Editorial for April 12, 2007 edition:


Donald, duck!

Global warming. A war in Iraq that continues to go from worse to atrocious. A possible nuclear war with the fanatics in Iran. A red-hot race for mayor of Philadelphia. A record number of murders. Taxes. Health care.

Look at all these burning issues. And look at what everybody’s been focusing on: A radio personality whose alleged bigotry is even less important than Anna Nicole Smith’s sexual escapades.

Gentle readers, the Politically Correct Police Department has arrested Don Imus, and he’s in trouble. Big trouble.

People seem to have forgotten that Don Imus is just a radio personality (who, by the way, has done a lot of charity work). He’s not a politician or a journalist, nor does he play one on the radio. He’s just a guy who’s out to boost ratings, just like Howard Stern. All he said of the Rutgers University women’s basketball players is that they are "nappy-headed hos." That’s hardly a reason to start World War III.

The professed indignation from Mr. Imus’ detractors is disgusting. They’re adding fuel to a fire that shouldn’t exist. Those who want Mr. Imus to resign should ask themselves a few questions:

Did the "Rev." Jesse Jackson resign after calling New York "Hymietown"? Did the "Rev." Al Sharpton resign after defending Tawana Brawley, a black teen who concocted a story that she had been raped by six white men? Did Minister Louis Farrakhan resign after he called the pope a "cracker" and Judaism a "dirty religion"? Did John Street resign when he told a meeting of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People that "the brothers and sisters" are running Philadelphia? Do rap singers and comedian Chris Rock resign whenever they sprinkle their acts with the word nigger? Blacks aren’t the only folks allowed to be "racist."

Don Imus has apologized profusely for his remarks and admitted that he humiliated himself. The brouhaha is much ado about very little. Don Imus is an entertainer. Let his show go on. ••

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