Cops Claim Superiors Used Imus-esque Remarks

If you're going to reference Don Imus as the basis for copy-cat racial allegations, please
put it into prospective. The following opinion authored recently by James "Arthur" Prince (www.ImusFans.org)will give us pause to reflect
on Imus' being railroaded (and perhaps, others unjustly):

INJUSTICE HAS PREVAILED ONCE AGAIN

The firing of Don Imus brings back frustrating and distressing memories that hit all too close to home.

My father was radio personality Bob Arthur, of KABC’s morning talk radio program, “The Ken and Bob Company.” It aired from 1969 to 1990 in Los Angeles, and was never below 3rd place in the Nielsen ratings for 17 years. His awards consist of a star on the “Hollywood Walk of Fame,” numerous California Gold Medals, three Golden Mics, and congressional appreciation for a lifetime of achievement, to name a few.

He was one of the most respected and dignified news anchormen in the industry. He worked with Cronkite, interviewed John Kennedy, Robert Kennedy, Martin Luther King, Malcolm X, Richard Nixon, Gerald Ford, and most famously, Lyndon Johnson, who clasped his large Texas hand over my dad’s microphone to muffle it after being asked a difficult question about the war in Viet Nam. Johnson then grinned at my father and muttered:

“If you think I’m gonna answer that, you’re out of your f**king mind!”

At that time he was dubbed the most “unbiased” newscaster by the Associated Press and the Los Angeles Times, truly living up to the phrase; “fair and balanced”.

It all came to an abrupt end in August of 1990. He was called into the office of KABC’s president and general manager and was told he had one of two choices . . . retire or be fired. When asked why, his boss hinted that he was getting too old.

My dad chose to go out with dignity. He retired on September 14, 1990, at the age of 69 (just 3 years older than Imus is now).

I realize the circumstances surrounding Don Imus are dramatically different. While my father was fired due to his age, Don was removed due to his mouth. However, there are similarities. They were both pioneers, both on very popular programs, and both fired unjustly.

My first question is, why wasn’t Don Imus given the opportunity to go out gracefully after such a remarkable career? Why didn’t CBS and NBC offer Don Imus a chance to resign? I think we know why . . .

If sponsors such as GM, American Express, Sprint, and the like had not pulled their advertising dollars out of the equation, Don Imus would still be on the air. It’s as simple as that.

Sure, the president and CEO of each of the networks, and others may claim it’s because of Al Roker’s article, or other employee outrage, but they’re not fooling anyone.

I realize that Al Roker thinks he’s “something else” but the truth of the matter is, he is under contract with NBC, nothing more (despite his self-proclaimed belief that he is “America’s most loved weatherman”). To even suggest that he has “all mighty power and influence” over the networks is silly at best.

There is only one thing that drives the networks, and that is ratings, which equals sponsors, which equals dollars. It was that way throughout my father’s career, and it will be that way until the sun explodes. Take away the dollars, and the “show” is worthless.

The sad fact is, if the sponsors of the “Today” show suddenly pulled their advertising, Al Roker and the gang would be out on their ears before they could say “stormy weather.”

Now, lets talk about the first amendment. I’ve heard it claimed recently that as long as your words are not hurtful, nor racial, then and only then, does freedom of speech apply.

