In a recent article by Richard Tenorio, the question was asked "Will Imus Hurt Obama." The answer is yes.
Imus messed up bad and most importantly he insulted young women who deserved much better. However, to ask that he be fired because he is a racist is ludicrous. This man has insulted and demeaned people throughout his career without discrimination. He has attacked leaders of both parties. He has thrown his support to Republican and Democratic candidates and yes, to black or white candidates.
Today, Imus is ranting about his past support for Harold Ford, the Democratic nominee for senator in Tennessee. Harold is African American and he has not come out to support Imus. The time to support your friends is when they are in trouble. It is always easy to support a person when they have done nothing wrong.
Now let's move to Al Sharpton. As a presidential candidate, he was a failure. He found little support. His candidacy allowed him to perform as a celebrity. He wants blood. Whether it hurts the candidacy of Barack Obama is irrelevant. In fact, I would suggest, a President Obama would weaken Al Sharpton. Who would listen to him rant about the racist white people just after they have elected a black president. In my research, I found an blog written in January 2007 indicating that Sharpton doesn't care for Obama. In a more recent article, it was stated that Sharpton questions Obama's blackness.
Now, let's turn to Jesse Jackson who has had his share of mouth problems. Remember when he referred to New York as "Hymie town." That was in 1984 and the interview was with a black reporter. Jackson did not thing the remark would be quoted. Funny how these religious people fail to heed the comment by Jesus when he said, "he who is without sin can cast the first stone."
Yesterday, Obama finally was forced to support the firing of Imus. He caved in. Let us see how this whole controversy effects Obama. If we see a decline in support, you can thank Sharpton and Jackson.
Reader Comments ( Page 1 of 3)
1. Barack Obama has a Racist story of his own. I can call Barack Obama Racist and invite him to sue if I am acting in bad faith. Barack Obama is racist to Hispanic Americans in Illinois! It can be verified with documented evidence Barrack Obama as an Illinois Senator has been placed on repeated written notice of for instance but not limited to ongoing illegal race discrimination against American Hispanics. I ,a Hispanic American citizen, with parents who are both Hispanic American citizens have myself been denied the right to formally officially file race discrimination IDHR EEOC charges against Hormel Foods Corporation and UFCW at the agencies IDHR EEOC in Illinois since 2004 when in fact other nonHispanics are allowed to file such charges of Race discrimination. Despite Barack Obama and his office having full knowledge and understanding of this serious situation Barrack Obama a civil rights attorney himself has refused to hold anyone at IDHR EEOC accountable for their actions regarding the issue of IDHR EEOC discriminating against Hispanic American complainants and to date Barack Obama is not investigating or even asking for any independant third party to investigate this racial discrimination citing only a separation of powers. It is unconscionable for Barack Obama to have used this device as it regards race discrimination which has effectively empowered IDHR EEOC to maintain their illegal discriminatory position and with Barack Obamas inaction Barack Obama is in fact discriminating against Hispanic American constituents of Illinois. American constituents who happen to be only Hispanic are being harmed by Barack Obama who to this date continues to condone such illegal and discriminatory misconduct by his inaction. This information can be verified by any news media so if you want the truth demand they cover this story! Barrack Obama does not care about every Americans civil rights and equal rights
chaos45i at 3:42PM on Apr 12th 2007
2.
Imus was wrong. He apologized to everyone of every persuasion ... triply so to blacks. Should one poorly thought out comment justify ruining a man's career? Yet, the Jesse Jackson and Al Sharpton's of the world want nothing less than blood. So who are the real racists?
Where were Jackson and Sharpton when we learned that a nappy head ho irreparably damaged the lives of three innocent college boys at Duke. And who's going to reimburse their families for the almost $5 million dollars the families had to spend to defend their sons ?? the NAACP ???
