BS: Don Imus replacment

Subject: BS: Don Imus replacment
From: Donuel
Date: 09 Apr 07 - 06:37 PM

Since his comment regarding a women's college basketball team as "Tattooed knappy hos" country western political shock jock Don Imus will soon be fired. His show was famous for mesoginistic and racist and bawdy comments.

I am sure their are plenty of good candidates right here to take his job albeit with a different format of humor.

So far the applicants are few such as; ex Senator Allen, John Savage and Mark Richards, but I am sure who ever takes Don's chair will be welcomed by his usual gang of guests.

Subject: RE: BS: Don Imus replacment
From: Donuel
Date: 09 Apr 07 - 06:44 PM

I nominate Sorcha and Ebbie with Dave as the color man.

Subject: RE: BS: Don Imus replacment
From: GUEST,meself
Date: 09 Apr 07 - 06:44 PM

"Tattooed knappy hos"

And here's me not even knowing what the heck that's supposed to mean.

Subject: RE: BS: Don Imus replacment
From: Rapparee
Date: 09 Apr 07 - 06:47 PM

Tattooed = having tattooes on the body
knappy (should be nappy) = referring the the condition of the hair of some Africans and African-Americans
hos = street slang for whores

Subject: RE: BS: Don Imus replacment
From: Donuel
Date: 09 Apr 07 - 06:48 PM

dianavan and Peace can be the standing in house guests while Teribus and beardedbruce can be the conservative back board for outrageous commentary.

Subject: RE: BS: Don Imus replacment
From: Donuel
Date: 09 Apr 07 - 06:49 PM

Um, on second thought, Rapaire might in fact make the best color man.

Subject: RE: BS: Don Imus replacment
From: Charley Noble
Date: 09 Apr 07 - 06:50 PM

Won't be missed.

Charley Noble

Subject: RE: BS: Don Imus replacment
From: GUEST,meself
Date: 09 Apr 07 - 06:51 PM

Ah! I DID suspect the "tattooed" part had some relation to "tattoos" ...

Subject: RE: BS: Don Imus replacment
From: Bill D
Date: 09 Apr 07 - 06:51 PM

...and he threw in 'jigaboos' for good measure, claiming Spike Lee had used in it a film. Spike Lee says "I used those terms for a specific purpose...Imus doesn't know what he's talking about".

Imus is a quirky, eccentric character, and he 'seems' to think everyone will just excuse stupidity as, "oh, that's just Imus." And Imus wonders why he is reduced to groveling before Al Sharpton! *grin*

Subject: RE: BS: Don Imus replacment
From: pdq
Date: 09 Apr 07 - 06:54 PM

Heck, I'm not sure what "mesoginistic" means...

"middle of a bottle of gin", maybe?

Subject: RE: BS: Don Imus replacment
From: Donuel
Date: 09 Apr 07 - 06:55 PM

Imus degrades and insults women for sport.

Subject: RE: BS: Don Imus replacment
From: Donuel
Date: 09 Apr 07 - 07:01 PM

It looks like he will only be suspended for 2 weeks.
Oh well. catters would have made a nuch better show hyping folk music instead of CW.

Subject: RE: BS: Don Imus replacment
From: kendall
Date: 09 Apr 07 - 07:31 PM

I can't stand him anyway. He sits there under that oversized hat mumbling. I've never heard him say anything worth remembering.

Subject: RE: BS: Don Imus replacment
From: Donuel
Date: 09 Apr 07 - 07:42 PM

He has been a creep and a tyrant to his staff while on the other hand has funded several philanthropic programs that help kids with cancer and wounded vets.
Maybe its only a tax dodge but that might be unfair.




not all Dons are bigots

Don Imus
Don Rickels
Don Juan
Don Firth
Don Hackman

Subject: RE: BS: Don Imus replacment
From: SINSULL
Date: 09 Apr 07 - 08:17 PM

I have liked Don Imus since the 60s when he was so drugged and drunk that he was constantly being penalized, fired and re-hired because he brought in the ratings. Fond memories of detouring away from the 59th Street Bridge because Imus announced a serious problem - turned out to be Moby Worm, one of his characters. I was pissed! And late for work.
Billy Sol Hargis - "Put your hands on the radio and you shall be saved!" Along with Bar-B-Que communion wafers for the black congregation.
He is opinionated and egotistical but it is fun to see him ask questions of top politicians like "How many Congressman have to vote in favor for a bill to be passed?" They never know and they get very angry. But they keep coming back.
At his worst he doesn't come close to Howard Stern's filthy look at the world.
His suspension will cost them ratings and listeners. Tempest in a tea pot.
SINS

Subject: RE: BS: Don Imus replacment
From: GUEST,JD
Date: 09 Apr 07 - 08:31 PM

Black rappers say the same sort of offensive thing every day and the media looks the other way. Hmmm.

