Good Intentions Widen Racial Divide ?

There are only two races on this planet—the intelligent and the stupid.
John Fowles (1926 - 2005), novelist

I have only seen Imus when he makes news with politicians or celebrities and the highlights are excerpted. What Imus said was wrong. No question. Does he deserve to lose his job? No! Otherwise The Rev. Jesse “jet stream” Jackson as Chicago Tribune columnist Mike Royko used to call him for rushing off to the next photo opportunity, and the Rev. Al Sharpton would be unemployed. There was the infamous Hymie town remark from Jackson and the attacking the Duke Lacrosse players as immediately guilty from Sharpton, but no one has demanded they be fired. Hell, Sharpton has never apologized to the Duke athletes, but the soon-to-be disbarred district attorney, who brought forth the charges, has. Imus has or will soon apologized to the basketball team.

Sharpton, Jackson and others are creating a deep pit without a safety net for any public figure who misspeaks in anger or in humor.

Truly something positive could have been made of this incident and instead it seems to have only widened the racial divide.

No person who examines and reflects, can avoid seeing that there is but one race of people on the earth, who differ from each other only according to the soil and the climate in which they live.
Captain J. G. Stedman (1744–97), soldier, author, artist

Imus and Rutgers

Race prejudice is not only a shadow over the colored—it is a shadow over all of us, and the shadow is darkest over those who feel it least and allow its evil effects to go on.
Pearl S. Buck (1892–1973), novelist


Don Imus and his thoughtless (not ignorant, because he knows better) comments about the Rutgers Women’s basketball team, while attempting humor through an outrageous comment that could only make David Duke and imperial wizards laugh, is unacceptable.

I have been going back and forth whether too much is being made of this or whether he should be fired. I hate to see people lose their jobs and it’s too easy to fire someone and think the problem solved.

Positives need to come from this sad episode. I think Imus should donate a substantial amount of money to the college or the players to ensure they finish school debt free. The basketball players may already have a full ride, but $500,000 or more put into a scholarship fund would be a start. Also, he should be made to promote the women’s March Madness next year. It barely rates in comparison to the men’s March Madness. Imus’ comments and the ensuing attention should be channeled into more publicity for the women’s programs. Anything short of that means inappropriate comments will continue with only empty apologies.