Should Shock Jock Don Imus Have Been Fired For His 'nappy headed ho' Comment?

The first amendment right of free speech gives us the say more or less whatever we want. With his 'nappy headed ho' in reference to the Rutgers Woman's basketball team Imus exercised this right. Jessie Jackson and Al Sharpton exercised this right when they referred to the Jewish faithful of New York Heimietown. Michael Richards (Seinfeld's Kramer) exercised this right when he went on a racial tirade with everything from 'N' bombs to porch monkey references. The entire hip hop culture expresses these sentiments with 'n' bombs, Cracker references (why is Cracker acceptable by the way?), women are ho's and bitches in this culture, and black people who study are Uncle Tom's. As wrong as it seems, all have the right to say these things if the first amendment means anything.

Having the right to say something and having the intelligence not to say them should go hand and hand but seldom do. Where Imus messed up this time(he's used racist references in the past) is that he picked on young achievers who didn't do anything to him. That's the sign of a bully. America HATES a bully. A power broker with influence should not pick on the young athletes and leaders of tomorrow regardless of race, religion, looks, clothes etc. He did. He's done.

What troubles me about Imus is he really didn't get fired for the comment. He was suspended for the comment(2 weeks). He was fired because advertisers dropped him. That's sad. What's great is that all Americans regardless of race or religion rallied around these young women which shows that there is good will across racial boundaries like there has never been in this country. There is a way to go but it's proof positive that a lot of progress has been made. Yes Imus should have been fired. Imus was fired. Imus was fired for the wrong reason in my opinion.

Jessie Jackson and Al Sharpton were never asked to step down for their racist and antisemitic comments toward the New York Jewish community. I may be wrong about that but let me qualify that statement by adding if they were asked to step down, neither did. Now they were demanding that Imus step down. The correct request coming from the wrong men.

If I were their media consultant it would have gone a bit differently. I believe a two pronged attack would be more affective. I would have had them(jessie and al) break the issue just like they did. They have the notariaty to make an issue public and that's where they are most valuable. Then, they would be focusing on 'healing' to keep them in the peace maker role.

The next step for me would have been to advise that they step back and pass the baton to someone else whose house was in order to demand Imus step down. One incident makes you too dirty to retain credibility and hurts the greater good of what you are trying to accomplish. (Jessie, Al, sorry, I don't make the rules and you both earned it whether you earned it or not. The rules apply to you to now also. Sucks, I know...)

I think a Tavis Smiley would be a great voice to champion the cause though I'd really need to research him if I was with operation PUSH but a very impressive individual. I'm sure there are some very sharp young people at PUSH (or outside) that could fill in and demand a resignation.

I'm completely in favor of blowing this up as big as possible to help move the world another step in the right direction. Jessie and Al did their part. I think they are getting bad advice or not listening to good advice but I wish them a lot of luck regardless.

Kramer...He looked in a different state of mind. He was out of control and an Idiot. He can't be fired as he works for himself now. The incident will probably Kill him in the end. That's punishment enough in my mind.

The guys who are really smart are the Hip Hoppers. They perpetuate hate, ignorance, sexism, violence, drug use, promiscuity etc. It's AN ENTIRE CULTURE of negative. They make big money to preach hate and they know that there is nothing that anyone can do about it. Jessie and Al are impotent on this issue. They do inquire and beg that producers and labels don't continue making these songs. That's really all they can do. The next generation likes these songs. If they go after a big rapper and demand they stop performing with the same zeal they went after Imus with, both would be destroyed because the problem is too big for them to do anything but practice diplomacy. Good luck.

Should 'The View' Get Rid Of Rosie Poll Is Closed

RESULTS:

* Yes: 52.4%
* No: 25.4%
* Who Cares: 22.2%

Should 'The View' Get Rid Of Rosie?

She's destroyed Barbara Walter's credibility. She's stated that radical
Christians are more dangerous than radical Muslims in this country.
She's pissed off her co-hosts. She's picked a fight with Trump. At
what point does someone say, 'You're Fired!'?

My answer is that if television was about credibility she would have been gone months ago. Television is about one thing and one thing only. Television is about ratings. If you have them you are on TV. If you don't have ratings you get fired. It's clean and simple in that respect.

