Remember that old saying “stick and stones may break my bones but words will never hurt me” ? We were all taught it when younger..what happened ? I have a wooden leg and I have been called crip, crippled, one legged pirate, handicap boy you name it. Does it affect me ? NO i don’t allow it sides I know who I am and yes I don’t have two legs like most everybody else but I don’t have a defect. Why is that this hurt these women or any woman so badly that a man would have to lose his job. If somebody didn’t tell them what he had said they would never have known. Now with that being said I say this about any person white black blue orange brown whatever says. Its just WORDS ppl get OVER IT! Ppl can only hurt you with words if you let them !

I cannot believe you have the intellegence to be employed to write such mindless dribble. Maybe it is a quota hire since you must have some serious mentak issues. Imus will be back at the right time and the right forum. And guys like you will be in his crosshairs.

I would listen to it. Also, you can block offensive content if you dont want to hear it on sattelite radio. Some of the traditional FM stations are annoying djs in the morning. Imus did great work. Al Sharpton and Jessie Jackson are the false leaders who do not act the way they want others to lead.
I have seen much more bias on some of the commedians including some minorities who talk worse than what imus said about other minority groups. Heck on sattelite radio you can hear the dreaded case which caused the ruckus on the seven words that can not be said on television.

Whatever happened to the theology of the “Reverends”, Sharpton and Jackson about forgive, turn the other cheek, he who hasn’t sinned cast the first stone, etc, etc.

I hate to break it to Mr. La Monica, but he is one of the few people who believes what he is writing about Imus’s prospects on moving to Sirius or XM. Most people are predicting that Sirius will merge with XM by the end of the year. At that point, Mr. La Monica’s point about Imus’s controversy will be mute. No one is more controversial then Howard Stern, and from Mr. La Monica’s description of what he thinks is allowed on satellite, proves that he doesen’t subscribe or listen to Howard Stern.

This idiotic uproar over what Imus said, wouldn’t have been nearly as big a deal on Sirius or XM, as someone who is a Sirius subscriber, I can say that with 100% confidence. Mr. La Monica is obviously someone who hates Imus, and therefore is hoping that he doesn’t get hired again….

Don’t bet on it.

Mel Karmazan (the President and CEO of Sirius) is longtime friends with Imus. Even Howard Stern has said he wouldn’t be adverse to Sirius or XM hiring Imus, even though the two guys hate each other. I would bet that a year from now, Imus, Chuck, Bernie and Lou, are sitting pretty on XM or Sirius (or both), and doing what they do best…ripping on people like Mr. La Monica, Michelle Malkin, Bill O’Reilly, and Dennis Miller.

I for one will be re-suscribing to Sirius, to make sure I get to hear it

Small thinking, If Imus signs up w them after the MERGER, There will be a hugh increase in the subscriber base. So much so that Karmazian will no doubt be turning his wheels in anticipation. The real key is no one realy knows his listener base.

Quite frankly, I think that the author of this article lives in a dream world. The sad fact is that many more people on the street were amused by Imus’ comments than were offended. Demographically speaking, satellite radio customers are more akin to Howard Stern and Imus fans rather than followers of Al Sharpton and Jesse Jackson. The powers that be in satellite radio would be wise to take advantage of the publicity surrounding Imus to help launch a new show. As I said, it may be a sad commentary on our society, but, it is a realistic one.

does anyone in here actually listen to rap
when a rapper refers to a “ho” he not talking about a regular but but an actual “slut” like the groupies who throw themselves at these rappers because they have money and all that comes with it

calling college students from a school hos is just out of context and shows imus’ ignorance further more it wasnt a flub he said it on purpose and then went on to say other things like jigaboo
are you serious ? if i went to a comedy show and a white comedian said that id be pissed id start heckling the hell out of the comedian
if a black comedian said it would not have the smae context or subtext becuase of who its coming from
someone who has been called it
black people dont call white people the n word
white people call black people the n word
black people call each other the n word
but not for the same reason white people call black people the n word

now is this clear ?

when snoop dog says he doesnt love them “ho’s” hes making a statement about a type of woman not that every woman is a “ho” per se ya dig ?

Imus has been entertaining millions of listeners for decades!!! All of a sudden he’s being hammered over this comment?? Yes, the comment was wrong, but, he’s been doing this for years. Imus is a equal oppertunity offender. His show is about politics and comedy and if you do not like this kind of comedy, then DONT LISTEN!!! With all the good he has done for charities in the past, this is a down right shame!!

I guessing you Paul R. La Monica do even have a Satellite Radio. I for one do and I have heard far worse statments on the hip-hop channels. You have no clue what you are talking about. I’m not saying that he will get a gig on satellite radio. What I’m saying is what they allow on those air waves make Imus’s coments look as if the were from a child.

I am in utter disbelief that CBS has just fired Don Imus. CBS is now admitting that there is a double standard in terms of free speech in this country. CBS submitted to pressure from extremely racist men, who actively preach against Jews and Whites. What Imus said was insulting yes, but give me a break, Imus is a comedian, edgy, and this is the kind of thing everyone has come to expect. Shame on you. Shame on you Les Moonves. I will no longer listen to CBS Radio, watch CBS TV programs, and will be actively advocating a boycot of your stations. I will spread my message advocating the boycott of their programs until Imus is reinstated.

Paul you obviously don’t even understand the people you commented about. Opie and Anthony are horrific in their racists comments. And thats why people love them, they shock us with COMEDY. Imus won’t go to satelitte because his release from CBS won’t allow it. Do your research before you write and article you uniformed dope.

Funny thing about free speech. Everyone supports it until someone says the wrong thing. Don Imus is being dragged over the coals for his racist/sexist remarks. And rightly so. No one deserves to be insulted in front of an audience of millions. But before we hold this guy up to the firing squad (and believe me, as an African-American myself I think he deserves all he gets for what he said), let’s take a moment to consider all sides to this. It is no secret in the black community that numerous comedians, rap & hip-hop artists have been saying the same hurtful things about African-American women (along with racist taunts of whites) in their acts for years to earn a buck. Does the fact that these artists are black warrant a free pass to insult others of their community? I would argue not. One would think that after hundreds of years of being subject to racist taunts by whites, the last thing we would want to do is direct such hateful rhetoric towards each other. Why should they stop using the N-word and such when we use it so freely among ourselves? Oh and one more thing, who do you think buys the most rap & hip-hop music? Let me help you. Suburban white teens. And what do teenagers do? Emulate what they see and hear. Remember that the first time your son or daughter comes home from school after being racially disparaged.

