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Congresswoman Maxine Waters Blasts Don Imus for his Racial Remarks

July 15, 2009

In the wake of racially derogatory statements made by Shock Jock Don Imus, Congresswoman Maxine Waters (CA-35) calls for swift and profound action on the part of CBS Radio and MSNBC in the following statement:
"I find the recent remarks by Don Imus, who referred to the Rutgers Women's Basketball team in a derogatory and racist manner to be both outrageous and unacceptable.  I call on CBS Radio and MSNBC to do the right thing and fire him immediately and for both Network to apologize for his behavior, which he has exhibited time and again since the very beginning of his show.

You may recall that his show has been a platform for such negative and demeaning remarks, similar in nature, without any penalty.  His show has been so audacious as to make statements such as:  ‘Venus and Serena Williams were better suited for National Geographic than Playboy', ‘Female soccer players are juiced-up dykes', ‘Faggots play tennis' and said ‘Palestinians were stinking animals'.

These Networks should have known of his dangerous actions instead of allowing him to continue to speak without concern and proper supervision. 

To merely require a two weeks suspension is not enough; it is a slap on the wrist for Imus, who will feel little discomfort, pain or punishment for his actions.  The response from the Network should be swift and profound. 

I intend to join with other African American leaders, civil rights groups, journalist and women's groups in pressing for his firing.  My actions will also extend to advertisers, as their dollars should not continue to support Imus' outrageous and disrespectful action."

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