FIRST AMENDMENT RIGHTS & IMUS

 

 

 

By Dr. Laurie Roth Ph.D.
April 13, 2007
NewsWithViews.com

Imus is fired and there is a media furor over his sexist and racist comments about the Rutger's women's basketball team. By now you have all heard his "freedom of speech moment" calling them "nappy headed hos." Of course, the usual lightening rods of freedom and race issues have flown in to save the day�..Jesse Jackson and Al Sharpton. Hillary has even weighed in. Bottom line is this, his sponsors have dropped, MSNBC dropped his TV show and CBS has suspended him for a few weeks. Consequences are still evolving.

Fortunately, Imus has apologized, ironically on the Al Sharpton show. Talk about who can call the kettle black???!!! Regardless of Imus being sorry the market rules, sponsors have dropped, the audience is offended and his employer responded. That is the American way I say. Justice Hugo Black reminds us as to how precious our 1st Amendment rights are. "The very reason for the First Amendment is to make the people of this country free to think, speak, write and worship as they wish, not as the Government commands."

The thing that nauseates me other than Imuses racist mouth, are the racist opportunists who run into the ring and really minimize the reality of racism and the need to actually address it because they are so self absorbed and needy to politically manipulate ground for their party!!! We do have folks in various jobs and positions across the country who are racist and sexist pigs. Imus was trying to be funny. He was not!!! Neither though are blacks like Al Sharpton or Jessie when they open their racist little mouths. Frankly, I'm not laughing either when I think of Eminem, Snoop Doggie Dog and the rapper world of lyrics. All hiding behind��"it reflects the anger, desperation and real culture of the street"���.

Shame on us for buying that crap!!!! It's considered a reflection of culture to sing and rap about Mommies and sisters getting raped, beaten and murdered????? First amendment my rear!!! That is what you call rubbish from hell. It is talking only about the street culture in main street hell! Not that of most blacks or whites. However, back to our first amendment rights����I guess folks can still spew it out in different venues but the market can respond by withdrawing sponsors and support. We can still shame attack folks who go over the "real" lines of decency. Hopefully, there still are some.

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Frankly, I'm relieved that Imus had real consequences for his hideous actions and mouth. We all must work to bring groups of people together, not promote or hide real racism or real hate. We have come too far as a nation. Lets not go backwards. That goes for your mouth too Al and Jessie. Racism and hatred seems to take turns landing on all the races but hops around in its greed for power and conquest. What's good for the goose is good for the gander. Spread the light, not political manipulation!!!

� 2007 Dr. Laurie Roth - All Rights Reserved

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