[dcasper70]

Imus had a right to say whatever he wanted. Free speech.
Jesse & Al had a right to get up in arms about it, whatever their real motivation.
Advertisers had a right to pull their support.
CBS had the right to fire him, in the interest of their profits.

You can say what you want, actions have repercussions.

I listen to Imus fairly regularly and wish it didn't go down like this, but it did. It could have been different, but it wasn't. The almighty dollar wins again.