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

Here's a post from this dailykos diary Breaking: Imus just got suspended by edie Mon Apr 09, 2007http://www.dailykos.com/story/2007/4/9/185117/7812 that lists examples of Imus' history of racial comments:

"Imus - The Man You Defend!

Like calling tennis star Serena Williams an "animal."

Or calling national journalist Gwen Ifill "the cleaning lady."

Or calling national journalist William Rhoden a "quota hire."

Or likening the appearance of certain black NBA players to "apes."

Or referring to residents of Harlem as "moolignans" (an Italian anti-black slur).

Or referring to the black wife of former Secretary of Defense William Cohen as a "big-haired ho."

Or suggesting that Hillary Clinton will try to connect with black audiences by flashing the hand signs of the Crips street gang.

Not mention that he was basically forced to admit in a 1998 "60 Minutes" interview that he had hired a producer specifically to do "Nigger jokes."
by leonard145b on Mon Apr 09, 2007

-snip-

Also see this post from the same dailykos diary:

"he's already had many second chances

but just to mention one, Clarence Page actually confronted him on his program and made him take an oath to refrain from the racism on his program back in 2001.

CLARENCE PAGE: Are you raising your hand, right?

DON IMUS: I have it up.

CLARENCE PAGE: Okay. Okay, number one -- I, Don Imus--

DON IMUS: I, Don Imus--

CLARENCE PAGE: -- do solemnly swear--

DON IMUS: Do solemnly swear--

CLARENCE PAGE: -- that I will promise to cease all simian references black athletes--

DON IMUS: That I will promise to cease all simian references to back--black athletes--

CLARENCE PAGE: -- a ban on all references to non-criminal blacks as thugs, pimps, muggers and Colt 45 drinkers--

DON IMUS: I promise to do that.

http://www.onthemedia.org/...

That's just ONE second chance that he blew. Go to Media Matters for many many more second chances he's been given."
...

by dougymi on Mon Apr 09, 2007

-snip-


Should Imus be fired because of his most recent racist statement?

YES.

Should Imus have been fired before because of past racist & sexist statements that he has made?

YES.

Subject: RE: BS: Don Imus replacment
From: Bee-dubya-ell
Date: 09 Apr 07 - 09:20 PM

Another reason to tune your radio to your local public radio station and break off the knob.

Subject: RE: BS: Don Imus replacment
From: Mike Miller
Date: 09 Apr 07 - 09:27 PM

Obviously, it is Imus that is objectionable. It can't be that what he said is offensive. Def Comedy Jam is full of those terms. Spike Lee was, accurately, quoted (albeit, Imus had the wrong movie). And, don't tell me that only blacks can use these words without offrending. When a black celebrity is chastised for villifying whites, I will take this foolishness more seriously.
I am not a Don Imus fan. I heard him once and once was enough but he should not be painted as a racist for this incident. If Dave Chapelle can call them ho's,so can Imus.
And, speaking of Spike Lee, where was the rightous indignation when he said the reason his films were not recieving Oscars was that the industry was run by Jews. Sauce for the goose.....

Subject: RE: BS: Don Imus replacment
From: WFDU - Ron Olesko
Date: 09 Apr 07 - 11:17 PM

Didn't Rev. Jesse Jackson, who is now picketing NBC because of this, once call New York City "hymietown"? I seem to remember that he was forgiven for remarks that he thought were being made in private. I wonder, what is worse - saying something in private or opening your mouth in front of a microphone that you know is going out over the air? What words truly hurt more?

I also remember Rev. Al Sharpton making remarks after the Crown Heights riot about the "white interloper"

Imus, unlike the others was making an attempt at humor. I don't find him funny at all.   Jokes about race or religion are not funny. Yet, I do feel that freedom of speech is an important right to fight for.   Banning Imus from the airwaves would only be another chipping away of our freedom. No one needs to listen to a bigot, and advertisers do not have to put their money behind such garbage.

