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  International Edition
Wednesday, April 11, 2007
Don Imus, Duke lacrosse: A common thread
We got a great response last night to our call-in segment on Don Imus. Tons of calls and thousands of emails. I wish we had been able to get to more of them.

We're working on two big stories for "360" tonight that have one thing in common: race.

The stories are the ongoing Don Imus controversy and the Duke University rape case. There were major developments on both fronts today. Tonight, we'll deal with the important issues these stories raise, such as accountability, double standards, free speech and punishment.

Two questions for you: Do you think Imus should be fired? Do you think there was a rush to judgment against the lacrosse players?

On a much lighter note, we have some pretty cool news about our foray into podcasts. We launched the first one yesterday. I know it's early, but according to iTunes, we were the 9th most downloaded podcast and the only news program to make it in the top 10.

If you haven't watched it, please check it out. (click here to get the podcast) It's definitely still a work in progress. We'll continue to try to build on it, make it better, stronger, smarter. I'm beginning to sound like the opening of the "Six Million Dollar Man" so I'll shut up.

Anyway, thanks and we'll see you tonight.
Posted By Anderson Cooper: 3:38 PM ET
  70 Comments
i do not think imus should be fired this is how out society talks all races. how can it be racial if the african americans can say it and it fine. the lacrosse players were scapegoats for politicall reasons. the girl should have to pay thier attorneys fees.
Posted By Anonymous chris, decatur, il : 3:46 PM ET
I do think that originally there was a rush judgement against the Duke lacrosse players. When the story broke, it seemed like they were guilty until proven innocent. Frankly, I was surprised that it took this long for the D.A. to drop the charges, but as a friend of mine (and Duke alum) pointed out, if they did that too quickly, it's almost as if they would be admitting they botched handling the case. Plus, as a woman, if I were a victim, I would want the authorities to be my allies.
As far as the Imus story goes, I'm waiting for the next chapter. I feel the more press the story gets the more power his comments have, which seems to me to be counter to what everybody on all sides wants.
Posted By Anonymous Colleen O'Brien, Pottstown, PA : 3:47 PM ET
Imus's comments about the Rutgers women were absolutely outrageous. The Duke lacrosse players were treated like criminals based on literally unbelievable testimony and a low-life prosecutor. I suppose they were both maligned in the media. But the prosecutor has been completely discredited for life, and all Imus gets is a 2-week break. Fire the bum!
Posted By Anonymous Alex G., Detroit, MI : 3:53 PM ET
there was a big rush to judgement with the Duke players. Jesse Jackson and Al Sharpton stumbled over each other trying to get in front of the cameras to declare all 3 players GUILTY. Since Sharpton & Jackson are in an apology mood, when should we expect to hear an apology from them? or will the "double standard" rule apply here?
Posted By Anonymous Chris, Philadelphia PA : 3:54 PM ET
I think Bernard McGuirk, Imus' producer should be fired. I stopped listening/watching Imus in the morning a while back because of the rude, homophobic, racist, ageist, sexist, bigotted remarks that Bernard (or Sid the Sports guy) would make. Often, Imus would just repeat their rude remarks, like a parrot.

Imus does a lot of good works, with his Ranch for kids with cancer. And I know he and his wife donate money to good causes. I like the guests he has on the show, for the most part, and his taste in music. But it's time for all of us to be kinder to each other, in our words and actions. Is that so hard?

(And thanks for the podcasts! I am so excited about that. 360 just keeps getting better and better.)

Linda
Boulder, Colorado
Posted By Anonymous Linda, Boulder, Colorado : 3:55 PM ET
And just when you thought there was some improvement in double standards...

