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Roker says Time for Imus to Go

Posted: Tuesday, April 10, 2007 8:10 AM by Jen Brown

(From Al Roker)

I cannot tell you how many people have asked me about my thoughts on Don Imus. As a student of broadcasting, I know Don Imus was one of the original “shock jocks.” I listened to him growing up in New York City in the late '60s and early '70s.

He is a radio icon.

That said, it is time for him to go.


I, for one, am really tired of the diatribes, the “humor” at others’ expense, the cruelty that passes for “funny”. Don Imus isn’t the only one doing this, but today he’s the one in the hot seat.


What he said was vile and disgusting. It denigrated an entire team and by extension, a community and its pride in a group that had excelled.


This controversy started and grew during the week. At first under the radar, we even had Don’s wife, Deidre, on the program, talking about “green” cleaning. I thought she was so good I wanted to talk to her about a television program for my production company.


Don and his wife have done a lot of good things—raising money for charity, including a ranch for children suffering from cancer and blood disorders.

Yet, Don Imus needs to be fired for what he said. And while we’re at it, his producer, Bernard McGuirk, needs to be canned as well. McGuirk is just as guilty, often egging Imus on.


The “I’m a good person who said a bad thing” apology doesn’t cut it. At least he didn’t try to weasel out of this by hiding behind alcohol or drug abuse. Still, he said it and a two-week suspension doesn’t cut it. It is, at best, a slap on the wrist. A vacation. Nothing.

The general manager of Cartoon Network resigned after a publicity stunt went wrong and caused a panic in Boston. He did the right thing. Don Imus should do the right thing and resign. Not talk about taking a two-week suspension with dignity. I don’t think Don Imus gets it.


After watching and listening to him this morning during an interview with Matt Lauer (video), Don Imus doesn’t get it. Maybe it’s being stuck in a studio for 35 years or being stuck in the 1980s. Either way, it’s obvious that he needs to move on. Citing “context within a comedy show” is not an excuse.


He has to take his punishment and start over. Guess what? He’ll get re-hired and we’ll go on like nothing happened. CBS Radio and NBC News needs to remove Don Imus from the airwaves. That is what needs to happen. Otherwise, it just looks like profits and ratings rule over decency and justice.

 

* Editor's Note: The response to Al's blog has been overwhelming, and Al will talk more about his blog on tomorrow's show.  We're trying to post as many comments as possible, but it's hard to keep up.  Thanks for sharing.

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Comments

Sorry Al, but you got this one all wrong. It's just as unethical to single Imus out as the "un-flavor of the day" as is his verbal assaults. You, like everyone else, are just piling on. Where were you w/ "Hymie Town"?? Just another opportunist.

TJ, Baton Rouge, LA (Sent Tuesday, April 10, 2007 9:29 AM)

Al, I found Don Imus's comments about the entire subject appalling. I interpret this as another situation where Don pushed the limits of human decency in an attempt to push his point of humor beyond when he is generally a funny man. Should he be removed from MSNBC, yes. Should he be removed from Radio, no. This is no different than many of the other shock jock and lyrics found produced by other minority groups. All groups, ethnic and religious need to stand up against this degrading of another when one cannot be humorous. So you stick out against a belief or persona. Rev.’s Jackson and Sharpton are using this to capitalize on their own personal agendas. I wish they would pick up the same zeal when songs, movies or articles in ethnic based journals come out. Would they or you be so vocal if the comment stopped the derogatory comment about women? Let’s learn from this and stomp out racial, ethnic and religious mockery all together.

terrence, Kansas City, MO (Sent Tuesday, April 10, 2007 9:29 AM)

Al should take a hard look at Sharpton and Jackson, before he starts throwing stones at Imus.

Jerome Ruby, Orlando, FL (Sent Tuesday, April 10, 2007 9:29 AM)

It is hard to believe that people want to fire someone who has done so much good and are so unwilling to fogive a stupid comment when done on a live show that broadcasts over 1000 hours a year for many years. No one ever makes a mistake? These politically correct pundits make me sick. If everyone could do 1% of the good work that Mr. Imus has done over the years this county would be a much better place to live.

