sense that ALL of us need to balance our affairs.   Supporting an orphanage would not "clear" Hitler and while some may disagree, I don't think Imus's remarks were nearly as bad.

And PDQ, With all due respect, Kendall's statement cannot be anything but opinion either. Think about it.

Subject: RE: BS: Don Imus replacment
From: Bill Hahn//\\
Date: 12 Apr 07 - 03:09 PM

A few thoughts on this occured to me after running through the thread.
There is a huge difference between a Chappelle, who, like Richard Pryor, Lenny Bruce, etc; are comedians with a social point of view in their humor. Imus professes to be an interviewer and, yes, he fancies himself clever.   I think that a piece in the entertainment section of today's NY Times hit the nail on the head---it states that for years his side-kick and producer has been doing truly distasteful humor (part of his job--at the expense of Blacks, Roman Catholics, and Jews, Hillary Clinton among others). Imus cast himself above the fray and just, sort of listened and chuckled. The material was scripted (by said producer).

This time Imus, for who knows what reason, just jumped in the mud along with him.
   
If people really want to hear good interviews w/ content there are plenty around---in NY there are Brian Lehrer and Leonard Lopate---there is Terri Gross and her syndicated NPR show.

In all honesty I may have heard him only once or twice (Imus) years back and could not bear to listen to someone I can barely understand because he sounds like he has marbles in his mouth---just like the great Greek orator who used them better his speech. But he took them out.

   As to the comment by---I think it was Ron in response to the comments regarding saying something terrible in the privacy of your own place --it is your business but if a neighbor hears a tape of it should you be forced to move. Of course not. The BIG difference is that Imus and those like him are polluting the public airwaves. Those airwaves are, in theory, owned by all of us and have to follow certain standards. OK--Cable is different. Imus is not on cable (except NBC---which has cancelled the show).

   The interesting thing now is why NBC and perhaps CBS will cancel him---I doubt it has anything to do with high moral standards. Rather sponsors jumping ship left and right.   But, don;t run any benefits for Imus he will survive withouth his 10 Million a year (imagine that)---his ego may not.
   
    As to his charitable work. I tip my hat (if I wore one) to him---many people also do good works and are not as sleazy. Gee, I bet even Hitler set up orphanages for the little aryan kiddies left bereft by the deaths of the parents in his war.


Bill Hahn

Subject: RE: BS: Don Imus replacment
From: dianavan
Date: 12 Apr 07 - 02:40 PM

I don't believe his apology was sincere. He makes money from being a sexist and calling people degrading names.

The radio station should show some integrity or suffer the consequences (lack of advertisers and boycotts). He should be fired.

You cannot legislate good taste.

... and you know what? I do think rappers need to clean up their language, too. As someone mentioned earlier, its not just African Americans that buy their 'music'. There are alot of other kids out there supporting sexism, too. Its degrading to women and it promotes violence.

I think its up to everyone (including the African American community) to speak out and tell them its wrong. Don't glamourize 'ganstas' and do not tolerate sexism on the airwaves. Tell your kids why it is wrong. Schools should be openly discussing this with their students, too. Its going to take public disapproval to turn this around and clearly state that it is unacceptable.

Its a form of bullying and it has to stop.

Subject: RE: BS: Don Imus replacment
From: GUEST,mg
Date: 12 Apr 07 - 02:09 PM

I don't think he was sticking a mirror. I think that stuff gets accepted as OK to say..there are either groups that it is OK to be mean to or about, "hos", or as mentioned above"trailer park trash" and "rednecks." People look around, if they are inclined to want to insult people to see what it is permissible to say and they say it. Then it spreads and spreads. And what really concerns me is there is research somewhere..recent..that says language like that is the predecessor to physical violence..it opens pathways of permission..well, she is a ??? so I can slap her. He is a ???? so I can beat him up after school.....it has to be pretty universal that polite society will not accept meanness and nastiness to any person or group. Some of it will have to be socially imposed...people spend a lot of ferver getting on people for wearing cosmetics tested on animals for example...they can turn the same ferver on antisocial behavior. At some point, for some words, I think there have to be laws. There was a very nice letter to Oregonian newspaper yesterday about getting back to common decency...we have to...

