IMUS_I_MUST Don Imus created a major controversy with his comments regarding the Rutgers womens basketball team. The opinion of black and white Americans regarding Imus punishment for his inappropriate language were very varied. Even more diversified in their opinion were those in the African- American community. A small circle of friends and I got together and discussed the issue at length. Reportedly we could not agree on an appropriate punishment for the radio hosts language either. However, while our views were diverse the common thread that knits them together is that we all agreed something has to change. First, let me begin by saying that I was disgusted by the rude and ignorant comments spewed over the nations airways. While the Rutgers girls were African-American, I would be as equally upset if the young ladies were white. Nevertheless, the first assessment of the situation was, What does a 70 something white male know about nappy headed hoes This particular lingo is predominantly used by minorities, or so I thought. I've been told that the world as I know it has changed and the younger generations have now merged music, clothing and language. Ughhh, I thought that has always been the case, but whatever! The majority of the group felt Mr. Imus should be fired without any if ands or buts. The premise being that if not fired, it would set a precedent for other offices, companies, etc to accept these types of comments. Another comment was made stating that hitting him in his pocket was the best way to get his attention. Okay, I don't disagree with any of the above views or opinions. My thought was that Mr. Imus should not be fired but that he should retain his job and to use the same medium he used to speak that nonsense is to first offer an apology and secondly to offer a forum to encourage better race relations, i.e African American guests, topics, etc. I know that money is an issue, but seriously we cannot be led to believe that Mr. Imus bosses did not hear what he was saying. All of sudden they became brand new to his point of views or language. Moreover, it is my opinion that Mr. Imus will become richer after this incident and will never ever stand in an unemployment line being fired is a meager inconvenience. I recognize as most that Mr. Imus does not represent the entire white race, but it does provide another indicator for, Tell me how you really feel. So be it. However, what I then examined how my friends and I speak to each other. The salutations that we use to greet each other, although jokingly and that goes for you gentleman too. The way we play and they way we argue. I know, I know we're family. My point exactly! We are family and if we speak this way, rap this way sing this way to each other. Don't get mad when company sings the chorus ---they heard your lead. For this reason, I must refrain from speaking negatively for sport or fashion to anybody. I must delete the N word from my vocabulary. I absolutely detest the B word so that's easy, other habits die hard. And I cannot justify our lack of having our own culture, language etc makes what, we say or accept okay. However, I can respect myself and others always. I don't have a choice, it's not an elective. I choose to use my words wisely not painfully. I Must, how about YOU Always Encouraging, Cheryl