Keith, San Dimas, CA (Sent Tuesday, April 10, 2007 9:29 AM)

IMUS HAS BEEN ON RADIO FOR *YEARS* SO HE SHOULD KNOW BETTER. FIRE HIM!!!!!!!!!! Humor is all too often used as a vehicle for expressing racial prejudices.

jane--detroit (Sent Tuesday, April 10, 2007 9:29 AM)

Okay, I am totally offended by alot of the comments that were made. How in the hell can anyone believe that Imus has been "humiliated" or somehow that Sharpton and Jackson feel as though"they are better than the rest of America" and especially w/ all the comments of rap and gangsta music, and comparing to what this man has said! The REAL point of this situation is who is he to call anybody a nappy-headed hoe! Who gave him the right to disrespect any woman. especially a black woman. I don't care what other people say in there music, or what Jackson and Sharpton has said in the past or done, trhe point if the matter we are talking about today! he was wrong, if a black man went around and said on his radio show, that white women smell like wet dogs when the sweat on the court, I guarntee you all of these comments would be quite different. He was talking about women who play hard, and deserves so much more respect than wwhat was handed to them. We have also forgot about these victims, because it ws actuall said about the basketball team. It is not always about other things. Such as music, free speach, and whatever else excuses you people would like to use.

Nikki, Detroit , Michigan (Sent Tuesday, April 10, 2007 9:36 AM)

I agree with the comments that were written by Jo Mandl, Stanton, Nebraska on April 10. Also I wanted to bring up what Mayor Nagan had said about New Orleans being a "chocolate city again." That is racism and shouldn't be tolerated.

Sherri (Sent Tuesday, April 10, 2007 9:36 AM)

Jackson and Sharpton do not, I repeat, DO NOT speak for many of us in the black community. I find them, Limbaugh, Hannity and a few others not worthy of listening. It is too bad media gives them voice. And, Imus and his sidekick went too far. They need to go.

Vernessa Bradford, Slidell, LA (Sent Tuesday, April 10, 2007 9:36 AM)

Al - I strongly disagree with you. Don Imus is a decent person who made a stupid remark - I'm sure in your lifetime you probably have done some things that you are not proud of - why not let him try to rehabilitate his image and perhaps something good can come out of this mess.

Pat Thomas, Baltimore, MD. (Sent Tuesday, April 10, 2007 9:36 AM)

I have to say that I completely agree. Don Imus is racist no matter how good a person he says he is. He watched the same basketball game that I did and instead of seeing a talented group of athletes who happen to be women and largely black, he saw a chance to make a joke at their expense. It just isn't funny. In fact, it is offensive to me and I am a white female. His words this morning just dug his hole deeper because he is still up on his own pedestal and he's only willing to come down a notch to acknowledge enough to hopefully get out of trouble. He thinks so much of himself that he thinks it will just pass over. He needs to get down off his pedestal and live among the rest of the world. There are very few people who would find his comments funny and they are racist as well. I can't understand how his wife can live with a man who would call any woman a "HO" for laughs. I found him uninteresting the few times I tuned in and now I find him disgusting no matter how much money he puts into a cancer camp. We need some spring cleaning in America.

Nollie Morris (Sent Tuesday, April 10, 2007 9:36 AM)

I grew up listening to "Imus in the Morning" and don't believe he should be "fired", but I do believe it is time for him to begin thinking about retirement. Al Sharpton has been an aggravating thorn for many years and it's time for him to retire as well.

Jackie (Sent Tuesday, April 10, 2007 9:36 AM)

Biting humor, sexist remarks, racism, intolerance of any kind... turn the channel people, just turn the channel.

fan of Al's, Miss (Sent Tuesday, April 10, 2007 9:41 AM)

He might be the biggest jerk we've ever heard of, but he still has freedom of speech. Who yoiu like and dislike is your own opinion and we are all entitled to one. We need to stop stuffing our own race, gender, sexual orientation etc. down each others throats. If you don't like your mother-in-law and i don't like my brother's best friend--that is your opinion and right. People need to stop making us all try and like everyone because IT'S NEVER GOING TO HAPPEN.