And everyone who is physically able and does not endanger herself, must speak up to those trying to abuse them. Now, if you are in a dark alley and someone calls you a "ho" just start running...but if you are in a party, a school, a safe place start strongly speaking up. First of all, teach young girls to say (in a safe place) STOP IT. DO NOT TALK TO ME OR IN FRONT OF ME THAT WAY. Some of the idiotic school officials have to be a bit more vigilent than I have seen them in the past...And how in the world does a man ever get "companionship" from women talking like that??? Why are the women rewarding him in fairly significant ways? What is going on????? Do not let women off the hook for being totally passive victims here. They put up with this talk, and some of them talk this way themselves.

Bus drivers...oh my goodness. They have to have the authority and the backup to throw those jerks who are holding everyone hostage off the bus. A few ten mile walks home will cut down on this tremendously. Talking telephone poles...tell the groups of young kids they are not to talk that way on public property...record them (with all sorts of signs saying this will happen) and call their parents in to listen to what is going on. THere is huge denial among parents about what their little darlings are up to...

mg

Subject: RE: BS: Don Imus replacment
From: pdq
Date: 12 Apr 07 - 01:38 PM

With all due respect, Ron, that statement cannot be anything but opinion. Think about it.

As far as Don Imus and his commnts, they appear to be intended to shame the people who rutinely use foul language, specifically the 'rap community'. I feel he may have been sticking a mirror in front of these people for a reason. My opinion, of course.

Subject: RE: BS: Don Imus replacment
From: WFDU - Ron Olesko
Date: 12 Apr 07 - 01:15 PM

PDQ - I think Kendall had every reason to call your remarks of 11 Apr 07 - 07:37 PM a lie - just as you put that note out as fact, not stating that it was your opinion. Anyone reading that post had every reason to believe that you were trying to feed us something as a fact - when it is now apparently just your opinion.

This is a volatile issue and is it easy to misread things - and it is even harder to explain feelings.   Kendall, nor anyone, was at fault for questioning statements I made. In re-reading them, I can see that I did not do a good job of stating what I feel.

I don't think any of us appreciated Imus's remarks - even in a vein attempt at comedy.   Last night I happened to watch some of the Chappelle show on Comedy Central. I feel the man is a genius, but I also see where it makes some people feel uncomfortable.   Often incidents like this reveal issues that each of deal with in our daily lives and it makes our tolerance and patience levels disappear. NO one should accept bigotry and racism. At the same time, we need to look at the bigger picture and see where everything fits.

Subject: RE: BS: Don Imus replacment
From: pdq
Date: 12 Apr 07 - 01:01 PM

kendall,

My post of "11 Apr 07 - 07:37 PM" has drawn at least two or three responses from you. It is strictly my opinion, and I resent you claiming that I am "sticking to a lie" or that the opinion is from someone else and that I am just repeating it. Your response(s) show just how intollerant people here are when they see an opinion that is neither PC-approved nor stale and predictable.

Subject: RE: BS: Don Imus replacment
From: kendall
Date: 12 Apr 07 - 12:45 PM

Perhaps you would care to clarify what you said, pdq?

I realize that I've been somewhat outspoken on this subject, but I have Black friends who are more welcome in my home than many of my own relatives, so I may be a bit sensitive.

It's also very easy to misunderstand someone on this forum. If I'm wrong, tell me how. I'm certainly not above an apology.

Subject: RE: BS: Don Imus replacment
From: pdq
Date: 12 Apr 07 - 12:30 PM

kendall...you seem to be able to misinterpret people's statements as well as dianavan does. That, sir, is an art.

Subject: RE: BS: Don Imus replacment
From: beardedbruce
Date: 12 Apr 07 - 12:24 PM

And that is ALSO your right, as a form of free speech and expression.

Subject: RE: BS: Don Imus replacment
From: Riginslinger
Date: 12 Apr 07 - 12:19 PM

Personally, I'm going to boycott the advertisers that pulled the plug on him at MSNBC.

Subject: RE: BS: Don Imus replacment
From: WFDU - Ron Olesko
Date: 12 Apr 07 - 12:10 PM

Kendall, I am not dancing at all. I realize that this is not the first time Imus has said things like this - and this is the point. You are focusing on a single fact but not the rest.   

