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And Now He's Completely Unemployed

Posted: Thursday, April 12, 2007 4:49 PM by Countdown

NEW YORK (AP) -- CBS has fired Don Imus from his radio show.

-- statement from CBS --

CBS TO CEASE BROADCASTING IMUS IN THE MORNING

CBS today announced its decision to cease broadcasting the Imus in the Morning radio program, effective immediately, on a permanent basis.

"From the outset, I believe all of us have been deeply upset and revulsed by the statements that were made on our air about the young women who represented Rutgers University in the NCAA Women's Basketball Championship with such class, energy and talent," said CBS President and Chief Executive Officer Leslie Moonves, in announcing the decision. "Those who have spoken with us the last few days represent people of goodwill from all segments of our society - all races, economic groups, men and women alike. In our meetings with concerned groups, there has been much discussion of the effect language like this has on our young people, particularly young women of color trying to make their way in this society. That consideration has weighed most heavily on our minds as we made our decision, as have the many emails, phone calls and personal discussions we have had with our colleagues across the CBS Corporation and our many other constituencies."

Imus in the Morning was carried on 61 stations across the United States and distributed over the Westwood One radio network. The cancellation of the program comes after statements Mr. Imus made about the young women who comprised the Rutgers University Women's Basketball team, which reached the finals of the NCAA Women's Basketball Championship this spring.

Moonves concluded: "I want to thank all those who came to see us to express their views. We are now presented with a significant opportunity to expand on our record on issues of diversity, race and gender. We intend to seize that opportunity as we move forward together."


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Comments

I hope this means we will get a reprieve from Al Sharpton. Maybe he is the reason remote controls come with every new T.V. Just think you can change channels, pull up the menu or press the mute button. Oh the marvels of technology!

Carole West Valley City (Sent Thursday, April 12, 2007 5:18 PM)

WFAN has replaced Imus with a plagiariser who called an interracial couple "mandingo madness"...morons. Sharpton is cheering this move but he has yet to apologize to the Duke lacrosse players who he called "guilty" from the start when we all now know a rape never took place. Let's not even get into Jesse Jackson's public anti-semitic comments about New York City. Where's the apology there? I don't defend Imus in any way shape or form I just feel that the most public detractors of Imus are the least qualified to be criticizing him. CBS & WFAN are gutless as well. They said they fired him because of what he said but that is clearly bs. If they were that offended by Imus' comments they would've fired him last week. They saw the pressure mounting & made a decision based not on morals but on the almighty dollar.

Vinny, Queens NY (Sent Thursday, April 12, 2007 5:20 PM)

Come next week this story will be gone and racism will reign king on this issue. Everyone will forget and this so called story that was suppose to end racism in fact may make it worse. Sad how this whole issue has been handled by ALL parties.

Brett, Columbia, MO (Sent Thursday, April 12, 2007 5:21 PM)

While I deplore what Imus said, I believe that he has taken a fall while there are other, more deserving people out there. Where is the outcry among MSM and the public over the blatantly sexist and demeaning lyrics in rap? Or the ugly political bigotry of people like Rush? Whether or not you like it, in this PC safe world we are seeing an erosion of our first Amendment rights. The more people are forced to submit to the proper speak police, the more danger we are all in. Now, please don't get me wrong, those young women did not deserve to be talked about in that manner. They have shown tremndous grace and poise, much more than Imus. As far as his falling back on "it was supposed to be a joke" that is perhaps the lamest thing of all. He, of all the "shock jocks", actually has done good work..the fund raisers for instance. Also, when is the last time you heard Howard Stern or Opie and Anthony have an in depth talk to any politician except for Mary Carey? Imus will go onto satellite radio, but the fear that will remain from all of this public outrage will linger and may have unwanted repercussions. We may not all be as free to talk as we thought.