And for those of you that think Imus is getting unfairly treated because of his remarks, consider this. Anti-Semitic remarks made in Europe less than 100 years ago lead to the deaths of millions of innocent men, women & children simply because they were Jewish. But let Louis Farrakhan utter an anti-Semitic remark and every white person within earshot would seize upon the opportunity to call him out on it. Had Don Imus made a slur against the Jewish community on April 4th, there is no doubt in anyone’s mind that CBS would have pulled the plug on him. To some of you, my example may sound extreme, but when you look at both situations under the microscope they both originate from the scourge that is bigotry.

Ultimately, my point is this. The black community needs to police itself just as much as it expects the white community to if we hope to quash ignorance such as what spews from the mouths of people like Don Imus. And the white community needs to make an example of people like Don Imus when they cross the line. If we cannot repudiate all bigotry, regardless of who it is directed at, with the same sense of outrage then we will never know a colorblind society where race does not matter.

Mr. La Monica is a hypocrite. He freely gives his opinion on this site but does not think Mr Imus should have the same freedoms. Mr. Imus should have an opportunity to share his opinion and if that means going to satellite, I wish him well.

You can’t regulate someone’s opinon or tell them how they must believe. That just causes people to become more polarized in their beliefs. Mr. Imus’ speech is protected by the first amendment. You don’t have to like what he says, but we all are offered the same protection by the first amendment.

Appearently Mr. La Monica doesn’t listen to satellite radio. Perhaps he should before he comments.

1. This isn’t Imus’s 1st time being accused of offending remarks. Also it is not a Black Girl’s thing. This is more the straw that broke the camel’s back. He has made offensive/rude remarks that most would view as racism, misogyny, homophobia and anti-semitic.

2. Rappers and others that profit of racist and sexist remarks are wrong, no doubt about it. I 100% agree that change MUST be made. There are plans in motion to clean up Hip Hop but it seems like an uphill battle with record companies profiting so much (by the way 80% of the people that buy offensive rap are white so a good way to attack offensive rap is to STOP SUPPORTING IT) But using rappers as an excuse to let Imus off the hook is ludicrous. Imus had a much bigger and different POLITICAL platform. I don’t know about you but i don’t expect there to be much political context on the Young Jezzy album.

3. Dave Chappell left the Chappell Show because he rightly believed it was a negative influence on the Black/African American Community. It is Comedy Centrals idea to continue running the old episodes…gee if the main star says no you would think the network would get a clue.

What planet did this Paul R. Lamonica come from? As entitled to his opinion as he may be it is obvious that he doesn’t listen to much satellite radio.
I think that CNN.com should have better informed writers.

Imus got beat and his desperation will be a cornerstone to his legacy. His comments, although foolish, ended what should have been ended in the 80’s.
I will say Paul, in targeting Howard Stern as “offensive” certainly comes from one who must not have really listened. His Sirus show is the most entertaining, honest and gamebreakingly funny show on the airways. There, everyone is a target. After all, we all are. Right Imus.

Paul, I believe you are mistaken about the future for Imus. Obviously you’ve never listened to his show for more than 15 minutes. His listeners know him far better than you and will follow him to Sirius or XM. He attracts more people than your pedestrian, politically correct, special interest group pandering dribble ever will. You should be fired for being a wimp!

I disagree with CBS’s decision to fire Don Imus. Yes, what he said was wrong, but he apologized and received a suspension. Mel Gibson made racial comments about Jews, he apologized and his life goes on as if nothing happened. He should be “fired” from Hollywood, since firing seems to be the appropriate punishment. How about Michael Richards? The country, especially those offended (Al Sharpton and such) have moved on. I think Don Imus just happened to make the comments on a slow news day.

If you think that listeners of XM radio & Sirrus Radio would cancel thier service if some said the same stupid thing there, you obviously have never listened to satellite radio. I have heard far worse things there.

Imus deserved better than this. Anyone would have deserved better than this. Our country deserved better than this. It is both amazing and sad that a charitable man with such a remarkable body of work could be so quickly and wrongfully judged…and it is equally disturbing that an entire nation could be so easily swayed by figurative prosecutors making assumptions based on comments taken out of context. Yes, his comments were wrong, but don’t we all make mistakes? Don’t we all deserve forgiveness, and a second chance…especially if we sincerely apologize, understand our mistakes, and pledge to do better? Imus is not a racist nor a sexist. In fact, he is quite the opposite. He is an advocate for all victims, and he would never judge someone based on their race, sex, nor religious beliefs. Instead, as Dr. King requested, he makes assessments based on the content of one’s character. If only we all remembered to do this. We should not allow ourselves to be led around like lemmings by the media. We must make our own conclusions based on all of the facts, and not merely by the facts people choose to point out to us. We must think for ourselves…instead of allowing the media and people with specific agendas to think for us…and then maybe we will be assured that no one will be wrongly condemned.

Good Luck Imus! I look forward to hearing your show again, and I know there are millions of supporters that can’t wait to wake up to your insightful, considerate, and entertaining morning show…no matter what station or venue!!!

Don Imus was the key to making MSNBC overtake CNN morning news, when Imus was fired, and the fire storm began, Imus was sorry and even tried to talk with Al Sharpton. NO ONE knows all the good he hss done for this county and we have some African Americans telling us what we can say and what we can’t.
I will back Imus always.

LaMonica is a media “guru”? Geeze, like I’d hire this guy who thinks that satellite radio has the reflexive morality of Sunday morning!
It’s astonishing that someone who you would think knows what he’s talking about writes such ill-informed commentary. Will satellite radio pick up Imus? The only reason that they would not would relate to their need for approval for the merger.
Once that issue is resolved and the feeding frenzy passes Imus goes satellite and I go out and subscribe.
I look forward to your future clueless articles, Paul. Keep up the good work!