As to the government, my comment was directed at others (in this thread and in the media) who have suggested the FCC come down on this issue.

Imus deserved punishment, but I draw the line at resorting to call him names and requesting that he be fired. Doing so clouds the bigger issue, and Imus is only a minor point.

Subject: RE: BS: Don Imus replacment
From: beardedbruce
Date: 12 Apr 07 - 12:01 PM

I think that all here can agree that it is the right of the networks to fire whoever they like, for whatever reason ( unless WE like them), but the call for the government to step in is what I object to.

Please, boycott Imus: write letters to the network not to let him on. THAT is fine- But to call for government regulation of speech is not justified.

Subject: RE: BS: Don Imus replacment
From: kendall
Date: 12 Apr 07 - 11:58 AM

Ron, you may dance all around but it doesn't change the facts. This is not the first time Imus has pulled this crap, it's his history.
Furthermore, the government has nothing to do with his being canned. MSNBC did that themselves.They cannot survive without sponsers and the sponsers have had it with Imus.
I wish they would can Stern too.

pdq, if you stick to an opinion that you know is based on a lie, what does that say about you?

Subject: RE: BS: Don Imus replacment
From: beardedbruce
Date: 12 Apr 07 - 11:56 AM

Should I now presume those demanding government action will agree with
this?


After all, they have the right not to be insulted... Of course, THEY get to decide what is insulting.

Subject: RE: BS: Don Imus replacment
From: Bill D
Date: 12 Apr 07 - 11:52 AM

well, you needed to hear the LONG interview with the president of NBC news on "Countdown" (Keith Olbermann) last night as he explained the thinking and the process that led to their decision.

(if your browser is configured to do the javascript thing, you can watch the whole thing....down under 'more video'..."Capus explains dropping Imus".)

Capus is kind of amazing for a big executive...he sounded intelligent, thoughtful, sincere and committed.

Subject: RE: BS: Don Imus replacment
From: WFDU - Ron Olesko
Date: 12 Apr 07 - 10:56 AM

"What nonsense or vitriol I or Charley or Ron or anyone spouts in the privacy of our kitchen after one too many on a Saturday night is our own business - but if we go on national TV and spout the same stuff, then it's everybody's business."

A good point, but if you next door neighbor hears a tape of something you said and demands that you leave the neighborhood, would that be fair? As you said it was your own business.

Imus made remarks to his regular audience. People are now demanding his firing who have never heard him before. Is it their business? Do I have the right to tell Charley and Kendall what songs they can sing? Recently I was reading Stan Hugill's brilliant collection, and there were some dated references that would be considered racist by todays standard. Is it right to judge situations out of context?

Your analogy of two people breaking into a home is perfect. One guy gets away with it and one guy goes to jail. Does that really stop others from committing the same crime? Not at all. Ignoring flaws in the system perpetuate the same behavior and sending one person to jail and not others only makes a handful of people feel like they have done the right thing. The reality is, the crimes will continue.

Subject: RE: BS: Don Imus replacment
From: GUEST,meself
Date: 12 Apr 07 - 10:43 AM

What nonsense or vitriol I or Charley or Ron or anyone spouts in the privacy of our kitchen after one too many on a Saturday night is our own business - but if we go on national TV and spout the same stuff, then it's everybody's business.

Maybe it's not fair that this Imus character is getting nailed for what other media "personalities" are getting away with, but maybe it puts out a bit of a warning. Besides, one guy breaks into a house, gets arrested, and beats the rap; another one gets sent up the creek on less evidence. Not fair, but he shouldn't have broken into the house in the first place.

Subject: RE: BS: Don Imus replacment
From: pdq
Date: 12 Apr 07 - 10:40 AM

kendall,

Just for the record, what I said about the Clintons and Imus is my opinion. It came from me and nobody else.

About the Kennedy assasination, I have always felt that Johnson was behind it. That opinion is getting more support now, forty years later. My opinion about Imus being lynched for political reasons may also prove true. It is my guess and I will stand by it.

Subject: RE: BS: Don Imus replacment
From: WFDU - Ron Olesko
Date: 12 Apr 07 - 10:36 AM

Absolutely Charley, permission granted. Lets hear what you did.