Reto, Malibu, California (Sent Tuesday, April 10, 2007 9:41 AM)

You know feedom of speech is a wonderful thing. Too bad we can not use it. We will offend someone, somewhere, somehow if the "correct" phrase is not used. Maybe I am too old and too set in my ways, but I think Imus, Sharpton, Jackson and such are all wrong. I do agree with the person who says there are more than one channel on the TV or radio. Ever try to find something that was good on either? Forget Imus and he goes away. Ratings drop and so does his charitable givings. I am sick and tired of all the stuff(couldn't say the word I wanted, might offend someone). Grow up everyone!!!!

Earl Columbia, SC (Sent Tuesday, April 10, 2007 9:41 AM)

When I see you, Jesse Jackson and Al Sharpton hold yourselves and other members of the African-American to the same standard(s) you are now hold Don Imus to, then I will give your positions some real credence. But unitl then, you need to accept Imus' apology and help in the healing process, instead of adding fuel to the fire.

Bob Leatherman (Sent Tuesday, April 10, 2007 9:41 AM)

Stick to the weather Al. Imus is a buffoon and his comments unacceptable but to nail him to the cross is way out of proportion to the crime. Clean up th A.A. community and get some respected spokesman other than those hippocrits and liars who go by the name of Al Sharpton and Jesse Jackson.

Jim, Belmont, MI (Sent Tuesday, April 10, 2007 9:41 AM)

Black radio shows are far worse, Stop being hypocrits, no one listens to Imus anyway.

Dim Sum Girl Seattle, Wash (Sent Tuesday, April 10, 2007 9:41 AM)

Am I the only one who remembers what happened to Doug "The Greaseman" Tracht in Washington, DC in 1999. After making remarks about Lauren Hill the singer in references to James Byrd, who was dragged to death behind a truck, "The Greaseman" was fired in a blink of an eye. Of course he was just a very popular DJ in Washington DC but it sure created a firestorm on the east coast. I guess when you are a national radio personality you can say such things and just get a 2 week suspension. These double standards have got to go and so does Imus.

Jennifer, Virginia (Sent Tuesday, April 10, 2007 9:41 AM)

Imus deserves all the grief he's getting for his thoughtless comments. As a black american fan of his for many years, I take him at his word when he says he's learned a painful lesson. Don isn't a Klansman or a white supremacist. That being said, it wouldn't bother me if that vile little punk Bernie takes the pipe for this, because I feel his antics are mean-spirited and genuinely racist. Sharpton and Jackson, please... you both give a great example for calling a kettle black. Follow the biblical example of your spiritual leader Jesus, and learn to forgive.

D.W. Thomas, Columbus, Ohio (Sent Tuesday, April 10, 2007 9:41 AM)

I, too, am sick and tired of all the political correctness and hyprocasy from Al Sharpton, Jesse Jackson, etc. Both are extortionists and certainly fuel the racial agenda, refusing to let it go. I have many black friends, but who is looking at color-they are my friends and they do not appreciate Sharpton or Jackson to continue to use them for their own poliltical and publicity agendas...these guys need to indeed look at the "racial slurs" coming from everywhere. But, then, America does have freedom of speech, even if it is offensive, right? Do we have this freedom for only one race, or all? Do we have this freedom to exploit others, as Jackson and Sharpton have done to their own race? Give it up, guys! Yes, Imus has consistently made fun of groups of people, no respector, as Mr. Roker has alluded to. Now, it is time for him to go? No, way! We live in America. Not another country where one cannot speak freely. You are stymying freedom of speech. It is not about YOU! It is about our freedoms. Free speech - however ugly it is - is a fundamental human right -- as you guys have expounded. Why the change in this situation? Don't watch Imus' show, as I don't but he has the right to say whatever he wants -- even if it is ugly. I don't see Mr. Jackson or Sharpton doing the good things that Imus does with sick kids? These guys are all about THEMSELVES -- they appear to be angry that they are black. Justleave the heck alone and your own prejudices to yourself, where they belong. But, then you have the freedom to express yourself, too, don't you? God bless America!