Bob F., Greenwich, CT (Sent Thursday, April 12, 2007 5:23 PM)

This is pretty dang significant (next stop: Rush Country!), but I do hope it won't overshadow the FIVE MILLION emails missing from the White House servers, according to C.R.E.W., or the admission today from the RNC that, oh, *someone* continued to delete Unka Karl's emails sent over their servers -after- the RNC enstated a no-delete policy.

Robin Michael, Seattle, WA (Sent Thursday, April 12, 2007 5:26 PM)

How can you fire Imus when Howard Stern the ultimate pig is still on the air? Cowards and idiots, you lose....he will work again, never with you and someone else can profit from it. "Sponsors"....you too!

Connie, Dallas,TX (Sent Thursday, April 12, 2007 5:26 PM)

It is very sad to know that we live in an America with no Don Imus on the radio/tv that we DON'T have to listen to AND live in an America where there are Joe Blows on the radio/t.v. that we HAVE to listen to...simply because they have passed the Rev.(???) Al Sharpton test!! I am just wondering who will be left to stick up for an old white woman when I am the minority? God Bless Don Imus and the Crew. I Love YOU! Any chance of being on Sirrus so I can pay to listen to you?

V. Talbot, Minnesota (Sent Thursday, April 12, 2007 5:36 PM)

I don't get it. Where do you draw the line? I have heard worst things from the mouths of comics and celebrities. If this man is going to be punished, then all should refrain from making public comments about anybody.

Sylvia Corpus Christi, Texas (Sent Thursday, April 12, 2007 5:39 PM)

how about they fire everyone on hot 97- I've heard much worse from them- but Sharpton and Jackson would never push for that- and for such CHRISTIAN leaders- in my church we are all sinners, we are all forgiven, and it is not for us to judge. as far as I am concerned, I never cared for Imus but they have crucified him- they should all be ashamed of themselves- for everyone who jumped on this bandwagon against Imus is just like an ignorant terrorist.

Rose, West Babylon, NY (Sent Thursday, April 12, 2007 5:42 PM)

This whole thing smells like McCarthyism to me. I, for one, will let my upper middle class wallet speak for me, and stop watching MSNBC, and boycott CBS radio.

Don Landry, Green Valley, AZ (Sent Thursday, April 12, 2007 5:44 PM)

Imus was not a self made man, the company that provided the conduit between him and his listeners was doing so for the money,there will now be someone else who fills the void and becomes the new product. Good by Imus

Gerald Von Riesen Parker CO (Sent Thursday, April 12, 2007 5:53 PM)

It is so hypocritical on the part of so many people who now sit in judgment on Imus. While I agree that his comments were out of line and he should be reprimanded, suspended for a period of time, perhaps come back with a better format to atone for his misconduct, but firing him is really over the top! As a white professional woman, I will sorely miss the morning program with the likes of Tim Russert, David Gregory and others discussing politics in laid-back atmosphere. Somehow all of these types seemed more real, more human when interviewed by Imus. I think what really attracted me to the old curmudgeon was the fact that he and Dierdre took on all of these noble causes. He was really doing something. He was making a difference in people's lives and too bad -- now he won't go to Baghdad either. I have a very bad taste in my mouth from MSNBC for caving in to the likes of the Rev. Al Sharpton and Jesse Jackson (great role models!!!) and it will take quite some time for me to get over it. Will have to get my fix from somewhere else for a while.

Sandra Wolston (Sent Thursday, April 12, 2007 5:54 PM)

Unfortunately, we have double standards in this country, Im a native american, and I have asked this question of many people, we have teams like the Washington Redskins, Redskin is a term labled by the European settlers of this land, and to my knowledge both caucasian and african americans play under this named team, dont we also have a responsibility to the Indian people of this land? When you speak of racial equality, it tends to focus mainly on caucasians and african americans,In my opinion anyone who supports ,plays for or buys this teams merchandise is supporting racism,so why hasnt anyone like Al Sharpton or Jesse Jackson taken a stand on this? I think if Martin Luther King Jr. were alive he would not stand for this, is Don Imus guilty of racism? Yes,He may not be a racist but his remarks were, but the point Im trying to make is in this country we do not take a stand on issues, unless it affects us personally, did you notice I didnt use the term whiteskin or blackskin, on this issue both races are equally guilty.Im proud of my heritage and Im proud to be a Native American, its time to wake up America, you owe us more than this, and we truly deserve better!