I guess you are entitled to sarcasm, but Imus certainly is not.   Obviously you missed my point completely. I assume that you have done many good things in your life and probably are very sorry for whatever you did that was rude and indiscrete. Imus deserves a reprimand, and a boycott is certainly reasonable - I have in effect boycotted him for the last 10 years. To even consider a government sponsored rule against this sort of thing is deadly wrong. For us to not take this story and examine the entire industry is wrong.

I do hope you will throw some virtual stones at his cronies and others in the entertainment biz while throwing some at yourself and the rest of us.

Subject: RE: BS: Don Imus replacment
From: Charley Noble
Date: 12 Apr 07 - 10:24 AM

Gosh, Ron, thanks for pointing out that "I" am the problem. If I apologize for my own rude and indiscrete utterances right now, and I will, can I then have your permission to cast a few more virtual stones at Imus and the rest of his trash-talking cronies?

Charley Noble

Subject: RE: BS: Don Imus replacment
From: WFDU - Ron Olesko
Date: 12 Apr 07 - 10:17 AM

"I saw and heard what I saw and heard.
Of course I've used language that would warp a crowbar"

So does that mean we should boycott you?   

I am not trying to be argumentative, and I do respect your opion. You aren't the only one who called Imus names in this thread.   Most of the names, he certainly deserves.

What I am trying to point out is that you heard ONE segment taken out of context of the entire show that has been going on for years. Imus in not the only one doing this type of humor either. Go up and down the AM dial in the mornings and listen to the shock jocks.

I'm not saying that I approve of Imus's show or any others, but the problem that everyone is reacting to is a few words and not looking at the big picture.   I understand Howard Stern's reaction to this entire matter is that he called Imus a coward for backing down. Anyone picketing Stern, the creator of Lesbian dial-a-date and other routines that frequently demean women and minorities?

Subject: RE: BS: Don Imus replacment
From: kendall
Date: 12 Apr 07 - 10:08 AM

The media has nothing to do with my reaction. I saw and heard what I saw and heard.
Of course I've used language that would warp a crowbar, but not on national TV.

pdq, I have always suspected LBJ to be at the bottom of that murder, and the evidence points to it.
However, there is not one scrap of evidence that Clinton is guilty of any such thing.
No amount of belief can create a fact. The Clintons are bad enough without us repeating lies about them. "Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbor."

Subject: RE: BS: Don Imus replacment
From: WFDU - Ron Olesko
Date: 12 Apr 07 - 09:59 AM

It appears that the reason CBS allowed him to continue working this week is that his annual "radiothon" started today and runs through tomorrow.

Each year Imus runs a Radiothon to rais funds for the Tomorrows Children's Fund, CJ Foundation for SIDS, and the Imus Ranch. Last year they raised $2.9 million for these charities, and also raised awareness.

You can call him a "prick", an "asshole", an "idiot" or a "foul mouth racial bastard" - but it seems to me that is a reaction based on how the media is covering this story.

As Saulgoldie pointed out, Ann Coulter, Rush Limbaugh & the rest get a slap on the wrist and it is written off as part of their schtick. Perhaps that is the way to look at it.   If you ever listened to Imus, you know what you are getting. You realize the attempt at humor and what it entails. The sarcasm is there. The insults are there.   Is it actually meant? Is it an act? Listen for yourself and decide, but don't let the media coverage make up your minds for you.

I no longer listen to him, I haven't for about 10 years. The act grew stale, and perhaps as the world matures around him it is time to grow up. Look at some of the comic routines from decades ago. We've learned and changed. The locker room humor of people like Imus and Stern just aren't funny the more we learn.   

I would doubt that there is a single person who contributed to this thread that has not done something or said something in their life that they are ashamed of. Would it be fair to judge your character on such an incident?

Subject: RE: BS: Don Imus replacment
From: pdq
Date: 12 Apr 07 - 08:55 AM

I'm sure you are right, kendall. And Lyndon Johnson had nothing to do with Kennedy's assasination.

Subject: RE: BS: Don Imus replacment
From: saulgoldie
Date: 12 Apr 07 - 08:47 AM

I won't defend Imus's comments, and I do think that a suspension and due penance is required. However, there are many others out there who routinely utter similarly offensive language and who have not even been disciplined. Sure, there are the rappers; that is a given. But there are a slew of right wingnut air personalities who slander someone on almost every show who are still with us. Check out Rush Limbaugh, Bill O'Reilly, Glen Beck, Ann Coulter, and others. Femi-nazis, indeed!