La Monica speculates that satellite radio customers would cancel their subscription in “protest” of Imus’s remarks. Hardly! How many people cancel their cable once one of the hundreds of show hosts there says something stupid and offensive? Um…none. That’s the difference between terrestrial radio and satellite. With satellite, when people don’t like what they’re hearing, they just change to one of the other hundreds of channels; as it should be. The programming is not totally beholden to corporate advertisers and their PC censorship. And I for one pray to God it stays that way.

I don’t really care much about Imus but you definitely make a good point about the sirius- xm merger. People are delusional who believe that the merger would create a monopoly…did the introduction of blogs, online media result in the extinction of print or traditional media??NO!!! Sure enough it gave them a stern competition but in no way shape or fashion did it make it obsolete !!!

I completely disagree with your analysis that customers would not pay to hear IMUS on satellite. The only reason I bought XM was to hear Opie and Anthony. They supposedly were banished from radio for good but ended up getting a show with XM and being syndicated throughtout numerous major markets. Anyone that says IMUS will never or should never be on the airwaves again is naive. If any columinst would do their due diligence in research they would find that the majority of Americans agree with me. I have not seen a poll which gives IMUS less than 60/40 support. MSNBC and CBS should be ashamed of themselves. Firing IMUS in the very hours which he raises millions of dollars for child diseases is an abomination to the very fabric of this country. When the likes of a lying, corrupt, self serving figure as Al Sharpton is the reason a true patriot and benefactor get fired is the day I stop watching CBS and MSNBC. One incident doesn’t define a person. If it was, Sharpton would have been finished years ago. The hipocracy will not go unnoticed. Let’s see Jesse or Sharpton react when they go after hip-hop artists. They will be conspicuously silent. I have no doubt that you will hide my feedback because it does not reflect the medias’ portrayal of IMUS. All that was done today was ruin a good hearted persons’ career for one comment. The media should be disgusted with themselves. The only victims were that of the Rutger’s women basketball team. I have no respect for anyone that portrays it differently. It is a sad day not only for the constitution but for those fighting real issues as such as Iraq and Afganistan. I beg you please post my response or at least comment to the issues I have raised.

I’m very happy that Imas has been fired, and I hope he never returns on Radio.The same should be done to Stern, the sooner the better. Why don’t you put it to a vote by the public.
Who wants Stern terminated!!!!!! please, put it to a vote by the public, via the internet.

Firing Imus is right. Words can be used to violent ends. In parts of Europe, straight up hate speech is illegal and can get you serious time. While Imus said nothing to directly encourage violence, he is endorsing a view towards women and African Americans that they are lesser beings, undeserving of respect and dignity. The fact that other people use these words does not make what he did right, and anyone using that language in any other place of business would be fired too. He does not enjoy some special status because he is on the radio, use of public airwaves is a privelige that should not be abused at the expense of races and genders.

why can’t the ratings decide things? No one has to listen to him if they don’t want to.

Paul,

You’re wrong about Imus on satellite. As many others have said, he would be a good fit. In fact, I have always thought satellite radio was stupid, but my wife & I who commute together in South Carolina for two hours a day, are planning to install satellite radio in each of our three cars, as soon as Imus strikes a deal.

He has a definite following, and although his comments were stupid, insensitive and regretable, they were not racist in the context he made them. Imus’ coworker made the first reference to “ho’s”, and as I see it Imus say a comedic moment and followed through with it. It wasn’t funny. Some jokes are not funny. In this case, I don’t even think he thought another thing about it. The media states over and over that Imus was “going after” these innocent girls. He was doing that. He simply said a term that Chris Rock, Dave Chappelle and countless other “blacks” or if you’re politically correct, “African-Americans” call their peers on an ongoing basis. Why is it okay for a black person to call another black person a derogatory name in jest. The standard should be the same for everyone, regardless of race. Wrong is wrong, and right is right. This was wrong, but not a career-ending error.

The media has gone on a feeding frenzy about this situation. What hypocrites Imus’s employers, his media conterparts and peers, and his co-workers have turned out to be. Sure, he made a mistake, which is not his first. What makes this comment “the one” that put him over the edge. The only reason Imus was ultimately fired, was the almighty dollar. Had it been for any other reason, it wouldn’t have taken several days after the comment. Shame on that spineless NBC News Manager who made the call. Shame on Al Roker, Matt Lauer, and any other NBC high-profilers who took a stand against the I-Man. As Imus stated today, “think about what you all say in private and the jokes you make in private”. Not an excuse, but definitely a worthy observation.

And the most hypocritical of all the critics had to be the Rev. Al Sharpton, followed closely by the Rev. Jesse Jackson, two ambulance-chasing instigators whose legitimacy has long ago expired. As a talk-radio listener on the “Bill O’Reilly Radio Show” stated today, “when is Al Sharpton going to apologize to those three boys from Duke University, to whom he quickly and deliberately became judge and jury. The young men’s comments were profound, as they were finally pronounced innocent by the NC Attorney General, with one young man reflecting on how they were fortunate enough to be from families with the economic means to properly defend them, otherwise the worse possible scenario would have come to fruition.

All in all, I think the Rutgers Team deserves “kudos” for not lashing back at Mr. Imus, a crotchedy, old man who insults far too many people. They did nothing wrong and nothing to bring on such comments. They are owed an apology. And proper restitution might be for Imus to endow several student-athlete scholarships at Rutgers University in honor of the 2007 Runner-up Team. Instead, everybody loses. There was no forgiveness, and no compromise. Remember, you are dealing with a sixty-six year old man who came from a vastly different culture than these girls. Not an excuse, but a valid observation.

Finally, in the words of now infamous Rodney King from Los Angeles, “Why can’t we all just get along?”

Hey Paul,
Your failed to mention what people can do as they listen to the radio or watch TV…”TURN IT OFF.”

