Is Al Sharpton and Jesse Jackson taking the Imus Comment Too Far?

He deserves a serious reprimand, but if making a racist comment should get you fired, there are a lot of black people who'd be out of jobs too, mostly entertainers.

Yes, I do feel that they are taking this to far. They have made many many mistakes and have never ever had to make ONE apology, two police officers were arrested because A black woman made statements saying that they abused and molested her in Rochester, NY. Along came Jesse and his posie verbally and publiclly assualting the integrity of the officers before they knew the entire situtation. The woman LIED, and Jesse never once made a statement to the two officers in question who's integrity was ruined for absolutely no reason other than malice on Jesse Jacksons part. Not once were they made to make an apology or a retraction.

If something is fair and necessary for one, then it should be necessary for all in a social society. Or is it just when the shoe fits that we are all considered Americans and have to live by the same rules ?

One last statement, if you don't want your black women called nappie headed ho's then would it not be wise to stop calling them that as a race yourselves?

We get what we give, it takes more of a man to say I am sorry then it does to accuse one of wrong doing...

IMUS has made restitution in my eyes

They are in my mind a public figure just as politicians are. Keep in mind too that they are in college and that is to provide a learning experience for them. When they choose to be in the 'spotlight' by joining the team they should have realized that there is not only positive publicity but also negative, thus Imus has a right to voice his opinion. As for Sharpton and Jackson, this is just a stunt for them to come to the forefront of the media spotlight. In other words if they can't take the heat they should stay out of the kitchen or off the court in this case. We are seeing alot of other college critics and the downplay on them in the news lately and you do not see Sharpton or Jackson jumping in to defend the lacrosse team do you? Get off of it and look around ! While you are at it look at the freedoms that we enjoy and sometimes take for granted. It is a very unfortunate thing that the statement was made yes I will agree there, but that is a person's right to speak freely. However, to Sharpton and Jackson, they see it as a chance to grab the media limelight. Just another sign of the times of how those who are weak in the media find a single statement to dwell upon and try to ride it to the top, so they can gain not only ratings, but financially from a situation. It is a bad time when you need to downplay another in your field just to gain ratings and grab the public spotlight for a time. Just because a person voices an opinion, you do not have to agree nor disagree with the opinion, that is your decision to make. Although to pursue the opinion made, in a negative manor, as Sharpton and Jackson are doing, is a violation of the Constitution in my mind in that they are denying Imus his freedom of speech. Thank you for taking the time to read my opinion and think the whole matter through, as well as the possible outcome in the long run.

I believe that Don Imus deserves an audience. It is clear that he draws listeners. I believe that he should make the move himself, ala Howard Stern, to a format more suited to his audience. That being said, I have to agree with people that are saying that the only voice that is being censored and repressed is the white voice. If Chris Rock made exactly the same statement on a stage, no one, including Sharpton, would raise an eyebrow. These so called leaders are quick to condemn a white voice of edgy comedy, and very slow to silence those of their own race that target our youth with rap songs. While I do not subscribe to the Imus brand of comedy, and I do not condone racism in any form, I have to wonder about people turning this into front page news. Aren't there better and more important topics for us to be discussing?

Is Al Sharpton and Jesse Jackson taking the Imus Comment Too Far?

Of course, but as long as the media gives Al/Jesse unwarranted attention and whites keep getting reprimanded/ suspended/ fired they'll keep doing it.

2nd question: Who employs Don Imus?

First of Al Sharpton has a dubious past, and does nothing but incite the ill informed with rhetoric. I find it interesting how in light of the Duke case, Jesse Jackson thinks they should just move on with their lives and an aplogy is enough. Hmm let's see, Imus slurrs someone, and the Duke kids are indicted on charges of rape. Yes the entire thing is being blown out of proportion.

i have heard Imus' show a few dozen times and that is just the way he is. I am almost sure that he meant nothing racist by it. I think the whole thing is a big overreaction and used as an opportunity by attention whores Sharpton and Jackson.

They do not speak for the black community but i guess must somehow justify their existence as civil rights Martin Luther King wannabes by blowing every mole hill into a mountain.

Imus shouldnt even have been suspended.

Don Imus meant to say HAPPY HEADED PROS....

Al "Tawana Brawley" Sharpton and Jessie "Child Out of Wedlock" Jackson are no role models for the African-American community. They're two sleazebags who are exploiting this.

What really gets me po'ed in this black "ho" woman who falsely accused the 3 Duke students of raping her. She lied. Where's the outrage from the white community?

IMO, no. Don Imus has gotten away with making insulting comments towards black people, women, and other groups for years (e.g. the Gwen Infill comment calling her a cleaning lady). He has made some half-contrite apologies a number of time to get himself off the hook, and it seems that he isn't sincere at all in those apologies if he keeps doing the same old crap and nonsense time and time again.

The reason he isn't getting away with it now is probably that he's picked the wrong target at the wrong - these are outstanding young women who've achieved a great feat, and who haven't done anything at all controversial (it may be different than public figures like Hillary Clinton who are used to getting public flack).

Look, I think some of the answers that are forgiving on Imus is in part because of some animosity towards the "messengers", in this case, Sharpton and Jackson. Well, folks, the issue isn't Sharpton and Jackson, it's Imus and his historical track record of bad behavior, which is classless, deplorable, and should not be rewarded. I think it's time to put Imus out to pasture.

As I see it Don Imus is going to face those he dissed and apologise to each one individually. To me that shows he is truly sorry. Also Al Sharton and Jesse Jackson are only in it for the spotlight it gives them. Look at it this way its about the team and Don Imus not Jesse and Al who are attention hogs.

Here is something more interesting......How about a PUBLIC apology for the 3 victims of the Duke Lacrosse fiasco. William J. Barber ll (NAACP) spouted words like "racial degradation" and "elitism." They convicted these boys because they were white! They are nothing but racists.

Nifong is an idiot. He wanted his re-election more than he wanted justice. He thought if he pacified the black population with this "prosecute the rich white kids" he would win re-election.

That is far worst than ANYTHING Imus ever did!