The only way we will truly have change is to help create change. If two men of the cloth will not give another human being an opportunity at redemption, an opportunity that was afforded to each of them, then our problems are greater than a stupid remark made by Don Imus.

The "sin" is not the issue. The issue should be what is done in the future to repair the damage. That is how you judge a persons character.

Subject: RE: BS: Don Imus replacment
From: Donuel
Date: 09 Apr 07 - 11:28 PM

Jesse Jackson's outrage over Imus reminded me of the time Jesse called NYC 'Hiemytown'. Does Spike Lee always do the right thing? NO way.

Sure there is enough bigotry to go around and go back for seconds.
Comedians however deserve a pass. Once a society loses its sense of humor and free speech it will replace laughter with bloody beatings.

Does Rush Limbaugh deserve a pass? NO, he is not a comedian.
Does Imus deserve a pass? Ehhhhh I don't know. He is not the comedian on his show yet he has 3 others to do the actual comedy while he usually plays the straight man... but I am interested in who is going to pile on and pledge never to appear on his show again.

Subject: RE: BS: Don Imus replacment
From: Lonesome EJ
Date: 10 Apr 07 - 12:50 AM

I'm no Imus fan, but I liked what he said in explanation of his nasty comment. I thought he acted like a man about it, I believe he was sincere when he apologized, and I think he and his wife do good work with terminally ill kids. He deserves another chance in my book.

Subject: RE: BS: Don Imus replacment
From: Big Mick
Date: 10 Apr 07 - 01:11 AM

And white folks wonder why black folks think there is still racism. This apologetic crap makes me sick.

Using the fact that Spike Lee used the language in his movie is idiotic. Context is what is missing. Imus was, by his own admission, being a smart ass. He insulted and hurt the young women who achieved so much. When one uses this as an excuse, they show a complete lack of comprehension of racism. Every time I turn around, white people want to act like racism is a thing of the past. How many of these episodes (Richards, Imus) is it going to take for people to understand that the racism is hiding just below the surface?

Jackson's comments about hymietown was also unforgiveable. Racism and bigotry are here. Imus should go.

Mick

Subject: RE: BS: Don Imus replacment
From: dwditty
Date: 10 Apr 07 - 01:48 AM

How is it that Jimmy the Greek loses his job when he screws up and flashes his racism? And that other announcer who got fired for his remarks about women golfers. Imus gets 2 weeks off. Suspension, my ass. He should be fired, too. Imus represents too much of what is wrong in the world, despite his tax shelter kids ranch doing some good. Well, folks, you see, Imus brings in way to much money to be fired. Once again, corporate America shows its true colors.

dw

Subject: RE: BS: Don Imus replacment
From: kendall
Date: 10 Apr 07 - 07:24 AM

Calling a Jew a Jew is not racism. Calling a white person white is not racism. Calling a group of black women "nappy headed Hos" IS racism.

Furthermore, this is not the first time he has pulled this crap. He's about as funny as Mother's Day in an orphanage. He should go for good.

Subject: RE: BS: Don Imus replacment
From: GUEST,meself
Date: 10 Apr 07 - 08:45 AM

"And white folks wonder why black folks think there is still racism. This apologetic crap makes me sick."

I'm with you there, Mick. It's a bit distressing that on a forum like this, there would be so many people that "just don't get it". I see this from time to time on here - and that's what I just don't get ...

Subject: RE: BS: Don Imus replacment
From: Rapparee
Date: 10 Apr 07 - 09:06 AM

Just because rappers call women "hos", call each other "nigra", and glorify violence doesn't make it right -- but it seems to sell. I'm with Mick.

Subject: RE: BS: Don Imus replacment
From: WFDU - Ron Olesko
Date: 10 Apr 07 - 09:26 AM

I don't think anyone is saying it "right". His comments were appalling. I stopped listening to him long ago because jokes about racism are not funny and they do not make things go away.

I would not listen to him, if I were an advertiser I would not put any of my commercials on his show.   I think everyone has a right to protest his remarks.

However, I stop short of saying that he should be pulled off the air. My feelings about Imus are the same as Pat Robertson - neither have a place in my life and I would not give either support. The way to get rid of Don Imus is to make him obsolete.   Calling for him to be pulled off the air is a ridiculous and hypocritcal. I'm sorry Kendall, but calling someone a "hymie" is not the same as calling them a "jew", and there can be just as much racism behind calling someone a "white interloper". Yet they were both given second chances, and third and fourth chances as well. Their actions more than make up for some inconsiderate and inappropriate words. Those individuals are dealing with their own issues, and I do admire them for that.   I would hope Imus could do the same.

