Well junkernaut I agree some and disagree some. First the constituion prohibits the GOV'T from silencing free speech (subject to a few exceptions like yelling fire in a crowded theater). It most certainly does NOT, in any way shape or form, prevent a private company from silencing speech. We all work and we all know that we can't say what we really think a lot of the times (my boss is an idiot) without repercussions.
So... if MSNBC is getting a lot of complaints (free speech in action) and decides to respond to its more vocal customers then I don't have a problem with that.

I also don't have a problem with the Rutgers basketball players, family, friends and supporters voicing their disgust, protesting or trying to get him fired. Free speech goes both ways.

I DO however have a problem with the double standard. First, this charge against Imus is being led by two of the most blatantly racist men in America (Sharpton and Jackson). If they have the right to be "outraged" and call Imus a racist, then Hitler should be moralizing about the anti-semitism of others.

Second, as I heard someone on the radio say, "Imus got in trouble for trying to use ebonics without a license". That is true. Imus must be crucified for referring to the Rutgers team as "nappy-heady ho's" and RAPPERS say much worse in many of their songs. Hell, the rappers talk about killin' and (well I can't print it on this site) their bitches and ho's.

It is a bullshit double-standard and quite frankly makes me think twice about ANY charge of racism coming from the drive-by media.