I would like to throw out there that this Imus thing has me in a tizzy. I would never listen regularly to a talk radio host that makes comments such as the one Imus made. I take offense to it. Really, I do. But I am so flabergasted at how blown out of proportion this whole thing has come to! Can you people slowly mouth the following words along with me??: “SLIPPERY SLOPE”
What’s next? The mighty advertiser dollar dictates what James Dobson can and can’t say on his Focus on the Family radio program?
The paragraph above spells out my emotions throughout today as I followed the debaucle that is Don Imus. However, a very intelligent person that I know just made the most startlingly obvious and yet over-looked by me comment that defines this incident. The government did not step in and cancel Imus’ show! This wasn’t Big Government defining Free Speech for us! This was the private sector. The people who own the company that broadcasted Imus’ show. The advertisers that paid for that time. These were the ones dictating this action. Do I still think it’s crazy? Absolutely. But I do have to admit that I much prefer the private sector “regulating” some of these half-crazed TV and Radio personalities as opposed to the government! Now THAT would be a SLIPPERY SLOPE!
I wholeheartedly endorse “free speech” but people have to be willing to accept the consequences of their speech. Networks are in this to make money. When the advertisers were bolting they had no choice. They also felt tremendous pressure. They could have got Imus for a lot worse things than this. That intelligent person was right—the Bill of Rights guarantee “free speech” to an extent, but it only prohibits the “Gubmint” from interfering with your free speech rights. It doesn’t prohibit your employers or clients from deciding they no longer want you around because of something you said.
Excellent point, NotWired!
People are complaining that Imus has free speech rights and are using that as an argument for him to keep his job, but guess what? No one said he didn’t have free speech rights! The government hasn’t done anything to impose on him.
What has happened here is that Imus has exercised his freedom of speech and a lot of people didn’t like it. And when enough people don’t like it, look out buddy!
Imus has the freedom to say what he wants, but he doesn’t have the right to be spared the consequences of it.
Great point! It was not a 1st ammendment issue. This was an issue of GE taking away it’s ad dollars and CBS reacting by pulling the plug on a show that is no longer viable from a money making stand point.
not sure where to post this but I love the new theme…much nicer looking
Thank you communicateit. You are a true blogger’s friend.
Am I the only one wondering who thought it would be a good idea to have large conservative companies like GM & Target as advertisers? Look at the James Dobson reference. If an advertiser would even hint at having an issue with his Christian beliefs, there’s no way they should be put in that place. To me, it’s irresponsible and dangerous for a talk radio host to put himself in that kind of situation.
What happened to notwired? It’s been 21 days since we heard our last rant!
Your fans are wanting some more famous NotWired commentary!
Great post! Keep ‘em coming!