Rosie gets ratings. I feel she's rude, ill informed if not uneducated,
crude, crass, and a loudmouth in general. In the vast wasteland of
television (Newton Minnow) these are all conducive to ratings. Even
in a traditionally higher standard show like The View, her presence
and opinion generate controversy and ratings. It may shorten the life
of the show but while it's on it will burn twice a bright.

So, in my opinion, yes she should be fired. Will she? No, she will not.

Is Al Gore a Hypocrite Poll Is Closed

RESULTS:

* Yes: 89%
* No: 11%

Is Al Gore a Hypocrite?

I took a look at Al Gore’s Oscar winning ‘An Inconvenient Truth’. LOVED it! It was a real eye opener for the entire planet. He has done that presentation over 1000 times and you can only look at pure conviction as the source of the inspired presentation after so many deliveries. You’d have thought it to be his first.

I’d recently read that Al uses enough energy to light a small city in his 12,000 square foot home. His response to this was that he invests in a lot of alternative fuel companies and thus he’s vindicated with his own energy usage. He certainly hasn’t invested in becoming self sufficient for his own energy usage. I think he’d encouraged that in the film.

I saw a picture of the homestead. I certainly didn’t see an investment in a windmill or solar panel farm on his property. He invests for a long term gain and return on his money. He doesn’t ‘walk the walk’ as they say.

I don’t begrudge a guy for having a big house. He has three big houses by the way. I don’t begrudge a guy a big gas guzzling car. My problem with Al Gore is that after all the holier than thou presentations, senate hearings, oscar winning movie etc. he has the audacity to proclaim that he can do whatever he wants from an energy standpoint because of how he invests.

Al Gore is not only a hypocrite. He’s the problem. He’s another politician with the traditional ‘do as I say not as I do’ position. I can’t afford nor do I have the space for a wind farm or solar panels to power my condominium. He has both the money and the space to lead by example. He hasn’t. What does that say about him?

He’s pushing the burden off on the middle class such that he and other elitists don’t need to be inconvenienced. That’s the real ‘Inconvenient Truth’.

Should John Edwards Withdraw His Bid For The Oval Office Poll Is Closed

RESULTS:

* Yes: 70%
* No: 30%

In Light Of His Wife Having Terminal Cancer, Should John Edwards Withdraw His Bid For The Oval Office?

John Edwards has the right to run for President like any other natural born American who is of age. He has the Constitutional right to lie to the public to get elected. The best, most visible liar is going to win the election. He has the right to raise funds and advertise. He has the right to challenge the other candidates to a debate. He can kiss babies on the campaign trail and meet with special interest groups.

He also has the right not to run. He has the right to withdraw so that he has time to spend with his terminally ill wife. It doesn't appear that he will exercise this right. As a matter of fact, he's going to wave his wife's illness like the flag so people will take notice of him. He's going to sacrifice our most precious commodities and greatest gifts, time and the love of another person, so he can run the world.

Here's the rub. Any guy who wouldn't spend every second he could with his dying wife is no one I'd vote for. He's absolutely disgusting in my opinion. Like a 2 year or the Beatles song 'I me me mine'. It's all about power and not what is really important in life.

In all fairness, maybe he doesn't love her so it's not a priority for him. Of course, if he doesn't love her he's another politician living a lie with an image partner and not a spouse. Again, I wouldn't vote for someone like this either.

If he does love her, she passes away, and he wins the election chances are pretty good he's going to be devastated. A president on xanax battling depression and his finger on the button. No thanks.

It looks to me like he's in a can't win situation. If he runs he's a scumbag and won't be elected. If he takes time away to spend with his wife he can't get become President of the United States. Faced with a no win scenario, decency should be the default answer. Even for a politician.

Go home John. Go home and take care of your wife. When she dies it'll be forever. There's another election scheduled four years after the next one.

Who Is The Biggest Recording Artist Who Couldn't Win American Idol Poll Is Closed

RESULTS:

* Madonna: 34.5%
* Bob Dylan: 17.2%
* Brittney Spears: 20.7%
* Michael Jackson: 27.6%

Who Is The Biggest Recording Artist Who Couldn't Win American Idol?