Paul,
You have to be kidding me? It may be smokey at the moment but the folks over at XM and Sirius are already thinking about how many Imus listeners they will be luring in. Certainly both XM and Sirus are not endorsing Imus’s dumb commets but they do endorse freedom of speach and provide a platform for both speakers and musicians to perform unsensored. Just wait for the smoke to clear…

If Imus losing his job results in a return to civility, its a little price to pay. I hope this is the spark that flames a change in attitude for society. It’s time to return to the respectful behavior of the “Great Generation”.

If you think there are restrictions on Satellite radio relating to content that you are strongly mistaken my friend. Take a listen because anything goes…as it should be. Its a PAY service and there is channel blocking as well for families so there is no reason for any restriction and there isn’t…as it should be.

I was a fan of Imus since the late 70’s. He’s only saying things to get a reaction out of people (contrary to what CBS or MSNBC may think), and if he goes to satellite, then I’ll HAVE to sign up.

News Flash, black people do take offense to people like Chris Rock and various rappers, but our voices are ignored by the national media. Please don’t believe that the behavior is accepted by all. Black people did not fire Imus, CBS did! Black people don’t own BET, the white people at Viacom do. You people at like Imus is a victim, the girls at Rutgers are the victims, but none of you have bothered to wish them well

Imus made a big mistake and is paying a severe price. CBS will be the biggest loser in this for bowing to Sharpton and Jackson and dismissing Imus. I think the 2 week suspension was too little - a 3 month suspension was better. But termination was too much. I don’t have satellite radio, but I’m considering it. I’m sold if Imus gets a show on satellite. He does a lot of good with his charities; much more tangible good than I see produced by Dave Chappelle, Al Sharpton, Jesse Jackson, etc.

If it is free radio and you find it offensive, you don’t have to listen.

Uh, hey John in Washington, DC - you suggested we not take Paul LaMonica’s words seriously because he’s just a “kid” who graduated college in ‘95. John - that was 12 years ago. Just because someone wasn’t around to vote for Nixon, doesn’t mean there opinion aren’t relevant to TODAY. Go back to listening to your Glenn Miller albums and leave the big thinking to us “kids”.

I just want to say that I am glad that sponsors pulled their ads and thereby gave CBS a solid financial reason to fire Imus. I was worried that this was going to turn into a first amendment discussion. Instead it was a perfect example of how the masses can use their rights to affect change peacefully.

Imus used his first amendment rights to put his foot squarely in his mouth and down his throat and the public responded by using their right to free and peaceful assembly to persuade advertisers to pull their ads.

Let’s hear it for the people putting their rights to work in a constructive manner! How ’bout them apples?!

It’s more than a little disturbing that a vast majority of the comments to this media business piece are in support of Imus, which is definitely contrary to the overall public’s opinion. His comments are offensive to most women and most blacks and most female athletes, not only PC minded people and activists like Sharpton & Co.

He also chose to pick on specific individuals who are well known, well liked and accomplished; as much as a female college student can be. The team is coached by the most respected and successful head coaches in college, regardless of race or gender, and an African American and female to boot! She’s also one of the very few black women in the field. Specifying individuals puts a face right next to his comments, and chose the wrong people to put down. A very sympathetic bunch, who are pretty much children compared to everybody reading this. How would you like your daughters described as such on a radio program listened by 2 million people?

The gangsta rap/comedian argument is woeful and adolescent. It’s like your kid saying snorting crystal meth is OK because other kids are doing it. Also, you have to buy rap/adult comedy material, and it is clearly labelled “explicit lyrics” or Rated R if it’s video, so access is limited by the need and cost to purchase the material and the consumer is well informed as to the potential offensive material therein. It’s not available for free; as a owner of 10,000 CDs & DVDs, it’s expensive (overpiced in fact). Gangsta rappers & comedians are also labelled as such, which is not the case with Imus who (believes) he is a comedian and a serious radio talk show host discussing politics and literature (which I feel is very highly commendable) and charitible, “good” guy. He has legit credibilty as a media person, which is not case with Chris Rock or 50cent. Imus’ many cowboy-styled hats has led to some abiguity over whether it was a joke or does he really feel that way. Nobody listens to 50cent for poltiical commentary or takes him or his ilk seriously at any time. Don Imus is taken seriously.
His comedy has a mean-spirited tone and is always targeted some demographic other than his own. Most comedians have a self denigrating quality which somewhat balances the act as not demeaning or a means to elevate ones self. Imus is never self denigrating and that makes him seem mean spirited and seem like he is elevating himself at the expense of others in his comedy.

Charitable work or other good deeds are not mitigating and do not balance the equation. There’s a whole bunch of Catholic priests who can use that argument; would you accept it from them? Since Mr & Mrs Bill Gates have donated billions does that mean they have “bought” the permission to commit offensive acts without consequence?

He had every right to say whatever he wants, but you have deal with and accept the consequences, which includes his employers reaction. I and any of the 20,000 employees at my firm would have immediately shown the door for publicly stating anything remotely similar; any only one person complaining about it would get me fired, and yourselves as well. That’s what freedom of speech is all about; say what you want & accept the consequences. That’s what being a stand-up guy he claims to be is all about.

After the public loses interest in this issue, Don will mosey on down to some pay radio gig or even back on free radio.

You could not be more wrong, if Imus goes to satellite,I will be the first to listen . What a bunch of disgusting hypocrites this country is full of.

If he never opened his big mouth this never would have happened. Of course he was going to get nailed. He should have thought of something else to say. Now he has to pay the price for being stupid. He’s got money, he’ll live…

The reason Imus won’t be on satellite is because nobody listens to Imus.. Subscriptions sell satellite and Imus won’t sell anything but himself. Retire you old kodger

If I worked at McDonalds and the Rutgers women’s basketball team came in to place an order, and I publicly referred to them as nappy-headed ho’s, I’d be out of a job so fast it would make your head spin…so why would anyone hold Don Imus to a different standard of professional conduct?

