I am appauled at MSNBC for firing Don Imus. I have listened to him for years and never have I believed he was racist. If I had, I would ahve stopped listening and watching. I am amazed at the politicians and media members (David Gregory in particular) who are beside themselves trying to appease Al Sharpton (you have to be kidding me) and distance themselves from IMUS.
David I will never watch any show in which you appear, including the NBC nightly news.

I agree that what Imus said is unacceptable and context is not an excuse. But then you can't ignore the context either. I mean the guy attacks everyone: good, bad, beautiful and ugly. The attacks come with the presumption that Imus is a racist who meant what he said, which cannot be further from the truth. He got caught up in a viscous cycle of escalating derogatory characterizations and just went overboard. Unacceptably overboard. Do that justify banishment? I do not think so. A more appropriate response, though way too complicated for corporate America, would have been for Imus to find a way to seek redemption by bringing an end to the use of the words he made a poor choice of using in the first place. Given the chance, Imus will do more to advance racial justice than all of his critics combined. Face it, the record is clear that if Imus takes on a cause, great things will happen. Prediction: Imus will land on satellite radio, take 2.5 million listeners with him and there he will be the champion of a cause to take on true racism in a way that only the I-man can. I have watched Imus for 11 years on MSNBC, have donated to all his causes, bought the books and CDs. Hopefully that will all happen on satellite radio in the near future. Good bye MSNBC.

I will miss watching Imus , and MSNBC, NBC, CBS.

Carlos mencia can all kinds of things about any race and its ok???Yea I know it wasn't right and Imus took some heat but firing him?? this isn't right and Sharpton is an A**. I love how when Imus said I'm not getting any where with you people all of a sudden Sharpton said whos you people??? Tring to make it sound like Imus meant black people. oh Please... My daughter is bi-racial and I wouldn't want anyone calling her what he did but when it happends and it one day will im sure...I will make sure they are aware of how wrong it was and embarrasement is deserved but to ruin their life because of an uneducated comment is absured...Everyone of us has at one point screwed up and said something we shouldnt have ...Sharpten played it out till he got what he wanted and i think he is rotten for what he has done more so than Imus

It's great to see networks so concerned over what is being said and have taken a stand to "clean up" demeaning comments that people such as the recent example of Don Imus have made.

However, the sincerity of the networks will only prove itself if they commit themselves in the next several months to "clean house" on what is aired to insult and offend all people regardless of skin color, sex, religion, etc. It is hypocritical to pick on one person and ignore the junk that gets aired constantly.

Obviously money talks... There is money in exploiting others, but only when these advetisers pulled their ads (their money) then and only then did the networks swing the other way.

I don't think these networks should be overly praised for pulling Imus. This only a first step. They were late in doing it and should have been proactive to promote positive broadcasting from the beginning... way before the big Imus blunder.

If anything, I hope this turns the tide and makes the networks give more thought to what they air in the future.

I also disagree with the firing of Don Imus. There are many well-known names out there who have blasted ethnic groups before...the names Al Sharpton and Jesse Jackson come to mind immediately -- yet Don Imus, who has made a living as a shock jock, gets fired for doing the same thing. I am not a fan of shock media but his firing is quite hypocritical considering what he was hired to do. If one group wants to censor one person for how he refers to your group, then make sure you censor your own people for doing the very same thing. After all, they have set the standard for many years now in song and comedy. If you want censorship, then it should be an equal opportunity employer.

I loved watching The Imus show in the morning getting ready to go to work. I am going to miss him. I just wonder what made this remark different than some in the past? I guess maybe, we get desensitized listening to radio and talk show hosts. Was it suppose to be funny and then dismissed? Yes it was. He has a contraversial show, thats why people watch and listen. If you don't like what he says, turn your TV or radio off. I know Imus meant no harm. He is a kind hearted Man.
I think some people get on a high horse and run with it, for their benefit. Imus said he was wrong, he was going to be off the air for two weeks, and the case should have been closed.