sounds like the 70s all over
Posted By Anonymous Manisha, Los Angeles, CA : 3:56 PM ET
The most striking similarity between the two situations is how quickly media whores like Jessie Jackson and Al Sharpton interject themselves into the fray. If my memory is correct, both of those self-promoters were in North Carolina leading marches and vigils and making sure they were once again in the news. This time (Imus) there was an offense, last time (Duke) they jumped the gun. The only thing is know is that when I see either of those two crying wolf, I vomit a little in my mouth.
Posted By Anonymous Sam, Des Moines, IA : 3:56 PM ET
Imus is a idiot but at least he apologized. I hav not heard anyone tell the Duke guys they are sorry their lives have been ruined. Jesse Jackson was there to show his support for the woman ready to lynch the guys and yet no apology
Posted By Anonymous wallace lakeland florida : 3:57 PM ET
There was definitely a rush to judgement in the Duke case. I'm glad to see that the charges have been dropped. I feel sorry for the guys and their families. I think that the accuser needs to be held accountable for her actions. No wonder in a lot of cases women who report rape are given the third degree...treated with skepticism, because of women like this one. But, nothing will happen to her, she'll probably try this again in 10 years...just like before.
As far as Imus, could we blow anything up anymore? He made a comment, not in a hateful manner. The things you hear on the radio by rappers, or on the streets is much worse. African Americans can call each other the 'n' word, and people laugh, look at the black comedians who do it. Haa haa, so funny right? Yeah no. They need to figure out what they want, can't have it both ways. And, Sharpton and Jackson, I don't think either one of them is moral enough to be able to make judgements on anyone. Just because you have Rev. in front of your name doesn't mean you're credible. I wonder, do they have people who watch every TV station, read every article to try and find something that they can construe as racist? It seems like it. So, Imus said something stupid, whatever, the girls have a right to be upset about it, it wasn't nice. But seriously, do we not have more important things going on? We're in the middle of a war, children in this country go missing everyday,...time to get priorities in check. And stop going after every little thing. Bottom line, no I don't think he should be fired.
Posted By Anonymous Karen Virginia Beach, Virginia : 3:59 PM ET
Imus is only one of a number of right-wing racists who enjoy the secret approval of the wealthy elite who own the media. Outwardly, they profess disgust, in secret they relish the controversy for the $dollars$ it brings to their filthy and repugnant coffers. Imus is just a lackey propagandist for the worldview and political agenda of the depraved, corporate elite who brought us the tragedy of the Bush adminmistration and all that it stands for. Boycott these reprehensible fascists now!
Posted By Anonymous V.B. Dunn, Delaware, Ohio : 4:04 PM ET
I think it is really interesting that these two stories have sparked so much conversation on the topic of race, yet Hurricane Katrina's racial implications seem to have been largely overlooked.
On the Imus story, I believe that he should be punished, but I do not believe he should be fired. What he said was stupid and he should be held accountable for his actions. Other celebrities have made comments that the media has simply chosen to overlook. Even Mel Gibson has been forgiven time and time again and his apologies have been far less sincere. The Imus story has received an incredible amount of coverage and the repercussions for Imus will last for a long time.
As to the Duke case, yes, I do believe that the prosecutor and the media rushed into judgement and found these men guilty without a trial. Now these young men will forever carry the stigma of this case.
I also wanted to say congratulations on the success of the podcast. I had been hoping for sometime that "360" would create a podcast and I am very glad to see that it is doing well on the i-tunes charts.
Posted By Anonymous Kimberly Miller, Lancaster, PA : 4:04 PM ET
Don Imus was only doing what he was hired to do--be shocking. He has always said shocking things, and so now he should be punished for doing his job? We have in our society professional whiners who are constantly on the lookout for excuses to whine and complain.
Posted By Anonymous Pete, West Bend, Wisconsin : 4:05 PM ET
Anderson - I'm so stoked about your podcast! I've been expecting you to jump on the podcast wave for months now... thanks for coming through! Since I'm old now, I have to go to bed before your show is over (East Coast time - ugh). Now I can keep up and keep em' honest. :)
Posted By Anonymous Steph, 24, Cambridge MA : 4:06 PM ET
Here we go again. Another opportunity for Sharpton and Jackson to get their faces on the camera. As if those two could ever be considered as moral advisers! Bottom line - the more the Black commuminty embraces and accepts the idea that it is okay to say "ho", the "n" word and any other number of unacceptable words when you are black but never if you are white, then this will continue to happen. Who cares?
Posted By Anonymous Sandy, Dallas, Texas : 4:06 PM ET
From the beginning I thought the Duke Lacrosse players got a raw deal. They were tried and convicted even before the evidence was presented, but has anyone thought to say Sorry to them. Their reputations have been ruined and it will follow them the rest of their lives. As for Imus he crossed the line and that happens when the mouth works faster than the brain. A local radio station here in MI asked this question what about the guys who work with Imus and went along with his comments shouldn't they be held accountable also.

Our country prides itself on it's free speech, but free speech doesn't mean hateful, racially colored speech that will hurt someone and make others think because so and so says it its OK for me to say it also.

I'll reserve my judgment on the podcast until I have time to watch/listen to it without interruption, tanks for it justthe same.
Posted By Anonymous Marcia, Warren Mi : 4:08 PM ET
And what about that so called rape case many years ago that Sharpton was involved in that turned out to be a lie? No apology there. Look, Imus said and did what most rappers do and say-disrespected the black woman. He is no more guilty than them-just stupid judgment, by a white guy. When Snoop Dog can show up on the red carpet with two black ladies with dog collars and chains attached, then I say we criticize him too. And when Chysler keeps endorsing Snoop-I say stop buying their products. Give me a break.
Posted By Anonymous Isabel Las Vegas Nevada : 4:10 PM ET
In regards to the rape charges against the 3 Duke guys being dropped. Is it possible that his black stripper person deliberatly made the accusations against them knowing it was false? Did she possibly have this drunken evil desire to try and send 3 innocent white guys to the slammer? Is this racism? YO, J.Jackson and Rev. Shrimpton, where are you when we need you. :> )
Posted By Anonymous Don Rogers, San Diego, CA : 4:11 PM ET
I am so very tired of this scenario: Someone makes a comment directed at African Americans and someone goes off of the deep end. It becomes a national story about how wrong it is. Yet EVERY day remarks are made about whites by African Americans that are deragatory and noone does anything. That's always OK. Enough already. People need to start letting things go sometimes instead of turning everything into a major ordeal or a lawsuit. It has reached the point of absurdity.
Posted By Anonymous Susan, Sacramento, CA : 4:11 PM ET
Imus should be fired as that type of language should be replaced by something else. If he wants to make fun, then say they were sloppy or poorly coached or looked tired, not racial comments.

