Imus: The Fallout and the Solution

Imus has lost his gig on MSNBC as a result of the outcry led by Revs. Sharpton and Jackson.

No real surprise in this. Imus has allowed himself to be played like a fiddle by the Revs and has helped them every step of the way. He has continued to insert his foot in his mouth and his codgerly manner has created a most unsympathetic image.

Sharpton and Jackson have become masters of playing the race baiting game and Imus has been a complete pawn in there little game. Remember, these are BOTH men who have made intensely offensive comments against whites and Jews, and were able to escape scott free. So, they not only know how to trap Imus, but they also are able to continue to expose his weaknesses on this front.

Imus only has two option here. One, cease and desist with any commentary. At this point, he can't win. His only other option is to engage representatives of the NofI for his mea culpa.

Jackson and Sharpton are in this for personal gain. To further their agenda and gain attention so as to illicit greater corporate "contributions" to their causes. Dancing before them or trying to stand up to them only emboldens them and draws more attention to them.

Imus should quickly open his studio to a NofI representative. Offer the representative a permanent post on his show. And allow the NofI to facilitate his rehabilitation by gradually imposing their voice on his show. Eventually, with Imus stepping down and giving full creative control to the NofI.

The benefits of this are many fold. Imagine the pain the women of Rutger's basketball team felt as they were gathered around their radio, listening to Imus degrade them. With the NofI controlling the topics of discussion and leading the dialogue, we would be most assured that Imus and his colleagues would never engage in any dialogue which the Negro community would find offensive; as they gather in barber shops and at home to listen to his show.

Additionally, the show would set an example for other shows. What is proper and just to discuss and the terms that would be allowable would be gleaned from the new Imus & the NofI Morning Prayer Show. Guidelines could be set, and eventually, there would be no need for the likes of Jackson and Sharpton dirtying the issues for their personal gain. We'd all already be aware of acceptable speech. Deviations would be dealt with accordingly.

We believe that firing Imus is not the answer. Silencing one man does not create change. It only creates indignation in those that share his treacherous beliefs.

Allowing Imus the opportunity to truly and honorably demonstrate that he isn't racist and that he is willing to try to contribute to a nation that does not institutionally degrade and control Negroes, by allowing the true voice of the Negro to dictate his voice, would be the only path to righteousness in this instance.

And, eventually, the rest of the media could follow his example.

The path to righteousness does not diverge.

This is the only way to mend the fences that Sharpton, Jackson and Imus have created. None of them are victims. And none are righteous. Allow the true righteous victims to create this solution.