AMY (Sent Thursday, April 12, 2007 5:57 PM)

Don Imus is not a victem , this has been 20 year's in the makeing . Funny thou how consrvitive talk radio is now comeing to his defence , geuss all bigot's stick together [ rush , glenn beck ] . The thing that offended me the most was not even said by Imus but his producer and that was jiggaboo's ! How come not Sharpton nor Jackson made mention of that ?

Brian Hasten , Florida (Sent Thursday, April 12, 2007 6:01 PM)

I am sick about Imus being fired. I am a 31 yr/old woman and actually a Rutgers alum and I think that it is appalling that the Iman was fired. What the +*&+ is wrong with this world. Am I the only sane one left? I watched the show in question on the precious msnbc (which I will never watch again). I thought it was funny. Am I a racist? Hmm...Perhaps. I am of mixed race and all. Wake up people. Isn't there still a constitution among us or did the W (prez) wipe it out. Imus is one of the best 'celebrities' we have. He gives money to everyone and spends his time on a ranch with kids with cancer. I think I might try to get a job there (New Mexico is certainly beautiful). Imus, you rule. I love people, but I also love free speech and making fun of everyone. Why do people get so offended by language sometimes, but not other times. I am only Native American so it's somehow ok to make fun of us. WTF? Yeah, African Americans were slaves, but so were the Irish and Italians??? I just have had enough of all this. GET OVER YOURSELVES AND LIVE BY THE CONSTITUTION (Unless the W has changed it since I was last in Social Studies class). IMus I love you and totally support you as a woman and a static haired ho. Go figure. Go Imus. Go!

Nicole Miceli, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (Sent Thursday, April 12, 2007 6:12 PM)

I applaud CBS's decision. It's about time we lose our tolerance for this kind of language under the guise of being a "just a joke". I agree with readers who say that there are others also at fault, but you have to start somewhere. This is a step in the right direction.

d.l. Bay Area, California (Sent Thursday, April 12, 2007 6:17 PM)

Now if we can just apply the same rules to Savage, Rush, Coulter, Beck, Billo, etc. etc. Perhaps we could have am Imus award for any of these folk who are worse than Imus on this, sort of like the "Worst Person" awards, but specifically for offensive speech and not just three but every time they do it even if there are 7 weinners a day.

FreeDem , Wholly Rodent Empire (Sent Thursday, April 12, 2007 6:18 PM)

I wonder, how much of CBS's decision was made because sponsors are abandoning ship as if the Imus show was the HMS Titanic?

Will Morris, Malaga, NJ (Sent Thursday, April 12, 2007 6:24 PM)

Don Imus lost his job because he couldn't make MSNBC or CBS any money anymore. It's that simple. And the reason why Bill O'Reilly and Rush Limbaugh DON'T lose their jobs is because the people who patronize them are racists, and the sponsors can still make money off of O'Reilly and Limbaugh because their audience is racist. Get over it.

James, Fredericksburg, Va. (Sent Thursday, April 12, 2007 6:34 PM)

And next they will censor YOU! Now get back to the real news before they take that off the air, too.

K Thompson, Oregon (Sent Thursday, April 12, 2007 6:38 PM)

We are all a bunch of damn hypocrites. Jesse Jackson can say "hymie town," Ray Nagin can say "chocolate city," and so on. I don't condone what Imus said. Those women at Rutgers did not deserve to be called what he called them. I think CBS and MSNBC feared losing advertising dollars.. the one thing that keeps these businesses growing. I'm a former CBS employee and a big fan of MSNBC, but i can't help but think it all came down to the money. No one should be the target of racism, but at the same time, aren't we a bunch of hypocrites for allowing some public figures get away with the same thing?