Myrtle, Tennessee (Sent Tuesday, April 10, 2007 9:41 AM)

Don Who? Don Imus who in the Hell is this person? I have never listened to him. From memory, I have seen this face before while switching channels but I have never pay attention to this show! Lol! I strongly believe that his statements are wrong, but Blacks leaders must level the plain field to discourage this kind of language from anyone - Blacks (or African Americans) and Whites. Otherwise, Blacks in this country must cloth themselves with tougher skin. Don Imus should not be fired!!! He sould be allow to atone to the whole nation, to show his sorrow and for everyone to allow the man to work. We cannot devlop one standard for White men and to close our eyes when Blacks are doing the samthing! by the way who in the great blue world elected Al Sharpton and Jesse Jackson as Blacks leaders and sole voices for dissent? Which university has this discipline so I can register "Blacks leaders". They are sometimes so arrogant!

Dilibon Kojak (Sent Tuesday, April 10, 2007 9:45 AM)

I wholeheartedly agree with Al Roker. Don Imus needs to be fired immediately. His comments are degrading, cruel and racist.Calling women ho's is disgusting, and then to say nappy headed ho's is so absolutely replulsive. Don Imus's apology has just seemed to dig his hole further. There is no sincerity in his apology and he keeps proving over and over that he is ignorant and racist.

Cheryl Evans, Charlotte, North Carolina (Sent Tuesday, April 10, 2007 9:45 AM)

To see this issue as only a racial one is a mistake. As WOMEN, we should not tolerate anyone calling another woman a "ho". This is demeaning to women of every color. Shame on those who did not recognize this.

Letty (Sent Tuesday, April 10, 2007 9:45 AM)

Good for you Al. Clearly the other commentators are forgetting the fact that Imus' rantings were aimed at college students. Not thugs or street people. Give me a break. At some point enough is enough. Tavis Smiley made a great comment today that if he had called the UCONN women's basketball team something derogatory, PBS would have fired him in 2 hours, no 2 week suspension.

Rhonda, Philadelphia, PA (Sent Tuesday, April 10, 2007 9:45 AM)

Jesse Jackson and Al Sharpton have been shaking their fists and yelling at the rain for years - everytime a "white" celebrity does anything that could possibly be constued as racial, they stand on their soap boxes and yell at the top of their lungs? Have you noticed they don't EVER do this when it is not a celebrity? Why is that? Bottom line - Jackson and Sharpton's day of enflaming the masses is over - people have learned to put aside their racial differences more than Jackson and Sharpton have realized. Just who are the racists here anyway?

Deannie Connelly, Bradenton, FL (Sent Tuesday, April 10, 2007 9:45 AM)

Being a Black American myself, I am offended by the comments made by Imus but I am often offended as well by the lyrics in many black rappers songs that refer to their women as anything other beautiful, strong and intelligent. Yes, we as a people must demand our respect but we must point a finger at ourselves as well, when we do not demand that our own respect us; how can we expect others to respect us. I do agree that the suspension is not enough but we must start with ourselves and then we can put others in check. We must sweep our own back doors first.

Cassandra B, Columbus, GA (Sent Tuesday, April 10, 2007 9:45 AM)

Maybe he and Howard Stern can team up on Sirius.

sue, indianapolis, in (Sent Tuesday, April 10, 2007 9:45 AM)

Imus should not be punished -- instead, he should just have to work those two weeks - and donate his PAYCHECK to the basketball team.. Any parent would see the proper punsihment in this - why does society at large miss it?

Bob smith (Sent Tuesday, April 10, 2007 9:46 AM)

Don Imus absolutely needs to lose his job over his comment. There is nothing humorous about what he said. All of those pushing forgiveness or talking about what Sharpton or Jackson or black rappers say are just plain off the mark. America is a racist nation and this is a conversation that needs to take place. Racism is never ok, NEVER.