If I hear one more person talk about the lack of outrage on “rap lyrics”, then I am going to scream. Apparently, no one pays attention to what has been a movement in the black community for years to stop (white) record executives from pillaging “some and not all” rap lyrics that degrade not only women but the gay community as well. I have been a part of this. Where were you all when we were addressing this? Just because it is not on FOX or the other media outlets, does not mean it has not happened. Does anyone remember congresswomen C. Delores Tucker? She was among many blacks who have spoken out against these lyrics. When people say this, it shows their lack of understanding of the black community. It is not a monolithic community, but collectively it seems to be easy, even in 2007 to insult a black person or black people. I am so tired of people having empty apologies about their revolting racist, sexist, xeonophobic, and /or homophobic comments. I believe in freedom of speech but I do not believe in denigration of any particular person based upon ethnic or other personal characteristics. Yes, you can speak about the “content of someone’s character” but why are we defending the attack of any person’s attributes that they cannot change. And yes, I believe sexuality is one of those attribute. If there is someone who believes in this type of “freedom of speech”, address your position. Move beyond Jesse Jackson and Al Sharpton. Address the position only.

Paul,
HAve you listened to satellite radio….ever??? What Imus said is timid compared to what’s on the pay airwaves. Imus said a dumb thing but has always been an equal opportunity basher. In reading your story, have you ever listened to his show? I doubt it!!

Now that we’ve heard about this ad nauseum, it should be pointed out that for many years Imus has raised millions of dollars for charities that support sick kids, and runs a cattle ranch in New Mexico for kids with cancer.

I don’t condone what he said. He made a dispicable remark, and now he’s paying for it. Many other broadcasters have said worse, and they are still on the air, especially conservative hosts, like Rush Limbaugh, Sean Hannity, and Glenn Beck.

Just wanted to make everyone aware that Imus has served the community. Hopefully, he will continue his charitable activities and learn from his mistakes.

I think that Imus made a stupid and insensitive comment, but not one that warranted his firing. Judging from what he said and how he said it, I doubt that even he knew fully what he was saying (and this is coming from a black woman). I think the suspension and possibly a class in diversity/cultural sensitivity would have more than sufficed. I believe that his apology was sincere. If everyone were fired for the stupid, insensitive things we’ve said/done, the unemployment rates would be much higher than they are ;-). Sometimes I think we choose the wrong battles to fight (the more obvious, low-hanging fruit if you will).

Mr. La Monica, since when is it okay for a minority(not a public outcry, as you say) to control what a supply and demand media market should determine? Your analysis is naive and is ignorant of what already exists on satellite radio. If one doesn’t like Imus, then one doesn’t have to listen to him.

Someone pointed out the simularities between Imus with Howard Stern. Funny thing is…Stern is alot more funnier…

I think Imus deserves to get fired. A man who appears to such a large public audience sure never make disparaging remarks about young college ladies who he does not know anything about. I wonder how he thought there parents felt when they heard his remarks about their daughters. I found it irony that his side kick started the negative comments that led to Imus making his comments.

Did you even try listening to satellite?

They (Opie & Anthony, Stern, Ron & Fez,…etc) get away with much worse because you pay for it and if you don’t like it you stop listening. There is no backlash on satellite because only people that want to hear that type of content is listening. Its almost like they are trying to make sense on satellite radio.

I-Man has been fired at last.

People just don’t get it. People are in an uproar because they realize, being famaliar with Imus’ personality through his decades on radio, that Imus sincerely believes his words. Why it has taken so many decades for him to get fired is beyond me. Those are just teenage girls just having fun, for goodness sake. If he had the nerve to attack such racists as Al Sharpton or Jesse Jackson or the racist persecutors of the 3 Duke LaCrosse players (Jesse Jackson and Al Sharpton being among the guilty) things would be entirely different today.

It;s very true what many are complaining about here: the media allows a double standard to exist with regards to what minorities and also liberals can do and say as opposed to white conservatives. Anybody who is impartial and familiar with Jesse Jackson and Al Sharpton know there is no question they are the worst type a racist: one given a public podium. So the earlier commenter, Andrew, Ambler, PA is right, the media is worsening racism with their sycophantic pandering. What motivates them I assume is their desperate desire to prove themselves better than other whites by being oh-so empathethic (and oh-so phoney as Imus and the double syandard proves).

I got news for the world: in general, white conservatives are far less racist and far less holier-than-thou than today’s typical liberal. I guess that’s what happened when the liberal movement decided to appeal to populism as the means to win votes and viewers.

Darling, how gauche.

Like his equally deluded brethren at ABC, Terry Moran, Mr. La Monica is, quite simply, a myopic idiot.

Imus is an entertainer, just like the rap stars on the hip hop cd’s. He should be judged the same as they are.

What is happening to him is totally wrong.

Don Imus should not have been fired. He said a dumb, stupid thing and should be penalized for his actions. However, he has done alot of good things and can do alot more good from the bad that he just did. He deservees another chance after a suspension. How dare Jesse Jackson picket for his firing after he made his “Hymietown” comment. He should not throw stones from his glass house. What a phoney ! Don Imus has fence mending to do and should be allowed to do it without losing his job. Besides, he was fired because the sponsors dropped him, and not because of his actions.

I don’t listen to Imus, in fact I don’t really care for him one bit, But this has obviously been blown out of proportion! The guy has been on radio doing the same thing for like 20 plus years and he makes one mistake and now he is going to get canned? He is labled as a “shock jock” I bet half of the people that are so offended didn’t even hear the radio show, it just got picked up by the media and now everyone is out to lynch him! He shouldn’t of said it and he has more than paid for his remarks but to single just him out and talk about him like he has killed someone is ridiculous, he is human and made a mistake, I don’t even like him but this is such an injustice it makes me so angry to hear this. We as American’s should be outraged and not sit back and let the few dictate what happens to people, the poll I saw online said 80% of people thought he shouldn’t be fired, so 20% do and thats it. Must be a slow news day when this is front page news. We should boycott all the networks that treat long time employees as if they were guilty of some crime. I wish Imus the best where ever he goes and I’m sure he wishes he never said those things.

I am black graduate student and I dont think Imus deserved to be fired after apologizing for his remarks. What he said was insensitive, but we should all remember that freedom of speech is what makes this country so great. If we start casting people away for their comments then we will never draw the line. America believes in second chances and we need to give Imus a break. I think he has learnt his lesson the hard way and it’s time to move on. People such as Sharpton and Jackson are not helping the situation either. If they want to start a campaign, let them start with the rappers and BET.