Susan Attinson, Jacksonville, Florida (Sent Thursday, April 12, 2007 6:40 PM)

Don Imus is a shock jock. If his views offend a person, then don't listen to him. Al Sharpton and Jesse Jackson, with their hypocrisy, offend me. I don't listen to them. The new catch phrase for the "African American" is PV (Professional Victim). The double standard allowed in this country will keep us divided. I hope free speech is not becoming politically incorrect.

Jay K, Waterboro, ME. (Sent Thursday, April 12, 2007 6:40 PM)

Now that Sharpton and Jackson have solved the overwhelming problem of Don Imus' mouth, I hope they can move on to the next things in the scale of importance: 1. How about the senseless slaughter that goes on every day in Iraq as a lasting monument to a war that started with a lie and the decimation of a civilian neighborhood and was carried on through years of mismanagement? 2. Maybe they can take on global warming. 3. Darfur could use a little help at the moment. I'll chip in for a ticket if they'll go and fix that one. 4. Now that they've won their total victory, maybe they can channel some of that outrage over broken promises to the people of New Orleans. Or they can go ask Bush to explain what he meant two years ago when he used a bunch of big words and promised to preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States. Or, maybe they'll go for the extra point now that they have the strong scent of blood - arrange for Imus's vocal cords to be severed so he can never say bad things again. This is the sort of charity we've come to expect from a pair of preachers who have had their own episode of Foot in Mouth disease. Jesse, I still don't forgive you for insulting my family and my city. Al, your statement that you forgive Imus but still want him fired makes no sense.

Terry Ballard, Merrick, New York (Sent Thursday, April 12, 2007 6:49 PM)

The truth is that Imus is not a racist, his actions disprove that, he did not apolgize to save his job. He did it because he offended a group of young ladies both black and white and it was wrong. He attempted to point out the work he has done to benefit children and soldiers, this was rebuffed as posturing have we become so judgemental that good deeds are tossed aside.

dpi, Long Island, NY (Sent Thursday, April 12, 2007 6:53 PM)

Why did Imus get fired? Because you have IDIOTS like rev.? jesse jackson, and this other guy by the name of rev.? al sharpton. What hole did he crawl out from under? Those are two of the most racist people I have ever seen! The only thing they are famous for is sticking their noses in where they don't belong, and because they are black, they cry racist. If I was black, I would be embarrassed by the two of them. And I think Martin Luther King would be, too, because of all the trouble they cause. If the team had all been white and blonde, and Imus called them "bleached, blonde ho's", would there have been all this crap going on? I doubt it. You sure wouldn't see Jackson or Sharton making a stink, now, would you? Bring Imus back. He deserves better.

Robbin Broaddrick, Sidney, Ohio (Sent Thursday, April 12, 2007 6:56 PM)

I applaud the actions taken by MSNBC ass well as CBS. Imus, for too long, got a pass from all the good old boys everywhere. Enough already! Next, please, curb the omnipresent big mouth of Rush Limbaugh, the worst offender of them all.

rita flores (Sent Thursday, April 12, 2007 6:56 PM)

In regards to Imus and his comments. Let's take all the race cards out of it and put it on even ground. Let's ask the mothers or both parents of the young women to get on and talk about how proud they are about them and their accomplishments at this time in their lives. I have a daughter and I feel proud to be her mother and would be so offended knowing how hard she works and someone calling her names because it gets them their 15 minutes. Do I think Imus has his opinion? Of course, but was this his opinion or another ploy by a shock jock to divide people. Do I think that this should have been talked about by the people involved instead of the media and some so-called caring leaders? Absolutely. Let's bring this one home that everyone could understand, and without silencing our opinions, if in fact that's what they are.