That’s not accurate. I believe a little clarification is in order. May I present, “The Bill of Rights” regarding free speech;
''Every freeman has an undoubted right to lay what sentiments he pleases before the public; to forbid this, is to destroy the freedom of the press: but if he publishes what is improper, mischievous, or illegal, he must take the consequences of his own temerity.”
Notice, it does not say that you can not utter illegal or improper statements (if it did, Al Sharpton and Jesse Jackson would be in a heap of trouble). It merely states to be prepared for the consequences. Imus can say whatever he wants, but he has to pay the piper for his own impudence. The question is, should the consequences have been so severe? To those who say “yes,” I ask the following questions:
“Was what Don Imus said illegal?”
No. However distasteful, it was not illegal. If it were, the FCC would have filed charges. Therefore, on this count he should not have been fired.
“Was it improper?”
I believe it was, but many weren’t even fazed by it, so where do we draw the line? With that said, this isn’t sufficient grounds for his termination. The majority of Americans overwhelmingly feel that Imus was wrongfully terminated.
“Was it mischievous?”
Most certainly, but that is what he was, a mischievous character for nearly 40 years. He was hired to be outrageous, pushing the envelope at every given opportunity, and it is clear that this time he pushed a little too far. However, I believe his words did not have the spitefulness that is alleged.
Yes, it was tacky, salty, and unacceptable, but it wasn’t meant to be vicious. There is a big difference.
Don Imus probably has an excellent case for wrongful termination, but I’m sure that will all be settled with a very large sum, and out of court. I wonder if NBC and CBS can feel the ice cracking beneath their feet?
I believe, most of all, what is being overlooked by those who choose their careers in broadcasting and public speaking, is living up to the responsibility of being on the air.
From the moment you’re signaled that the world is listening to the instant the microphone is turned off, there is colossal accountability.
Does that mean you can’t make mistakes? Nobody’s perfect. People will make mistakes, they will say things “off the cuff,” so to speak.
However, to whom much is given, much is expected.
It is my personal opinion that Don Imus (although unbelievably contentious over all these years) has lived up to the responsibilities of the airwaves more than anyone involved in this matter.
Not only has he kept the first amendment kicking and screaming while so many “double-standard snakes” have tried to strike it dead, he has lived up to his liability by paying for his recent audacity, first with his livelihood, and then with a heartfelt apology to the members of Rutgers basketball team, which they formally accepted, I might add.
What of Al Sharpton? Has he lived up to the responsibility for what he has said in the past? For the damage he has done? What about Jesse Jackson? If anything, they are the ones who have ill-used free speech, for they try to silence and censor what they do not approve.
That leads me to Rosie O’Donnell. Has she taken her accountability seriously? She has blamed 9/11 on the government, with no proof of her accusations (other than trying to make us believe she has an engineering degree, as she explains how the buildings could not have collapsed without explosives). She has also blatantly insulted Asians with her despicable on air mimicking of their language. Why is she still allowed a platform?

Because she’s a woman? Because she’s gay? Can you say, “Can’t touch this!”

Also, I had to laugh when I heard people say Don Imus really wasn’t sorry, and the real reason he apologized was he was trying to save his job.

Ah . . . he doesn’t need a job, folks. This is not some broke DJ, only on the air for three weeks.

He has a 30 million dollar beach front home in Connecticut, a penthouse apartment with a 1,400 square foot balcony overlooking Central Park West, and a 4000 acre cattle ranch in New Mexico. Does that sound broke to you?

The man has enough money to probably buy “Radio One” (the company that gives Al Sharpton his platform to spew sly and crafty racist points) and wouldn’t that be a chuckle! How I’d love to be a fly on the wall that day.

Don Imus could care less about a “job.” What he cares about is that his career doesn’t end this way and he doesn’t go down as a bigot.

Don Imus is anything but a bigot. A bigot would never have apologized for those words. A racist would have tried to justify what he said with further division, promoting more separation and more racism.

Wait a minute . . . I just described Al Sharpton again.

Perhaps above all, the following statements by Al Sharpton infuriated me the most. When asked about Imus’ philanthropist achievements, Sharpton said that was a separate issue, not to have any influence on the matter.

It should not have any influence? Is it me, or is this an outright attempt to manipulate?

He was then asked:

“What do you think is really in Don Imus’ heart?”

Al replied:

“I don’t think it matters.”

It doesn’t matter? Well, isn’t that convenient. Are these guys making this up as they go along, or what? What do you mean it doesn’t matter? Of course it matters! It matters to the very core of this issue!