Why aren't they similarly dragged through the mud and left on the road for the next car to run over? Ann Coulter recently offended John Edwards, homosexuals, and those of us with sensibilities with her recent comment. My concern is that punishments are unevenly handed out.

Subject: RE: BS: Don Imus replacment
From: kendall
Date: 12 Apr 07 - 07:14 AM

pdq, you are so far out in right field with that silly conspiracy thing it is almost laughable!
There are so many lies circulating on the internet it's incredible. One of them is that the Clintons are killing off all their enemies. According to Scopes that is a crock of shit.
Look, neither the democrats nor the Clintons came up with an issue to get rid of Imus. HE did it on his own! Tell you what, if that prick had called my daughter a "nappy haired street Ho", and we met on the street, I would be happy to stuff his ass into that ridiculous hat!
He's a foul mouth racist bastard and he got what he deserved.
Those were exceptional young women he trashed, but even if they had been trailer park trash, he had no right to resort to that kind of redneck horse shit.

Subject: RE: BS: Don Imus replacment
From: Lonesome EJ
Date: 12 Apr 07 - 02:31 AM

Don Imus is a sarcastic loudmouth of the Howard Stern variety, and I've only caught his show by accident. The main impression he's always had on me is mild amusement a result of the ridiculous costume he wears when behind the microphone...cowboy hat and a heavy jacket, like he just rode in from branding dogies. That he made the knappy-headed ho's remark doesn't really surprise me.
There's another side to his story though found here.
I don't know that he's a coward, and I don't really think he's a bigot. I think he's a man so full of himself that he crossed a line. I don't like his style, and I find it awkward that I'm defending him in this forum. I guess I admire the work he's done with his charity. Maybe that's his wife's influence. But in a world where the mark of success is showing off your palace on MTV Cribs, or throwing a 4 million dollar sweet sixteen party for your spoiled little princess, it strikes me that Don had plenty of other directions to send his time and money than trying to help kids with cancer and sickle cell have some joy in their lives.
As always, it's a hell of a lot easier for most people to make a snap judgement and condemn someone than take the time to question their first knee-jerk reaction.

Subject: RE: BS: Don Imus replacment
From: dianavan
Date: 12 Apr 07 - 01:46 AM

Don Imus is a coward who hides behind his radio microphone.

I'd like to see him call those fine athletic women, nappy-headed hos to their faces. Actually, they're probably ladies who wouldn't hurt him but I can think of alot people who would. Me included.

Subject: RE: BS: Don Imus replacment
From: dick greenhaus
Date: 12 Apr 07 - 12:55 AM

Seems to me that MSNBC realized that Imus wouldn't attract either advertisers or desirable viewers, and dropped the show accoedingly.
Quite sensible. If the AM radio station feels the pinch of boycotts of their advertisers' products, they'll likely do the same thing.
    with regards to free speech.trying to get the government involved is walking a very slippery slope

Subject: RE: BS: Don Imus replacment
From: mg
Date: 11 Apr 07 - 10:40 PM

Or the boot could come from the brother, who traditionally played a role, sometimes unappreciated by the sister, in protecting her reputation. We have to find our ways back to some of this or we are just going to sink further into the cesspool we are in, and especially the young people are in. And there are national security implications to this..people say, why do they hate us...well, they say so again and again. We are degenerate. We are foul-mouthed. Do they want their girls called "hos" etc? I don't think so. This stuff has a way of spreading. I wonder what the sexual harassment laws have to say about it. Again, I get back to the public bus situations. Ride them if you don't usually. I think hearing that amounts to sexual harassment of every girl and every woman, and hurts the men as well, both those who speak that way (and I am not saying women don't) and those who would never in a million years speak that way but are forced to listen to it. On a public bus, young children are exposed to that sort of language, and worse, every day. How can parents protect them? How does that affect immigrants from very traditional cultures? You are trapped on a bus. There is a strong element of intimidation to bystanders and not just their immediate audience. There have to be laws of how low we are allowed to go. I hope this really gets people to thinking and that there are serious consequences for more than Imus. mg