The Duke lacrosse players were rushed to judgement because of a prosecutor who wanted the publicity of a high profile case. With holding DNA eveidence from the judge who with that evidence probably would not have brought any charges at all. This has ruined the boys reputation and possibly their future.
Posted By Anonymous Harold Blackerby,Concord N.C. : 4:12 PM ET
listen to black rappers words, Imus sounds like a saint or a repeater of their words. Some double standard here we are all nuts especailly the media for blowing this thing out of context frount page vs.real life in Iraq, etc,we are a joke to the world.
Posted By Anonymous g.canonico ny ny : 4:14 PM ET
Imus must go. His latest comment is only one in a stream of homophobic, racist and mysogonistic rants. Someone will have to take the fall for putting those boys through all this nonsense.
Posted By Anonymous Frank in San Diego : 4:14 PM ET
The Duke lacrosse players spent less than a day in jail before bonding out, they were able to try their case in the media, and now they will try and benefit with a civil payday. What about the hundreds of people that spend years in prison before being exonerated on DNA evidence?
Posted By Anonymous Matt, Miami, Florida : 4:17 PM ET
I am glad the Duke case is over and I am sure the IMUS issue too will pass in time if we all let it go. I don't see it as a race issue, I see it as a foot-in-mouth, took a joke too far issue and an apology has been made.
I am not sure anyone of us who live in the Triangle (Durham, Chapel Hill, Raleigh) ever saw the Duke Lacrosse "rape" claim as a race issue until Mr. Jesse Jackson, The Black Panters, the local NAACP and as always Al Sharpton felt the need to make is a race issue. Jesse Jackson even offered to pay her college tuition at NCCU. Even the kids there quickly figured out she was lying and the rallies quickly stopped! And now where are the NAACP, Mr. Jackson, Mr. Sharpton and the others over the last 9 months as the story began to fall apart? They ran to the next issue they could blow out of proportion in front of the national media and lots of cameras - IMUS!
I don't condone people talking badly or derogatorily of anyone else, but we do have free speech in this country and what talk show hosts say isn't always the truth - it is a show, a comedy show and people express opinions. No surprise there. Change the channel. He apologized - let it go. Rappers use that same language and worse in their songs daily and no one blinks an eye at it. And just because an alleged victim of a crime happens to be black and the alleged suspect(s) white it doesn't mean anyone deserves less or more justice. I think the bottom line in both of these is the people who are stirring up the trouble are Mr. Jackson, and Mr. Sharpton and all those people on their bandwagons, pointing out the race factor in every situation, making others statements into a racial thing - they need to be censored and/or ignored by the media all together. They are not helping race relations at all!!
Posted By Anonymous Rachael, Raleigh/Cary, North Carolina : 4:17 PM ET
If Imus really is a good person, he's been prostituting himself for years for the sake of ratings, and hence, money--who's the ho?
Posted By Anonymous Sandy Unruh, Duncan, Oklahoma : 4:17 PM ET
The issue is Free Speech and not race. Imus appoligized and it seemed sincere and contrite. He said it trying to be funny. The moral "outrage" we see coming from those calling for Don Imus's firing is silly but also dangerous. It involves thug tactics from bullies like Jessie Jackson and Al Sharpton. Imus whould have been better off appoligizing one time and leaving it at that. By trying to please those who are calling for his job, he has shown that there is no comprimise with these people. Everyone should really should be more tollerant. If you are offended by a TV or Radio program, change the channel.
Posted By Anonymous Brian, Los Angeles, CA : 4:17 PM ET
Hi Anderson, Why is it that every time there is an alleged racial situation involving African Americans, Al Sharpton and Jesse Jackson get involved?? I,for one, am tired of the two of them speaking on behalf of the African American community every time there is an issue. Sometimes I believe that their involvement only serves to further ignite already volatile situations.
Posted By Anonymous Judy, Hatfield, Pa : 4:17 PM ET
The I man's comments were said in a comedic not a serious sense. I suppose
when every hip hoppie clown can refer to black women as nappie ho's and "n's"
one would be lead to believe these connotations are slang and not serious
radical slurs. If not - all races can use them. Cut the double standard crap!
Posted By Anonymous Joe, Monclair, NJ : 4:19 PM ET
The prosecution in the Duke case went too far. Jesse Jacskon and Al Sharpton should rally to the side of the Duke players to get them a book deal, "Railroaded By The Man". Imus went to far and he is very offensive but let his bosses determine if he should be fired.