I understand some black people's anger at the white man. Especially those who have unfairly been denied opportunity. But I tell you, if Martin Luther King and Ralph Abernathy were alive, they would be distancing themselves from the irrational rancor of Jackson and Sharpton. It's more than embarrassing. It's racist and disgusting when people abuse their power (real or imagined) for vicious purposes. It would be nice if blacks, like other groups, simply learned that they have to earn their place of honor in America, rather than think they are entitled to it. American is getting tired of entitlements. On the other hand, hurray for the Rutger's womens team. They earned their place of honor and it's a shame they were maligned. Why can't the black community accept an apology for what it is and move on? With the attitude taken by Jackson and Sharpton, it's going to be a long time before whites and blacks simply see themselves as fellow Americans. As for me, I grew up colorblind .... but more and more ... as these types of things happen, I find I'm growing more biased in spite of my desire not to. Be proud of yourselves, Jackson and Sharpton, as it's people like you who are fanning the flames of racism in America. Before you condemn others, you better explore your own hearts and motives. Doc
Doc at 4:20PM on Apr 12th 2007
3. Who is going to donate their time and money to the camps for kids with cancer that Imus has so generously done for so many years? It won't be Al or Jessie that's for sure
Georgia at 4:44PM on Apr 12th 2007
4. Apparently - only white people can be racists.
How can anybody who expects to be taken seriously attack Imus for his clearly stupid comments without also attacking 80% of all Hip-Hop rappers, and 100% of all black activists.
You cannot support BET, NAACP, Miss Black America, etc., etc., and then oppose the same organization that are white exclusive. It's absurd.
As far as I am concerned Sharpton and Jackson are the epitomy of racism. When did they ever stand for a "moral dialogue" regarding the rampant use of the N***** word, the term biotch or ho by black comedians and rappers? Why can these "entertainers" use these references but white people cannot?
Do they propose that making whites sit in the back of the bus, or drink from separate water fountains would somehow be any more fair than the it was when they were being discriminated against?
These men supposedly set an example for blacks to follow. Not me - I'm a Bill Cosby fan and an Oprah fan. They represent all of the black people I know and set an excellent example for blacks and whites.
Sharpton and Jackson are true bigots who teach true bigotry and expect that their example will result in better treatment of their people. Not by me. I have ZERO respect for anyone - including Imus - who is racist. BUT I have less respect for bigots like Sharpton and Jackson who crawled out from under their rocks to display an even viler form of racism. Someone please explain to them that they are part of the problem - not part of the cure.
Robert at 5:01PM on Apr 12th 2007
5. Jackson and Sharpton, now those are the racist, who fan the flame of any and all situation like this. I am so tired of the double standerd and political correctness crap.Funny thing is most every law goes after Mr & Mrs whitey, sinse most people have had nothing to do with being racist lets stop all the crap and tell it the way it needs to be told.The best thing people like J % S can do is shut thier mouths. if they really want to do something helpfull, direct the people you say you represent and guide to succses with out all the BS.
jim at 5:39PM on Apr 12th 2007
6. JUSTICE SERVED CASE CLOSED! Take it like adults. Sharpton and Jackson are not the issue. They are the messengers, and despite their pasts brought the correct message.
Living together is not about living under your standards, but what good for all black and white.
Racism needs to be addrssed, not just dismised with a hollow apology.
Please get off the well rappers do it, cries. Because that does not excuse ignorance in public.
Once again face it whether you like it or not racism will be stamped out. Just govern your actions accordingly !
Ronnie
Ronnie at 5:58PM on Apr 12th 2007
7. Imus and company were the best off the cuff news people on the "airwaves". Sharpton get a fuk'in haircut, then find a job. I did not see the program but that is what I love about it. 2,3 maybe 4 guy's talking about what is going on in the world and laughing. Sorry America, but this is what happens like 5:30 at the coffee pot. People laugh to start their day, whether it be african american,caucasion,asian, it dosen't matter. Like I said sharpton, and you are not very sharp, go to bed. You are no Rev. King. This is one way to keep your name mainstream. Get a fuck'in haircut. I hope you read asshole.
farway at 6:03PM on Apr 12th 2007
8. What does the Bible say about forgiveness? Jesse Jackson & Al Sharpton certainly should know, being ministers. Did they follow the scripture pertaining to forgiveness? Maybe they have a different Bible. Shame on them to present themselves was men of God!