Joan Simmons, Harrisburg, PA (Sent Thursday, April 12, 2007 6:57 PM)

Don Imus is an American icon and his atrocious comment takes the whole country too far back to a place in which black men were always "boys" no matter what they aspired to or achieved...takes us too far back to a place in which black women, no matter what they aspired to or achieved were always considered "nappy headed hos..."

Pamela Hairston Hampton, VA (Sent Thursday, April 12, 2007 6:59 PM)

You talk about WTC and George Bush's failures, but when it comes to upholding the ability to make things right you are judge & juror. Don Imus didn't deserve this and just because he spoke unfavorably about you, Al Roker, Joe Scarborough, Matt Lauer and a few others at MSNBC & NBC doesn't give you the right to cut him off. Who will now cut you off. Just wait. Every word you speak like all others this precedent has set.

Evelyn Alcock Longwood Fl (Sent Thursday, April 12, 2007 7:05 PM)

This is not a free speech issue people. It would be if Imus on the the street corner calling "people nappy-headed ho's." But he's an employee of a corporation that buys airtime so they call sell advertising and make money. If he says something stupid and offesnive, his company has every right to fire him. The First Amendment is not a blanket protection from spewing foul-mouthed insults. Keep in mind that Imus has a 40-year history of racially-tinged antics that have gotten him fired from coast-to-coast. In the late 1960s he was fired from a radio station in Stockton for holding an on-air Eldridge Cleaver look-alike contest...he didn't learn his lesson then - perhaps he will now. But I predict he'll get a spot on satellite radio and he'll be a hit with those idiots who think Rush Limbaugh and Ann Coulter are truth-sayers.

Mark Billingsley, Sacramento, Calif. (Sent Thursday, April 12, 2007 7:07 PM)

Once again Sharpton & Jackson have managed to take one persons mistake and hang him with it.They are better than Karl Rove at putting the screws in people for their own purposes.Imus and his gang had the habit of using high school behavior.What was said about the young women was wrong but so was most of what Imus would say and use as 'humor'.Sharpton & Jackson have such a scam going on that no one will touch them because they fear being called a racist,Imagine the uproar if there was a program examining their misdeeds.They both reek of hypocriy.I wish someone would do a newspaper expose of these two flim flam artists, I think that Imus is a broken man.While I believe that he has been very honest with his apologies he still doesnt quite get it-crude high school humor is out.It is a shame that he will not have an opportunity to return to the air and show us if did learn from his mistake.He may have been able to provide a platform for a national conversation on race relations.It would have been interesting to see what would would have ben possible.I was talking with a teacher from Paterson NJ who told me that I should hear how the students talk to each oher & their parents . The Afro-American community needs better leadership than the two baffons, Sharpton & Jackson.

Dennis Marshall Paterson New Jersey (Sent Thursday, April 12, 2007 7:11 PM)

Boy what is going on I was never a Imus fan but I feel he was treaded unfairly ..he is fired ..and Bill o'Reilly is still on after saying that the kid that was held by that Deville stayed becaused he liked it.Do those advertisers go along with that and give that garbage their blessing

linda sweeney,orlando, (Sent Thursday, April 12, 2007 7:22 PM)

You guys have made me sick to my stomach. I can't believe you made Don Imus a scapegoat to appease people rather than to be fair. I won't forgive this nor forget it. You happily put people like Ann Coulter and Jesse Jackson on your programs, filled to the brim with, and spewing hatred, yet someone who works for you makes a disrespectful statement and is fired because of some pressure on the bosses. I want you to re-think this idiocy as well as what it means to be part of the American family. Everyone says idiotic things sometimes. Everyone! Do you have enough people waiting to take their places when you have to fire them because someone was offended and says they won't sponsor the program anymore? Get over yourselves. The media has become largely irrelevant to the public and this is one of the prime reasons. There is no public discourse anymore, just spouting of the same old things, all one-way, manipulated communication. Shouldn't you get back to the Anna Nicole story now?

