Not to sound ignorant, but this static over this man's utterances is the first I've ever heard of him. Like Rosie O'Donnell and Ellen Degeneres, why would Christians even be AWARE of these people let alone listen to them? People "in the world" simply cannot be judged by God's morality because they truly don't know any better.

Sorry, Chawoot. You're a bit too insulated.
The issue here is what kind of behavior is unacceptable in society in general, not just in a Christian culture. Christians have as much right (and duty) to speak to this, and to guard community values and standards as anyone else. This is an opportunity to nudge our culture in the direction of respect and kindness--Christian values certainly, but also necessary for the health and longevity of our society.

Yes, I was shocked. Although I never listened to Imus's program, I had certainly heard of him. As Christians, I believe we have a responsibility to know about the world we are in, but not of. My husband and I have three children. Our son pays attention to current events, etc. So does our 18-year-old daughter, a college freshman. Our 21-year-old daughter, a college sophomore, however, is pretty clueless about the wider world in general. She is home this weekend, and said she had heard that something was astir, but did not know the details of our current national conversation. I told her kindly and firmly that she must change that. The afternoon I read about Imus's further fall into "Self," my pastor dropped by. He is black; I am white. On that afternoon, we talked of how what is in a person is illuminated by what comes out of that person. If for some reason Pastor and I were heatedly quarreling, neither of us, no matter how hot the quarrel became, would resort to using racial slurs against each other because they simply are not in us. As is clear in Scripture, and encompassed in the reason our Lord gave His life; heart's must be changed. Our job is certainly clear; we are after all our Lord's salt and light stewards. It's a big job, and we must do it; we are commissioned and commanded. Matt. 28:19 & 20.

Vicki, I also don't believe it is in me to make racial slurs during a face-to-face personal argument. At least, it would be highly unlikely (not that I consider myself immune to racism). I consider this to be just as much an issue of racism as personal self-control. I wonder if Don Imus is a bit like Michael Richards in that they both play a dangerous game with self-control in order to be shocking and get ratings.

To Ms. Taylor, many thanks for an enlightening and thoughtful commentary on an emotionally charged subject matter.

Chawoot hit the nail on the head. I was not an Imus listener but I had heard his show before. As a Christian, I had him filed away in my mind with so much of the rest of our worthless pop culture. The thing is, the comment, which got him fired, was not even remotely the worst thing he has ever said. How did he get away with years of this kind of talk if THIS comment got him fired?

Race relations will not improve until those on each side choose to cross the racial divide.

What do I mean? The antics of Sharpton and Jackson are as offensive to me as those of Imus. In fact, more so -- because Imus has rarely had a truly national stage, but Sharpton and Jackson attract cameras everywhere they go.

And what frustrates me is what they choose to do with that stage. They choose self-serving photo opportunities; they choose to be one-sided in their demand for justice; they choose to reinforce the paralyzing "victim" mentality that pervades African-American culture.

The character that will defeat racism is courage and tenacity, deep integrity, a strong backbone and thick skin. This is what defined the great civil rights leaders. But the whining demands of Sharpton only reduce his argument to the level of Imus.

Instead, if Sharpton and Jackson would control their own tongues, rebuke their fellow African-Americans who fail to do so (rappers, etc.), and also come to the defense of someone facing discrimination who is *not* black, then it would be clear that they are pursuing equal treatment of all men, not just those of African descent. Instead of practicing reverse-racism, they would be practicing anti-racism. This would speak volumes to "the other side". Instead, their words and actions reinforce the racial divide.

And I'm sorry, LaTonya, but it is very much an overstatement that Imus' comments "scarred for life" these Rutgers athletes. If the opinion of some cranky white shock jock (known for his insipid commentary) means that much to these girls, then they've granted him far too much power and influence over their lives.

It's completely proper that Imus is off the air. But this entire ruckus has validated his words more than he ever earned.

Just another classic example of how rich one may be on the outside and how full of lack one may be on the inside. Been there, done that.

The gospel is the good news of salvation from the false master to the sacred freedom of the true master. Jesus never spoke of gradients of goodnes or evil in one's life. He exclaimed that there is Life and death and the struggle He won by the Father He so totaly trusted through the Holy Spirit He is.

I suggest that we pray as directed by the Holy Spirit for Imus that He might see his poverty and everyone else involved to see that recognition and praise by fallen man is not the foundation to build upon, after all, we are bought with a price and therefore not our own.