Carol Foley, Louisville, KY (Sent Tuesday, April 10, 2007 9:46 AM)

I think this is being blown completely out of proportion!I am a 26 yr. old Caucasian woman and if he called me a dumb blonde he wouldn't get suspended for it nor would it be a big deal.So in my eyes this was not a racial comment but is being made as one.Also, how many comedians are there that make racial comments everyday do you see them getting fired?This man is a comedian.So why is he getting in trouble at all for something that some might consider funny?Is it only okay if someone of the same race says it?I don't think he should get fired or suspension!

Jennifer,Lake Wales,Fl. (Sent Tuesday, April 10, 2007 9:46 AM)

You know it's bad when I agree with Al Sharpton! I'm white, conservative and I found it offensive. If it were a first offeness you might allow him to apologise but it isn't the first time. how many times are we expected to accept this? Imus' claim that he's been doing this humor for 30 years doesn't cut it. I'm sure in the 1970's Rev Sharpton would have refered to Imus as a "dumb honky," but he's moved on and grew. So have the rest of us. Except for Imus.

Paul, Philadelphia, PA (Sent Tuesday, April 10, 2007 9:47 AM)

I can't believe that this is something that is still going on. We are trying to teach our children to live in a world of many different colors and religions. And we are also trying to teach our children to forgive for many things going on around us. I don't agree with what was said, He is being punished(maybe not to the full extent that he should),But to lose his job? There are many black people say things that make me shudder to think they are talking about thier own race, and this is to be okay. We are a country who learn from each other. If this is okay with them it is not okay with me.We try to raise are children to treat others equal. My son is white ,trying to play sports Bseball and football. When you here some of the comments that come out of the black childs mouth about deviding the good players from the bad,you know what you see? The whites on one list and the blacks on the other. And this are young boys making these out so either through home or social these kids don't get the message. So how well have we educated our kids? Insteed of Rev. Jackson and Mr. Sharpton trying to pull the plug on someone who has made mistake and is going to pay dearly for it. Thay should like back at the many mistakes they have made in the past that they try to brush under the carpet. When you showed Mr.Imus going into that radio station room how many people does Mr. Sharpton really need in there. A little puplicity for himself wouldn't you say.All in all so sad we are still talking about this

Bobbie,Pgh,Pa (Sent Tuesday, April 10, 2007 9:47 AM)

In the 90s there was a song entitled, "There's some hos in this house." It was not particularly offensive because it did not point out who the hos were. If I were to state that there have been some whores in the White House, it would take on an entirely different context if I were to state that Laura, Hillary or Barbara were whores. Don't get me wrong, it is diplorable to refer to women in general as hos or whores, but to identify a person or a group makes it personal. The difference between Imus and the rappers and comedians is that Imus made it personal. He identified a group, the Rutgers women's basketball team. I won't even mention the nappy comment.

Dennis Detroit MI (Sent Tuesday, April 10, 2007 9:47 AM)

Give me a break. He made a mistake, he said something that was offensive yet everyone knows that he was just trying to be funny and he did not believe what he said was in fact true. It was a stupid thing to say and he knows it and he is sorry. Get over it. Just look at what Jesse Jackson and Al Sharpton have said and done over the years. If anyone needs to be forgiven it would be them. Any opportunity to get face time for those two.

chuck mclaughlin (Sent Tuesday, April 10, 2007 9:47 AM)

Mr. Roker ... I couldn't agree with you more. And I'm completely mystified why Bernard McGirk isn't being called to task and held responsible for years of horrendous racist and sexist comments that they pass off as "comedy". If Imus is such a saint re his fundraising and good works, he should get off the public airwaves and devote his life full time to those pursuits.

