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Imus is an idiot. That said, this was not a "racist tirade" or "racial rant" as so many "news" channels have branded it. No matter what is said, a 3 word utterance is not and never will be a rant.
That also said, apparently the people howling for his understand neither Imus's situation nor the constitution. Imus can't be fired because it's his own show. He's not going to fire himself. The networks can choose not to broadcast him, and they have for 2 weeks.
But more insidious is that they seem willing to throw the first amendment away whenever someone uses its protections to say something they don't like. There is no asshole clause in the first amendment. Imus had the right to say what he said, whether we like it or not. If you don't want him on the air, vote with your dollars. Don't watch or listen to him. Enough people do that and the ratings will plunge, and then they won't carry him anymore.
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