Paula, Bangor, ME (Sent Thursday, April 12, 2007 7:28 PM)

Well - another step down the road to censorship. Sure the man said the wrong thing - who has'nt. I will be anxious to see if the Rev Al and Jessie and any of the rappers get any heat. Fat chance.

John G, Bloomfield NY (Sent Thursday, April 12, 2007 7:31 PM)

Why has Don Imus been singled out? Is anyone protesting the music artists that use this term in their songs? Let's be fair. If you have been offended by Don Imus, make sure you go after everyone that uses that term.

Judy WIckre Veblen South Dakota (Sent Thursday, April 12, 2007 7:33 PM)

MSNBC and CBS - You have made your decisions at the corporate level without any input from us, the listeners. The only response I can make is my actions toward you. Although it barely registers a ripple in your pond, I will stop watching and listening. This means that a fine lineup of news analysts at MSNBC will not be watched. In a way they are victims of your decision as well. ERO

Eric Ortner, Chico, CA (Sent Thursday, April 12, 2007 7:36 PM)

I agree that what Imus said was wrong. But, I have two issues. Number 1:MSNBC, CBS and the sponsers are a bunch of hypocrites. They knew what they were "paying for, buying". The sponsers will surface when Imus returns. Number2: The Reverand Al Sharpton said he knew what was in Imus's heart when he made the statement about the Rutgers Womens Team. I didn't know that Reverand Al has become "God". Because God is the only one who knows what was in Imus's heart when he made that statement. Having listened to Imus for more than 20 years, I know he will come back.

Tom G.,Middlebury, Connecticut (Sent Thursday, April 12, 2007 7:46 PM)

Imus is held accountable for his racist comments as well he should be, and he loses his soapbox...but he is not alone...many others, as already mentioned in the postings, are just as offensive and racist, but they still have their soapboxes. Ann Coulter always finds places to spew her venom because she doesn't have a network with sponsors behind her to picket. So why Imus? I wonder if the Chappelle show was still on, if Dave did a skit about nappy-headed hos playing for the Rutgers basketball team, would there even have been an outcry? Or if In Living Color did a similar skit back in the day? Even SNL now...so why Imus? I detest censorship, but I also believe free speech comes with being held accountable for what you say...and hate speech is not protected by the first amendment, so I am puzzled. As a writer, can I no longer create racist characters? The racists and sexists are still out there. One could argue our country was founded by racists. The Colonists wiped out the Native Americans, and blacks were enslaved, lynched, and told they were only 3/5ths of a person. Racism and sexism will continue long after Imus is gone. What does firing Imus really accomplish? Howard Stern rages on. Limbaugh too...Will the firing of Imus open new doors for blacks in white corporate America? Racism, sexism, and homophobia will exist tomorrow and long after Imus is silent. What was really accomplished? We all should be held accountable for heinous comments full of hate and ignorance. Imus is gone...racism and sexism live on...when will racism and sexism be silenced?...when...

George, Hammonton, New Jersey (Sent Thursday, April 12, 2007 7:49 PM)

What's loss in this morass is the genuine educational benefit many of us received in hearing reasonable thinkers of our time - those from politics, the newsmags, the newspapers and other media. What Imus created was an atmosphere where smart people could articulate their thoughts in a less formal, more realistic context. They were speaking to a relatively hip audience who could discern the difference between a grumpy, bilious dude and, gasp, a genuine racist. They were expressing their views in a more uncluttered format, a stripped down version as it were, and we had a better understanding of the issues of the day. Little is also made mention of the types of questions Imus used to ask which were provocative and, frankly, ones that I would have wanted to put forward as well. I won't belabor the utter hypocrisy of an Al Sharpton or a Jesse Jackson dictating to an intelligent, adult audience what passes their smell test. That might be the final outrage. We have gained nothing from this disgraceful reaction except a bit more bitterness and alot more cynicism. The fine ladies of the Rutgers team should be so lucky that this is the worst hand that life will deal them. The pity party is over, folks.