As a young woman I used to listen to Imus and thought he was quite witty. After I was saved, some thirty years ago, I began to realize how critical and blasphemous he was. Even after years of renewing my mind and graduating from seminary, when this news broke I recalled one of his early parodies, "Rev. Billy Saul Hargus." The theme song? "I don't care if it rains or freezes, 'long as I got my plastic Jesus, riding on the dashboard of my car. I can go 100 miles an hour, 'long as I got the Almighty Power glued up there with my pair of fuzzy dice." I haven't thought about this in years, yet a little jog of the memory brought it forth. Our Creator gave our minds the capacity of memory, unfortunately it retains the bad and the ugly as well as the good. This most recent degradation will certainly be remembered by those beautiful women it was directed toward as well as anyone it touched by extension. I pray that the Lord will somehow use it for good, as He can all sin, and bring healing to those who were scarred.

Imus has been a profane, abusive moron for years. I'm glad to see him go, but why now? And will this incident finally raise some long overdue anger over mysogynism and racism elsewhere in the culture...hardcore rap, for instance?

Certainly Imus's comments were insulting and offensive. But he has built a career around that. There is likely not a single person in the country who he hasn't insulted based on their ethnicity, job, culture (e.g. Southerners), education, income, religion (yes, Christians have been targets) or some other way of categorizing people.

The women from Rutgers have every right to feel offended. But what about all the other people he has offended through the years? Why is their hurt so much more significant that it has cost him his job, when all the other insults were acceptable? Why am I—a person in another group he has insulted—less important than they are?

The issue here isn't racism, though that's obviously a valid concern. The issue is a culture in which people like Imus are encouraged to be insulting because it makes them lots of money. Is Simon on American Idol any different? I'm sure you can name other example, as can I.

I don't think Imus is a racist at all. He made the same kind of comment that has been making him a steady stream of money for years. I just hope that this debate doesn't focus too much on the racial aspect of this incident. The real problem is that we live in a world in which being nasty is rewarded.

While I hear your heart, I believe there has been something missing from this dialogue nationwide
The term "nappy headed hos" did not originate in the white community but in the black community.
Playing basketball in inner city playgrounds, I hear the "N" word used consistently by black men towards one another. Yet, if I used it (and I wouldn't) I would be castigated.
The white community needs to be more sensitive, aware, and communicating with the black community, but perhaps the black community needs be more respectful and responsive to harm it does to itself through black media moguls, rappers, athletes, and it's young people. Perhaps the acceptance, even apathy you see in the white community over Imus' comments is reflective of whites hearing black "entertainers" use this terminology daily.
Don Imus' comment's though unacceptable, only parroted what is said by African Americans to each other every day.
Different races and nationalities need to understand each other, but perhaps the pastors, leaders, and the Jesse Jackson's and Al Sharptons of the world ought to focus on a work in the African American churches training the youth self-respect and the power of the tougue for death or life, and confronting black "entertainers" with the need to clean up their act.

I really appreciate the balance in LaTonya's comments. Initially I was glad to see an effective response to Mr. Imus' comments. Too often there is an absence of effective response at the national level to things that are inappropriate. By the same token it was unrealistic for Mr. Imus to expect that an apology would cause the severity of his insensitivity to disappear. Nevertheless, I too was disappointed that there was an absence of a redemptive component from those who identify themselves with Christ. Kudos LaTonya you said it better than I did!

Brian,

AMEN!!!!

Clay,

In response to your comments, I am equally offended by Christians who profess a oneness with Christ and who fail to speak out against the powers that keep people like Imus in vogue. I tire of hearing about Jackson and Sharpton. These are young women who have done nothing but be what society asks them to be. Imus and his producer viciously attacked them. This is a long history of so called Christians in America, speaking of Jesus and supporting the most vile aspects of human nature. An ignorance or denial of our history is the first problem for our nation.
To my other point, many of the same politicians that the Christian Right support, are lock step with people like Imus. He mouthed the words that are put into action by White Christians everyday. Yet, we have hope, because of Jesus. I will not give up on Christ. I almost did this many years ago when I first encountered this as a freshman on my college campus. Having been invited to a fellowship of Christian Athletes meeting I asked them how they could speak of being Christians, wanting me to join in this group, while they were members of Fraternaties that allowed no blacks or jews? There have been some, no, many changes. But have the hearts of Christians who fail to speak up for social justice; who vote for politicians with the most recalcitrant records in regards to race; who look the other way and find two minor voices like Jackson and Sharpton are a bigger problem than the words of one who has done this repeatedly over the years( Gwen Ifill; Venus and Serena Williams).
All it takes for America to have racial reconciliation is for those who say they are Christian to act like one.

In the past, IMUS has called African Americans "Gorillas, Apes, Coons" etc. This time, people took note when he called a group of college athletes "Nappy-headed Hos" because white and black Americans were outraged. We realize that the real reason IMUS had to go was that the sponsors pulled out and their money went with them. However, I must say that I'm proud that America is becoming more intolerant of those who make biased, sexist and racial statements against others who are different. If the African-American leaders don't protest, it will be a free for all against African Americans (we don't want that to happen do we?)

