[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 153 (2007), Part 7]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 10158]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                                DON IMUS

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. AL GREEN

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, April 24, 2007

  Mr. AL GREEN of Texas. Madam Speaker, I would like to express my 
opinion concerning the offensive remarks of radio personality Don Imus. 
His insensitive comments, directed at the Rutgers University women's 
basketball team after the team's loss to Tennessee in the NCAA 
tournament, exceeded the boundaries of humor, even by Mr. Imus's 
standards. While I recognize Mr. Imus's right to free speech under the 
First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, I vehemently condemn his 
remarks and support his dismissal from MSNBC and CBS broadcasting 
companies.
  Imus's deplorable comments have overshadowed the Rutgers Scarlet 
Knights' record of success. Starting the season with 2 wins and 4 
losses, the Scarlet Knights overcame great odds through their hard 
work, determination, and dedication. In the face of adversity, the team 
made a triumphant comeback by becoming the Eastern Division champions, 
which later set the stage for their first-ever appearance in a national 
championship competition. So what should have been the team's finest 
hour became its worse hour caused by the regrettable actions of Mr. 
Imus.
  Yet amidst the Imus controversy, this remarkable group of student-
athletes has responded to the situation with dignity and grace, which 
is emblematic of the caliber of these women. The Rutgers Scarlet 
Knights is comprised of five freshmen and five upperclassmen. Of the 
freshman class, each student has a combined grade point average of 3.0. 
These accomplished women are valedictorians of their class, future 
doctors, musical prodigies, and Girl Scouts. These women exemplify 
beauty, strength, and integrity--the very opposite of Imus's 
characterization of them.
  The dismissal of Don Imus sends a powerful message to not only these 
young women but to the rest of Nation. The message: Enough is enough. 
Racism and sexism in any of its ugly forms will no longer be tolerated, 
not even for the sake of a good laugh or good ratings.

                          ____________________