To all the Imus Pilers-On

[Laura PourMeADrink]

There is no justification whatsoever to the comments he made. Cruel, hateful, insensitive, racial, you name it. The man has apologized. The man, whether or not you watch/listen to him, is a bully pulpit. He has proven he can make things happen. He has offered to bring light on issues that effect minorities.

Before you pile on - when was the last time you did what he has done ? (I only wish I could have):

1. Raised over $100 million for SIDs and kids with Cancer of all races ?

2. Controlled/Solved a serious personal problem, like his alcoholism, and went on to build a very successful career.

3. Singlehandedly stopped Santorum and other Repukes from passing legislation that would have held harmless drug companies against lawsuits related to children's vaccines of all races ?

4. Singlehandedly got congress to raise the death benefit for soldiers of all races from thousands to half a million?

5. Had the bully pulpit and chose to raise awareness and held congressmen accountable for Walter Reed, where there were mistreated soldiers of all races ?

6. Created a line of environmental cleaning products where 100% of profit goes to kids with cancer - OF ALL RACES?

7. Created a ranch where kids of all races with cancer can go and forget they have a disease?

8. Offered to raise funds (because you care and because you are good at it) for sickle cell anemia - because the government only allotted a measly $20 million ? Did this yesterday AND had done it before this incident.

9. Had the bully pulpit and chose to raise awareness on the horrible treatment of Katrina victims of all races?


I am not trying to flame - whatsoever - I am sickened by what he and Bernie said. But half the people who are piling on this man - have never even seen him or listened to him or know nothing about him.

Like Bill Maher said this morning - "If this is the biggest civil rights problem we have today - then the state of civil rights is a lot better than he thought." And "When someone does something wrong and they apologize - why can't we forgive? - why do we always demand that they go away?"

How about piling on B** for sending minorities to their deaths in Iraq, all based on a lie???

[gatorboy]

1. The biggest civil rights problem we have today is gay rights.

And if people put 5% of the energy spent on the Imus story into the gay rights problem, something might get done.

[Laura PourMeADrink]

2. Hopefully - if we elect a president who cares in 08 - this country

and civil rights can be repaired.

[bigwillq]

13. Very good point.

:thumbsup:

[bluedog]

24. if they spent the amount of outrage on the war

and the lies that were told to get us into it....we might be out of Iraq by now....


this just gets the main issues off the front pages and out of the media headlines.......

[The Count]

88. You mean, I can't be pissed about both?

[The Count]

85. Oh, I see it's a competition: gay rights vs women, blacks - you "forgive" Anus

because ...it's not your problem...I got news for you: you have no right to forgive him, as you are not his victim. OK?
And to answer your question - ALL civil rights are paramount to me.There's none more important than the others - the lessening of any of them are the lessening freedom for all. Time to get that!

[gatorboy]

91. Lighten up, Francis.

:eyes:

That was a comment towards the MSM that gives the right a free ride when it comes to gay rights (especially Cheney).

And who said anything about forgiving him? Honestly, I think you post simply to get a rise out of folks here.

[The Count]

152. And you introduced gay rights into this particular story because?

Much as I hold them in high regard, I fail to see the relevance to the OP.

[gatorboy]

162. You obviously didn't read Bill Maher's line at the bottom.

Either that, or the gay rights thing really does bother you, unfortunately, because you seem to keep pressing a negative tone on the issue.

Either way, here's a cookie.

[durrrty libby]

3. Indeed he has fantastic accomplishments, but sadly,

foolish people throw the baby out with the bath water

[Lerkfish]

4. My aunt and uncle were salt of the earth people, would give you the shirt off their backs

gave to charities, worked hard in their church, etc.

Still, they'd call an african american the N-word and call them lazy and shiftless.

Were they less racist because they were nice otherwise?

I loved them dearly, but they were nice bigots.

Racism is racism, regardless of who practices it.

And making excuses for racism is enabling the offenders.

[xultar]

5. So...if I give tons of money to charity I can call Asian women crazy names?

If I go to congress and lobby for legislation that brings back the school lunch program I can call Latinas out for what ever?

Come on.

Even Delay gave money to charity. I won't let him call me a nappy headed ho.

[The Count]

15. Bravo!!!

This "logic" doesn't work any better than "positive things about Iraq" Think of OP's namesake talking about "just one explosion a day that everyone piles on - it makes just about as much sense!

[Pawel K]

28. You've never made a stupid racist joke?

Anyone here that claims they haven't I personally think is full of shit and frankly I think they are hypocrites. The man made a stupid mistake and he should be punished for it. And he is being punished for it as we speak? Everyone in the media is saying he is a racist, everyone around the internet is too. What more do you want? You want to hang him for it?

The fact is this guy has done a lot of good, this stupidity on his part won't change that. Please, continue to criticise him for it so he learns his lesson, but don't stop him from continuing to raise millions of dollars for children that need it and from bringing awareness to important LIBERAL issues because of this one idiotic comment. If you call for his hanging I will make a blanket statement and say you are being a hypocrite, I hope I am wrong but I think 9 out of 10 times I am right. No?

And comparing the money this man has rasied to what Tom Delay has done is outright dishonest, you should be ashamed.

[Pawel K]

39. I would also like to add this to my post above

yeah, what a racist:

http://www.newsmax.com/archives/ic/2005/9/6/91712.shtml

[The Count]

81. Newsmax? You want us to go to NEWSMAX to see the great Anus? How about DU:

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=389&topic_id=617289&mesg_id=617289

[Pawel K]

185. I used newsmax because its a great example

shows how pissed off the right got when Imus defended Kanye West's comment about how Bush hates black people.

[Scriptor Ignotus]

47. I don't want him to hang, I want him to be fired

because this isn't an isolated example. He has a history of this kind of talk, as does his producer. It is NOT "one idiotic comment". It is a pattern.

Also, I don't care if he cured cancer himself, that doesn't give you a pass. I also don't care if he's more liberal than Kucinich and Obama combined, it's no excuse and if anything, may end up giving all liberals a bad name.

[Pawel K]

52. Let me ask you this question again, have you ever made a racist joke?

Simple question, I'm curious to know your honest answer and I'm not trying to pick a fight.

[Scriptor Ignotus]

63. I make them often

but they are actual jokes and I tend to make them in the face of good friends of that particular ethicity or race. And they bring it right back. But you know, our jokes are designed to illicit laughter. Everyone I am friends with knows how ridiculous racial/religious stereotypes are so in a sense we are shooting each other with "blanks". Nobody gets hurt.

How is Imus' comment a joke? The jokes my friends and I throw around have one purpose, to make each other laugh. Imus' comment was just ignorant and spiteful.

Also, I am not paid by NBC. I do not represent NBC. I do not regularly interview A-list journalists and celebrities on a regular basis. I do not have an audience in the millions. Blue chip Fortune 500 companies do not advertise on my program. That's a big difference between Imus and you or I, and needs to be understood...