Tell me Reverend Sharpton, how do you separate a man’s character? Talk is cheap (he ought to know) and a man’s moral fiber is measured more by what he does than by what he says. (Of course, Sharpton and Jackson would have us believe otherwise, since they talk a lot about civil rights, but do little to defend them).

Perhaps this article dated April 13, 2007 by black columnist Jason Whitlock says it best;

“It’s time for Jesse and Al to step down. They’ve had 25 years to lead us. Other than their accountants, I’d be hard pressed to find someone who has benefited from their administration.”

This same columnist voiced his opinion on national television that both Al Sharpton and Jesse Jackson were “terrorists” that went around lighting human fires to line their own pockets.

What they have achieved is questionable, especially in the black community, but what is clear is that they have profited by the demise of others. These men make a living off destroying other people and their careers. They dim the lights around them so they alone can shine. They are truly beings of darkness.

History will show that they have achieved little more than division, discontent, anger, and yes . . . racism. They have concentrated on dividing this country, and the Imus affair is just the latest example of how they have driven a deeper wedge, leaving a legacy of contempt for generations to come.

This world is a far lesser place due to their bigotry, and they should be the ones removed from public speaking . . . permanently! As a matter of fact, being the son of a well respected radio broadcaster, I have the right, and hereby call for both Al Sharpton and Jesse Jackson to be banned from the airwaves, effective immediately.

Al Sharpton has the gall to call for standards on the radio, when he consistently breaches the most fundamental standard of all . . . literacy!

In the interview with Don Imus, Al Sharpton said:

“Now, let me axe you this,”

Then, he said it again with:

“Why would you feel that we are out of order to axe that you step aside?”

Axe? AXE??? What in the world is this man doing on the radio? The word is ASK, not AXE! If he can’t pronounce a simple word like “ask” then what gives him the right to be in front of a microphone in the first place?

By the way, that sounds like a threat to me. Sharpton says he wants to axe him, does that mean he wants to chop Imus up into little pieces? If we can’t get him for assault, then perhaps we can prosecute him for slaughtering the English language!

Furthermore, I demand that the church rebuke his doctrine. He is no reverend. He is no Christian! Sharpton’s a jackal who hides behind the cloth, and passes judgment while he himself is shrouded in unscrupulous behavior. He should be stripped of his title, and forever condemned as one of the greatest heretics of our time!

I submit Don Imus not only has light years on Al’s lexis (and no, I don’t mean the sedan) but that he has done more for people, be them black, white, yellow, brown, child or adult, than either Al Sharpton or Jesse Jackson, could ever hope to do.

As for Don Imus, I believe this country, and this world, is a better place because he has lived, and I am thankful for all he’s done.

You can silence Imus (in my opinion illegally) and with it my right to hear one of the most informative radio programs ever produced, but you can’t change his impact.

It’s impossible to ignore the good this man has done, and you can’t say to me:

“Well, sure he’s raised millions of dollars for charity, but that doesn’t mean he’s a good person.”

HUH?

Do I flush away all this man has done because of three words not even of his own design? I’m sorry, but that’s asking me to be blind to the truth, and I refuse to do so.

I’m proud to say that no matter what, Sharpton and Jackson can’t take away all the informative education, perspective, and charity I have learned by listening to the “Imus in the Morning” program all these years.

If some shallow minded, bigoted “Preachers” wish to place all I take with me, into the blurb of an asinine, and ill-mannered joke (uttered on live radio of all things) then so be it.

Personally, I would like to thank Don and Deirdre Imus for their charity and hard work, along with Charles McCord, Bernard McGuirk, Lou Rufino, and all those that made up one of the funniest, talented, informative, diverse, and meaningful programs I have ever had the pleasure of listening to.

I will miss your program almost as much as I miss my father’s.

From the son of another great broadcaster . . . I thank you with all my heart.

Sincerely,

James (“Arthur”) Prince.