After Don Imus was fired this spring as a result of racially insensitive comments, he didn't just vanish into thin air: he has hired Martin Garbus, the lawyer who defended Lenny Bruce, fielded offers from media companies, and started to lay the groundwork for what New York magazine calls his "increasingly likely if improbable comeback."Which raises the question: What??? To say that an Imus comeback is improbable is like saying that Lindsay Lohan is sure to stay out of trouble, or that the Brad-Angelina marriage is certain to work. And it leads to today's poll question:
Reader Comments ( Page 1 of 2)
1. I have never understood the appeal of Don Imus.
That said, Imus was completely railroaded by a media frenzy. The guy said something stupid and thoughtless. He apologized.
It was disgusting the way the likes of Al Sharpton and even the women of the basketball team in question treated Imus like he was the Grand Wizard of the KKK.
A few of these women were sobbing on television acting like what Imus said had emotionally traumatized them. If you are that traumatized by what Imus said, you had better grow a backbone - you will not be able to survive anything life throws at you!!
David S. at 3:00PM on Aug 7th 2007
2. Thanks, David.
I do understand the appeal of Don. Grumpy, complaining, topical, irreverent... among the many things that draw millions in every day. Well, make that "drew", but I'm sure "will draw" is right around the corner.
Of course Don was railroaded. Substitute your own word or phrase there, but anyone who believed the diatribe from the two Reverends (upper case "R" to respect the clergy, not Al and Jesse) needs to try to find reality.
Be well, Don. See you soon.
Tom in East Longmeadow, MA
Tom in East Longmeadow, MA at 3:19PM on Aug 7th 2007
3. I read 1,000's of comments on Imus, but never one from a person evidently familiar with his show.
Don should be taking close stock of people he used to describe as friends. His show was the most sophisticated program in all media (including radio and TV). That not one of influence in media, politics, and the intellectual who benefited from their Imus appearances uttered a peep in his defense continues to shock me.
Though the firing of Imus has caused gallons of ink to flow, the matter has not come even close to being well-analyzed
Gina at 6:40PM on Aug 7th 2007
4. I've missed Imus in the Morning and his crew since this hideous incident. How dare these holier than Thou Reverands attack poor Don Imus who has done more good than most people and certainly more good than the people attacking him. I hope he knows how much we miss him, his input, his honesty, his humor (some of us do get that it is only humor, Don) and I hope he knows we are waiting eagerly for his triumphant return! I can hear him now "that weasel....and that @##$%" Can't wait for it, Don. God's speed to you and Deidre.
Cindy at 8:03PM on Aug 7th 2007
5. Long Live the I-Man!!!
cyndilu9 at 8:09PM on Aug 7th 2007
6. As an Imus fan for over 20 years, I'm also shocked by the lack of guts shown by his former guests, whose trashy books he promoted. I hope the I-man is back and remebers who supported him and who ran a away like wussy.
Thomas F. Kelly at 9:11AM on Aug 8th 2007
7. The return of this great show can't be soon enough!! Four months now and still wondering how my favorite show could be removed from the air almost overnight. What a rip! When Imus returns all those who never watched, need to check it out. Then if you don't like it -- for God's sake, jusst turn the channel, but let those of us who want to see it do so.
Anne B. at 8:32PM on Aug 8th 2007
8. The Iman's wit and wisdom belongs on the airwaves to level the playing field with the wealth of weasels in Washingon, NY, LA, etc. I, too, hope he remembers who supported him publicly and who ran for the "popular" opinion of that particular day.
We have all been betrayed in one way or another in our lives, but few of us have been deserted so publicly and permanently. My loyalty to the Iman and his Merry Band continues in the hope of his speedy return to radio and television to restore some sanity.
marty humphreys at 2:28PM on Aug 8th 2007
9. To me the neutralizing of Don Imus is a classic example of everything that is wrong with our country & typical of the dumming down of America. For the ever opportunistic "reverands" to lead the "decency" campaign would be laughable had they not gotten away with it even temporarily. everybody involved with the very public lynching benefitted one way or the other, but a day of reckoning is on the horizon, & the weasels instramental in the political take out will have much to answer for. I sincerely hope it will at the polls come 08.
Ms. M at 2:45PM on Aug 8th 2007
10. Imus has been "controversial" for years. Its what his bosses wanted him to be. "Controversial" gets ratings. But Imus wasn't just being "controverisal" for the sake of ratings like Howard Stern does. He challenged the status quo and those in authority by making comments that were witty, insightful and, most of all, very valid. Its no wonder he got Lenny Bruce's old lawyer to defend him. Imus and Lenny have a lot in common. I hope Imus gets back on the air soon.
And to Rev. Sharpton I say this. A lot of black rappers say a lot worse things about black women on their multi-platinum selling CDs then Imus did on his radio show. Why don't you picket the rap stars record label and get them to drop the rappers for their comments?
J.T. at 3:14PM on Aug 8th 2007
11. Everyone has posted such great comments that it's hard to extrapolate. I do appreciate your saying his comments were racially insensitive which is accurate versus the usual label of 'racist and sexist.' There is a big difference. Another note which I've found interesting since April is Don Imus has a huge female fan base.
As the parent of a son with Asperger's Syndrome, a form of autism, I can't tell you how much I miss Don Imus as our champion. There are no words to describe the loss we feel with his absence.
The show was simply wonderful. My husband and I miss all the guys and can't wait for their return so our mornings will finally be normal again.
Melanie at 3:36PM on Aug 8th 2007
12. I miss Imus in the Morning so much. There isn't much more to say that hasn't already been said here. Hope you come back soon, I-MAN!
J M at 4:12PM on Aug 8th 2007
13. As part of that huge female fan base, I'd like to comment that I've been listening to Imus since the '70's. Morning radio is so much tamer, dumber and more boring since Imus' sharp wit (and occasionally tasteless humor) has been removed from the airwaves. I think the amount of good he did raising money for various charities ranging from his Kids with Cancer to autism to the Fallen Heroes Fund far outweighs an offhand, throwaway comment that he has fully apologized for. Bring the I-Man back!
Jean at 6:12PM on Aug 8th 2007
14. Imus should have never been taken off the air. Media Matters a front organization for Hillary Clinton went after Imus and they got him. Imus has referred to Hillary as Satan for a long time and one of her big detractors was taken out.
Others in the political scene who weren't too interested in having Imus point out their own short commings either joined in the fray or stood by and savored the proceedings. People such as Imus who speak truth to power are often targets.
JoeM at 11:31AM on Aug 9th 2007
15. I miss Imus more every day. Last night's CNN segment gave me hope that he'll be back soon.
Caroline at 11:18AM on Aug 9th 2007