Now first let me say that I DO NOT want this to become a flame war. I do not want this to become anything more than an intriguing discussion. Please do not post "Imus sucks!!!" or anything to the effect of that. If you have something to say, say it, but make your point and allow others to do the same. Thank You.

For the past week or so the Imus scandal has been an important issue in the media. The issue has caused a suspension of Imus from his show, and a possible (early?? hes like 70...) retirement.

Now for my opinion. While I believe that Imus should not have said the unwarrented comments that he did, I don't think it was in any way necessary to reprimand him. Free speech is an important part of our country, it is so important it is the first ammendment in the constitution. This refers to even radio hosts, not just the average joe talking to a friend.

Imus has been saying things like this for years... why now is he being punished for his comments? Other radio hosts say very similar things every day (including such famous hosts like Howard Stern). This also brings me to the point of who can say what. Who is allowed to say racial remarks? When Chris Rock says a comment like Imus's about African American women, he is seen as a comic genius by the media. Imus makes a remark and he is slammed in every possible way from every possible direction. Where does the hipocracy and double standards end?

Many people are offended by what Imus said, but most of them would not even have known he said it if the media hadn't blown it out of proportion. The reason those people don't get offended by him everyday is because they don't listen to his show. He says what's on his mind, and those who don't appreciate it don't have to listen. That's not the case any more because everyone is now forced to hear it every hour of every day.