Dead horse beaten.

Or explained a little more. Hj responded to Ad Age comments in a post that I think encapulates the Imus thing pretty well. Ernie weighed in. James too.

After chilling out on the issue for a few days, I have my 1¢ to add.

1) He messed up, period. His defenders acknowledge his comments were in poor taste, but then they go on about the good things he’s done for charities, etc. Stop right there. If you admit he goofed, leave it at that. Don’t then bring in the context of his previous career to show that “he’s not a racist.” They only hurt their cause.

2) Imus wants to move on. Good for him, but it’s not his call. The people offended at Rutgers are the ones who get to say when he can move on. (As it is, they have forgiven him, but will not forget.) Otherwise, it just comes off as a contrite apology which shows no appreciable understanding of the gravity of the comment to the offended.

3) He shoulda known better. Simplistic view, but it fits. A radio professional like him? After all this time? A metro like NYC doing his thing for how many decades, and he doesn’t know by know that those comments just can’t be said anymore? Even after Rosie’s ching-chong-ching comments, Mel Gibson’s drunk comments or Michael Richards outburst? Not to mention his own promise to never to do it again back in 2000? Not buying it.

4) He’ll catch on somewhere. Somebody will pay him because somebody always does. Everyone thought Rush Limbaugh was washed up after his comments: “...that the media is desirous that a black QB do well.” And now? He’s one of WABC Radio’s top syndicated political minions.

5) It’s a free speech issue. No it’s not. There are seven dirty words the FCC has established can’t be said at certain times on radio or TV. Nobody considers that restriction to be censorship. Likewise, you can’t yell “Fire!” in a theatre or joke about a “Bomb!” in an airport. His words had nothing to do with censorship and everything to do with a time, (especially in his mind), when it was acceptable to say and hear that stuff on radio.

6) Needs to stop across the board. Can’t expect one group to be restricted by something another group is given carte blanche to say. If it’s wrong for one group, it’s wrong for all.

Tags: Imus