Thursday, April 12, 2007

I'm Glad Imus Got His-Sort Of

Today, the final nail has been shut on the Don Imus broadcast coffin as CBS Radio fired him, effective immediately.
To be honest, I am very surprised this happened. My feelings are mixed. As noted, he is a friend of the left, so in that respect, I am glad one of their own was finally nailed. But, because Mr. Imus has said so much worse and never called on the carpet, this should have been another par for the course.
Does anyone remember when he emceed the White House Broadcasters Dinner towards the end of Bill Clinton's presidency? He made some very inappropriate comments about the president and impeachment and the "sex" scandal. Even though I did find them funny, it was the wrong place at the wrong time. What happened? Nothing. Mr. Imus went on his merry way.
In any given Imus In The Morning show, he would mock anyone, including Bill Clinton, Mike Tyson, General George S. Patton, and an endless list.
But now, suddenly, he went to far. He insulted the Rutgers University women's basketball team.
One thing should be noted. Not all those on the team were Black. But, that is not what is important. What is important is that Mr. Imus should have NEVER said what he said. PERIOD!
But I do not think that he should have been fired. This is pointless because he can now go on satellite radio and call these women much worse than, well you know.
A longer suspension would have been right.
One thing on the women basketball players. I think anyone who says that this scars them for life are in for a rude awakening. Life is sometimes very hard and worse, unfair. If any of these women sign on to the WNBA, they will be treated worse on an ongoing basis by fans and sports writers and broadcasters.
Where Mr. Imus went wrong was bowing to kiss the feet of the "Reverend" Al Sharpton. That I believe was the beginning of the end.
Now, maybe we can really use this as a learning experience and talk seriously about racism, sexism, misogyny and things are pervasive in our society. I guess we should thank Don Imus for that.

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