I can’t believe an educated, talented writer such as yourself can be such a jerk. I guess it makes you feel good to jump on the anti-Imus bandwagon. No one has convinced me that his career has to be ruined over this incident. I hope it happens to you someday. Personally I am not an Imus fan but “overkill”? Bill in DE

Look, I work on The Howard Stern Show, and I don’t see any place for Imus anywhere within the station line-up on the Sirius network. I do agree with the writer of this article that even though Sirius allows certain content on there programs, the comments that Don Imus made would not have been tolerated at all seeing that he is a radio talk show host, not only that but he also attacked private citizens, not public celeberties.

While I do not agree with what Imus has said, I do believe that he has the right to say whatever he feels like saying subject to legal prohibitions. CBS strikes me as being gutless. When was the last time a minority zealot was hammered for inflammatory remarks?

People with the means to communicate to a mass audience NEED and SHOULD be held accountable to a greater extent than rappers whose records are purchased by folks expecting to hear such lyrics.

Imus is an idiot and deserves to be fired. Bottom line.

I will miss Imus and his program. What he said was horrible but check out Russ, and other on the right in what they say about black people. Let Al Sharpton and Jesse Jackson go after them now maybe things will change

I agree with most of the comments… Imus is a shock jock. Though his comments may have been in bad taste and insulting, I see and hear more insulting content on Saturday Night LIve and in mainstream rapp music. I go so far to venture that those who actually listen to Imus were not offended and will rally to his support when given the chance.

BTW, lets not pretend Jackson and Sharpton are pillars of the community and have never said any offensive comments.

Although I agree that Sat. Radio wouldn’t touch Imus with a ten foot pole, Paul Monica has got it all wrong regarding the backlash. How can he say that Imus wouldn’t have gotten away with his comments on Sat. Radio? Obviously Paul has never listened to O&A or Stern.

The remarks made by Imus were directed to the Rutgers team not in a general sense but directly at them and not as a joke. Most rappers who use “ho” and other derogatory slang, usually are talking in general. No individual’s names are mentioned, no specific team or club are being targeted by their words.

LaMonica underestimates satellite. Howard Stern constantly says racially charged things and doesn’t have the ridiculous backlash Imus seemed to receive. Sirius and XM have provided a more secure environment for comedians and talk personalities to have “non-PC” dialogue and its a welcome one in this Age Of Frenzied Worry over what we can or cannot say.

Hey XM or Sirius, you have a future subscriber waiting for you to sign up Imus. I look forward to having one of those satellite receivers put in my car and house so I can listen to Imus. This from a 37 year old male hispanic from NYC.

hahahaha “reverse racism”? Do you mean to imply that racism is only towards blacks? How convenient.

And also your point is garbage, listening to 50 cent or listening to Imus are both choices. You have the option of changing the channel.

The reason I will bring up rap and BET and the like is this: Young black men and women listen to rap and watch BET. How many do you think listen to Imus? The black community is using things like this as a smokescreen for their own issues that they are to gutless to deal with.

Is Imus influencing the kids who end up in prison at an exponentially high rate? I doubt that, however 50 Cent, Cnoop Dogg, and athletes like Pacman Jones are. Speaking of which, out of the 41 NFL players arrested in he last year 39 were black…but that’s probably the white folks fault too huh?

If no one told these Rutgers girls what he had said would they have ever known?

Besides, it was a joke, and personally i find a 60 year old saying nappy headed ho’s pretty damn funny.

Imus will be a great fit on XM or Sirius. An Opie and Anthony/Imus channel would be unbeatable entertainment wise.

I don’t understand the uproar. Imus is a comedian. He says things that are funny. His “racist” comments are no worse than anything ever said by Chris Rock or Dave Chapelle.

If you don’t like something somebody says on the radio I have a plan for you. Look at your radio, see the little button on the side? Thats called the dial. Use it.

I’m a Canadian so I don’t know how free speech works in the United States, but I always thought that free speech meant that you could say things that people don’t like.

Imus will return somewhere. This is America and there are second acts. His firing is an extraordinary case of the double standard that exists in the US. Offensive speach rules should be the same for everyone on the public airways. The self-appointed Deacons of African-Americans don’t seem to care that hate speech from within their own communities and from African-American entertainers, is far more insidious and damaging to their youth than some idiotic remark from a dirty old white guy. What a sad sight that this is what Jesse and Al have been reduced to fighting for. Where’s the outrage over violence, drugs and the rap music lyrics that glorify street life. Get your priorities straight. Firing Imus was no victory and CBS and NBC share hypocrite of the year awards.

Your wrong of course, Imus will survive and probably on satellite radio. He should have only apologized to the basketball team and told Sharpton to go fly a kite. That is like the pot calling the skillet black. Politically correct has about run its course and the liberals just think they are going to be in charge. Wait until the “duped public” find out they are going to raise their taxes, reduce their homeland security and reduce their standard of living to the illegal immigrants that they cherish.

I would have to say I find this whole thing about Imus simply absurd. First off Imus is no “shock jock” and second have we finally arrived at a place in are society where we cannot say anything. Howard stern is a “shock jock” and you should hear the things that come out of his show. But he was smart and went to sattelite so that he could say whatever he wants. It’s sad really that sattelite had to even be created so that Americans can hear adult programming. For a nation that say’s “Land of the Free” it certaintly doesn’t mean free speech.

Why is everyone comparing Don Imus to comedians? Comedians don’t have a public radio show. Yes Black comedians have racial material, but so do comedians of other races. Carlos Mencia can’t get through a show without saying racial jokes. Also Sarah Silverman (jewish) has made a living off of racial material. If you haven’t heard of Sarah Silverman, look her up. She just had an hour long special on showtime, and a series on comedy central. One of her jokes was “the best time to get pregnant is when you are a black teenager”. No public outcry right? It’s because she’s a COMEDIAN!

This is not the first time that Imus has offended a person or group by what he has said. The last person who should be taking Don Imus to task is Al Sharpton. Where is Al Sharpton’s apology to the Duke students who were accused of rape? He presented these young men as rapists before they could stand trial. While Imus may fit in with satellite radio, there is no way XM or Sirius could put him on the air until after a decision is made on their merger. It would be a poor business decision for right now.