[Pawel K]

68. I agree with you, if you have a huge audience you should be a little more responsible

but why isn't the outrage directed at blacks that do this too. I personally listen to all kinds of music, including rap. I'm sure I don't have to point out any examples of constant racism in these rap songs. Calling women (usually black women) hoes, throwing around "nigger" on a constant basis (I don't see a difference between "nigga" and "nigger"), talking about robbing banks, killing people, talking about how selling drugs is a black man's only way out, and other redicilous, equally offensive material.

They have just as big of an audiance if not bigger, why do these people get a pass? Is it because they are black themselves? Why does that make sense?

Back to Imus, I know you didn't find what he said funny nor do I think anyone else out there did. Again I completely agree with you it was ignorant and it was stipeful, but what race joke isn't? He said it trying to be funny. But I don't see how you can equate that to being racist. If you look at his record none of his actions have been even slightly racist. Look at what I posted above, he defended Kanye West's comment during Katrina about how Bush hates black people. What other prominent white person that has his audiance and influance did that? Instead all others including the station that aired it backed away from it, he was the only one with the balls to actually defend it. Why would he do that if he was a racist?

I am white, always have been :) so I really can not understand how this makes a black person with a young daughter feel, I can imagine it must be extremely offensive. What I do know is there are a lot of other problems we face, including gay rights. That's why I don't really understand the outrage over this comment. Don't get me wrong, this comment should have been condamned, he should have apologized, and the suspension is perfectly valid, but to have this explode the way it has while all the others issues that are in my opinion way more important than a stupid racist comment from a person that is clearly not racist based on his past actions take a back seat.

[Kolesar]

103. Not since I grew up. ...eom

[springhill]

121. No, I have never made a stupid racist joke.............

Really, how can you accidentally make a racist comment without you being a racist? And this comment was not evern borderline, it was overt. I have never understood that. They call Rutgers players nappy headed hos and it's a misstatement? Come on. You don't just accidentally say something like that without actually holding those kind of thoughts in the first place.

[Pawel K]

184. I can't really argue with you there, but if he's racist why did he defend Kanye West?

He did this when everyone else was pushing back.

[SemperEadem]

165. No I don't---because racist and joke do not belong in the same sentence

there is nothing funny about ridiculing someone for their DNA/culture in which they were raised. It is not acceptable and never will be. Only people of the weakest character do it or condone it.

[Donald Ian Rankin]

You can call Asian women names anyhow.

Whether or not the fact that you've given money to charity should be set in the scales against that when discussing whether or not you're a morally admirable individual is a rather different question.

When you say "won't let", what do you mean? What alternatives would you have if Tom Delay chose to call you a nappy headed ho? I'm not an expert on American libel law, but I don't think it's illegal.

[mainer]

164. the media already does. And no one cares about them.

"Gooks." "Slant-eyes." Back when that US plane went down over China, you heard radio stations across the country unleashing their ire on all things Chinese, even advising people not to eat at Chinese restaurants.

Or how about the outrage against the cheese-eating surrender monkeys?

TV/radio personalities always veer into nasty territory. Why does this merit "special" outrage?

[SoFlaJet]

6. The guy screwed up

he apologized and he's been suspended for two weeks with an agreement that he's gonna change the discourse of his show when he comes back.That's fair IMO,I watch his show a lot in the morning and IMO the guy who SHOULD be fired is Bernard...I've heard him say some of the most outrageous things on that show-much worse than the stuff Don Imus says.

[Laura PourMeADrink]

10. OMG - you are SO right. If you caught the tape Bernard started

the talk!. It think that they have gotten so good at political interviewing they should trash all the other stupid shit - including Bernard !

[SemperEadem]

169. a drunk driver who kills someone's child also screwed up and apologized

should he not serve time in jail?

People should not be able to walk away after they've bombed the dignity and esteem of someone they don't even know on national television/radio when that person doesn't have an avenue in that same moment to defend themselves.

If Imus was truly sorry, he should have apologized right when he said it, not 4 days later when the tide was racing towards his little shore. It isn't sincere--he's sorry for doing something that has affected his income, not because of it hurting the target he was aiming at... if he was sincere, this wouldnt' have been the 8th time he's been snatched up in the press for doing the same gotdamn thing. It's a pattern of behavior for him. He is a repeat offender who doesn't learn or doesn't care to learn. Anyone who thinks what he does is ok is truly lost.

[The Count]

7. Turn on the TV now - see the kids he personally attacked

It was a personal attack - you seem to all forget that.

[stirlingsliver]

21. I Saw Them. They Are NOT Kids.

I saw the wonderful YOUNG WOMEN that Imus insulted and disrespected so terribly.

[ourbluenation]

29. 5 of them are freshman. what rockstars.

[mainer]

167. No, they're not kids. They're adults. And they should move on.

Too many people love to embrace their victimhood. They got insulted, okay. They feel hurt, okay. But do we have to hear about those "poor, poor ladies" for three news cycles? In the scheme of victimhood, getting your feelings hurt is nothing like getting your home bombed. Let's go back to talking about Iraq.

[HiFructosePronSyrup]

8. Well whoop-dee-shit.

I guess Imus is one of the good kinds of racists.

[Laura PourMeADrink]

12. he is NOT a racist. You would know that if you listened to him

every day for years !

[HiFructosePronSyrup]

14. Right, right.

He hates black people, but he ain't a racist.

:eyes:

[Name removed]

41. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[Laura PourMeADrink]

54. Thanks ! This article supports my OP.

[Pawel K]

60. No problem, and I agree with you completely

this was a stupid comment. But to forget everything this guy has done because he sometimes says stupid things is extremely hypocritical. From his past actions it is pretty clear he is not a racist, he just has a really stupid sense of humor.

[stirlingsliver]

33. Listen To Him EVERY DAY?

Listen to Imus Every Day -- for years!??

Are you serious?

Who in the world could possibly stand to do that?

I find it difficult (precisely because Imus is such a misogynistic racist) to listen to him for more than 5 minutes.

[Laura PourMeADrink]

58. Yup. Because I love sports and I love politics. I hate all that

other drivel. Good outweighs the bad, for me. Over the last few years, the show
has turned more and more into a political forum. Politicians feel very relaxed
on his show. You get to see a different, more unrehearsed side of them. And -
he can make a difference.

[Spazito]

56. Wow, calling young African American women....

"nappy-haired" isn't racist???? Hmmm, unless the connotation of the term "nappy-haired", when used in reference to African Americans, has totally changed, this terminology is TOTALLY racist-based.

Now, how about the "ho" comment? Given how you believe his "nappy-haired" comment isn't racist, do you believe calling women "hos" is not sexist?

Imus and his producer are despicable, period.

[Bentcorner]

75. He said "nappy-headed", but how is "nappy-haired" racist?

I realize that you have been told over and over by almost everyone that it's a racist slur, but how exactly is it racist?

American Heritage Dictionary
nap·py 1 (nāp'ē) Pronunciation Key
adj. nap·pi·er, nap·pi·est

1. Having a nap; fuzzy.
2. Kinky; frizzy.

Is red-head racist?

Imus has a long track record of saying mean and derogatory comments about everyone, including himself. So?

