"Pranks" and Prejudice

A semi-regular reader offers...

"I read in Monday's paper that a woman who publicly spews racist comments to her neighbors is now the victim of "pranks" like setting her garbage can on fire (maybe, that could be interpreted as a prank or harassment) and a Molotov cocktail which was thrown at her house and burned up her A.C. unit. Indianola police say...well, buy the paper or read it online."

"Now, THERE'S a debate on what are "appropriate responses" to racially tense communication."

"By the way, the double standards DO exist. I saw a guy on ESPN (Yes, ESPN) who offered a good analysis of the Imus firing. Rap artists and comedians can say what they say with no regard to advertisers and they make money doing it. Is it right? Probably not, but I'll err on the side of free speech. "

"Michael Richards didn't have to apologize, but there was market pressure on his career that required it. The "market" handles these things best and not more gov't intervention over the #1 protection in the Bill of Rights - Free Speech. Don Imus was losing most every major sponsor except Bigelow Tea, which offered public support. "

"The firing was premature and wimpy, but the marketplace spoke on the Imus situation in certain terms that get networks' attention. That said, I believe Imus could return to the airwaves within months and his old stations will resume his broadcasts over any replacement morning show offered through CBS or Westwood One Radio Network. The market spoke and it's given Don Imus new and nationally-based attention. "

"A great conversation would be to discuss the likely political proposals which could come forth in the wake of the Imus firing. I guarantee you that ALL of them will suggest restrictions on everyone's speech as a result. "

Given America's propensity to turn "heels" into "heroes", it would not surprise me to see Don Imus go on to even greater fame and wealth. I can envision a Hollywood Movie deal with countless TV talk show appearances in his future.

Lest we forget, it was less than two years ago that our media mercenaries entertained the thought of publishing O.J.'s "near tell-all novel", entitled, "How I Would Have Killed Them, if I Had".

Forthright