Peter Heller, Santa Monica, CA (Sent Thursday, April 12, 2007 7:52 PM)

Why is there no clamor to have Jesse Jackson apologize to the 3 Duke players for for calling them rapists, a far more serious charge that was no Joke? The mainstream media are cowards and hypocrites. To hear the pundits pile on Imus it is obvious they never listened to the show. I too will be boycotting msnbc. Spread the word!

John McKernan, Bedford, NY (Sent Thursday, April 12, 2007 7:59 PM)

I think firing IMUS really sucks..To think Sharpton and Jackson can say whatever they want and when they find out that they were wrong no "I am sorry, I was wrong". They need to go away..

Mary, Philly (Sent Thursday, April 12, 2007 8:04 PM)

Imus said something terrible and hurt a lot of people with his comments and I think most of us know that. But, what I want to know is, where have the MSNBC and CBS Executives been over this years? Why didn’t they put a stop to all of this a long time ago? Why didn’t they say clean up your act or you’re out of here? Most likely it was because of ratings. Unfortunately, Imus kept pushing the envelope. I’m equally disturbed with the likes of Ann Coulter, Rush Limbaugh and others like them who seem to get away with the things they say. Where is the justice? If Imus is the only one who gets punished what kind of message does that send? I’m hopeful this isn’t the end of the conversation and others will get their walking papers.

SJH, Wichita, KS (Sent Thursday, April 12, 2007 8:10 PM)

I can't argue with the firing. But how does MSNBC justify airing hours of "special coverage" of the Imus firings when it was one of the ones who fired him? MSNBC is one of the newsmakers here! Fire a guy and then capitalize with a ratings grab? To quote Steve Capos: "I ask you, what price do you put on your reputation? And the reputation of this news division means more to me than advertising dollars." Oh, really? Journalistic ethics require a newsmaker from recusing itself from covering that news. Would The New York Times fire a columnist and then do a special Sunday pull-out? I think not. Oh, somewhere in this favored land the news is shining bright. The reporters are hard at work, practicing their profession right. But somewhere TV executives are laughing, and advertisers shout, but there is no joy in TV news -- mighty NBC has struck out.

Bob Dittmeier, Harrison, N.Y. (Sent Thursday, April 12, 2007 8:11 PM)

Ok already, Al Sharpton should now go after the Hip Hop world and attack them as heavily as he did IMUS. It's ok for the African American race to say the "N" word and call women ho's, but have a white guy say it? Come on Al and Jesse, stop being so hypocritical. What's fair is fair, go after one, go after them all.

Gerri f (Sent Thursday, April 12, 2007 8:16 PM)

I don't care how many people come here and post with a thousand absurd and falsely premised arguments about how terrible, awful, horrible, unfair it was for Imus to be fired. Baloney. I still back the decision 100% as a step in the right direction toward changing the way we talk about each other, and I only wish many more of the radio and TV hatemongers would follow. Thank you, MSNBC/NBC, and thank you, CBS. And thank you, Keith, for telling us how you really feel about all this. I'll keep watching...because I know I can trust you to stay on the job as the Bush Administration gets what's coming to it.

Tru M., Cleveland, Ohio (Sent Thursday, April 12, 2007 8:19 PM)

Let's be clear about the differences between Don Imus being removed from the 20+ hrs. a week of public airwaves he had been priveleged to occupy...and paid well to do so...and the Jessie Jacksons and Al Sharptons whom we are hear seem to owe all sorts of folks apologies. Al and Jesse only have the airwaves when broadcasters put mics in their faces to ask them about the latest racially charged incident in the news. They are not employed by the networks that carry interviews with them. If broadcasters are so incensed about Al or Jessie, hell don't interview 'em. Believe it or don't, Sharpton and Jackson are NOT the only people in America qualified to comment about people and events the media deem concerns the Black community. How about Cornell West, bell hooks, Alice Walker, to name just 3 off the top of my head. As for freedom of speech. I too worry will this have a chilling effect on speech? Of course we will turn this moment into an opportunity to go too far, and yes, we will have to fight for our right to be rude. But do we have the right to get paid for it?