[Spazito]

82. It is racist BECAUSE it was used specifically toward

the African American athletes. I am surprised you didn't know it was a racist term when applied as a descriptor of African Americans.

As to your comment:

"Imus has a long track record of saying mean and derogatory comments about everyone, including himself. So?"

Yes, he has a LONG history of demonstrating his racist, homophobic, sexist beliefs and should never have been given access to the national airwaves to spout his despicable garbage. He has the first amendment right to say whatever he wants. He does not, however, have the RIGHT to be given access to the airwaves to do it.

When I read your post, would I be mistaken if I were to take from your post you saw nothing wrong with what Imus and his producer said? That there should be no outrage, no consequences for calling the Rutger female basketball team what they did?

Just in case you missed the post with the transcript, I am copying it here:

IMUS: So, I watched the basketball game last night between -- a little bit of Rutgers and Tennessee, the women's final.

ROSENBERG: Yeah, Tennessee won last night -- seventh championship for Pat Summit, I-Man. They beat Rutgers by 13 points.

IMUS: That's some rough girls from Rutgers. Man, they got tattoos and --

McGuire: Some hard-core hos.

IMUS: That's some nappy-headed hos there. I'm gonna tell you that now, man, that's some -- woo. And the girls from Tennessee, they all look cute, you know, so, like -- kinda like -- I don't know.

McGuire: A Spike Lee thing.

IMUS: Yeah.

McGuire: The Bugaboos vs. the Wannabes -- that movie that he had.

IMUS: Yeah, it was a tough --

Mc CORD: Do The Right Thing.

McGuire: Yeah, yeah, yeah.

IMUS: I don't know if I'd have wanted to beat Rutgers or not, but they did, right?

ROSENBERG: It was a tough watch. The more I look at Rutgers, they look exactly like the Toronto Rap tors.

IMUS: Well, I guess, yeah.

RUFFING: Only tougher.

McGuire: The Grizzlies would be more appropriate.


If you don't find the above offensive all I can say is .....Wow!

[Bentcorner]

92. I never argued that it wasn't offensive, I'm just not convinced that

it was racist. That's what he is being criticized for. For saying something "racist". People are demanding that he be fired from his job because he said something "racist". I just don't see that.

I cannot imagine demanding that somebody be fired because they said something about somebody else and I was offended by it. This story only gets the traction it's currently getting if it can be quantified as being RACIST. Simply being offensive or mean just doesn't cut it. That's precisely why this wasn't a big deal when it originally happened. It had to be spun a certain way first.

Instead of a dumb comment about a few tough looking women with tattoos, it became a racial slur.

[Spazito]

94. Well, it seems the women to whom it was directed understood

it clearly as racist and sexist as have the majority of those who have either heard the comments being made or read the transcript.

It WAS a big deal when it happened, outrage was immediate. What took time to spin, imo, is the "white noise" being put out now to mitigate the real ugliness of what Imus and his producer said.

[SemperEadem]

170. then you are lost

[tinfoilinfor2005]

172. OK, so by your definition, kinky headed whores sounds better?

I'm afraid that there is no greening cleaning product in the world that can dilute this mess, despite all the good work that Imus has done, and in truth it has been substantial. I guess the bottom line will be whether the general audience, through the sponsors, will allow him to remain on the air. If this happens, I don't think the show will ever achieve it's former popularity because the politicians and entertainers who appeared to hawk themselves will avoid the scrutiny. I'm afraid that Bo Dietl and a few brave journalists will become the mainstay of the show, and in that case, no one will tune in to watch.

[ToeBot]

9. Imus: Lieberman booster, backer, buddy. He can hang. n/t

[bigwillq]

11. Oops

posted in the wrong place.

[tularetom]

16. To Bill Maher

the reason we demand that they go away is that they never go away, they just keep coming back and saying the same shit over and over again. If this was the first time that old shitbag Imus had said something stupid and racist people might be inclined to look the other way. As long as your list of good deeds may be, it is more than balanced numerically by a list of sexist racist and homophobic remarks that this POS has made over the years. Besides there is no danger that anybody is gonna forget any charitable thing that Anus has ever done - he practically breaks his own arm daily patting himself on the back. He just needs to remember - one "aw shit" cancels out ten "attaboys". The biggest problem is he just isn't funny anymore - that "morning zoo" bullshit was passe 20 years ago.

[mduffy31]

17. Yes and also for all the piler-ons

Please give everyone a list of who can be made fun of and who can't. What he said is terrible and cannot be excused but those who are without sin, cast the first stone.

[smoogatz]

18. So, what would he have to say for you to decide he'd crossed the line?

Where do YOU draw the line, in terms of supporting and defending hate speech? My view is that racism and racist speech does not deserve a prominent place in our national media conversation, period. He's got a right to say it, but that doesn't mean MSNBC has to broadcast it, any more than they have to broadcast the natterings of the Grand Wizard of the KKK, or some guy wandering down 5th Ave who smells like piss and only has one shoe on. I don't care if Imus or whoever is an absolutely sterling guy in every other department, I don't think there's any justification for supporting or enabling or apologizing for racist hate speech on a major media outlet. He should be fired, end of story. Those who continue to appear on, advertise on and listen to his show are demonstrating tacit support for him and his racist mutterings.

[Catherine Vincent]

19. Yadda yadda yadda...

He and his staff jokes the racist and sexist cards on MSNBC and people are getting tired of it.

[bluedog]

30. yes he does.his show is more like a sit down comedy hour..

not a regular news cast..........and if one thinks its offensive or racist...

one can turn the program off.........thats what controls are for........

[Connie_Corleone]

32. It's more than that.

He has journalists and politicians on his show every damn day.

[The Count]

34. My radio is on AAR. My My TV right now on CNN - I see the kids Imus attacked

It was a personal attack and I am offended on their behalf - may I?

[stirlingsliver]

20. And Mussolini Made The Trains Run on Time

And Hilter built the autobahn.

And George Bush really loves his mother.

And Richard Nixon loved his daughters.

But a racist is a racist.

And a misogyninst is still a misogynist.

Imus is both.

He is not really sorry for what he said.

Because he has said things like this before.

[Cha]

50. Are you sure

bush loves his mother?

[Connie_Corleone]

22. Bless that white man for all the good he did for us black folks.

How dare we criticize him for calling black college students nappy-headed hos.

He can call us all kinds of names cuz he done good for us black folks.

[The Count]

23. Right on!...and look at all the positive things in Iraq - just the odd one explosion a day

makes people pile-on against the war...(by your namesake):sarcasm:

[Canuckistanian]

25. Nobody's stopping him from doing his charity work

In fact, he should do MORE of it.

But nobody owes him a job.

In 99.9% of the REAL WORLD, people are let go for fucking up this bad.

[qanda]

26. So we're not supposed to call him on this

Because he did some good things? Give me a break!!!! Those girls did NOTHING to do deserve what he DID to them and he deserves to be piled on the same way that he piled on those girls. And what the devil does piling on Bush have to do with this? Sometimes DU makes me want to hurl.

