Why didn't the ACLU stand up for Don Imus?

Question

When Don Imus made his racially-charged remarks, there were MANY people, including Al Sharpton, calling for his retirement. However, that is usually the point where the ACLU steps in and hires a lawyer to defend his job, on the basis of free speech.

I mean, remember when they went to court to protect the free speech of NAMBLA? So why didn't they go to court to protect Don Imus?

Is racism more of a crime than child molestation, according to the holy and all-knowing ACLU?

Answer 1

I never though tthis day would come, but I have to speak up in defense of the ACLU.

Mr. Imus' civil rights were never violated. He was an at-will employee and was terminated by his employer. The government was not involved. The ACLU has no horse in this race.

Answer 2

The ACLU would have had no case, that's why. Imus wasn't fired because free speech was denied him, he was fired because we all have free speech. You can't use the First Amendment to give him the right to say what he pleases and then deny the rest of us our First Amendment right to protest his words. Ultimately, he was fired because over 100 advertisers backed out of supporting the show.

Free speech doesn't mean you are completely free from consequences, it simply means the government can't throw you in jail for speaking your mind.

The ACLU's sole function is to protect the freedoms we're guaranteed by the Bill of Rights. What kind of knucklehead has a problem with that???

Answer 3

The NAMBLA case had to do with the organization being sued because of a crime committed by one of one of its members. The family of the victim named NAMBLA in the suite. That would be like me suing the NRA because one of its members shot my cousin. The ACLU wasn't defending child molestation any more than it defended drug usage when it came to the defense of Rush Limbaugh.
Imus is a different situation. He was fired by his employer for what his employer deemed inappropriate behavior. There was no third party involved.

Answer 4

Imus was not being sued and most likely didn't ask for representation, or if he has, it is not public knowledge yet.

To those who say because Imus is white, have you forgotten that it was the ACLU who defended Rush Limbaugh's right to privacy when the prosecutor wanted to subpoena Rush's pharmaceutical records and doctor's prescriptions in Rush's case concerning illegal Oxycotin?

It's too bad that Rush Limbaugh disparages the ACLU and has never acknowledged that the ACLU fought for his rights.

Answer 5

Very simple. The government was not infringing on anyone's rights. It was a private corporation disciplining its employee. The ACLU is more concerned with the government sticking its nose in people's lives and its attempts to violate the Bill of Rights.

Answer 6

Because Imus is white. The ACLU only protects the speech of pedophiles like NAMBLA. I would never donate a dime to the ACLU as they are the most anti-American organization operating today.

Answer 7

Because Imus is white.

Answer 8

no reason to,he was hired and could therefore be fired for bad conduct. had the government supressed his free speech the ACLU may have gotten involved if asked to. they also went to court for the NRA and different christian groups. they are fighting for our rights to internet use right now.

http://www.aclu.org/

Answer 9

Can you say "Color Of The Month Club?" There is nothing American or Civil about the ACLU. You should read up on their founding principles and goals...

Answer 10

Imus was not in court.