It really is a strange bit of business. I don't think Imus should be insulting black women, but it's hard to get angry at him and him alone; the rap business was partially built on insulting and degrading black women, and you don't hear them apologizing. Nor do you hear anyone calling upon them to do so.

As for Sharpton, if you ever catch yourself agreeing with him, just dunk your head in cold water. He never apologized for the race-baiting Tawana Brawley episode, in which he was deeply involved. That was a heck of a lot more hateful than doddering old Imus grumbling about "hos."

If he gets fired the world will keep on turning, and free speech will still be free. It's not really a big deal.