[lectrobyte]

27. I've seen people fired from jobs for a whole lot less.

I quit paying attention to him about the time he was building that ranch after watching a week of him complaining about the model of grand piano that Steinway had donated for it.

[IronLionZion]

31. That's an excellent point

While I don't insult people, I haven't done much charity work for a while either. Good for him for doing all that. Actions speak louder than words so I suppose he ought be judged not on this incident alone. He does have a history of saying hateful things. Nothing excuses that. That's a problem that has consequences.

[The Count]

36. Words speak louder than actions - turn on your TV - see the kids attacked

[Laura PourMeADrink]

57. You're right - and because of their willingness to listen and his

willingness to meet with them and change - good will come out of this.

[The Count]

154. The only good: they'll be apologized to directly. All the rest is PR

I can't believe your Polyannish approach to this vicious behavior.

[oldgrowth]

35. Where are your links ?????????????????????

[Beausoir]

37. So what?

:nopity:

[DemReadingDU]

38. Excellent point

Imus does a lot of good for the coummunity.

Why isn't the media going after the RW people like Coulter, Beck, Limbaugh, Hannity for their outrageous comments?

Maybe this is another diversion to keep people from hearing about the DOJ scandals, the Walter Reed scandals, the pet food scandals.

[BlueManDude]

40. Here's the entire transcript (courtesy escaton)

IMUS: So, I watched the basketball game last night between -- a little bit of Rutgers and Tennessee, the women's final.

ROSENBERG: Yeah, Tennessee won last night -- seventh championship for Pat Summitt, I-Man. They beat Rutgers by 13 points.

IMUS: That's some rough girls from Rutgers. Man, they got tattoos and --

McGUIRK: Some hard-core hos.

IMUS: That's some nappy-headed hos there. I'm gonna tell you that now, man, that's some -- woo. And the girls from Tennessee, they all look cute, you know, so, like -- kinda like -- I don't know.

McGUIRK: A Spike Lee thing.

IMUS: Yeah.

McGUIRK: The Jigaboos vs. the Wannabes -- that movie that he had.

IMUS: Yeah, it was a tough --

McCORD: Do The Right Thing.

McGUIRK: Yeah, yeah, yeah.

IMUS: I don't know if I'd have wanted to beat Rutgers or not, but they did, right?

ROSENBERG: It was a tough watch. The more I look at Rutgers, they look exactly like the Toronto Raptors.

IMUS: Well, I guess, yeah.

RUFFINO: Only tougher.

McGUIRK: The Grizzlies would be more appropriate.


They should all be canned. McGuirk has escaped scrutiny thus far.

[qanda]

44. Unbelievable

The whole conversation was just unbelievable. You're right! They should ALL be fired.

[Beausoir]

48. Disgusting. Absolutely outrageous. You should post that in a new thread.

[devilgrrl]

62. "The Jigaboos vs. the Wannabes" - you can't be fucking serious!

This is the first I've seen of this, sorry, that's beyond ridiculous.

Say what you want about Howard Stern - as tasteless as he can be, I've yet to hear anything out of him that reaches this degree of pure hatred. He doesn't even come close to scraping the surface.

"Nappy headed ho's" "Jiggaboos" :wtf:

[Duncan Grant]

112. Can anyone imagine this conversation happening in their workplace?

I'm sorry. He's not getting a pass from me. I'm holding all people to the same standard and this is simply horrible. It shouldn't be rationalized or justified. It was wrong.

[butterfly77]

117. They have said much more than this...

McGuirk puts on his grand dragon suit and mocks blacks and talks about their spears etc. He goes on the street and asks questions of the homeless and then mocks them also.

[july302001]

151. McGuirk?

Where'd "McGuirk" come from - Selma, Ala. circa 1961?

"McGuirk" ought to be fired, along with Imus.

[jobycom]

42. Rush Limbaugh does a lot of work to fight Leukemia and Lymphoma.

I'm sure he's got some nice charities, too. ESPN shouldn't have fired him, then.

[UTUSN]

43. As he was told, "If YOU who do good things SAY these things, what will THEY say?"

I've been calling him sL-IMUS for over a couple of years, and have said repeatedly that whatEVER good things he might have done, it's over in a compartment by itself over to one side because of the daily barrage of POISON he spews. Probably 99% of his audience DON'T CARE about the so-called charity work. They care about the POISON.

In my old age I have long ago concluded that ANY apologies are WORTHLESS. Instead of apologies, the offenders need to go off by themselves and perform some kind of repentance. They literally need to remove themselves from society and do their contrition---------AND THEIR CHARITY----in private.

I have also condemned (in my own world, which is not worth a woof) our own Dem politicians and the so-called journalists who appear on his circus. Frankly, they are out-of-touch elitists, who are playing games, who think that by participating in his circus they are reaching some kind of "real" people, CRUDE people, HIP people. They're not. They're just showing how out of touch they really are.

[mzmolly]

45. I love it when we think outside the box!

Thanks for the post LPYB. :hi:

I found Imus's comments offensive, sexist, bigoted but I personally accept his apology.

[qanda]

51. Are you nappy- headed?

Is your mother or your grandmother? If so, I'm glad that you are ready to move on. I'm not quite there yet and I have every right to be offended and stay offended as long as it takes for me to get over it. What he said was hurtful to not only me but a lot of other black women everywhere.

[The Count]

76. And that's the point! Only the victims of an insult have the right to forgive(or not)

Everyone else, STFU!

you have no right!!!

As karma has it, you'll get your turn eventually....

[qanda]

83. Thank you

I really appreciate you saying that. It's hard to know the sting of racism, if you've never experienced it.

[mzmolly]

107. "Ho" is a derogatory term directed toward women.

And I happen to be one. I am not defending the comments made, but I do have a right to comment on the OP and I've done so.

[LanternWaste]

175. While I agree that the act forgiveness...

While I agree that the act forgiveness does rest only with the victim, I certainly don't believe that only the victims have the obligation to speak out against it.

Indeed, it seems to me that *everyone* who witnesses the insult are compelled to speak out against it, else we become implicit by silence.

I believe it was Dr. King who wrote, "In the end, we will not remember the words of our enemies, but the silence of our friends."

[Admiral Loinpresser]

97. Does anyone actually believe that he really wants to apologize...

to the players and coach and university? I would like to know in other instances where he has made similar comments, without a public flap, where he has been interested in apologizing. His apology is all about his ego.

Also, he is still rationalizing, rather than admitting he has been "earning" his livelihood by saying things of such ilk.

[mzmolly]

108. He seemed remorseful to me?

I hope he learns a lesson and examines his views, personally.

[Mabus]

98. Exactly

More than likely what he said about those players is what he thinks about other people he sees. He just happened to say what he was thinking out loud this time. More offensive is that he thought it was an amusing comment to make. That's just plain BS. What he said was inappropriate.

[mzmolly]

111. I agree with your every word.

:hi:

[mzmolly]

105. No, but I'm a "ho." The comment was offensive to WOMEN everywhere.

I would never suggest YOU "get over it." You do what you wish with his apology.