You think it would have had the same fallout? Its apparent you have no idea what you are talking about. If you did have any idea, you would know that many shows on satellite have much more freedom to do and say what they want. If you would have taken the time to listen to a show like Opie and Anthony you would realize that real radio shows speak their minds and do not allow people like “Reverend” Al Sharpton to push them around.

All I ask is that you please know what you’re talking about before writing a column about it. Just because you write it, doesn’t mean you’re intelligent enough for it.

It was regarded as funny when Dave Chappelle was portraying a black white supremacist named Clayton Biggums and his character pronounced loudly and proudly, “America is winning the war with Al Qaeda but loosing the war with Al Sharpton”. Why is that? Why didn’t Sharpton, Jackson, and whomever else rise up in arms, call for Dave’s ouster, picket Comedy Central and every cable and satellite company who carries the network? Probably because they were laughing as hard as Imus and myself were. For goodness sake, fight the fights that are worth fighting and stop making mountains out of molehills.

I enjoyed listening to the I-MAN over the years. Of course everyone knows that he is a shock jock and maybe he went a little to far but i don’t think that this warranted him being fired. What really upsets me are the idiots like Al Sharpton. What has he done for the black race? NOTHING! I forgot the name of the fundraiser that he does every year that raises millions of dollars for underpriviledged/sick children (black and white)…oh thats right HE DOESN’T HAVE ONE!!! sHARPTON YOUR A BUM!!! Go find another Tawanna Brawley!!!

Too bad he got canned. Many of his critics have obviously never listened to his show. Had they done this, they would have known that:
a) Imus is a decent man who has raised millions for charity and runs a ranch for kids with cancer.
b) he is an equal-opportunity offender, directing his biting humor at all groups. Yes, white males included.

In context, the punishment exceeds the crime.

Imus won’t fly on Sirius or XM for one simple reason: he has no ratings and isn’t worth the paycheck he’d demand. Howard Stern left regular radio on top, and brought millions of people with him. Regardless of your views on Howard, the deal was a winner for him Sirius and the listeners who chose to follow him. Imus is years past his prime and just isn’t worth the hassle.

Um.. Paul! When you grow up maybe your mom will let you listen to Howard Stern. Expect Imus to show up on Satellite Radio with an announcement in less than two weeks.

Your feeding into the PC Crap. Yeah, Imus is a bafoon. Idiot for saying what he said. But, why is it ok for some people to say those things and not others. As with everything else, race, cread & color should not matter. Right? Not. Double standard, Where are these people who should be apologizing to the duke lacrosse players? Where? hiding waiting to throw a sucker punch at the next guy/gal who forgets where they are & say something stupid.

Bull. If Imus was on XM or Sirius he would still have a job. I’ve hard sat- jocks say far worse things, with worse overtones and nothing happens. The fact is that it was Imus’s audience (white political middle/upper class and business oriented people)who’s reputations were in jeapordy as well, and that is why he’s gone. You can’t put “the man’s” rep on the line and get away with it.

Imus go to sat, open up your audience and tell MSNBC and CBS to kiss it.

I personally think this whole blowup is rediculous. I agree with the posters above that if a black radio host had said a similiar thing about whites nothing would be said. This whole thing was taken way out of context. Listen to some black radio stations for a while and see how badly they bash white people in their songs and their radio shows. Whose wanting to fire them?

People… Listen to yourselves. Everyone on this board is trying to convince themselves that Don Imus didn’t do a bad thing. You are also trying to convince yourselves Imus just said what Blacks say all the time, and if Blacks aren’t punished, then he shouldn’t be punished. If you have this reasoning, you are taking a very narrow look at this issue and not seeing the big picture. First of all, let me remind you that Blacks DON’T have the right to say racist remarks, and they DO get punished for it. Two weeks ago, former NBA Player Michael Ray Richardson (who coaches in the CBA) was suspended for the rest of the season when he said that jews were naturally “crafty, because they are hated worldwide”. Forgot about this didn’t ya? Also, if you read all over what Richardson said, you will see that he was talking about how he thought jews go to be in the positions they are in today. So don’t say that Blacks say whatever they want, and don’t get away with it.
Also, let me tell everyone that there is a difference between being racial and racist. Chris Rock and Dave Chapelle make “racial” jokes, not “racist” jokes. They don’t poke fun at the holocaust, because its not funny. Don Imus wasn’t being “racial”, he was being “racist”. Calling Blacks “nappy headed ho’s” is akin to calling jews “Hooked nose devils”, or calling people of asian descent “slanted eye chinks”. Believe me, if anybody (of any race) said any of those things, they would be fired as well.
Finally, ask yourself this question. If the Rutgers Women Basketball team would’ve been all white, all asian, etc, would he have called them “nappy headed ho’s”?

Alberto Gonzalez still has a job and Don Imus does not. In the Imus style, ” It can’t get any better than this!!!”

How is it that people keep insisting that Imus’ comments were not racist? “Nappy headed” is a negative term that refers to the coarse texture of African-American hair. Black women spend millions of dollars every year trying to get their hair straight to conform to the european standard of straighter hair and his comments perpetuate the notion that there is something wrong with black women’s hair.

Coming from a Caucasian male, using that term as an adjective for an African American female is racist. Period.

Paul, who hired you to write this? You are dead wrong, have you ever listened to the Howard Stern show? Or the Opie and Anthony show? The only reason this is a big deal is because of the race issue. It is unfortunate that such a double standard exists in this world. Nonetheless, I am not sad about Don Imus, I never liked his show and won’t miss it. I hope CBS and MSNBC can find some better programming.

I watch every morning..or watched Imus and I saw it the morning he said what he said. There is no way it was said as a racist remark. It started the way the crew always started, as a joke, but this one got outta hand and he said something stupid. Why didn’t everyone wait until he talked with the Rutgers Baskeball Team before making such rash decisons..because of Al and Jesse. I mad as hell and won’t take it anymore. MSNBC and CBS can come knocking on my XM..you know the one in both the cars, the house, the boat and the new Motor Home.

