I will say the media backlash on this whole affair has been astounding. It’s been everywhere, and while what he said was most definitely wrong, it did not deserve this much media scrutiny when we are fighting two wars, paying buttloads for gas, and are being governed by the most inept administration since the 19th century. Bush makes Hoover seem capable competent, but I digress. The real truth about all of this is that it highlights that in a free society in the market of speech, there are rules that must be followed and certain people don’t seem to understand that.

Furthermore, the market is much more unforgiving than it used to be because things simply won’t go away if the market is still able to feed. 10 years ago, the Imus gaffe would not have snowballed like it does today. However, the market is forgiving of hip hop saying the same because it’s expected of them, and frankly, rappers aren’t old white dudes. They get a free pass because the market understands that moaning about a hip hop song won’t silence anything, it will help sales. This most likely will happen with Imus as well, as he moves to satellite with little oversight.

So the market did its job. Whenever anyone brings up the FCC regarding this affair, that causes me to cringe. The federal government should not being dictating thought. Profanity and obvious obscenities should not be broadcasted over the air for anyone to hear. But bad jokes and bigotry do not and should not need to be regulated, especially when the market is apt to regulate itself in this manner.

Freedom of speech simply means you won’t be arrested for saying stupid stuff, it doesn’t shield you from a self regulating market of thought, a market that occasionally works very well.