Also note, no one here is defending Imus. In fact, I have stated that his words were "racist, sexist, bigoted."

[Marie26]

129. That's good

Since he never actually apologized to the Rutgers team. One team member said that they never received a letter, or a phone call, or any kind of apology from Imus. They just heard it second-hand from the media. That "apology" was intended for the media & the general public, not the actual targets of his insults. So I guess it's appropriate for the media & public to accept it - it was only meant for them.

[mzmolly]

145. To my understanding they are meeting Tuesday for a formal apology?

Seems to me that this ultimately is between the team and Imus and Imus and his employers? The rest of us are free to be offended or not.

AGAIN, I found his comments "offensive, sexist, racist" but I also found his apology genuine. I have not had an apology from M & M, Howard Stern, and many others who degrade women on a regular basis. However, forgiveness is not mine to extend beyond what I feel personally. We'll all eventually take direction from the young women/girls Imus spoke so inhumanely about, Al Sharpton included.

That said, perhaps we should save the drama HERE for someone who doesn't feel what Imus said was offensive? I did not defend his comments, I don't listen to the show, I am not a fan.

My post was in support of the OP for not contributing to the echo chamber on this issue.

[durrrty libby]

46. It also amazes me how utterly childish people can be

I don't believe many of them are dems

[progressoid]

49. Singlehandedly?

Really?

[Laura PourMeADrink]

53. Yes ! I saw it all transpire.

[lectrobyte]

64. Sure. Single handedly. Check out the Architectural Digest spread on the

ranch if you can find out. That master bedroom shower deal is like something out of a movie set or something.

[Neecy]

55. oh, please....

Would any of us here be able to call a co-worker or customer a 'nappy headed ho' and not be fired? If you create a hostile work environment, you're creating legal issues for your employer and you'd be shitcanned. Simple as that. And that's how it should be.

Why would Imus get a free pass that no other American worker would get? Who cares what he does with his millions? This bullshit that money can buy you a different form of justice or buy you the ability to promote yourself as a decent human being is one of the things that's wrong with our society.

[devilgrrl]

59. Yeah Don Imus made his fortune tearing others apart - he's wicked awesome!

He gives to cancer research. That makes it okay.

:sarcasm:

[Dave From Canada]

61. Great post!!!! Don't forget about all the work he's done for autism either.

The media coverage is ridiculous. It's so bad that I think it's even surpassed the Anna Nicole Smith saga. I think there'd be less coverage if he'd murdered his wife and son.

[AlCzervik]

65. This is going to be my final comment of the whole Imus mess--

I think one of the players summed it up best, it took the attention off the teams accomplishments. I'm done with the Imus story, what happens to him is anyones guess but i imagine being him will be quite a punishment for a long time to come.

[BronxBoy]

66. Point Taken

But consider this: The Nation of Islam does a lot of good work in the Black community. They have an extensive prison outreach program. I know that they run support programs in many of the neighborhoods where they are active.

So given that, would it be appropriate for me respond to a Jewish person's disgust and outrage at a vile, anti-semitic comment made by a member of the NOI by pointing out all of the good that they have done. Would you be okay with that?

[Laura PourMeADrink]

79. you left out a critical piece - contrition

[pacalo]

67. This is a good post.

When I compare the overall performance of Imus to that of Rush Limpballs, I'd rather see Limpballs get removed from the public airwaves.

Like you, I'm sickened by what Imus said, but for that horrible comment he has been publically ridiculed & he has been suspended by MSNBC, which tells the world that this type of comment will not be tolerated.

The more valued question is, why isn't Limpballs getting checked for his lies, distortions, & slanderous comments? In comparison for the list of good that Imus has done for society as a whole, what good does Limpballs serve for society?

Comparing Imus to Limpballs puts this in the proper perspective, imo.

[stanwyck]

69. So, I guess what you're saying is, if you have enough money

you buy the right to say whatever you want without the fear of being judged too harshly.
How much to say someone is a bigoted chauvinistic asshole? Ten thousand? Twenty thousand?
I'd like to know the price before I start with the truly outrageously racist remarks, though. I don't think I have enough money.
(think about what you're endorsing -- morality by checkbook. Insult a group of accomplished young women who never did one thing against you? Hey, no problem. You gave money to kids with cancer.)
See? It's OK. You just need to have a big bank account.
Then people will fall all over themselves defending you.
By the way, there are hundreds of authoritarian dictators who helped people. They also setup death camps. Does this slipperly "give and take" even them out, also?

[Laura PourMeADrink]

80. Of course not. I never said it was ok to say what he did.

[stanwyck]

101. and then you quickly added the, but, but, but...

which is the equivalent of saying it was OK. Your entire original post is serious backtracking on Imus' behalf. Look over there! Look at those people! Quick. Look away from my guy.
You've learned well, grasshopper, from the Bushies.
Diversion. With a heavy layer of "Clinton did it."
And all that lovely money being thrown around.
Yep. You've learned well.

[Laura PourMeADrink]

118. Wow. You won. I've never had anyone say anything that mean

to me since I got here. Congratulations.

[stanwyck]

122. My intention was not to hurt

your feelings. This is a debate forum. And my feelings about letting a relentless racist make cruel remarks about a fine group of young women are clearly different than yours. If you truly believe in what you say, don't get your feelings hurt. State your case. I happen to disagree with your thesis of "all those other folks do bad things, so let's give the guy a pass."
At some point, we all have a line. Imus crossed mine. He didn't cross yours.
You have every right to fight for your belief. But, be prepared, people will fight back.
You might want to stay in the lounge.

[Laura PourMeADrink]

139. you go the lounge ah

[Madspirit]

70. I give

I give money to DU every month and to the battered women's center and The Southern Poverty Law Center. Can I call people racist and sexist names too?

If he had a true epiphany, a defining moment, his consciousness raised and a sincere apology, I would forgive him in a minute. Unfortunately, he has a history of Jerk Mouth and I don't know why I should believe his apology. He just doesn't like being in trouble.
Lee

[Spazito]

71. Exactly!

I had no idea that the community work I do, the money I donate to causes aren't only because I believe in doing the right thing and helping where I can but also earn points that would allow me to be a total asshole with impunity.

What I would like to know is who determines how many points one earns by their good works and how many points one needs to be forgiven for being a racist, bigoted, sexist scumbag? I would like to know just so I can "temper" my outrage in accordance to how many points each asshole has!

[Laura PourMeADrink]

87. Interesting leap. What makes you think that Imus is only doing

good things to give him a free pass to do/say bad things? How can you tell?

[Spazito]

90. My point was your OP seems to be saying to give him a pass

for what he has done/said because he does good works. My question is how do you determine the point system that gives one a pass for behaving like a racist, sexist asshole? From your OP, you seem to have such a point system that allows mitigation of disgusting behavior based on your "good works".

Shouldn't he be held to account for his comments regardless of his "good works"? Why would he keep mentioning his good works as an excuse for him to be forgiven if he was truly committed to doing good works because it is the right thing to do?