Some of my friends and I were having a spirited discussion over a few libations last week as to who is the biggest recording star that couldn’t win American Idol. Along with that topic we also talked about which major recording artist would win it.

Here were some that we’d all agreed on:

Madonna could make it to Hollywood but could not win. Shakira would win.

Bob Dylan wouldn’t make it to Hollywood. Elvis would win.

Brittney Spears would make it to Hollywood but could not win. K.D. Lang would win.

Michael Jackson would make it to Hollywood but unless he sang only Michael Jackson songs, he couldn’t win it. Bono would win.

All of the above are wildly successful and they all exhibit vocal talent. From mediocre to phenomenal. What they all have is their own vocal identity that the judges keep stressing to the Idol talent. ‘We need you to find your sound, not to copy someone else’s we tend to hear from Simon, Paula, and Randy and all of the above share that attribute. To be on Idol and to get the exposure is the opportunity. There is no success without opportunity. Can you say J HUD?

Climbing off my soap box, I’d like to know who you think are among the biggest recording artists that could not win Idol? Who do you think would walk through?

Is Paula Abdul a Sexist Poll Is Closed

RESULTS:

* Yes: 53.8%
* No: 46.12%

Is Paula Abdul a Sexist?

I’m into American Idol this year. I think they should send ALL the guys home because none of them has a shot in hell of winning. The women are really good. A friend of mine pointed out that Paula Abdul never really has anything bad to say about the women and labeled her a sexist. I disagreed.

Paula had one really big album. It was catchy. It was a pop staple about 18 yrs ago. I still hear her on the radio and tap my toe. She was an LA Lakers cheerleader who could dance. She was a pretty good performer. If you listen to her voice, where it’s appropriate for what she sang, you will notice that she doesn’t display very much range. She could sing a little. She could dance. She was very attractive which never hurts in a video. As successful as her album was, she doesn’t have that great voice that Simon is always looking for.

The reason that she has nothing bad to say about the women is simply that they are ALL better than she ever was and she knows it.

Randy is a record producer and musician. Not a singer. Simon is a marketing genius. Teletubbies and Idol. Very impressive resume but Simon is not a singer. Paula was a recording artist. A singer. A successful flash in the pan but not really a good singer. I think if I was one of the talented crop of singers this year and Paula criticized me at all I’d mock her in front of God and everybody on national TV.

Paula Abdul isn’t a sexist. She is just limited from a talent perspective.

Next Week - Who Is The Biggest Recording Artist Who Couldn't Win American Idol?

What Is The Best Show On Network TV Poll is Closed

RESULTS:

* 24: 30.8%
* Lost: 19.2%
* Prison Break: 19.2%
* Other: 30.8%

What Is The Best Show On Network TV?

It seems like I’m on television more than I can actually watch TV. However, there are 3 shows that I try not to miss. If you took the poll you’ve probably guessed that my 3 shows are 24, Prison Break, and Lost. On any given week the order can change but, in general, the order is as follows:

1. 24
What I like: Non-stop action, quality kills, dead pool potential every week with some real shockers. I was really upset when Edgar was knocked off last year but WOW it got my attention. At the end of the 24th our there will be a conclusion and a set up for next season.

What I hate: It’s a big commitment to watch 24 as one builds on the next. If I miss one episode I seldom have the time to pull it up on computer and watch it. Also, Jack just spent 2 years being tortured by the Chinese government and hasn’t spoken in 2 years. He’s not pissed off enough. He’s not really all that mentally messed up. He hasn’t missed a step. His strength is fine. I wish he was a bit more mentally unstable and unpredictable. This season it’s like ‘ok, Jack is back from hell and it’s business as usual.’

2. Prison Break
What I like: The characters in this show are the darker side of dark but most seem to have a side to them that you like. The criminals do anyway accept for tbag. The good guys are really the bad guys. Good action in this show, good violence, interesting plot twists. It’s my second show.

What I hate: It’s a weekly cliff hanger that I don’t see an ending to. What happens if they all get cleared? Show is over I think. So, I hate the frustration of knowing that it’s going to be 5 seasons before they get cleared and I’m going to hate these guys for not being able to end it before then.