No one should be foolish enough to think that racism doesn't exist.   No one should be foolish enough to think that if we put a bandaid over someones mouth that it will go away.

Subject: RE: BS: Don Imus replacment
From: Mike Miller
Date: 10 Apr 07 - 09:54 AM

Racism is a term of power and power is a product of perception. There are groups that are pelted with impunity because they are seen as unthreatened (men, Americans, Wasps, the wealthy, politicians, lawyers, nuns) or too remote to matter (France, Italy, Germany).
Obviously, black audiences are not threatened by Chris Rock's language because they do not see intent to dehumanize. Oprah told Chris that she was uncomfortable with his frequent use of the word "nigger" and he explained that there was a distinct difference between a nigger and a black person and it was the niggers that made it so bad for everyone else. Intent is everything. Michael Richards spoke in in anger. So did Mel Gibson. Speaking of Mels, how come there was no furor when Mel Brooks released "Blazing Saddles"? That was a movie script that still holds the record for NPH (Niggers Per Hour).
I understand the paranoia because I have been known to get my hackles up when a non-Jew tells a joke about Jews. I feel threatened because, within my lifetime, Jews have been slaughtered and villified. I wish I could get over this fear because personal power belongs to those who believe in themselves and fear is the enemy of progress.
I would like to thank Kendall for instructing me, and my fellow Jews, as to the limits of racism. If he believes that there is not rampant anti-Semitism in the African-American community, then it must be so.

Subject: RE: BS: Don Imus replacment
From: Greg F.
Date: 10 Apr 07 - 09:55 AM

...why black folks think there is still racism...

Black folks THINK there is still racism??? Like they're confused or deluded about its existence & persistence in the US?

Talk about sick-making comments...

Subject: RE: BS: Don Imus replacment
From: GUEST,meself
Date: 10 Apr 07 - 10:03 AM

"how come there was no furor when Mel Brooks released "Blazing Saddles"?"

That movie was clearly and effectively using comedy to attack racism. It turns racial stereotypes and racist attitudes inside out and backwards, and shows how foolish and ungrounded they are. I think everyone could see that and, however reluctantly, respect it.

Subject: RE: BS: Don Imus replacment
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 10 Apr 07 - 10:04 AM

mesoginistic = misogynistic = a pathological hatred of or discrimination against women. The hatred and discrimination against men is called misandry.

Misogynists may hate all women, or may just hate powerful women. Many workplace bullies who find it impossible to take orders from a higher ranking woman are misogynists and take it out on women of equal or lower rank.

In the film 'Mrs Doubtfire', the main character makes a comment about meeting the 'misogynistic bastard' who invented high heels.

LTS

Subject: RE: BS: Don Imus replacment
From: Greg F.
Date: 10 Apr 07 - 10:16 AM

Actually, I have to feel sorry for Don Imus.

His remarks are no worse than the vomit spewed daily by the rest of the "shock jock" gobshites: Stern, O'Reilly, Limbaugh, Leykis, Schlessinger, Coulter, Hedinger, Schlafly & on & on & on & on & on & on & on & on & on & on & on & on........

They all going to get the axe? I think not. Audiences love 'em.

And THERE'S the REAL obscenity.

Subject: RE: BS: Don Imus replacment
From: Greg F.
Date: 10 Apr 07 - 10:20 AM

I would like to thank Kendall for instructing me, and my fellow Jews, as to the limits of racism. If he believes that there is not rampant anti-Semitism in the African-American community

No more so, I imagine, than the "rampant" anti-African American sentiment in the Jewish Community.
Pots & kettles........

Subject: RE: BS: Don Imus replacment
From: catspaw49
Date: 10 Apr 07 - 10:23 AM

While you can't change Don Imus you CAN at least limit the exposure given to him and others who say it is humor when in point of fact, it's hate. I am also bothered that there seems to still be an attitude that there is less racism in the "north" than in the "south."

Back during the Missing and Murdered Children investigation in Atlanta a couple of drive-time DJ's said that the murderer had been found......it was "a 'gator hiding in a watermelon." Within about 45 seconds they went unexpectedly to a commercial break which ran for several minutes past what was normal. When the live broadcast came back, both of them were missing and were never heard from again around Atlanta.