[Laura PourMeADrink]

115. No and yes.

I was not giving him a pass, I think I was just trying to let everyone know the good things he has done - because so many people said here that they had never even heard him before. I definitely think he is accountable. I definitely hate what he said and the other horrible things he has said in the past.

To be honest, I have true mixed feelings about the whole thing. I truly don't believe he has hatred and malice in his heart. And he is very contrite. But he did say what he said. Isn't that really true about life in general? Everything is not always as black and white as we want it to be.

As for his bragging - you are right, he does. Maybe it's a defense mechanism for being shown/called a racist by the whole world. I think I'd be trying to defend with my good qualities too.

He's got warts, you are right. But I can't think of too many people who have done as much good and made things happen so fast...

I truly hope good things happen out of this whole thing. They, and millions of other women deserve it.

peace

[Spazito]

120. I, too, hope good things happen because of this, I hope the kind of

disgusting, hateful talk that, up to now, has been acceptable to be on the public airwaves will now become unacceptable and those who try to continue with it will be shunned, both publicly and privately.

I appreciate your thoughtful response to my post, thank you.

[watercolors]

72. Thank for the post

I;m sure he has humbled himself with apologies, time to let it go! He has done a number of very outstanding things. I disagree with alot he has to say in so called jest, but admire his capabilities to help with good causes. Think of the horrible things Limpballs has said or other of his ilk!

[Forkboy]

73. How about piling on B** for sending minorities to their deaths in Iraq, all based on a lie???

What the fuck do you think we've been doing for four years?

How about people stop whining about Imus being picked on and telling us who we should be upset with instead.I can multitask and be upset with multiple people at once.

[Laura PourMeADrink]

84. I don't think you need anyone else to be upset with - you sound

ticked off enough already.

peace

[Forkboy]

102. Well that' my point...I have plenty of anger to go around.

And Imus deserves the portion he's getting.

Peace to you as well.

[Tigress DEM]

74. A person who really "cares" about people of all races should know better.

When you have a national audience you have a responsibility to choose your words carefully.

I don't know much about Imus, thanks for showing some perspective.

However, with his popularity if people hadn't made a big fuss he wouldn't have had to face ANY consequences.

I am personally more upset with the general media culture that allows these kind of things to persist. This huge "US against THEM" philosophy is part of the "create fear and distractions." It's like people who watch "Cops" and think that only black people and white trash commit crimes; while the billionaires rob us blind.

[hiphopnation]

77. one note

use of the term "singlehandedly"

this is often a misnomer, people rarely, if ever, "singlehadedly" do anything

that said, i don't listen to imus, have no idea what the man is about, so from my perspective, he's just one in a long line of persons of european descent making public thier very real, albeit hidden, hatred for all people of darker complexions. your list of his accomplishments is impressive and i didn't know any of it. i still think he should be sacked.

*ducking*

[The Count]

78. Did any of the Anus defenders read THIS thread?

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=389&topic_id=617289&mesg_id=617289
Does it matter? How many indulgences does a donation buy?

[jzodda]

86. Why can't we forgive? - why do we always demand that they go away?

"If this is the biggest civil rights problem we have today - then the state of civil rights is a lot better than he thought." And "When someone does something wrong and they apologize - why can't we forgive? - why do we always demand that they go away?"

Words to live by, words to remember and the most notable statement out of this whole affair.

But not here! Not at DU a supposed place of tolerance and forgiveness.....Although we will forgive Jackson for insulting the Jews or his mistress, among other misdeeds. We can forgive and give a pass to Sharpton-he has NEVER been wrong before right? He has NEVER hurt people before right?


Nope....For Imus though we have the Hanging Rope out because hes an old, rich white guy....No Tolerance, no forgiveness!

[Laura PourMeADrink]

89. amen. enough said. thanks for ending this thread for me.

[The Count]

133. so you are a Rutgers player, black woman I take it. Because otherwise, you're

sticking your nose in other people's rights (to forgive or not). You're not one of those,

YOU HAVE NO RIGHT! IT'S NOT YOURS TO FORGIVE!

Can you get this concept????

[Marie26]

93. I feel a tear coming...

Imus has had plenty of chances to ask for forgiveness. He has made racial slurs for the past twenty years and hasn't apologized or changed his behavior. Now, though, he'll fake some contrition because his own career is at stake. Guaranteed, his rich friends will accept his apology, keep him on the air, and in one month he'll say something equally nasty. It's just who he is. My favorite quote is: "When someone shows you who they are, believe them the first time". Imus has already showed the world who he is; it's naive to think that he will change now. He needs to retire & stop polluting the airwaves w/his racist, sexist, ugly comments.

[jzodda]

100. Sooooo Talk with your feet and change the dial!

If you don't like him then don't listen. If enough people don't listen then he gets fired anyway. Let his listeners decide his fate. If he goes away let it be because his audience abandons him. He has done lots of good work over the years and you would have to be a New York sports fan who listens to WFAN sports radio to really know about all of it. I don't even listen to Imus but the station is always talking about his charity events in the later shows all the time. He has raised close to $100 million for SIDS and other charities.

Your quote: "He needs to retire & stop polluting the airwaves w/his racist, sexist, ugly comments"

I am curious-if he does not retire then you think they should fire him?

[Marie26]

126. No problem there

First of all, I don't listen to Imus. I feel a momentary annoyance when his sneering face flashes by on MSNBC & I wonder why this man still has a show. Although, I did watch it once when his wife was on, because I was astounded at how mean, crude & borderline abusive he was to her. He's a total jerk, totally bigoted & sexist; and totally narcissistic, with nothing to be narcissistic about.

Honestly, yes, I do think they should fire him - but they won't. If any teacher said that, or a manager, or a sportscaster, they would be fired immediately. I don't get why the rules are different for Imus. He's got a huge influence, and can use public airwaves to spread these racial slurs. I'm a bit floored that a broadcaster can talk about "nappy-headed ho's" & still expect everyone to give him a pass. I'm even more floored that the Washington bigshots still want to go on his show - especially people like Kerry & Alterman who should know better. Since his station won't step up to the plate, it is left to the public to do something - by turning off the show, pressuring advertisers, and writing guests who appear on his show. That's our First Amendment right. Listeners will decide his fate, and that might be how it should be.

[The Count]

135. THESE ARE OUR AIRWAVES! Spare me the "Love it or leave it" BS

I never listen to ANUS. But the list of what he says is disgusting enough for me to get involved. Take the gasbag off the air already!

[The Count]

131. Are you a black woman, Rurgers team member? You can forgive. Otherwise STFU

Because if you are not the intended victim you have NO right to forgive. That's why.

[goclark]

95. I listen to him all the time and I will continue to pile on him

because he is like this ALL the time and allows his boys to be like this ALL the time.

Nice he gives to good causes.

He can still give to them.
That does not stop him from being totally insensitive to others and a phony.

Anyone that has the compassion to have a camp for 10 children at a huge Ranch that he uses all year for his family, deserves to be smart enough to understand that he is a bigot and needs help.

[Cha]

96. You're right..he

does need long overdue "help".