There is a double standard going on.

AMERICA, OWN UP TO YOUR PROBLEMS THEN LIGHTEN UP!
Posted By Anonymous Tom, Antioch California : 4:24 PM ET
What Imus said was wrong. It is not funny. I can't believe anyone would approve of him saying what he said. With that said, he should not be fired. It is my belief that he has a right to say what he wants. We as a people have a right to continue to listen to him or find someone else to listen to. The real question is this. Were the players on the Rutgers basketball team ACTUALLY offended or is the media, etc. pressuring them to ACT offended? I ask this question because I imagine many of them listen to rap music with lyrics very similar to what Imus said. Many people, both white and black, listen to music with vulgar language. I can think of black men, black women, and white men that have music lyrics that are similar to the words of Imus. What he said is being said by many. While it is wrong, it should not cause him to be fired. The Jesse Jacksons and Al Sharptons of the world should worry about REAL PROBLEMS like high school drop-out rates, teen pregnancies, drug use, etc. rather than the comments made by a white man that the vast majority of black people do not listen to. On a whole, the black community would not have heard his comments, were it not for the media blowing them out of proportion. The biggest mistake made in the entire situation is that Imus has apologized more than once. He should have apologized and moved on. We all should move on.

Regarding the Lacrosse players from Duke, the vast majority of us jumped to conclusions. I thought they were guilty, and I say that as a white male in his 20's. I think we all thought they were guilty. This case proves that we should not rush to judgment.

Of these news stories, it is the original prosecutor of the Duke case that ought to be out apologizing. What he did was wrong. He worked to get himself elected by rallying the black vote in his support by harshly going after the white students. He unfairly attacked the Lacrosse players, and used black people to further his career. He is the racist, not Imus. That guy outreached to blacks so that he was re-elected, when he has no history of working with blacks. To me that is far worse than what Imus said.
Posted By Anonymous Joe, Colmbus Ohio : 4:24 PM ET
Where is Jessie Jackson and Al Sharpton now that the charges against the Duke players have been dropped? They were there inciting the people a year ago just like they're inciting the people over Imus now. Imus may have made a mistake but Jessie Jackson and Al Sharpton should be fired from their jobs. They have lost their credibility in the eyes of the world.
Posted By Anonymous Joe, Jacksonville North Carolina : 4:24 PM ET
While I feel bad for the Duke players, I still can't help but think if you lay with dogs, you're going to get fleas. I'll bet they think twice before hiring any dancer/prostitute for any more parties.
Posted By Anonymous Patty A, Norfolk, VA : 4:34 PM ET
Anderson, From my perspective, I do not believe that Imus should be fired. I have never watched his program but he seems to be repeating what the black rap community are spewing out to the world and making money doing it.
IMO the Duke Lacrosse players were railroaded from the beginning by a prosecutor using the incident and the ensuing media attention to get re-elected. I am sorry that some in this country have forgotten a basis for justice in this country, you are presumed innocent until proven guilty.
The Universe never forgets and Nifong will get his soon.
Posted By Anonymous Judy Stage Brooklyn MI : 4:41 PM ET
I cannot believe the repsonse to the comments by Imus. What a ridiculous waste of time! The man already apoligized this morning, that should be the end of it. I saw an interview with one of the Rutger basketball players and she stated that the comments made will devastate her the rest of her life. Are you kidding me? You play hard core basketball and probably have been injured and played through it, but a comment can devastate you? Give me a break! I think the entire media frenzy over this is a waste of time. Imus should keep his job. Howard Stern and Bill O'Reilly have made inapproriate comments and its never been this big of an issue. America is about free speech and occasionally comments are made that offend people, just APOLOGIZE and be done with it. I can imagine that most people in their lives have had not-so nice things said to them at some point or another, but it doesn't make the news, and doesn't usually cost someone their job for making A mistake. I can just imagine what other countries think when they see the U.S. news and the top story is over a comment made on a news broadcast or over who is the father of Anna Nicole's baby. We have more important things in this country to worry about than one comment made by a radio personality!!
Posted By Anonymous Christie Newman, Richmond, Virginia : 4:42 PM ET
Yes, I think there was a rush to judgement in the Duke case, and no I don't think Imus should be fired. I don't agree with him, but what happened to free speech?
Posted By Anonymous Frankie Basham, St Paris, Ohio : 4:44 PM ET
Imus has for years referred to politicians, Hollywood folks and others with intense satirical references. No one escaped. He, and his staff, went after whites, blacks, straights, gays, crooked politicians, honest politicians, journalists, commentators... everyone. But his audience took it as intended... humor and entertainment, not serious reporting or journalism. No one really cared because it was not intended to malign or injure.
But, even though (admittedly) folks on the street say the same thing with impunity, Imus went too far with the "nappy hos" comment. Old white guys' 1st Amendment rights are limited.
But, he knows he went too far. He has apologized and been suspended. Case should be closed.
But, it isn't closed, and it won't be. Sharpton, Jackson and the media vultures lost badly in Durham (shades of Tawana Brawley). They need to save face (the ones with egg on them). Imus goes, and revenge is theirs.
The rage is hollow, the tears are crocodillian... but the vengeance is real.
Overblown media circus based on a double standard?? Damn right.
Posted By Anonymous John, Tucson, Arizona : 4:45 PM ET
Hi Anderson,
Perhaps we should look into our own mirrors and stare down our own reflections. Imus is a symptom of our own sickness. We've been hateful, obnoxious, and cruel to each other for far too long. Every hateful rant we shout out on our own personal OPEN MIC NIGHT, falls like a hammer on someone, somewhere. In my opinion, we need to stop it all and act like humans. Humans with an ounce of class. Take Care
Posted By Anonymous Lorie Ann, Buellton, Calif. : 4:46 PM ET
Jesse and Al played a major role in causing the DA to "rush to indict"...they threatened more intervention if something wasn't done to quell the "racism" in Durham and Duke. They ruined three lives, and should practice what they preach: Apologize in public, and personally meet with the students, families, and Duke officials to explain why they overreacted and caused harm. Of course, Rev. Al leaped to national fame with a similar "fake-rape/racism" case with Tawana Brawley, and he has yet to apologize or recant. What a hypocrite!