Imus gets a 2 week suspension? The veiled and "cute" hate language of a Don Imus is far more a detriment to race relations than the more open and obvious. They should have fired this asshole on the spot.

Spaw

Subject: RE: BS: Don Imus replacment
From: dwditty
Date: 10 Apr 07 - 11:13 AM

I second your emotion, Spaw. I tuned into Imus this morning to see who had replaced him. Not only was he there, but people were calling in supporting him with backslaps and chuckles. Bill Maher (sp? - the guy with that show where he would get a few celebrities together to talk about "issues") called in to offer his support, saying, bad as Imus' joke was,people should just get over it. He just landed in the asshole pile with Imus.

Two weeks suspension - what a joke.

dw

Subject: RE: BS: Don Imus replacment
From: GUEST,tolerance
Date: 10 Apr 07 - 11:29 AM

"Comedians however deserve a pass. Once a society loses its sense of humor and free speech it will replace laughter with bloody beatings."

The problem is everyone thinks they are a comedian.

Subject: RE: BS: Don Imus replacment
From: Riginslinger
Date: 10 Apr 07 - 12:15 PM

It's time for people to suck-it-up and deal with reality. Black leaders love an incident like this so they can draw an audience and strut their stuff. I doubt if the everyday black citizens even thinks twice about it.

                People are just too thin-skinned sometimes.

                Imus apologized--it looked like he meant it to me. The rest of us need to just get on with more important things.

Subject: RE: BS: Don Imus replacment
From: mg
Date: 10 Apr 07 - 12:30 PM

I don't know why comments like this are allowed on public airways at all. It is not just demeaning language, but it has a very threatening component as well. I hope FCC comes in and puts in some or enforces some rules. There are some "rights" of free speech I am quite willing to trample. mg

Subject: RE: BS: Don Imus replacment
From: GUEST,meself
Date: 10 Apr 07 - 12:34 PM

Yeah - I can't stand it when they go around looking all mopey and sorry for themselves, or getting all uppity and complaining. What's the matter with them? Must be that preacher that's been comin' 'round, puttin' all kinds of notions into their heads - you see? That's what happens when these go-gooders start lettin' them learn how to read. They were perfectly happy before, and that's how I like them.

Subject: RE: BS: Don Imus replacment
From: WFDU - Ron Olesko
Date: 10 Apr 07 - 01:09 PM

"I don't know why comments like this are allowed on public airways at all. It is not just demeaning language, but it has a very threatening component as well. I hope FCC comes in and puts in some or enforces some rules. There are some "rights" of free speech I am quite willing to trample."

That is just plain wrong. The reason we have free speech in this country is to stop persecution and allow the sharing of ideas. The downside is that we sometimes hear things that make us very uncomfortable and angry. No one is telling ANYONE that they should listen or support Imus.

First it was a bare boob on television which opened the door to allow the FCC to determine what is indecent. Now, because one radio host acted like a jerk, you want the FCC to alter rules to stop his speech - because you feel angry.    Where does it stop? This will soon turn into Nazi Germany where we will be told what to listen to and watch.   You don't fight racism by chipping away at our right to free speech.   

If the employers of Don Imus decide to take him off their air (they do own the license, not Imus), then so be it. If you look for the government to step in and do it - you are asking for the end of this country as we know it.

Subject: RE: BS: Don Imus replacment
From: dwditty
Date: 10 Apr 07 - 01:23 PM

If Imus had any moral character (or balls, for that matter), he would simply recognize just how wrong he is and resign.

dw

Subject: RE: BS: Don Imus replacment
From: Bill D
Date: 10 Apr 07 - 01:27 PM

Imus was 'slapped on the wrist' much as famous athletes are when they do something stupid. He is 'interesting' to a lot of people, and he makes money for the network, so they cut him a lot of slack.

Maybe there is room for him on satellite radio with Howard Stern.

Subject: RE: BS: Don Imus replacment
From: Lonesome EJ
Date: 10 Apr 07 - 01:54 PM

Let's speak plainly. The phrase "nappy headed ho's" is no worse, and probably more tasteful, than the lyrics to half the rap songs you'll overhear. I would go so far as to say that the phrase was an allusion to rap lyrics. Does this justify his comment? In no way. Does the fact that BET, the cable showcase for black culture, runs rap music everyday that displays young black men using such remarks justify Imus' words? No. Does the fact that Imus is white and 50 Cent is black make a phrase that could easily be used by either of them, equally contemptible? Apparently not.

