More Letterman: New York Lawmaker Urges CBS Fire Letterman

In the big scheme of things how do David Letterman's demented attacks on Sarah Palin and her daughters stack up to other media mishaps and what was the outcome of those events?

First, consider the "wardrobe malfunction" where Janet Jackson exposed her breast in a dance routine with Justin Timberlake during the half time entertainment for Super Bowl XXXVIII. The FCC had specific offenses for which a network could be penalized. Showing the wrong part of the body equals big fine, $550,000. The Supreme Court pushed the appeal back to the 3rd district for final disposition. For just a couple seconds exposure of a boob, a nationwide uproar ensued.

More recently, Don Imus referred to the Rutgers women's basketball team in demeaning racial terms. Here's the April 4, 2007 exchange between Imus and his producer:

IMUS: That's some rough girls from Rutgers. Man, they got tattoos and—
McGUIRK: Some hard-core hos.
IMUS: That's some nappy headed hos. I'm gonna tell you that now, man, that's some—whew. And the girls from Tennessee, they all look cute, you know, so, like—kinda like—I don't know.
McGUIRK: A Spike Lee thing.
IMUS: Yeah.
McGUIRK: The Jigaboos versus the Wannabes—that movie that he had.

At first Imus faced suspension, but within a week he was terminated both from his syndicated radio show on CBS radio but also from the cable simulcast on MSNBC.

So where would David Letterman's remarks about Alex Rodriguez "knocking up" Willow Palin fall in light of these two well known events? Letterman can make all the excuses he wants about meaning Bristol Palin, the 18 year old not the 14 year old daughter, but the event he referred to was attended by Bristol Palin. So what was that, a daughter identification malfunction?

Joking about a person's daughter getting "knocked up" is dangerous territory but the younger the victim the worse the infraction. What's being lost in this is the slur directed against Alex Rodriguez as the supposed rapist. Rodriguez is Latino of Domincan Republic origins. Could this not be a vicious attempt to stereotype Hispanic men for their image for having a promiscuous over-sexed disposition? Surely the image of a pro baseball player raping a teenage girl is bad enough.

Since there was no explicit visual and Letterman did not say one of those seven George Carlin words, FCC fines are not forthcoming. It's up to CBS to do the right thing. After given the chance to apologize and Letterman turned that opportunity into a self-serving attempt simply to show his contempt that someone would dare make an issue of his behavior, any apology or statement at this point would appear forced and totally lacking sincerity. Clearly, Letterman is taking responsibility for nothing.

CBS will try to weasel out of the controversy but if a public uproar forces their hands, something substantial could happen. Anything short of a lengthy suspension would not serve justice for such disrespect and contempt for the Palin family and Alex Rodriguez.

Those who are disgusted by this incident and feel broadcasting must exhibit a better sense of values must push for Letterman's dismissal. New York State Assembly Minority Leader Brian Kolb (R) has written CBS urging such action. In a letter to CBS chief, Les Moonves, Kolb argued:

“Firing Mr. Letterman would send a clear message that CBS will not tolerate any of its employees — even an established media figure like Mr. Letterman — making demeaning and degrading comments about women.”

For more details, here's an article on Mr. Kolb's action:

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,526055,00.html

Meanwhile, the media machine and left-wing loonies are pulling the wagons together to stereotype and demean Letterman's critics as if they are the ones who have warped values.

Bring 'em on. We're ready for the fight.