Did former marine, Don Imus, take a bullet for freedom of speech?

Question

I truly hope that the worst thing that ever happens in the Rutger's girl basketball player's lives is that someone made an offensive remark in jest.

3,280 lost their lives in Iraq, but what's more important, someone called me a "nappy headed ho."

Answer 1

I never liked Imus----but I also do not agree with the way his indiscretion has been handled by everyone.

Answer 2

No. He made statements in a forum that required him to use discretion, tact and professionalism when conveying his message. That is why live programs are broadcast on a delay. Objectionable speech and other content can be censored before reaching the public. He knew full well that his comments would always be under scrutiny. He knew that better than you or I do. What about what Mel Gibson said about Jews? That was not said in a public venue - but it eventually ended up there through the media. The Imus and Gibson situations as similar. As being a member of the media - you know full well there are certain things that just are not said (he ventured into that territory- at his peril).

As far as him being a racist, I don't feel that he is. He just made a mistake. People get fired for making mistakes all the time. Most of the time these people don't get this much consideration.

As a person who is not a minority neither you or Imus can fully understand the pain that public racist comments can cause. It is selfish and foolish to think that you can hide behind free speech to justify racist behavior in public journalism.

I'm sure if someone publicly humiliated a member of your family without cause you would feel differently.

Answer 3

There is no excuse for racist or rude remarks made towards innocent girls. Although it is his right to say these things he still he will still suffer consequences, which means he won't be prosecuted but he will have to deal with the public and how they feel about what he said.
If someone announced on national television that you were a "stupid bit.ch" it would most likely upset you and you would probably be offended by the comment. You would have the right to be angry and protest the comments just as the Rutgers team has the right.
We let the KKK have their freedom of speech, but that doesn't mean we have to support them or buy whatever white power product they are selling. No, I'm not saying that Imus is cohorts with the KKK, it is simply the most controversial group I could think of.
Imus is not the first to suffer at the hands of the public for his comments, look at Jane Fonda, The Dixi Chix and even Tom Cruise.
I am very aware of the troops that have been lost in Iraq, but that doesn't mean that I want to support morons who say stupid things.

Answer 4

I personally do not see what the big deal is, so what he made a bad joke.. He apologized.. why can't people let it rest..

This is way beyond Don Imus, I feel that Al Sharpton is trying to punish him for all racist white people. Most white people feel the same way that Don feels however, no one heard them repeat it in public. All racists white people is applauding what he said because it makes them feel good. Everyone has jokes about all races, I talk about everybody and make jokes. I even talk about my family members.

It is ridicoulous too fire someone over some stupid joke that was said, then again when you are in Don shoes, you have to be careful what you say because it will bite you in the *** eventually..

Answer 5

Why do the form of fantastic form of of you sense that he develop into denied his freedom of speech. The FCC is a federally operated corporation we as tax payers have a right to whinge to.that's the reason it is not a freedom of speech difficulty. permit me supply you a assessment: A family contributors of five (mom and four toddlers) gets federal counsel and he or she abuses that very counsel that we as tax payers arise with the money for her, ought to the government after it gets distinctive court situations no longer placed tension on the social provider place of work in her city to inspect and terminate any help that taxpayers are affording her. the sensible answer is sure. that's what CBS and Ms-NBC did the spoke back to the tension of sponsors, picketers and extremely probable the FCC. the only venue that Jesse and Al have is that given them by The very entities spoken of until eventually now among others. You men continuously desire to characteristic those 2 to the plight of all black human beings. They weren't elected as "Black u . s . a . of america's" president and vice-president. whilst you're/have been ever indignant by statements that they made perchance you need to hit upon a media talk board that addresses you plight. until eventually then won't have the ability to we quit pointing hands and handle the themes as a collective and cohesive unit? From what i'm analyzing from a number of your reviews that query is previous your comprehension so which you're able to be able to push aside.

Answer 6

Freedom of Speech, means you are free to say whatever you want to say.

No one did anything to Imus's freedom of speech, he is still free to say whatever he wants to.

But, Freedom of Speech does not mean freedom from the consequences of your speech.

Imus was fired for business reasons, he hurt the bottom line of MSNBC and CBS.

The advertiser's used thier freedom of speech, to decide they didn't want to advertise on any station that carried Imus anymore.

Isn't democracy in action great.


People always forget the other half of freedom of Speech, the freedom to not listen to someone.

In this case, people exercising the freedom to not listen, ended up causing Imus his job.

Answer 7

people have evolved out of their thick skins of the past.

sticks and stones may break my bones but words will never hurt you.

imus's freedom of speech was not impaired - not firing him would have brought bad publicity to the radio station.

but the rutgers basketball players need to get some backbone.

Answer 8

some reasonable answers here from both sides.

the one thing i keep coming back to though is this: there will never be equality in this country as long as there is a double standard, and this incident showboxes that double standard.

U.S. Deaths Confirmed By The DoD: 3292. the list keeps growing. as of april 12

Answer 9

Umm, it wasn't the government that kicked him off the air. It was the network. He is certainly free to get onto another network and continue to speak as he does. The government won't stop him.

His freedom of speech rights were not violated. Freedom of speech does not mean freedom from the consequences of the speech as Republicans were so quick to point out during the Dixie Chick controversy.

Freedom of speech does NOT include forcing a network to keep employing you if you say something that makes them look bad.

Imus is not a martyr here. Don't make him out to be one.

Answer 10

Since the government was not involved there is no freedom of speech issue. CBS made the decision.