I will say this. If I hear you and your brother referring to your sister as a red-headed bitch over and over again, and neither you nor she seem to take it as an insult, there is only one thing that prohibits me using the same term : I'm not a member of your family. Common sense tells me it's not appropriate. So is Imus' remark a manifestation of racism, or a failure of his common sense? I suggest it is the latter.

Racist and sexist language is endemic in our culture, among both blacks and whites. Until we address that problem, our solution will be punishing certain individual high-profile violators for crossing a line, while overlooking the roar of racist messages that blare from numberless sources.

Subject: RE: BS: Don Imus replacment
From: Bee
Date: 10 Apr 07 - 02:03 PM

Never heard or seen him before today. Just saw the captain of the team making a statement that Imus and the team have agreed to a private meeting to talk it out.

Nice to know that freedom of speech includes 'men' like Imus calling young college women nasty names on air.

Subject: RE: BS: Don Imus replacment
From: Greg B
Date: 10 Apr 07 - 02:12 PM

Interesting how folks who defend to the death their right of
freedom of expression in one situation all pile on to the
'Fire him! Shut him down!' wagon when it's someone with whom
they disagree or by whom they are offended by (or more correctly
'have decided that they should be offended').

It's one thing to say (rightly or wrongly) 'that's offensive.'

It's quite another to say 'deprive him (or her) of his living
or use of the public forum since I don't like what he says.'

It's amazing how many folks who would hate to have that standard
applied to them, or to those they agree with, are quick to apply
it to those whose ideas they find inconvenient.

This thread is, in general, an illustration of just how few
freedom of expression adherants are really left.

Subject: RE: BS: Don Imus replacment
From: GUEST,mg
Date: 10 Apr 07 - 02:15 PM

It's not only college women. I bet that unless steps have been taken in most middle schools in America that a whole bunch of 13 year olds are hit with that phrase. It will be new to many of them. I think most college women at Rutgers can probably handle themselves when they hear a phrase like that, at least I hope so...and should cut off communication with any man or woman who utters it..but a 12 year old? Think it isn't happening? mg

Subject: RE: BS: Don Imus replacment
From: GUEST,mg
Date: 10 Apr 07 - 02:18 PM

I personally do not say fire him. Certainly hold his feet to the fire and likewise anyone else who uses phrases such as that on public airwaves...go back to censoring...we handled it before and were none the worse for it. Have laws that say certain things can not be said, especially when children can hear it..and that goes for what is said on public transportation..where people are victims of all sorts of foul and racist and hateful language. Throw them off the bus, in the middle of a snowstorm. mg

Subject: RE: BS: Don Imus replacment
From: WFDU - Ron Olesko
Date: 10 Apr 07 - 02:50 PM

"we handled it before and were none the worse for it."

That is highly debatable. It could be the reason why we are in such a current mess.

I don't buy the arguement about what children hear. The parent has the responsibility for determining what their child listens to. Airwaves can be blocked at a parents discretion so that they do not hear something you do not want them exposed to.

Subject: RE: BS: Don Imus replacment
From: Mike Miller
Date: 10 Apr 07 - 06:27 PM

Well, let's see if Greg F is correct about the rampant racism in the Jewish community. Synagogues and the ADL have been active in the civil rights movement since before it was chic to be. I can't count the many Jews who were involved in the voting registration efforts in the South, some of whom, like Andy Goodman, gave their lives for black rights. I don'r recall many black protesters when Jews were attacked, when Jews were discriminated against, when Jews were slaughtered. That's OK, though. I don't remember many white Christians stepping up to bat, either. There is no Jewish equivilant to Louis Farakhan. No respectable Jewish "leader" could get away with the comments of a Jesse Jackson or a Spike Lee. He would be villified by the Jewish community. Jackie Mason has been criticised for stereotyping, in his act, but Chris Rock has not (nor, should he be). There is a world outside of this forum and, in that world, there is real danger and real evil. If we are to survive, we must learn to get our priorities straight. Words can be hurtful but, so long as they are not slanderous, they can not harm us. Freedom of speech means having to hear a lot of things that may be offensive. It is one of the costs we incur for living in a free society. So, I have to listen to the drunken ravings of Mel Gibson and you get to tolerate someone you find disgusting. Like the teatotaler, being served a coctail in his hotel room, you have to take the bitters with the suite.

                     Mike