We'll see if these two are men or frauds based on their next move.
Bet on the latter.
Posted By Anonymous Chet, Irving, Texas : 4:49 PM ET
Imus was completely out of line! CNN you are out of line by protecting the true criminal in the Duke Case. Her identity should be known in every media after the injustice that she indured on these young "innocent" men for the last 395 days!
Posted By Anonymous Jodi Courtney-Miller The Woodlands Texas : 4:50 PM ET
I do not think Imus should be fired because of his comments. Everyday, much worse language is heard on the radio from rappers and no one calls for them to be fired or boycotted. You cannot have one standard for one person and another standard for someone else.
Posted By Anonymous Chrystal, Minneapolis, Minnesota : 4:55 PM ET
What is very annoying is when I hear people say that Imus has the right to say whatever he pleases.... Freedom of speech is not freedom to insult or offend.

What makes Imus' statement very serious is the fact that because of his position in the society, he is in a position to influence a lot of people. What do you think will happen to the many black people that will like to believe that racism is non-existent in this society? What happens to the many white people who are leaning towards ridding themselves of all prejudice?

The issue is not whether Imus is a bad person or not. The issue is that he is in a position to steer America towards being a color blind society by what he says on his show. If the goal of this society is to achieve this, then people who will make utterances that would further divide us should not be allowed to hold the kind of position he holds....
Posted By Anonymous Augie, Sunnyvale CA : 4:55 PM ET
As I saw both headlines on Imus and the Duke lacrosse players, the bridge formed in my head and the common link is so interesting, and such a coincidence that these events happened almost simultaneously.

These events together place a great deal of strain on the perception of women (and people) in the black community.
The women of Rutgers basketball team are incredible role models and success stories and should be commended for their efforts. Instead, they were demeaned for playing well, and that deserves more than a 2-week suspension.

The responses of these stories should be listened to very carefully. Only then will we (hopefully) see societal intellect grow in the right direction.
Posted By Anonymous Aruna, Minneapolis, MN : 4:55 PM ET
I read ALL 30 comments. What most comments miss is that fact that Imus is a public figure that was out of control.

1. He insulted every woman and girl around the world by calling the "hos".

2. He insulted blacks by using the world "nappy heads".

Is it possible that someone of Imus' statue couldn't find any words to describe these beautiful college kids?

We shouldn't insult, degrade, be it in a funny way degrade fellow humans just to score "shock".

This just shows that Imus has some racist fibers in his subconcious.

Of course, you hear rappers: Eminem, 50cents and the rest say this, don't forget that these rappers just don't make reference to black women alone. They make reference to women of all colors. Are we not the same country? Why is it that most of us, will see things along racial lines.

The sad story reality here is that women's group and all the feminists have been absent from defending these little college girls.

Shame on anyone that supports Imus. Let him be fired! You and I know that in the streets of america, you don't call someone a "ho" for the funny of it.

