Imus in the mourning

I have never been an Imus fan. To me, the star of the show was the producer, or whoever booked some decent guests. But, Imus’ poisonous personality eclipsed that attraction for me. I am empathetic with the pathology that causes that, but it doesn’t mean I will subject myself to it. Imus was not among my pre-set radio buttons.

Obviously, he drew a large audience. So do some of the other inane forms of entertainment that pander to the lower common denominators. I’m not in favor of lowering the bar to make a buck. Imus’ stock in trade was non-stop vitriol regarding prominent people. What air is to most people, vitriol is to losers. They perversely see everyone else’s accomplishments and delights as a reflection on their own shortcomings, and anguish over it. Vitriol offers little solace to them, just addiction. And Imus was a major dealer.

So, what did Imus do that was so wrong? We’ve all heard those words emanate from any number of entertainers. Where did he cross the line?

This was not prejudice, which almost everyone has a touch of and therefore can tolerate some stereotyping. This was personal slander, which right-thinking people universally find completely odious. It was targeted at specific individuals and had no basis in evidence. That’s what we find so despicable.

Some enjoy the smearing of activists and government figures (especially those who themselves attempt absolutely nothing to advance society). But, this was not aimed at some politicians. This was targeted at innocents. This crossed the line.

In some ways, it’s similar to a local radio sports broadcaster who took a similar tack and was eventually fired when enough was enough. Except, this was national.

I differentiate this from the Dennis Millers of the world, whose rants are based in fact and are done with healthy humor, not sick malice. That’s satire, not garbage.

This is not a freedom-of-speech issue. That amendment wasn’t intended to protect slander. And, the right-to-speech isn’t the right-to-have-a-radio-show.

When you turn on the lights, the cockroaches scatter. Sponsors canceled their advertising. Networks canceled the broadcasts. Former guests distanced themselves. None of them had any idea what Imus has been about over the past three decades? Please.

The silver linings? The public has sent a message. It’s time to put out the garbage. A little late, but a good message. The victimized women will come out vindicated and stronger, and possibly cash in on the notoriety.

And, I don’t have to listen to Imus promotions.