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It is somewhat ironic that the individual rights found within this country’s definition of freedom that allows profane music, revolting video, nauseating television, and upsetting speech would now convict Imus of bad taste, and bigotry. Personally, I think Imus, like most who find they are making too much money with too much of a following, begin to think of themselves above their supporters that look to their wisdom and begin to feel they can do and say what they want when they want. Lord Acton is attributed with writing "Power tends to corrupt, and absolute power corrupts absolutely." This statement has been attributed to the downfall of many in past and recent history.
The same MSNBC that fired Imus will continue to be part of a corporation that offers television, packaged as entertainment, with hate, bigotry, and prejudice. It is by comparison similar to the cigarette companies targeting teens with antismoking advertisements while handing out free samples to adults. As Americans, we are an absurd people with warped and absurd senses of right and wrong. Every year we continue to move completely off center of intelligence. With ever expanding internet and television resources our stupidity can now travel much faster, farther, and with every type of commentator imaginable giving their individual slant on the current controversy whether that controversy exists…or not.
Good taste, courtesy, love, humility, honor, and compassion are thought to be the tools of the weak and for those who do not really understand the world so most avoid this direction of understanding. Imagine hearing Reverend Al Sharpton say. “We realize Imus made a mistake and we forgive him and pray his heart will see that his comments were wrong." They embrace, and Imus tearfully thanks them for their understanding. At that point the controversy ends and we can move on to the news that is truly necessary.
If we want to maintain the right to manufacture, sell, buy, own, and maintain filth, then we all must be prepared for the fallout from that desire. If we are willing to condone and accept bigotry, prejudice, and hate in different parts of society, we unfortunately will see it grow and flourish in all parts of society. Imus will not be the last celebrity to insert his foot into his mouth up to his thigh. Don’t be surprised if he resurfaces with a stronger following and more money, much like Howard Stern.
The Imus issue was not one of race and sexism, although it contained the verbal commentary found in such prejudice, it is about the eroding and the unusual culture in the United States . Also, the actual quote by Lord Acton has a little more to it.
"Power tends to corrupt, and absolute power corrupts absolutely. Great men are almost always bad men."
Don’t for one second think I am referring to Imus as a great man, but if this type of quote is attributable to great men, they imagine what it does to small men, of which this country has abundance.
» left by Avis Ward(11,479) Avis Ward (1 year 269 days ago.)
Your scenario of Al Sharpton embracing Don Imus [as those exact words you printed were stated] would be a welcome vision in all such situations. Thank you for sharing your perspective. We are permitted to be angry but not to sin. We're also required, as Christians, to be forgiving and render unconditional love. We can love someone but not their actions and wrongdoings. I agree with you, I feel Imus became too full of himself. When we elevate ourselves, we are the ones to also be responsible for our own downfall. I feel what happened was inevitable. I am with you, many absurdities and too many absurd Americans about. Respond to this comment
» left by james p krehbiel from scottsdale (1 year 267 days ago.)
Jon,
Your vision of Rev Al Sharpton embracing Don Imus is absurd and simplisitic. You are accurate in your assumption that this country has a bigger problem on its hands, but slapping those like Imus on the hand is not helpful. Why do you choose to let those off the hook who cross the line with sexual and racial hatred? Respond to this comment
» left by Jon Searles(1,292) Jon Searles (1 year 267 days ago.)
James,
I do not choose to let them off the hook and I do think Imus should lose his job as should many others. I was more focused on the fact that we seem to have hate in this country yet we fight it with additional hate by allowing all the other to exist by calling it "artistic". I do not live in a forgiving, simplistic, humble, and loving society, I just pray for it each day. Thank you for reading and commenting. Respond to this comment
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