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Freindly Fire

Imus' Comeback a Double-Edged Sword

by Chris Freind

Editor's Note: Beginning today Chris Freind's column Freindly Fire will become a regular feature on www.patownhall.com.

Don Imus is back on the radio. Or at least someone with the same name. Whether it will be the real Imus, the one who was extremely popular for his humor and candor, remains to be seen. If his act of contrition---which is ongoing for eight months now--- is any indication, though, his fan base may be sorely disappointed.

You will recall that Imus was fired by the hypocrites at CBS Radio for a joke about a college women's basketball team---a team that will remain nameless since its pathetic five minutes of fame expired long ago. It was a joke that may have been ill-advised, but the reaction was something you'd expect from a totalitarian state. Imus was labeled by the extreme Left as a racist and bigot who had no business keeping his job, pretty much what Jesse Jackson and Al Sharpton say about anyone who disagrees with them.

So Imus walked away, tail between his legs, allowing himself to be humiliated by a small but very loud minority of flamethrowers---the real racists who couldn't care less about racial harmony and equality, instead seeking the spotlight only when it furthers their own agenda. Last time I checked, there were still many radio stations airing truly racist, sexist and inflammatory lyrics from "rap artists". I am not advocating that such songs be banned because I believe in the free market. All I want is a level playing field and our "leaders" to have the guts to play it straight. Too much to ask, apparently.

Now Don is back, and making conciliatory, yet contradictory, statements. "I will never say anything in my lifetime that will make any of these young women at (the basketball team's university) regret or feel foolish that they accepted my apology and forgave me," Imus told an audience. He added that "... no one else will say anything on my program that will make anyone think I did not deserve a second chance."

In his quest to "diversify" his on-air radio team, Imus hired two comedians, male and female, both of whom are black. It's all part of the plan to have "an ongoing discussion about race relations in this country."

Despite all his pandering, Imus is trying to reassure his audience that he will be as fiery as ever. He stated that "...the program is not going to change", and then joked that the reason he signed a five year contract was because "...that's how long it's going to take to get even with everybody."
But by succumbing to the politically correct culture, how is he going to "get even"? The subversive elements have won again---ironically, the very same people Imus has shown contempt for in the past. Is Imus running for President? He should be, because he is flip-flopping as adroitly as Romney and Giuliani.

The reasons there are no clear frontrunners in either political party is simple--- most of the candidates refuse to tell the truth, and they are anything but bold, decisive and straightforward. Conversely, Imus was immensely popular precisely because he was all of those things. In his abrasive and irreverent way, he pulled no punches and called it like it was. People liked that, respected his courage, and tuned in to the show. It was a formula for success.
Now, Imus wants it both ways. He is trying to placate his critics and please the world What will happen? Precisely what occurs when you attempt to please everyone. You alienate them all. By carefully calculating every word, he will overcompensate in his deference to the PC police, and lose the very essence that made Imus...well, Imus. When that occurs, what will be the point of listening? He will be just like every other boring, wimpy disc jockey.

If Imus thought prostrating himself at the altar of political correctness---and Al Sharpton in particular--- was the only way to get back on the air, then shame on him. Rather than abandon his principles, he should have retired or gone into another line of work. Since he has millions, it can only mean one thing: ego.

Clearly, Imus has made promises that he can't keep. For all his money and experience, Don Imus still doesn't understand a very basic lesson: you can't buy credibility, and your self-respect should never be for sale.