[mzmolly]

113. Good point.

:hi:

[Laura PourMeADrink]

116. not to be picky - but didn't you hear the big flap about the

ranch? Spitzer tried to get him on that - what you said about
the personal use of the ranch. There was absolutely nothing to
support those accusations.

If I ran his show - I'd get rid of Bernie and those other stupid guys who dress up and make fun of everyone. And Bo would have to go.

[UTUSN]

138. HaHAH! So we'd get rid of Bernie, the dress-up freaks, and Bo. 1 step away from sL-IMUS!!1 n/t

[goclark]

149. I read the smoking gun article

that said the income tax was legal.

He is just so arrogant and constantly pushing his charities.

I applaud him for the work that he does but he spends a lot of time on his products and causes on the airways.

Wish he would spend more time liking people for their kindness to others instead of always liking only those that give to him and give him more power.

I have no respect for him,especially now.

[Tom Joad]

99. Why is it that somehow saying that MSNBC and CBS is irresponsible for allowing the airwaves

to be used for constant and persistent racist diatribes somehow, someway taken to mean that people are letting Bush off the hook??

If we say anything about anything else that means we are neglecting our duty to challange Bush?

I think most of here want to promote values of racial equality, justice for all, and corporate accountabillity. this issue is not so much about Imus as it is about the corporate sponsors of racism, of reactionary politics.

god, it would be a good start if we demanded that MSNBC had a talk show anchored by a person of color.

It's not Either/Or. We can challange the Bush administration And talk about wider issues.

[Kolesar]

104. Well stated...eom

[proud2BlibKansan]

106. 10. Worships Rick Santorum

11.. Talks to his wife like she IS a ho.

12. Is a sexist pig. And now, it is apparent he is a racist too.

No I don't think we should demand he be fired. But let's be real here. Imus is a slimeball. A few charity efforts don't make him a saint.

[FredScuttle]

109. "#8. Offered to raise funds for sickle cell anemia "?

Offered? What the fuck was holding him back, Lex Luthor?

Fuck Imus and I am sorely disappointed in the folks that want to pretend he never uttered a racial/sexist slur before and his gerry-rigged "apology" is some kind of sincere expression of remorse.

[SoCalifer]

110. Accomplishments

Don't equal a get out of jail free card. n/t

[UTUSN]

114. HITLER loved dogs. n/t

[Name removed]

125. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[The Count]

130. Why not? The question was: do good deeds entitle one to bad ones?

A little hyperbole seems in order for you people who REFUSE to read thread after thread about the CONTINUING abuses of this man. I am so ashamed to see this thread up there with 20 recs - DU is going to the dogs!
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=389&topic_id=617289&mesg_id=617289

[donco6]

132. I don't even think it's hyperbole.

He only forgot one word, "even". As in, "Even Hitler loved dogs."

[jonnyblitz]

134. yes it is sad and very telling this piece of shit thread got so

many recommends.

[DainBramaged]

136. Sorry you approve of that hyperbole, I think it sucks

And with that I say adieu to you.

Hitler KILLED MILLIONS. Imus said a stupid racist remark. There is a huge difference.

[Laura PourMeADrink]

140. Ah thanks - for you sensible point of view !

[blondeatlast]

119. HE'S A PUBLIC FIGURE. Pardon the shouting, but his very job requires him

to seek an audience. He sought that fame, it didn't "find" him, and he benefits immensely from it.

I have every right to criticize him, no less than I criticize GWB, Paris Hilton, or Jerry Roberdobsom.

Good for him, he helped kids. Maybe those kids could teach him some manners and decorum. But I doubt it.

[DainBramaged]

123. Thank you, I share your views, and am bending under the weight

of those who think piling on is sport.

[Raine]

124. Agree nt

[Warren DeMontague]

127. So, he'll have even more time to do charity work once he's fired for good.

Sorry, he's an asshole. An asshole who helps kids, but still an asshole. I'm sure he has redeeming qualities- that doesn't mean he's entitled to airtime.

[MedleyMisty]

128. Sigh

I thought people had gone over this with the whole Snickers thing.

If you're in the majority with a history of persecuting certain groups, you don't get to decide what those groups can be offended by. It doesn't offend you? Good, go on with your life. There's no need to pile on the people who were offended and tell them that they're wrong and that sexism and racism is no big deal.

Use the ignore thread feature if his comments didn't offend you. Everyone will be much happier.

[druidity33]

137. i'm actually more offended

by the "jigaboos" comment the other guy had said. WTF?

[sellitman]

141. I agree.

He made very racist remarks and he has apologized. He has been punished enough.

Those who want him fired can do so by not listening.


As a Jew, I won't ever knowingly ever spend another dollar watching a Mel Gibson movie but the man has a right to making a living.

Time to move on.

[Fleshdancer]

142. Millions of Americans do more to help others without the hate and slurs

Imus has made racist and sexist comments throughout his career and when he FINALLY out does himself, I'm suddenly suppose to ignore his poor character because his overpaid job has given him more opportunities to start charities than my job has afforded me?

MILLIONS of people in this country has given more than him without all the ugly he has to offer. Look to our hospice care workers, our social workers, the numerous people who work for homeless shelters and charitable non-profits, those who actually work with the kids that have cancer that Imus raises money for...tell me they do their job while making bigoted comments at work and getting away with it and I will gladly donate $100 to the charity of your choice.

[truedelphi]

147. I work with hospice cases

And have learned to be on tip toes about even mentioning what another worker looks like.

The nursing agencies are into reverse racism as far as I can tell.

[Morgana LaFey]

143. Extremely disappointing from you

Extremely.

I'd like to point your attention to what I consider is the BEST take on the whole Imus thing -- some remarks (as reported by a DUer) from Keith Olbermann:

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=389&topic_id=621725&mesg_id=621725


No one is all bad; no one is all good. But that doesn't mean people shouldn't be held accountable for the bad that they do -- and esp. when they "do" it repeatedly. I am deeply sorry to see you willing to let the worst kind of racist and sexist bigotry off the hook in return for charitable works.

[Laura PourMeADrink]

156. thanks. but did you even read what I said. I never, ever said

that because what he did that was good he was allowed to be hateful ! I only said that he has done a lot of great things. Not that it justifies any hateful thing he's done, whatsoever. I am torn. On one hand I see someone who devotes much of his life to causes. On the other hand, his show promotes trashy, bigoted humor that is not funny and is cruel and hateful.

I too, really believe that something good will come out of this.

[Morgana LaFey]

181. Why even bring up the "good" if it's not to defend him?

Makes no sense to me.

But whatever.

[Laura PourMeADrink]

182. because it's worth it to try remediation

[Morgana LaFey]

188. Oh, please. You're DEFENDING him, don't try to make this

something it's not.

Put another way: you'd do yourself a big favor figuring out the difference between "remediation" (your term) and capitulation.

[ComerPerro]

144. I appreciate your point, but its kind of like telling people that

they shouldn't criticize Bush until they've been a two-term governor and President of the US.