GL McMasters at 6:10PM on Apr 12th 2007
9. OK Sharpton questions Obama's "Blackness"?! Why? Does a black person have to (attempt to)speak like an old illiterate-sounding ghetto black like Al Sharpton and Jesse Jackson , to be black enough, for Sharpton????? We need subtitles when listening to Sharpton and Jackson speak ! Obama speaks incredibly well, so does Bill Cosby, Condoleeza , many others too---sooo they are "not black enough"??? Sharpton looks/sounds like an old homeless bum. I am white and not a racist but I hate how Sharpton dismisses Obama's "Blackness" ! He is jealous.
Caroline White at 6:17PM on Apr 12th 2007
10. CBS and NBC are wrong to axe Imus.
The I-man did a hell-of-alot of charity stuff and his team was always intelligent and played on comic parody. In fact, he was raising money when he was cannned.
Why can we all laugh at Irishman all being drunken, red-nosed clowns who have to call the Pope for tips on what color condom to wear.
I see, blacks and gays are so discriminated that
no one can even insult or pardody them, in jest... In Fun...get it...????
Chris Rock is immune to anything, can say anything he likes, but a white guy in a cowboy hat is villified.
He apologized. This is Unfair..
Manfred at 8:44PM on Apr 12th 2007
11. It's even worse than it appears but no one wants to hear. Barack Obama has a Racist story of his own. I can call Barack Obama Racist and invite him to sue if I am acting in bad faith. Barack Obama is racist to Hispanic Americans in Illinois! It can be verified with documented evidence Barrack Obama as an Illinois Senator has been placed on repeated written notice of for instance but not limited to ongoing illegal race discrimination against American Hispanics. I ,a Hispanic American citizen, with parents who are both Hispanic American citizens have myself been denied the right to formally officially file race discrimination IDHR EEOC charges against Hormel Foods Corporation and UFCW at the agencies IDHR EEOC in Illinois since 2004 when in fact other nonHispanics are allowed to file such charges of Race discrimination. Despite Barack Obama and his office having full knowledge and understanding of this serious situation Barrack Obama a civil rights attorney himself has refused to hold anyone at IDHR EEOC accountable for their actions regarding the issue of IDHR EEOC discriminating against Hispanic American complainants and to date Barack Obama is not investigating or even asking for any independant third party to investigate this racial discrimination citing only a separation of powers. It is unconscionable for Barack Obama to have used this device as it regards race discrimination which has effectively empowered IDHR EEOC to maintain their illegal discriminatory position and with Barack Obamas inaction Barack Obama is in fact discriminating against Hispanic American constituents of Illinois. American constituents who happen to be only Hispanic are being harmed by Barack Obama who to this date continues to condone such illegal and discriminatory misconduct by his inaction. This information can be verified by any news media so if you want the truth demand they cover this story! Barrack Obama does not care about every Americans civil rights and equal rights
chaos45i at 9:00PM on Apr 12th 2007
12. I see how having a black President might cramp the style of the black activists. Its shameful.
Steve Bonomo at 9:23PM on Apr 12th 2007
13. Do unto others as you would have them do unto you!
If that doesen't work Beat their Ass Stupid.
While this aproach may not cause all people to agree-they will Damn sure think twice about makeing asshole statements.At least when they are within reace!
Randum at 9:26PM on Apr 12th 2007
14. I am a Native American, born and blood. I have three "white" children and one mixed child. I have four black stepchildren and one mixed one. So no one can come at me with the "You are racist" comments without taking a step back.
The bottom line in the race issue is this: If you are ever going to eradicate racism in ANY way, it must be above board, all the way across. The same goes for all, black, white, spanish, asian or any other of the many multi-cultural out there in our America. If Imus had been a black man, this would never have been news. Clean out All of the closets, and THEN do what needs to be done. You can't keep screaming "racism" when the people of your race are the main offenders, it does not work. As for Al Sharpton, shame on you for promoting the very thing that you claim to be against. Jesse Jackson, this is something that I thought better of you for. Time to change, and that time should be for all not the select few because they are of the same race.
indianchick99 at 11:45PM on Apr 12th 2007
15. Now its time to clean up all of the Rappers. what good for one, is good for all!!!!!!!!!!
mary Farnsworth at 12:09AM on Apr 13th 2007