Days of Change
On the Passing of Don Imus | December 28, 2019
In 1994, I was in the midst of washing out of my first university and spent the summer part-time at a janitorial job where my father worked. On the way, we would listen to Imus in the Morning. I continued to listen as I drove to community college, although I would alternate between him and Howard Stern depending on the signal (and show) quality.
When MSNBC premiered in 1996 a few months after the Imus’ infamous performance at the White House Correspondents Dinner, his show was simulcast on the channel. Imus soon promoted MSNBC talent on his show, like Laura Ingraham. He even had hosts on like Chris Matthews, who months earlier was so offended by Imus at the WHCD, he claimed to walk out during the speech.
Imus would continue on MSNBC for another decade as he increasingly called out the liberal direction the network was taking. While Imus’ termination followed the Rutgers incident, the forces of evil (Keith Olbermann and lackeys) had wanted him out, especially since his high ratings were embarrassing them.
Imus was back on the radio after a short hiatus, but eventually the marketplace and the reduction in guests made it impossible for me to find his broadcast. Imus retired in 2018. His goodbye is on Youtube under his son’s social media account.
I listened to hundreds (maybe thousands) of hours of Imus over the years and his many frequent guests, but I have my fondest memories of sharing some laughs with my dad at a time when I was in a tough situation. Eventually, washing out was replaced with two degrees and an engineering job. Everything is temporary. Sometimes, that’s a good thing. Sometimes, it’s just the way things are.
Rest in Peace, Don Imus.
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