Katherine, Ft. Lauderdale, FL (Sent Tuesday, April 10, 2007 9:47 AM)

In an era where jobs are hard to come by, I am surprised to see so many people want him fired. Granted he should not have said it, it no way is it acceptable. However, in this country we seem to think that we have the right to judge others. We seem to think it is acceptable if someone loses their job, just as long as it is not us. We absolutely have no tolerance in this country, white, black, hispanic, asian, etc. Everyone just hates, everyone. No where else in the world is it like that and therefore onece again, we prove to the world how grossly incompetent we are. We let an elderly man who, as stated above, isnt relevant to anyone under 50, shake the very core of our country as every person is talking about this. We did we give him so much power for someone that isnt really that important?

Andrew, Ann Arbor, MI (Sent Tuesday, April 10, 2007 9:47 AM)

For to long we, as a race (black) have been considered less than, for what ever reason. We are the only race brought to this country not freely of our own will. We have fought from the beginning to earn basic respect. That fight did not stop with emanicipation proclamation, nor the civil rights act, nor desegration. It is utterly ridicalous to hear on any means of communications (radio, televison) the degradition of a people. I for one am very tired of the "apology"; it does not work. Once the statements are out,they cannot be taken back or try to explain your meaning. During a conversation, your statements should be self explanatory. Imus, should be fired without, this delay. MSNBC and CBS two week suspension, is yet another slap in the face. Had he made the statement and one of their executives daughters or granddaugter were members of the team, it would not have taken any length of time to cancel his show. MSNBS and CBS listen, his show is tanted, has been for years, your actions or lack of will have an effect not yet realized by the apparent out of touch executives.

venessa, birmingham, al (Sent Tuesday, April 10, 2007 9:47 AM)

Chapelle and Rock and many many others need to go too!!! Equality... equal treatment yes that's the ticket!! Or is there too much 'sensitvity' here???

Walt (Sent Tuesday, April 10, 2007 9:47 AM)

Those of you who think what Imus said was ok are wrong, but for the rest of you, I don't understand your suprise at the comment. We as citizens of this country have encouraged this kind of negative behavior for the past 30 yrs. We are responsible for the type relationship that exists between the races in this country today, by condoning behavior and downplaying seriuos situations when the opportunity over the years did present itself, we can't now try and assign the blame to one person. Do we truly believe MSNBC letting Don Imus go would change anything, we simply need to respect each other more for any kind of real change to occur.

Melvin Bruce Norfolk, VA. (Sent Tuesday, April 10, 2007 9:56 AM)

Let the free market, his bosses, his advertisers and his own conscience decide his fate - I don't want to hear from those who live in glass houses tell me that someone must go just because they feel offended - people make mistakes and in a blink of an eye a lifetime of work is suppose to just get up and walk away... be careful for what you ask for, it may come your time to repent for your lapse in judgement...let the free market do its thing, its always gets the job.

Mike Isaacs Las Cruces New Mexico (Sent Tuesday, April 10, 2007 9:56 AM)

Al, Guess everyone one wants to get into this debate so here I am. I listen to IMUS every morning, not so much to hear him but to hear the guests on the program. I heard his comment last week and was upset since I watched the Rutgers game and am a huge fan of Vivian Stringer from her days at the University of Iowa. However, I have neighbors who are black and have heard them say the same thing! There is a basic lack of decorum in our society today and the media reflects that. I don't appreciate some of the humor on IMUS - Bernie and the cardinal skit are just as offensive - however if IMUS goes take Rush, O'Reilly, Hannity, and even Bush because they all offend me on federal airways as well! Mary McCarthy, Iowa City, Iowa

Mary C. McCarthy, Iowa City, IA (Sent Tuesday, April 10, 2007 9:56 AM)

1st lets keep the focus where it belongs its Imus and the Rutgers Basketball team, Sharpton and Jackson are just an excuse that "some" people are using to justify inexcusable behavior. Offensive Rap music is something that someone has to take money and got out and purchase. Let’s delve into reality here; there are things that I can say about my race that other races can't say, well at least not on a nationally syndicated radio show. Not that anyone should be called such vile things but he wasn't talking about some video vixens or groupies he was referring to a talented group of student athletes at very prestigious university they deserve better and he needs to be terminated from his position. As Obama stated yesterday "With a public platform comes trust, Imus betrayed that trust."