I have no idea who this Imus is but I have run into his type many times over the years - and his type are not always just men. I feel that it is so unfortunate that a milestone that these women have striven for and reached is being clouded by someone's thoughtless remarks. As we have been taught many times, the tongue is a powerful weapon which can be very destructive if not used wisely. All we can do is pray that this incident will be a lesson to others at how hurtful their "cruel" and thoughtless remarks can be.

Someone called Imus an equal opportunity offender. It was a major part of who the buffoon was. But, aside from his worldly, disrespectful humor, he has recently raised 27 million bucks for a children's hospital in Hackensack, which will primarily benefit minority children. His Children's cancer camps at his ranch is a tremendous act of compassion, costing him much financially and in hard labor, and welcoming all regardless of race or creed.

No, I don't like what Imus does on the radio and TV; never have. But, when I, a Caucasian male, who has lived a non-prejudiced, color-blind life for 51 years, am left in a state of confusion, suddenly feeling as though I can't say anything regarding people of racial, religious or ethnic background different than my own without the fear of being called out for it, there is something grossly wrong with the picture. I feel as though racism is being re-invented where there was little of it left. Of course Imus' remarks were deplorable. But, the Jackson's and Sharpton's of this world continually incite racial remarks and slurs and create an air of racism, rather than being the purveyors of love, compassion, grace, mercy, forgiveness and reconciliation that they are expected to be as ministers of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

This could have been an opportunity to communicate such values, just as easily as it was made an opportunity to further infect society with intolerance and hatred. Jesus could have repaid evil with evil as well. But he chose a much better way, praise be to Him.

It seems to me that these leaders would be more effective in their civil rights efforts, and much better espouse the values, hopes and dreams held by their fallen mentor Martin Luther King Jr. if they would ask themselves, what Jesus would do, before opening their mouths. I can hardly imagine Rev. King doing anything but rolling over in his grave if he knew what these charlatans are doing to his great name, not to mention the name of his Savior.

Wow. It always amazes me that anyone can deny that racism is still real. I really appreciated reading the article but the truth of the matter is that Imus is not seeking redemption and clearly does not see a need for it. It is a part of the sinful nature of people to validate and rationalize sin so just because Imus raises money for Children's causes or has the camp at his ranch does not mean he does not have serious character flaws (which have shown themselves repeatedly throughout the years). His remarks provided a picture of what is in his heart. I agree that this should be a lesson and an opportunity to educate and reach out to those who promote ignorance and show them the more excellent way. Anyone of any color who does not think racism and sexism are still a major thread woven into the very fabric of our society really should do some historical research. Institutionalized, legalized, rationalized centuries old opinions and culturally ingrained values and opinions do not die easily. That is why Sunday morning is still the most segregated hour. That is why I still get denied or delayed service in some dept. stores and get followed in others and I am a minister of the gospel with a mdiv and soon a dmin. Christians must offer REDEMPTION AND CORRECTION; JESUS DID. and not just for abortion and homosexuality.

Loving Iman as I did, my early mornings are now unfilled. Don Imus has done so much good for cancer stricken children, autistic babies, so many worth=while causes. He is a great American, in the same class as some of our most honored citizens. I love him and I miss his show. He was the reason I stumbled from my warm bed each week day morning. He kept me informed about politics, religious leaders, singers, entertainers, anything that was important. He did amazing interviews with so many famous people. If his boses knew, as they said they did, and were aware of his language, they should have gone to him and talked with him. Don Imus would have changed and then the company would not have lost all the revenue that Don Imus generated. They were not loyal to him and that is the sad comentary that we are left with. Bring him back to the airwaves so that we can continue to listen to a most wonderful man.

There has been some attempt to affiliate Don Imus with the much hated religious right. Some people think that his firing reflects upon the religious right.

Imus is and was a rank liberal. Mediamatters (George Soros funded) is the website that "busted" him; put his words on the air and forced the craven politicians at CBS to dump him. People who are progressive/liberal dumped one of their own. Imus is no Limbaugh or Hannity.

Or course he deserved to be dumped; he deserved to be dumped 40 years ago.

Unluckily this seems to play into the whole "victim" mentality of ethnic minorities. I actually have little feelings of sympathy for the women's basketball team at Rutgers. Hey, they almost won a championship. Actually, if there hadn't been a public malestrom who would have known or remembered Imus' comment. My guess is NO ONE. I have no idea who these women are; haven't seen them play and wouldn't know them by name or face.
On the other hand there is "chimpybushmchitler." I just have a hard time getting worked up about the Rutger's women's team when it's a national pastime to use the most degrading comments possible about the President of the United States.

I have become hardened to slurs and libels.

Everybody, please check your "victimization hat" at the door. You'll be better for it.

Just call me a W.A.S.P. (male) - the bane of the world apparently. I can take it.