It's high time we Americans practise what our nation stands for. Liberty, equality, and a great nation that cares for people around the world and at home. It's been over 133 years since Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation and still we practise biogtry not only against the blacks but the Latinos and the Asians, too. Imus has/had a resonsibility as a public figure to set an example of caring for the dignity of the individual and not use his fund raising as an excuse to denegrate others. Some of the above comments condone his apology as being sufficent--as if that were all that was needed. Thank goodness CBS and NBC took a stand that the "buck stops here." Too bad that some members of the executive branch of our government say the "buck stops here" but then do nothing to attone for their wrong doing.

I feel as if there has been a death in my family, I feel like crying. I have watched Imus for 15 years. He is the only person in the media who has the guts to tell it like it is, no matter what your race or ethnicity...he judges people on silly things like integrity and honesty...He has made fun of Al Sharpton and Jesse jackson and called them on things..no wonder they want him fired..I think they are being vindictive babies because he has made fun of them when they deserved it.... OK I know he shouldn't have said what he said, I am sorry for the pain caused to the girls..., my daughter is a b-ball player and I Imagine I would be hurt, but let us consider the source...isn't there something else we should be focusing on ???...Global warming, the Iraq war...??...the outcry is completely out of proportion. David Gregory, Brian Williams, Harold Ford, and many others all worshipped at the IMUS altar, and used him to shamelessly self promote themselves and their project of the moment... if they were so appalled at his behavior they've had many chances over the years to speak up...in reality, he was the media darling, they all lined up to be abused by him..... Now they pretend to be so offended, what a crock, ...Brian remember several months ago when you met with Imus at the offices of NBC and later called in to the show and did a satirical portrayal of your love for Imus, don't pretend that you only did it because NBC made you..were you making fun of Gays??? Shouldn't you be fired???? If you barely knew him and didn't really like him that much, and winced at his remarks on a regular basis, what was behind your asking him to go to Iraq??? How dare you and Gregory not stick up for him...anyone who watches the show knows that you adored him....Thank goodness Bill Maher and John McCain had the guts to stick up for him... the whole thing is incredibly sad and nothing will be gained and much is lost...I won't even go into all of the things that Imus has done for others....they've all been said...the fact that he collected as much money as he did today shows what the silent majority thinks of all of this...I have a huge hole to fill every morning and there is no one else who could even come close to Imus as an interviewer and observer of human nature...I will not be tuning in to MSNBC or buying anything from the sponsors who abdicated..Imus-You were the only one who could make me laugh....often at myself....you will be missed.

Seeing that nearly 90% of the comments on here are against the firing on don Imus in some way shape or form are you regretting your decision to fire him? Do you think the "family at NBC" is not representative of the American population?

Just wondering... and I agree with he 90% comments that disagree with you guys canning Imus.

Hmmm...was Don Imus's remark insensitive and deserving of censure? Certainly. He apologized and was suspended, which seemed to be reactionary enough for me. But fired? That's plainly overzealous of MSNBC and hypocritical in my opinion. And the hypocrisy lies with the ever-present black commentators (ie., Al Sharpton, Jesse Jackson, and now Barack Obama).

Why hypocritical? Where is the outrage and indignation over the stereotypes, denigration and outright obscenities spewed in rap/hip-hop music? Why aren't Mr. Sharpton, Mr. Jackson and Mr. Obama staging protests in front of Death Row, Def-Jam or Roc-A-Fella Records against black artists (and I use the term loosely) perpetuating racial stereotypes, violence, and sexual/physical abuse of women?

I could point you to thousands of songs (no exaggeration) where the term 'ho's' or the ubiquitous 'N' word is used interchangeably as a pronoun instead of I, you, we, they, us and them, and usually rhymed with 'triggaz' (guns being another favorite subject). But there are no boycotts, are there? There is no bible-thumping furor from these 'paragons of the Black community' regarding banning those songs from the airwaves, is there? I would suggest theu are far more damaging to the Black community than anything Don Imus says.

What a joke. Political correctness is obviously racially subjective. I will send a letter of complaint to MSNBC every time they have an interview with a profane rapper. If you are so high-minded, then they should not be appearing on any of your broadcasts.

By the way, did I mention I don't listen to Imus and could care less whether the crusty old curmudgeon broadcasts or not?