3. Lost
What I like: Lost is probably the coolest premise. It’s sort of like and action, drama, sci-fi, suspense laden, endless possibility type of show. Tropical island, black smoke, hatches, buttons, polar bears, dead pool material etc. It has it all really.

What I hate: I don’t think the writer’s really know where this is going. I don’t like the flashbacks (the trademark of the show) though I’m enjoying them more now because of the subtleties and interaction with island characters before they were on the Island. You see Hurley in the background news after winning the lotto in Desmond’s flashback. At the end of this season there will be no resolution. Another show we’ll have to wait 5 years and a potentially lame ending. They don’t know either I’m sure.

Honorable mention: I’ve been getting into ‘Bones’ a bit lately when I can catch it. I’ve seen ‘House’ a few times, I liked it. ‘Grey’s Anatomy’, I saw an episode. I liked it, but haven’t seen enough to know how good it is. ‘Boston Legal’, I seldom get to see it but ‘Denny Crane!’.

What show am I missing that I should take a look at. Let me know and I’ll take a look at it if I like your review.

Is It OK For Children To Fight Poll Is Closed

RESULTS:

* Yes: 71.4%
* No: 28.6%

Is It OK For Children To Fight?

DeMarco Perspective: I remember my first fight. I remember how scared I was. When I look back on it the word 'silly' crosses my mind. However, when you are a child and faced with this situation, you need to be brave to actually stand up for yourself. Bravery is not an absence of fear. It's doing what you need to do while facing the fear.

What can be more terrifying to a child faced with their own reality? Not everybody loves them like family. Not everyone is going to deal with them lightly. Some people want to harm them. Standing your ground for the first time helps a child find out a lot about themselves and about life. It's a defining moment for some.

Some of my best friends to this day and I exchanged punches early on in life. We still laugh about these times and as we age we look back at those times as the best days of our lives. We threw down as lads and respect each other as men today and the brawl that started our relationship is a bond that cannot be broken.

I know it's not a popular opinion in this day and age but there is something to be said about standing toe to toe with another kid and saying, 'Let's do this'. In my opinion, it builds character.

As an adult, it shows more courage, character, and intelligence to walk away. I believe that.

In my mind I feel that it's important for a child to learn that you don't need to stand tall in this world but you do need to stand up.

The world awaits and the world does not pull punches.

Is Political Spin And Damage Control Lying Poll Is Closed

RESULTS:

* Yes: 73.3%
* No: 26.7%

Is Political Spin And Damage Control Lying?

Not too long ago there was an issue where the Vice-President of the United States shot a friend in a hunting accident. I watched a Sunday morning press show that same week. One of the commentators, whom I respect, made a statement that disturbed me. It was something along the lines of, 'Let’s get ready for the spin and damage control in the coming weeks that comes along with an incident like this.'

Truth is interpreted by each of us by our senses, experiences, moral code, tastes, character etc. Take a subject, a house, a pet, a person and objectify it. Is it a beautiful house, pet, person? Some will say 'yes it is'. Some will say 'no it isn’t'.

The subject is always the same. What varies is the individual interpretation of the subject’s/object’s desirability. Objectively, the subject is simply what it is. Every interpretation of that object is absolutely correct for each individual evaluating it.

Whatever transpired on that trip happened in and of itself. When the media is used to shape, frame, and interpret facts regarding newsworthy events of elected officials (not sell a soft drink) to create a perception and push a given party’s desired perception for public acceptance, well, that’s what we do on a smaller level at Alibi Network Corp.

Political spin and damage control is a form of lying in my opinion. What disturbs me is that it’s not only expected but accepted from someone who holds the elected trust.

Next Week - What Should Kids Do When Bullied?

Is Oprah's $40 Million Donation Misguided Poll Is Closed

RESULTS:

* Yes, take care of your own country first: 76.0%
* No, Oprah is golden: 24.0%

Is Oprah $40 Million Donation For a School For Girls in Africa Misguided?

DeMarco Perspective: Oprah Winfrey recently came under fire for
donating, I think, 40 million dollars for a school that will help
young African women learn and achieve. The heat comes from those
who say that there is a lot of poverty in the United States, so
why spend your resources in another country when there are so many
issues here?