If people like Imus don't loose their jobs, these kind of non-sense will never stop.
Posted By Anonymous Mike, Clinton Township, MI : 4:56 PM ET
I am completely OK with there being a double standard for who can say what. My close friends may dis me in fun and we can all laugh. But if a larger authority or power figure does it it can mean something different. But if black pop culture promoters want to get rich off of exporting their bad lingo, they must accept that the general public is going to get used to hearing it, forget the real meaning, and start to copy it. I think that's what Imus is guilty of.
Black America this week has had the behavior of its own icons copied and they don't like what they see. They're embarrased and they are pointing the finger of blame in the wrong direction. Words like Imus used would be long dead if black culture wasn't keeping them alive.
Posted By Anonymous Bob Robinson, Huntington Beach, CA : 5:15 PM ET
I certainly don't support Imus's characterization of the Rutgers Women's Basketball team but his show has been full of equal opportunity bigotry for years and millions listen. No race, color, creed or political persuasion has been immune so why the outrage now? We can't condemn Imus and, at the same time, condone hip-hop lyrics. Perhaps if Reverend Al and Reverend Jesse can step back from the fire Imus campaign for a few seconds they might find the time to apologize to the Duke lacrosse players...like that will ever happen.
Posted By Anonymous Mike Pitcher, Cortland, NY : 5:15 PM ET
A comment in a rap song, while equally wrong and disgusting, is not the same as what Imus has done. Imus defamed an identifiable group of women by his comments. He made the comments in reference to the particular individuals. This is not the same as a random comment in a rap song directed at a random, unidentifiable (and probably ficticious) person.
Posted By Anonymous BDA, charlotte, nc : 5:19 PM ET
At least Imus apologized for his stupid statement about Rutgers students. Where are the apologies from Al Shapmouth and Jessie Jackass concerning Duke students?
Posted By Anonymous Ron, Charlotte, NC : 5:19 PM ET
I think people like Don Imus should be left to say whatever's on their mind. I'd prefer to know them for what they are than to have them conceal it.
Posted By Anonymous Bob Griffin, Federal Way WA : 5:19 PM ET
It is very unfortunate what happen to the Duke players. I wish the families well and that the young men can move on with their young lives, although that will be hard after being accused of a crime that you did not commit. This happens every day in America and our judicial system must find better ways of protecting the innocent. On the remarks of Don Imus, I feel it is absolutely despicable and very offensive of the words spoken by Mr. Imus. If I was the Rutger's players parents' I would not let my daughter meet with Mr. Imus. I'm sure all the power players has made phone calls to the University President, alumnus and others and reminded them of all he money that has been donated to the college and encouraged the team to meet with Mr. Imus.

As the coach of Rutger's so eloquently stated it is all about "green". Mr. Imus should have been fired for the words he said. Words are very powerful and can case deep pain and wounds.

Mainstream media needs to stop portraying African American's as a race with all the problems. I sit at my home daily and watch Caucausians come into the black neighborhoods to buy drugs. Many time I have ran them away from parking on my property. I told several of them don't come into my neighborhood to buy this crap go into your own and buy it. These are professional workers and blue collar workers.

Why can't we get pass the race problem and just learn how to live together, trust and love each other.
Posted By Anonymous Sue, Detroit, MI : 5:23 PM ET
Should Don Imus be fired? Hell no! The news media blew this whole story thing out of proportion and this is not a race issue thing. This is not even a sexist thing. This is a role model thing Don was referring to. If you listen to the whole radio program that Don Imus made his remarks on, he was referring to the Rutgers University women basketball team players covered with tattoo's all over their bodies. He was trying to say this was bad example for young children to go out and get tattoo's. Don and his radio producer noticed right away that the Tennessee women basketball player were all clean without any tattoo's and they didn't say one thing bad about the Tennessee players. It didn't matter what race or color of skin the players have. Don does comedy sketches on his radio program and he and his producer were trying to be funny. It didn't work. That was obvious. He shouldn't have use the words "nappy-headed ho's" to describe the women on the Rutger basketball team. That was wrong. Don deserves the two week suspension. But he doesn't deserve to be fired.
Posted By Anonymous Steve, Salt Lake City, Utah : 5:24 PM ET
My comment addresses the Don Imus controversy. As a Black woman, I understand that my race (African-American or Black) exists because White men had non-consentual and forced sexual relations with my ancestors (African women) on this American soil. So, who first treated Black women like 'hoes' Black men or White men? There were not such a thing as a rapper then. The proof of this is my last name and the lasts names of the majority of African-Americans today. History doesn't lie. And, now Mr. Imus and I'm sure others, want people to believe that "there was nothing malicious about his statement and that he felt this was okay since rappers use this language". Please. Mr. Imus went to an ugly place deep in the history of American culture. In my opinion, he's the one who thinks of Black women as derogatory sex objects. Just a caution to all Americans, we don't want to go back to that place where a group of people who are still fighting oppression are looked upon as 'less than human.' Does the American public have any idea of the pain that many African Americans experience when confronted with the traumatic memories of what it was like for our ancestors to have been sexually abused as slaves. It is never okay for White men to become comfortable discussing Black women in the way that Mr. Imus did. I will not comment about the deviant behaviors of rappers. That is a separate issue, completely.
Thank you
Posted By Anonymous Myka Perry, St. Louis MO : 5:25 PM ET
Agreed.....it seems there is a "racist" witchhunt going on nowdays. Jesse Jackson and Al Sharpton are a joke.....they will support ANY african american issue anywhere anytime with complete disregard to right and wrong. The duke rape accuser should not have been offered free college, etc. given her past record of accusing people of rape. Had she been white, Jesse and Al could have cared less. That is pathetic.