Greg, Atlanta, GA (Sent Tuesday, April 10, 2007 9:56 AM)

Hello - do you ever listen to RAP or HIP-HOP music? This is what is in the culture today. The largest audience for this type of music is white people - you white males primarily. We cannot have it both ways. The idea that we can say this about ourselves but you cannot joke about it is getting very old.

Jeff Johnson, Troy, MI (Sent Tuesday, April 10, 2007 9:58 AM)

Lisa, if you had understood what Don was saying, both on Rev. Sharpton's and his own show in the last two days, I think I could accept your comments as stated. But your twisting of his words "I don't feel nearly as bad as those Rutgers girls" to imply he was further putting them down is 'ridiculous' to quote you. Listen next time and you might see he means that his words hurt those players far worse than any harsh words being justifiably aimed at him. Then go ahead and throw your stones.

KC Abbott, Des Moines, Iowa (Sent Tuesday, April 10, 2007 9:58 AM)

I am a black female, and although I am not a regular listener of Imus' show, I have listened to it before. The thing I hate about this whole situation is that we, as Blacks, always go on a crusade about one thing or another when it is deemed offensive to 'us'. Jesse Jackson and Al Sharpton DO NOT represent me, and I do not know how they became the standard in America for what is offensive to Blacks. If the players at Rutgers were offended, let THEM speak for THEMSELVES. If the owners of the radio station want him fired, that is THEIR decision. We as Black America should stop telling White Corporate America how to spend its money, and get back to things that are more important. So what - he called some black women 'nappy headed hoes'. We've been called MUCh worse by far better people! The man made a mistake, has apologized, and is getting a two-week suspension. Reverends, whatever happened to 'turn the other cheek'? If you don't like him, don't listen to him. This is a FREE COUNTRY!!

Karen Thompson, Springfield, OH (Sent Tuesday, April 10, 2007 9:58 AM)

where did roker write his commentary?hymietown?oh,thats the word jessie jackson used for new york,where imus lives...we live in a country where disc jockeys lose their jobs for jokes and presidents keep theirs by rigging elections.why doesnt sharpton,jackson and roker discuss that?i know imus certainly has over the years...

rich levi,kc mo (Sent Tuesday, April 10, 2007 9:58 AM)

Al, I could not agree more that Imus needs to go. For years he has done an Amos N' Andy style parody of African-Americans using Bernie and others as his shills. The Ray Neggin schtick...the imitation of Rev. Sharpton...Bernie's "man-on-the-street" interviews with indigent persons of color..." It's more than a pattern...its part of the fiber and fabric of Imus' personality. He needs to leave for the sake of the common good and the well-being of this country's spirit of civility and tolerance. Thank you, Al, for your thoughts on this matter.

Gary Connors-Boe (Sent Tuesday, April 10, 2007 9:58 AM)

Maybe all the people living in "Hymie-town" would call for the head of Imus - when some of the black racists are fired.

Paul, Florida (Sent Tuesday, April 10, 2007 9:58 AM)

Well, if Al Roker says its time, then obviously its time...I listen to Imus every morning and for the most part, hes a hateful curmudgeon. However, that is his shtick. I know what I am getting into by tuning, as does every other listener. I watched his apology on Friday and then again on Monday...it was sincere. The man was sincerely humbled. I then listened to the Al Sharpton show and was outraged. That one snipit of Sharpton trying to bait Imus with the "you people" reference....disgusting. Al and Jesse...theres your racists.

John, Washington DC (Sent Tuesday, April 10, 2007 9:58 AM)

don imus needed to go along time ago for views and comments he's made on other people in the news and he should stop by howard sterns office and give him a ride on the bus with such greats as "Jimmy the Greek,Mel Gibson,michael richards.Right On Al!

ted brame (Sent Tuesday, April 10, 2007 9:58 AM)



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