The only thing accurate in this article is the title. This commentary is disappointing coming from someone who follows the “business” of media - clearly Mr. LaMonica doesn’t understand satellite radio.

Satellite radio is about subscribers. Can Imus bring enough subscribers to create income through subscriptions and sponsors? I believe the answer is clearly no - his ratings have been awful for many many years.

The idea that Imus’s content would jeopardize satellite radio is infantile.

I love hearing how people compare this situation to rap music, BET, and reverse racism. What you fail to realize is that, if you are offended by 50 Cent rapping about similar things on his CD, that you have to either buy, or illegally download (radio edits are quite clean) It is your choice. There is an abundance of White Power music available, but I don’t buy it, or listen to it, so I don’t have any personal concerns.

If 50 Cent had a show on MSNBC, and over the airwaves, and started making sexist and racist comments as part of his daily show, it would be a similar issue.

Hey, if Michael Savage (remember him?) survived, so will Imus…

I dont listen to Imus because I dont want too. But I have listened to Chris Rock say as bad if not worse about his fellow African Americans and all he gets is a laugh. Offensive language is the same whether it is said by a white or black person, in any context. I feel that the standard should be the same for everyone, not just people we may not like.

Imus should not be fired. There is a double standard. African Americans can say what ever they want and not get into trouble. Al Sharpton is out of hand. He needs to be reined in, not Imus.

I’m no big fan of Imus, but far worse has been said over the airwaves than this “nappy-headed ho” gaffe. And Al Sharpton has about as much cultural crediblity as Don King — they even look somewhat alike. Also, where is Jesse Jackson’s apology to the Duke lacrosse players he disparaged, now that they have been proven innocent?

We all agree Imus as you yourself have, you screwed up. I think now the media, the over re-actions of the media, Sharpton and Jackson are un-warranted. Even not being one of your loyal fans, you as as a human being being ripped apart hurts me inside. Let us who be complete sin free throw the stones that ruin you as a human being. I know your intent is good, and wish you luck in whatever or whereever your endeavors may lead you.

Imus is not a racist and does not think the Rutger basketball players are prostitutes. He made an insensitive comment and apologized.

Imus does more for those who need help than these “Reverends”. Where are the “Reverends” on the hate speech spewed by rap music….such hypocrites.

Best of luck to Imus on his next show and thanks for his charitable work.

To see that this issue has dominated news outlets for the past week is absolutely outrageous. Black comedians, rappers etc. consistently make comments that could be considered hurtful to the Caucasian race…but people laugh and move on. Get over it and move on.

Comment to Mike from Springfield. You said “if a black shock jock had made simmilar comments then this would not be an issue”. Maybe you are correct in some way because if they had said something racial and offensive they would have been suspended/fired from the beginning. Big time supporters would have pulled out sooner. It would not have taken a week.

This has been a hypocritical disgrace on the part of CBS and NBC, and they will pay for it in revenue themselves. They caved to pressure by those who perpetuate racism on a daily basis to earn their extravagant livings: Sharpton and Jackson. Imus would do well on satellite.

It amazes me that the headlines state that the “public outcry” has resulted in Imus’s firing. All the comments I have seen from the public pretty much say “it was a stupid comment, he apologized, lets move on”. Firing him, but not shutting down rap music that provides similar disparaging lyrics and much worse, or stopping video’s on MTV that insult and objectify women is the pinnacle of hypocrisy.

You know what is truely sad, and more telling than Imus being canned…..

This is the first coverage CBS has given to the Women’s NCAA championships.

Imus, and his ilk, are the mouth piece for America and he is a nice fall guy for an entire industry that is built on keeping black america in check.

The fact that CBS didn’t broadcast any of the women’s games on free-tv is more troublesome than one ignorate comment from an elderly man.

Well, let’s check this out. Rev Sharpton blasts Imus for the remarks, got him fired, saying this can’t be tolerated. I’m waiting for Rev Sharpton to contact the record Labels and make them cancel contracts with the Rappers. If he doesn’t then his statements don’t hold credibility. This would prove that Sharpton is a racist himself. Color shouldn’t be an issue right ? I’ll be watching on TV to see “when” the Rev goes after Snoop Dog, Ludicrous and their record companies.

Paul, you’re wrong. It’s pretty clear you don’t understand the power of satalite radio. He’ll make the switch. He’ll bring his fans with him and life will go on - that’s what fans do. I don’t like Imus. Every time I stumble on his show I change the channel. But he’ll do fine on satalite radio I’m sure. If I were a sat exec, I’d already be talking to him about when to join.

CBS followed suit and fired Imus.

I like Imus. All these people who are blasting him as if he was some kind of racist, have probably never listened to his show. I’ve always looked forward to the guests he’s had on. Always an intelligent, thoughtful, insightful interview. What happened last week was a smart man who said a very stupid remark in the context of a misguided attempt at humor.

I will miss his show.

What a bunch of hypocrites all these people are!! They are hanging him out to dry, while pounding their chests, declaring how ‘politically correct’ they’ve become and how ‘outraged’ they are that someone would utter such a thing. Yes, we’ve all become so enlightened.

Take it all off the air: Saturday Night Live, Jay Leno, and Conan, all of it. We have no tolerance for any comedy that attempts to poke fun at people.

What Imus said was wrong. I’m not going to deny that. He took a cheap shot at college kids. Shame on him. Do I think he should be vilified as some sort of racist? No, I do not.

All the people turning their backs on him are forgetting all he does, every day to improve the lives of other people. The ranch he and his wife built in the southwest for kids stricken with cancer and blood disorders, their lobbying for change in the laws to help autistic children, his work on behalf of the veterans, his radiothon to raise money and awareness for SIDS, and I can go on and on and on. All this is forgotten because of one misplaced, misguided, insensitive remark. I hope to God that we are not all judged so harshly.

There is no way the satellite radio would pass on an opprotunity like Imus. The only way the Don Imus will not be employed by a satellite radio company is if Howard Stern has any say in the decision. As much as the Don Imus Show is a bore to myself, he’s still a name and has put an impressive career together and doesn’t deserve this outcome. I must say, it was truley amazing wa