On the Imus issue, so he insulted someone....big deal. People do it all the time. I don't really find anything racist about what he said....."nappy-haired ho's" if I'm not correct. So he maid fun of their hair and their sexual fondito.....who cares? Why do we immediately have to pull the race card? These women should resist the pressure to feel sorry for themselves and rise above it....much like a kindergartener would do when somemakes fun of their hair and calls them a square. Imus makes a living by insulting people; if you don't like it don't listen.

And no, I am not caucasion.
Posted By Anonymous Jacob Lakhany, Aberdeen, SD : 5:26 PM ET
Don Imus, who is Don Imus? But look what happened. Same old game. Some dumb white guy has a temporary brain malfunction and all the lead squakers hit him hard. I think it is reverse racism. I think these idiots (not the Rutgers gals, they are great and played great) needed some television time so no one would forget they are still living in the 19th century. They need to get a life. Some of my best friends have much darker skin than myself, but you won't catch them crying and whining and beating a dead horse over and over until you can't tell the horses ass from those beating the horse.
Posted By Anonymous Mark, Springfield, MO : 5:30 PM ET
There is still a line in our constitution which states that we have freedom of speech. With it comes the responsibility that if you make an incendiary remark, you must deal with it's consequences.

Unfortunately, there is a double standard with certain words, and "ho" is one of them. I just watched the video on CNN, and the classroom of female students all indicated that they've been called a "ho", and those same women admitting to calling others a "ho". If this isn't a textbook example of a double-standard, then I don't know what is.

While I'm ranting, how about we get rid of the term "reverse discrimination". This term in and of itself, clearly points that only white people are discriminatory. Discrimination is discrimination - there's no "reverse" to it. That said, look no further than the Duke and Rutgers examples that Al Sharpton and Jesse Jackson discriminate against white people.

Why hasn't our "liberal media" gone back and pointed out their involvement in the Tawana Brawley case?

Don Imus should not be fired. He used his freedom of speech and will have to deal with those consequences.
Posted By Anonymous Ian R. Chicago, IL : 5:30 PM ET
No, I do not think Imus should be fired.
He spoke what his thought process was.
People do not have to listen to him.

No, I do not think dropping the charges against the lacrosse players was rushed.
How long do people have to go round and round before a decision is made?

Thanx for everything. Take Care.
Posted By Anonymous Karen, Boston, MA : 5:34 PM ET
I think that the language used by Imus was reprehensible, but it is typical of the decay in dialogue in this country. Political, entertainment, everwhere. The obscenities that pass for rap music encourage disrespect for women, especially black women, and it blasts out on our streets and to our kids everyday. It should ALL stop.