[fortyfeetunder]

146. I don't give a darn whether he stood on the right hand of g-d

Since when does benevolence justify talking like an ignorant, bigoted rectal crevice?


So what you're saying, oh he bought his way to say any blanking thing he wants? You really want me to rationalize that?

Sorry, I don't buy that for one minute...

Hell, I'm benevolent too, but my personal ethics don't give me leverage to talk about other people different from myself as if they were common trash...

[Bluebear]

150. 'an ignorant, bigoted rectal crevice'

I love your turn of phrase :thumbsup:

[Laura PourMeADrink]

155. no.no.no no cause and effect. just that he has a good side and

he has a bad side, just like all of us.

[SemperEadem]

174. and his bad side uses a microphone which sends its signal out

over federally regulated airwaves. He's not sitting on his front porch hollaring this at whoever is passing by. That is the primary difference between him and 'all of us'. His bad side doesn't have a right to distribution/dissemination to a national audience.

[Laura PourMeADrink]

178. You make a good point that is valid - but I never once said he did have the right

just simply that he has good and bad qualities

[autorank]

148. The right of the famous...forgive their sins, we must! They are separate issues.

Those things are all great. It wouldn't be possible for Imus to raise charitable funds for only white people so that's not really exculpatory or indicative of anything. You could just as easily argue that this proves nothing because of that.

It would be fair to say, in addition to spreading racial hatred and humiliating a bunch of good kids, he's done these things which have benefited minorities (without attaching a motive to do so).

Now Bill Gates has given away, what, maybe $5.0 billion so far.

Lets get him on the phone, Imus style, and say,

"Bill, because you've given all that money, does that mean that you can either or both (a) expect that we say nothing critical of your products and business practices and/or (b) expect that we are to forgive you for making outrageous and bigoted remarks or for allowing your name to be attached to Michael Savage on MSNBC?"

Even with all the money he's given and all the good it has done, he wouldn't say yes to any part of that question.

[wisteria]

153. Great post! n/t

[The Count]

157. A happy ending to an embarrassing thread:

[Laura PourMeADrink]

159. Yes, the embarassing thread you posted 15 times to.

[The Count]

189. here's the 16th: because it makes me so angry that you support racism so

passionately! And spare me the hair splitting - you think Anus philantropy bought him the right to attack women, minorities, Jews - everyone. I saw enough quotes not to need to have listen to his garbage. :puke:

[Ganja Ninja]

158. Doing good deeds doesn't give you a license to name call and

ridicule innocent people that haven't done anything to deserve it. A philanthropic prick is still a prick.

[bloom]

160. So if someone has enough money and privilege to be "good deed doers"...

they can do or say whatever they want and we are supposed to look the other way. :eyes:

You know that's been going on for centuries.

Slave owners/rich people with servants/ who do their public service works - often under the mantle of "Christianity" - as if that makes up for their oppression of others. Makes them feel good. Causes others to look away when they are assholes/abusive.

Some people need to get a clue.

[mainer]

161. I got called a lot worse things growing up.

And I was called those things by adults on the streets. To my face.

I'm not excusing Imus, but I have a message for those poor hurt ladies at Rutgers. If this is the worst thing you've ever been called, then you gals are lucky. Maybe it's just my age; maybe I'm used to hearing racial epithets. But I want to tell them that the world is a hard place, and as victims, they are way overrecting.

Yeah, okay. Flame away at me. But sometimes, with the perspective of five decades, I just wanna tell people to grow up and move on. And prove you're better than they say you are.

[Rhiannon12866]

197. I'm not going to flame you.

I've gotten called names because I'm Irish, though I know that it must have been worse for you. But I agree, that these talented players should move on, and not react to stupid insults from the crypt keeper. :-)

[theboss]

163. Except he doesn't draw ratings

To me, that is the weirdest part of all of this.

If this was Rush Limbaugh who had 20 million listeners, I could see the desire by radio stations to keep him on the air.

Imus has - maybe - 3 million.

[Laura PourMeADrink]

166. right - but an important 3 million - political junkies.

[LynneSin]

168. And he's still a racist, sexist asshole

I've heard that the White Supremists and KKK donate to many charitable causes - doesn't mean that I'm supporting them or makes them any less racist than what they are

[KingFlorez]

171. So just because he's charitable, it means it's okay for him to call names?

That's not even logical. There is no defending what he said, he was wrong and even he admits it.

[SemperEadem]

173. you are lost and full of pride

and pride goes before destruction and the haughty spirit before the fall.

[Laura PourMeADrink]

179. who? what the hell are you talking about?

[seabeyond]

176. the problem is i have seen and listened and heard the crudest, filthiest

toward respectable women. so offensive that what he has done matters not. i cannot and wll not justify males endorsing rape of female.

[Time for change]

177. I think it's rare for someone to apologize for something like that

I heard him apologize, and I believe he is sincere about it. I also believe that his apology means a lot -- probably it will mean more than the original comments that required the apology. And I think that when someone apologizes like that we ought to provide some positive reinforcement for that kind of action.

[robcon]

180. Imus is a total fraud

All his charities are a tax dodge for his mansion in New Mexico, and a way to make himself feel important. I've never, for an instant, believed his feelings have been sincere.

See the article on his New Mexico mansion in Architectural Digest.

[Mark E. Smith]

183. Imus Has Been A Bush Apologist From Day One

Fuck him.

[Laura PourMeADrink]

186. Guess you didn't hear him the other day saying, "For the war

Bush and Cheney need to go before a firing squad." heard it twice.

[Mark E. Smith]

187. Yeah, but where was his sorry ass in 2000 and 2004?

Right there with Limbaugh, Coulter and the rest of the dirtbags.

Imus is as dependable as a snake.

[Kingshakabobo]

191. For the record, he endorsed Kerry in 2004....

He dogged Cheney by referring to him as "pork-chop boy."

I don't recall, off hand, his 2000 endorsement.

[Mark E. Smith]

192. Hey look, if you're dying to be an apologist for reactionary...

..dirtbag racists, why stop at Imus?

I'm sure you could develop a whole new and very exciting career finding redeeming qualities in some of life's most loathsome dirtbags.

[Kingshakabobo]

193. Not apologizing for anyone.....

I'm happy he's gone.

I like to help reactionary cry-babies pull their heads out of their asses when they make inaccurate statements. Apparently, you like yours right were it is.

:hi:

[Imagevision]

190. Bottomline, Imus is gone from MSNBC and it's the right thing from the network!

Limbaugh should be next!

[KamaAina]

194. Look at it this way

Once he, uh, "decides to spend more time with his family", he'll have that much more time to devote to his charity work. Lord knows he has enough money already!

[Geek_Girl]

195. I think you make a good point

and maybe he's a real humanitarian and wonderful person. But I'm sick and tired of these shock jocks polluting the airwaves with their racist, intolerant BS. He needs to go along with others who use this type of shock approach to get ratings.

[entanglement]

196. Well, he has more free time to do all those good things for people of all races now

so you shouldn't feel so bad. As for the 'forgiveness' thing - I'm not Black / female or one of the Rutgers players - so it's not up to me to do so.