-Opinion-

We are no particular fan of, nor do we read, Don Imus, Rush Limbaugh, Ann Coulter, or on the other side, Al Franken, and the late Molly Ivins, or any columnist, liberal or conservative who depends on bile while attempting to make their point. I don’t even consider them journalists. They really are nothing more than entertainers.

However, the inevitable circus that erupted when Imus stupidly referred to the Rutgers women’s basketball team as “nappy-headed ho’s” has gone on long enough. Imus has as I understand, been suspended for at least two weeks. There is undoubtedly still a chance he’ll lose his job. He has been campaigning hard to keep that job, and went on a radio show hosted by the Reverend Al Sharpton seeking to make amends. Sharpton asked Imus why such a remark should be forgiven and overlooked; Imus replied that it shouldn’t be overlooked but should be forgiven. He’s absolutely right, and Sharpton knows it. As a purported minister, Sharpton shouldn’t have to ask why Imus should be forgiven. As a Christian, following the example of Jesus, his forgiveness should have been automatic, and without reservation. Sharpton, and others like him, seem to have a double standard. While Sharpton lambasts Imus for his language choices, I have never heard him criticize even worse language calling black women names and advocating violence against them. Hip-Hop and Rap lyrics, written and performed by black artists advocate and condone using similar and worse language against women of their own ethnic race. Worse language than Imus used. If Sharpton is serious about not wanting black women debased and disrespected then he needs to start challenging the Hip-Hop industry. Something actor Bill Cosby has done and been criticized for by...entertainers like Sharpton.- C.F. David