goatgirl (Sent Thursday, April 12, 2007 8:19 PM)

This is so wrong. CENSORSHIP! They would have accomplished more had they left him on-air, and let him be a leader of 'teaching old dogs new tricks' he was right about there being no black news-talk hosts on TV....and could have changed that. Now? Never gonna happen! We are a racist-based nation, and should recognize that, first and foremost. (the first step, you know, is admitting that there is a problem)...it was GOOD to get it out there. NOW?? the N jokes will continue at the watercooler in every CEO's private office. If you can't even TALK ABOUT IT, there is no hope of improving it. And if we're going to ban talk show hosts that diss an entire demography of people with one phrase...GET RID OF THAT BOOB TUCKER CARLSON. If he dares utter the words 'That's Retarded' one more time, i will personally gather every parent of a child with a developemental disability....and go PICKET GLAXO SMITHKLINE, who happens to MAKE THE DRUGS TO TREAT such 'enhancements'! If we are going to start this, LETS BAN ALL THE WORDS that the public hates to hear...STARTING WITH THE R WORD!! It's way past time that the networks recognize (as Fox did) that using that particular phrase as an adjective to something less than desireable HAS GOT TO STOP! And as to Glaxo SmithKline pulling their ads? They should concentrate more on getting AIDS medications to Africa, if they're THAT worried about racism and losing money! Don will be back....and stronger than ever. Sharpton?? have you ever heard him talk about those of the Jewish Faith?????....i really loved watching him cast that first stone...what a FAKE!! grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr

eileen wilson, west plains, missouri (Sent Thursday, April 12, 2007 8:35 PM)

I can understand the people that think that the actions taken by NBC, MSNBC, and CBS were too harsh, but people this is not the first time that he has said things like this. Don Imus says that he is a good person, what good person continues to put down the accomplishments of others, speaks hateful things about African-Americans and degrades women? This is not someone who is neither sorry for his comments nor a good person. NBC, MSNBC, and CBS did right by firing him.

Jenny, Florida (Sent Thursday, April 12, 2007 8:35 PM)

I still would like to know why all the major networks keep putting Sharpton and J Jackson on the air to give them a voice. There are so many black men and women that are more articulate and fair minded and do more their communities and black people in general. Take Rowland Martin for instance. As soon as I see them I know I am looking at racists! Yes they are black racists! Anytime there is a situation that could be handled with a fair and maybe a rewarding dialogue...they get in the middle and stir the pot to make everything racist. My blonde white daughter had nappy hair as a child until she got into the business world and now has a beautiful short professional look. I resented the word "HO" more than anything! MTV and BET need to be more censured and someone should bring those stations up to discuss and I have not heard a word...Maybe Keith..you are the only reason I am watching MSNBC! It was unfair to fire Imus for what he said...if the employees really were so upset and felt degraded...as a now retired manager of a Fortune 500 Corp...and one of my employees had that many complaints against them from the workplace, they would have been gone along time ago. And one more thing...don't you think Sharpto is just spreading his wings thinking how responsible he was for getting IMUS fired...who is he going after next and what about free speach!

Sandy Hanna (Sent Thursday, April 12, 2007 8:39 PM)

Where in the mix did Rush Limbaugh come from? Keith Olberman suggested he would be scrutinized more and " from your lips to Gods ears" what is this? A witch hunt? Rush Limbaugh, to my knowledge, has never uttered a racist comment. Conservative, maybe but not racist. Why does this controversy involve him at all? Are liberals so insecure that they need to lash out to anyone with a differing view? Keith's comment was derogatory and baseless. How racist can you be? Just because Rush Limbaugh is a white radio talk show host does not immediately make him a target!

Pam Dewitt (Sent Thursday, April 12, 2007 8:45 PM)



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