As for the DUke players. There is more there than meets the eye. I stil think something happened and kids with wealthy, powerful parents turned this around. Money talks and it did here. Why would such "nice" boys have these dancers at a "party" in their living quarters? Just nice kids, right? I saw their wealthy, connected parents on CNN and they promised retribution. The DA is feeling it now.
Posted By Anonymous Sandy, Concord, CA : 5:36 PM ET
This week an African American man was shot in the head in his Philadelphia home while putting on his shoes, so he could go to his job as a security guard. I didn't see Jesse Jackson or Al Sharpton in his neighborhood helping to find the killers. I think the black community needs to get some perspective. Words hurt, but they don't kill people. White, black or any other children who believe that killing people is where Sharpton and Jackson should be standing up and screaming. Imus is stupid but in taking him off the air next week, they also took off wounded Iraq veterans who also need a voice.
I would also like to note that as a Native American woman, I think, the Rutgers basketball team proved that they are quite capable of handling a verbal fencing match with Imus and Bernard. They should use that instead of hiding behind men who allegedly are speaking for them and ignoring the problems that created the incident.
Posted By Anonymous Macaer Philadelphia PA : 5:38 PM ET
The Duke mess was a rush job -- with Jesse and Al leading the way. The same way Al is leading the way to fire Don Imus. Yes Mr Imus opened his month and put his foot in it. I am willing to give him another chance. My question to you why do you give Al Sharpton air time. He does not speak for the black race.
Posted By Anonymous J Smith Houston,Tx : 5:40 PM ET
Hello Anderson, I believe Imus' comment was improper. The unbelievable thing is that when 50 cent releases a cd that can be bought by 10 year-olds, the commmunity isn't going to blow it up if he makes a funny joke about black people. Thats the problem, and that should be changed.
Posted By Anonymous Johnathan Washington, DC : 11:35 PM ET
The Dom Imus situation has completely gotten out of control and CNN has added to the controversey but the continous coverage. I will no longer watch MSNBC due to their lack of support to someone who has brought millions of dollars into their pockets. And CNN has only added fuel to the fire. You all have become the TV National Inquirer.
Posted By Anonymous CA Kansas City, MO : 11:38 PM ET
I think that minorities-black hispanic ect.- should focus more on unity then claiming so many hurts as a "people" of a certain race. The more we claim to be hurt the less we are unified as a people and as Americans. I dont agree with the comments made by Imus but I think we need to move away from them specifically and focus on the lack of professionalism offered to female athletes as opposed to male.
Posted By Anonymous C. Nunez- Zephyrhills, Fl : 11:38 PM ET
This entire ordeal is ludicrous. It seems like any time a white person slips up the black community abuses the legal system and goes up in arms about things that honestly shouldn't offend anyone unless they are looking for the publicity
Posted By Anonymous Bill Sacramento, CA : 11:40 PM ET
This is beyond rediculous. This is what the man does. You have a choice in America who you listen to. This has gone way to far. There are more important issues that need attention. His program filled an important and different niche.
Posted By Anonymous Holly Columbia Louisiana : 11:40 PM ET
Will firing Imus really make things better in the black community? will Al Sharpton and Jesse Jackson take on all the great things Imus does? Dying children? neglected veterans? Autism?Imus is a good man (with a dirty mouth)and deserves another chance....
Posted By Anonymous GG Bauer ; Atlanta, Ga. : 11:41 PM ET
Imus should be fired from his show. His comments had no excuse though he often tried to offer excuses for what he said. His "apologies" simply were not sincere.
CBS should fire Imus and demonstrate young men of color from my generation that racist and sexist slurs like those of Imus' are not tolerated . I personally hold CBS and the shows's advertisers accountable for Imus.
Posted By Anonymous Josue, San Diego, CA : 11:42 PM ET
Anderson would you please report who the companies are that are folding to the likes of Sharpton. I will make sure that I don't support these companies. It is so obivious that this is so blown out of proportion. NBC no more.
Posted By Anonymous Tom B Dallas, TX : 11:42 PM ET
I am a professional black male from Dallas who is unbelievably disheartened at the responses of some white men and women and some black conservatives who are attempting to find some excuse for accepting Imus' actions and or the smokescreen argument that hip hop and black slang is responsible. When are we as humans going to agree to behave civily? When are we going to begin to accept that we DO have the right to say what we want in this country? To that end though we also have the RESPONSIBILITY to accept the consequences. Imus is a older man who is very successful who has a history of this hurtful speech. This is not a one time accident, this is not a kid who grew up on hip hop and more importantly and this is not someone who by losing his job is going to lose a kushy retirement. So please stop the smokescreens! Lastly, Amy--while Rev. Sharpton has made his mistakes (as have many republicans) he has also done good. Please do not forget that while you sit there and attack them for raising a legitimate argument against Imus (which you agree with) you do not sit there and attack the Michael Savages, Ann Coulters, Rush Limbaughs and others who have participated in conservative bigoted speech on the airwaves. Instead of attacking Sharpton on an issue that is about Imus's statements about a group of amazing young women..how about attacking media pundits who use public media and free speech to attack and demonize those of color or different genders.
Posted By Anonymous Lewis - Dallas, TX : 11:43 PM ET
It's about time that someone organize an advertising ban against Sharpton's radio show and let him see what it's like to be the absolute hypocrite that he is. Cast the first stone Al. Shame on you.
Posted By Anonymous Bob Stroud Chicago, Illinois : 11:44 PM ET
The punishment doesn't fit the crime. Hypocrites like Al Sharpton and Jessie Jackson have thrown stones from their glass houses and beaten the drum of mass hysteria resulting in a mob mentality to lynch Don Imus. Imus' show had high ratings for sophmoric,locker room humor. This is what he did. There was no malace in his infantile, insinsitive comments.But after all they were just words. When one looks at deads, Imus has an exemplary record of good deads.
Posted By Anonymous Jim, Lubbock, Texas : 11:45 PM ET
I don't agree with this Imus person and have never heard him on the radio, but if people don't want to hear the message from people like Imus and Howard Stern, DON'T TUNE IN AND LISTEN. Without listeners, they will be fired. Also, much of the talk seems to be about racism. What about the apparent racism that exists on the Rutgers women's b-ball team? A black coach, 8 black players, and only 2 white players. There are plenty of white female players in our nation's high schools. Why does a black coach only choose 2 token white girls? Why isn't anyone questioning that. Racism happens every day with blacks and whites.
Posted By Anonymous Mike, Cleveland, OH : 11:45 PM ET
Yes, I thought at the time and still think that the Duke guys were the results of rush to judgement by an officer of the court who was looking for votes instead of the facts. I am glad that these young men were cleared of all charges and can now, hopefully get on with their lives. I am African American and the mother of 3 sons who was wanting someone to please do the Joe Friday..."just the fact mam, just the facts." Finally!
Posted By Anonymous Bren, Valdosta, GA : 11:46 PM ET
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