Imus' ugly, ignorant comments aside, it's too bad all the NBC personalities that used Imus' forum for their own personal and corporate gain over the years can't find the gumption now to "do the right thing". Brian, can you spell censorship? Until Sharpton, Jackson et al are held to the very same standard I have no further time for network news or NBC/CBS in particular. Let's hope XM or Sirius have more faith in Americans to exercise their own personal judgement on what is offensive, funny, entertainment or news than does NBC.

I am a white disabled woman close to Imus' age. I used to hate his program and would turn my radio to another station. Then I started watching him on tv. He made me laugh and at times, nearly puke. However, he always made me think - the one thing he didn't do when he made those remarks. He was being Imus - he apologized and I believe he was sincere. I cannot begin to tell you how much I will miss his presence.

what a wonderful great country we live in that one man whom i never really cared for, has been fired for a feeble attempt at humor. had he been eddie murphy chris rock issah washington jesse jackson it would have been alright. this country is so hypochritical. that we devote so much time to being politically correct. if we should ever be in a position where this country would have to defend itself against an invasion from a hostile country, we would not be able to defend ourselves because we would be to busy waiting to hear from the people who in their infinite wisdom who believe we would pyscologically scar the enemy fo a life time.

I have never listened to Imus, but I do believe that he has made a mistake with his hurtful words which insulted both African Americans and women in general.

However, I am sick of both Al Stockton and Jessie Jackson. These men are nothing but trouble makers with an extreme hatred for white people. The Duke case is an example of it. They are looking to create problems with race relations within this country.

In addition, both of these men have proven to be anti-semitic throughout their history. Both have made hurtful and cruel comments towards Jews while trying to stir up progroms within the African American community against them. I feel that this fact should be brought out in the media. Both Stockton and Jackson should not feel that they can attack and create trouble with no consequences, especially since they are so hard and unforgiving towards others.

Once again, I agree that Imus's statement was wrong, but I would have felt better about his punishment if his comments were questioned by more sincere people.

I believe that NBC & CBS bowed to the jacksons and sharptons of the world. Don Imus has been saying outrageous things on his show for the past 10 years that I have been watching him. This comment was hurtful and wrong but he appeared to be truly contrite and should be allowed to continue with his show. He is a good person who does more for children regardless of color then most people on TV today including sharpton and jackson. Fox morning rating will jump next week when all of Imus viewers move to their channel

I have never done an email letter before but the firing of don imus has brought me to this letter. I have been a viewer of nbc's today show since i was a very young girl and also the nightly news with what ever person was reporting. i am a hugh tom brokow fan. I started watching don imus when i moved from pa to upstate new york and was not working i have enjoyed every show that i have been able to watch. i do not like what he said about the girls basketball team or for that matter that he would say that about black women, but i have been raised to accept someone that says they are sorry and not judge them as msnbc and cbs radio has done. for that reason because the people of both msnbc and cbs radio feel they are the judge in this case i will not be watch or listing to either one. im sure i will not hurt your ratings.
the other thing that bothers me about this whole story is that not either the today show or the nightly show ever did a piece on the rutgers womens basketball team befor this all happened and now you all act so high and mighty. to bad for you

I can't believe that Imus has been fired. I think it's ridiculous. Anyone who listens to Imus on a regular basis knows that he makes jerk comments about EVERYONE of every color in every walk of life. He even makes rude, crude comments about his friends. Imus is not prejudice, he's a jerk to everyone. And a funny jerk at that. Why is it that ethnic people can have their own TV stations (Black Entertainment Television) and what not and it's not considered racist but if there was a White Entertainment Television everybody would be screaming "racism"? Just like any other shock jock - if you don't like what they have to say, then don't listen to or watch their shows!

The firing of Imus should have been held until after the charity telethon, now radiothon, scheduled for tomorrow. The timing of the decision only hurts the cancer striken children helped by the Tomorrow's Chuldren Fund, the CJ foundation for SIDS, etc.
Imus is a shock jock but the same words by a black DJ or rapper don't get a second glance. An finally, to err is human to forgive, divine. I quess we don;t need to think about divinity when speaking of CBS, MSNBC, Al Sharpton, Jesse Jackson and other Christian Clergy. etc.