We are a global economy with each country reliant on other
countries more now than ever. We are increasingly a global culture.
Technology has given us more things in common from an educational
and entertainment standpoint. IPods to CD players to computers all
increasing what we have in common far beyond the universal
language and logic of math.

We all originate from somewhere. We all have roots. Oprah's roots
are from Africa. I believe, that in a global age, whenever you can
elevate anyone in any part of the world it's a positive. Some of
these young women will, hopefully, change the world for the better.

I don't have the resources that Oprah has. That may be why I don't
think as globally but locally. Metaphorically, I feel if I cannot
feed my own kids I am not feeding my neighbor's first.

In my mind, there is nothing wrong with what Oprah is doing. If
those resources were mine I would spend them differently as that
would be my right. I'm glad that Oprah is standing up for someone
something that has no hope without someone like her.

I believe in the 'pass it forward' concept. I wouldn't have started
it there but eventually it should, in theory, get to where I might
have started and where you would have if this type of good will is
passed forward.

Oprah is OK in my mind.

Next Week - Is political spin and damage control lying?

Who Will Win The Super Bowl Poll Is Closed

RESULTS:

* Chicago Bears: 50.0%
* Indianapolis Colts: 50.0%

Weekly Poll: Who Will Win The Super Bowl?

DeMarco Perspective: While I respect Peyton Manning and his need to legitimize his career with a Super Bowl win, I choose the Bears to shock the world on February 4th. No one but me(it seems) took the Bears over the Saints last week. Though I did not predict the final and the point differential exceeded my wildest dreams, I knew that the 'team of destiny' was truly a 'team of density' if they thought that coming into Chicago and winning due to divine intervention was a possibility. To me, the saint's fans and backers from ESPN (virtually every analyst) were actually 'cute' in their belief much like a child and his faith in the tooth fairy. I had to laugh.If the Bears can go out and bring this contest down to the level of a street fight and brawl with the Colts for 60 minutes, which is my prediction, I take the Bears by 2 1/2.

Next Week - Is Oprah's 40 million donation to a school for girls in Africa misguided?

Alibi Network Blog Presents The Demarco Perspective

The Alibi Network Blog is back in a new format. The DeMarco Perspective is a Poll addendum direct from the mind of Vice-President of Marketing Michael DeMarco. It is a weekly occurrence, appearing each Monday, in conjunction with the new poll question. DeMarco's perspective is not indicative of the Alibi Network Corporation's attitude or views on a topic. This is his own personal perspective and should be regarded as such. Comments should be directed to him only. Let him know if you agree or disagree with him by replying and speaking your mind.

Who lies the most poll is closed

RESULTS:

• Politicians: 35.8%
• Used Car Salesmen: 19.4%
• Alibi Network: 19.4%
• Lawers: 17%
• Celebrities: 4.8%
• Investment Bankers: 3.6%

Total votes: 1765

Greetings

Hello, this blog has been created by The Alibi Network. We provide pretexts for Personal, Social and Business needs. We are also known for services involving the alteration of facts to provide our clients the ability to protect their privacy and best interests, (excluding criminal activity). If you need a reason to be away for the weekend that will not create suspicion with your spouse, we can help. You can be confirmed at a business seminar, but really be having mad, passionate sex with your lover. Your privacy is your business and no one else’s. Do you want to order some discreet gifts for your lover but can’t use your name or address to do so?? We can help you there too! We can provide a full spectrum of services that can protect your privacy while letting you live the most fulfilling life possible without the threat of discovery.

We receive many emails everyday and although we try to address each and every one of them, it is becoming increasingly difficult. We have decided to create this blog where we can answer your questions and chat about various topics with you. We do not judge or condemn you for your desires, so it's safe discussing your needs at Alibi Network.

We will cover various topics such as sharing research data on affairs that we have collected. We will discuss whether society is really meant to be “monogamous” and how age affects people’s desire to stray, what drives men and women to look for something outside their relationships and how modern relationships are affected by the internet.

The Alibi Network blog will also be an area where people can discuss their experiences with the pressures and demands of modern day society and how these added stresses in their personal, social and business lives make our services necessary and help lessen the additional stress that these everyday situations present.

We hope you will find these topics as intriguing as we do. We encourage your comments and feedback.

Thank you,

The Alibi Network