I have to take a side road and comment on the Don Imus fiasco.
I like Don Imus. I have listened to him since the early 70s when I was a broadcast journalism student at Memphis State. He was one of many cases we studied to understand the variety of radio programming and on-air talent. Through the years I have followed “Imus in the Morning” from WFAN to his current (until today) program on CBS and MSNBC. He makes me laugh. He makes me mad. He has cultivated one of the best venues for hearing from political heavies who know Imus will ask the right questions with sensitivity. As a result, political luminaries from presidents to candidates for every office trust Imus enough to offer spontaneous, relevant and honest perspectives on current issues. With the election season upon us, I will greatly miss the insights gained from Imus’ radio program.
I don’t have to tell you that what Imus said was extremely careless. Of all the stupid things Imus has said over the years, this was the most irresponsible. And it cost him his job. Maybe it also cost him his reputation and even his career. I hope not.
What most people don’t know, or have forgotten, is that Don has come along way over the years. As bad as he might be now, he was much worse. But I know that he does not mean to be insensitive. I know he is not a racist. I know he believes in Jesus and from time to time offers very moving soliloquies about the Savior. He unabashedly will say, “The I-man loves the Baby Jesus.” He has once and for all kicked alcohol and drugs after many long, hard battles over the years. He married a loving and talented wife who keeps Imus on an even keel. Together they have young Wyatt who clearly is the joy of his life. A few years ago, the I-man took an interest in sudden infant death syndrome and has raised millions for that cause. He also started and maintains a ranch for children with cancer. Just today, Imus oversaw the conclusion of a radiothon during which $1 million was raised for the ranch. And today, he was fired.
I have never heard Don Imus so penitent as he has been since he uttered those fatal words about the Rutgers’ ladies basketball team. He has done everything he can to somehow rectify the unrectifiable. He endured Al Sharpten’s tirade. He went on the “Today” show. He has apologized everyday on his program. He’s asked to meet with the basketball team to personally apologize.
Don Imus was unjustly fired. He deserves better. America needs Don Imus so much more than we need Howard Stearn or a host of other on-air “personalities” (some of whom fill the airwaves right here in Memphis). Radio will never be the same without the I-man. It’s a shame.
Your thoughts?
Nancy said
The first amendment of our Constitution’s Bill of Rights states, “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press, or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.”
It’s rights like free speech that make me glad I’m an American and live in a republic. I think we should protect free speech. If we don’t protect it for the people we disagree with, we will lose our free speech rights over the issues in the culture war. Even now we hear of civil suits and court rulings where our free speech rights have been violated. Really, it looks like it’s just a matter of time before believers will be persecuted for “hate” speech as it relates to the position we take regarding sexual orientation. Christians who speak God’s word in the public square will suffer the consequences for taking that stand through persecution, fines and imprisonment.
As a Christian, I believe that we should speak the truth in love even if it hurts. The scripture teaches us that life and death are in the power of the tongue. James’ epistle warns us that the tongue is an unruly member of the body that will set us on fire if we don’t bridle it. Apparently, Mr. Imus spoke fiery words and they resulted in a firing consequence. But, sadly, he’s no different from most of us. We’ve all said things that we regret and can never take back.
I’m not sure if I have ever heard Mr. Imus’ broadcast. But I think free speech should be allowed even when I disagree with it.
Maura said
Don Imus did not deserve to be treated the way he was by CBS and MSNBC. It was disgraceful to railroad him as they did. The Rutgers team forgave him . They did not call for him to be fired.
As a nation, we could have had a long overdue discussion about race issues in the US. Instead, in a panic, very unwise decisions were made.
I was appalled to see how gutless many of his guests were when support was needed. Shame on all of those involved in the media feeding frenzy, most especially those who profited from their appearances on his wonderful show.
The sooner the I-Man is back on the air, the better.
Steve Holt Sr. said
Thanks Nancy and Maura for your comments. Yea, Maura, I was a bit surprised more people of influence didn’t come to Imus’s defence. You can tell it’s campaign season.