What they have done to Don Imus is wrong..what he also did was wrong. Don made a mistake..but he was unfairly punished. If the so called leaders of the black community had the guts to stand up to the nasty disgusting rap music then I would see it as reasonable punishment....they have not. The filth and disrespect they spew daily is 1000 times worse and they are not punished. Hypocrasy at its best.

Don Imus brought many talented intelligent individuals to his radio show. The show and the things learned from his guests will be hard to recreate.....he did more good than all the rap singers combined. Choke on that Al Roker.

Yes, What Imus said was wrong but MSNBC and CBS firing Imus was a total overreaction to this situation. The sponsors that pulled their adds are guilty of overreacting too. People and organizations are overly concerned with appearing "Politically Correct" Jackson and Sharpton pull peoples/organizations strings like they are puppets by using the race card argument. Much worse is said by Rappers, take Snoop Doggy Dog who has the exact same phrase that IMUS used in one of his songs. Black comedians and sitcoms that are composed of mostly black actors have been known to outrageously insulting comments against whites, women, and others. This is considered politically correct so it is "funny" when they say it. People are noticing this and this situation has become a much bigger deal than it should have been. The media reaction and attention to this has resulted increasing the divide between races. Is that perhaps what some people want? Shame on CBS, MSNBC, and the sponsors that pulled their adds for being part of this.

I wonder what would happen if Imus invited the Rutgers basketball team to work on his ranch for a summer? What he did was reprehensible but I do believe that the almost "joy" Rev. Sharpton and Rev. Jackson took in making Imus grovel is equally reprehensible. Have they ever worked for an extended period of time in a soup kitchen, or with terminal children, or with autistic children? I doubt it. Show me a person "who has never made a mistake and I will show you someone who has not made anything." The quote is not mine, but it applies. We must be PC at all costs. How sad. Imus did apologize, he went overboard. Maybe he is trying to save his derriere, but who doesn't in such situations. If Revs. Sharpton and Jackson called me a stupid "Irish Mike" should I be offended? Sure. Would I accept an apology? Sure! Would I believe it? Now I don't know. Wasn't it Lord Acton who stated "Power corrupts, and absolute power corrupts absolutely?" Well I think the power brokers have become racially corrupted. I hope this all works out but then, super sensitivity never does.

I am not a fan on Don Imus. I do not agree with his point of view. I am also intelligent enough to choose to not to listen to him. I am offended that the agendas of a few have decided for me that I am not capable enough to make my own decisions. As an American, I am deeply offended that his show has been pulled. I would love for his show to return to the airwaves so I can continue to have the right to choose not to listen to him.

I do not listen to Imus but I am sorry he has been fired. I do not believe what he said was funny in anyway but I think firing Imus was a mistake. I think the executives at NBC and CBS are cowards and hypocrits. NBC and CBS ultimately succombed to the pressures of advertisers and their almighty dollar and anyone who believes it was their high moral standards are fools. If these moral standards are going to be held to Imus I think it should be across the board. The music industry should change also. Rappers do an even greater injustice to black woman everyday. Why isn't the black community absolutely enraged over that?
Although I love Tim Russert, Chris Matthews and Keith Olberman, I am saddened to say that today will be the last day I watch NBC. I can't in good faith watch a network or buy the products of the sponsors that complained.

This is truely a sad day for journalism. Yes, Don Imus is crude and rude and said a terrible thing. However, after watching the president of msnbc last night I realized that it's always the "bottom line." To say that he did not know of GM and P&G backing out of advertising (it doesn't come across his desk) is beyond belief. I have been a faithful viewer of msnbc and every night I look forward to watching Tucker, Chris, Keith, and Joe. I will now have to find another political program to satisfy me. I have no respect for a news network that can be influenced by two "suspect" personalities that usually do things for their own personal gain. Why not let those remarkable young ladies at Rutgers meet with Imus and then see what they say? After all, they were the ones that were insulted. Oh, by the way, didn't you love the way Dodd tried to say that it was a 20 minute opportunity as the reason he went on Imus. Unbelieveable. So farewell nbc, I will now have to get my political fix on abc, cnn, or (God help me) fox.