BREAKING: Kaze Suspended from Kim Wade Show for Anti-Bush Comments. | Jackson Free Press | Jackson, MS

BREAKING: Kaze Suspended from Kim Wade Show for Anti-Bush Comments.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Hip-hop artist and activist Kamikaze of Jackson, MS, was suspended indefinitely from the Kim Wade Show on Jackson's WJNT-Talk radio (1180 AM) for anti-Bush comments. Following a monthlong tour of the Czech Republic, Kamikaze was set to return as Wade's co-host, but was informed just moments before going on the air. The reprimand, which stemmed from one angry listener, was based on comments Kamikaze made in his JFP blog and in his column in the Jackson Free Press.

In it, Kamikaze blasted President Bush's foreign policies and encouraged fans to scream "f**k George Bush" during his shows.

Incidentally, this is not the first time that Kamikaze has come under fire for his anti-Bush commentary. In October, he was temporarily banned from Millsaps College in Jackson during an on-campus concert.

As a rebuttal, Kamikaze has recorded a new song, "Take Me Away (Mr. President)" that will serve as an open letter to the Commander-In-Chief. The song will be posted Friday and available for downloading at http://www.myspace.com/mrshonuff601

Says Kamikaze, "Freedom of speech no longer exists in this country. I just toured a country that used to be under communist rule and they appreciated hearing someone speak out against a government...against a president", Kamikaze says. "I don't know if im being singled out but its unfortunate that the station caved to some random callers who disagreed with my viewpoints, but as I remember it that's what this country was founded on. If somebody hadnt spoke out against the government centuries ago, we'd still be ruled by a king and under British rule!"

Previous Comments

ID
114359
Comment

Bummer....

Author
pikersam
Date
2007-09-06T09:36:52-06:00
ID
114360
Comment

Isn't it odd to suspend someone for something that said/wrote in an entirely different medium?

Author
DonnaLadd
Date
2007-09-06T09:39:50-06:00
ID
114361
Comment

Yep. Its kinda disappointing that JNT would cave after a call from an irate Bush-lover as i call em. Even if it was two, three calls it totally destroys the fabric of what this country is supposed to be built on. After an eye-opening trip its kind of ironic that this would happen as soon as I return... What does my blog or column here have to do with a radio across town.. Wonder if it was that yahoo who suggested I STAY overseas "since i loved it so much" LOL.

Author
Kamikaze
Date
2007-09-06T09:43:11-06:00
ID
114362
Comment

What's ironic to me is that they suspend YOU for something clearly non-defamatory that you said in another medium, but Kim says things like, "It is my opinon that BLANK is a BLANK" all the time. I'm sure they know that "It is my opinion that..." is no protection. Weird-o.

Author
DonnaLadd
Date
2007-09-06T09:46:45-06:00
ID
114363
Comment

But as the SGA prez at Millsaps found out..I don't take such things lying down...This is gonna get them more than they bargained for because im gonna scream bloody murder until they get all the unwanted attention they want. Hopefully it will stop them from doing it again and it will probably stop someone else from getting "canned", suspended, or fired for speaking their mind. I thought it was the Czech Republic that had just been relieved of communist rule. Still haven't received a letter, email or even a decent call-back as to the "extent" of this issue with JNT.

Author
Kamikaze
Date
2007-09-06T09:47:04-06:00
ID
114364
Comment

Thing is apparently those "opinions" fall within the scope of their obviously conservative agenda among other things "pro-Bush" and "Pro-War". They havent got one dissenting opinion or opposing viewpoint host-wise on their entire line-up. Clearly right-leaning. I was the only one...I think. Kinda like fox-news on-the-air LOL

Author
Kamikaze
Date
2007-09-06T09:50:58-06:00
ID
114365
Comment

Were you paid to do Kim's show? Just wondering? But, it is cruddy they dropped you over this. And, I'm not a fan of Bush bashing as it really does nothing for you personally - on a local level. On the show you are not even that inflammatory. You tend to middle out a lot of times when both sides are presented on the show. Much like Ben these days; but, it shows you are open to both sides.

Author
pikersam
Date
2007-09-06T09:56:19-06:00
ID
114366
Comment

Funny thing Pike...I got suspended from a job I was doing for FREE!!! LMAO!!! How the hell does THAT happen. However, a radio gig was something I was preparing to pursue in my post hip-hop life and Kim was gracious enough to give me an opportunity. I loved it..Now, its just a principal issue..i don't like losing and if I stay gone or dont say anything that jerk that called the station wins...So now I have to make it really uncomfortable for the JNT brass. And I AM open to opposing views. It profits nothing to see grown men yelling back and forth...so not player!!! But I do know that Im none too fond of Bush and i dont care who knows it.

Author
Kamikaze
Date
2007-09-06T10:07:32-06:00
ID
114367
Comment

So Kaze got "Dixie-chicked". Interesting.

Author
Jeff Lucas
Date
2007-09-06T10:09:33-06:00
ID
114368
Comment

If you can say it here, why not elsewhere? Count it a blessing and move on.

Author
Ray Carter
Date
2007-09-06T10:20:43-06:00
ID
114369
Comment

Thanks Kaze! I was hoping you were doing it for free. Yeah, that is pretty darn low of them to just suspend you. I would rather see a show discussing Bush bashing, and the first amendment over knee-jerking to a rich republican (assumption on my part). ;-)

Author
pikersam
Date
2007-09-06T10:29:08-06:00
ID
114370
Comment

thats the thing Ray..if I can say it here, which Ive done...and gotten heat from it...I should be able to say it abroad..and get the same heat(which I guess Im getting) ..interesting spin too. jeff. WJNT is now owned by the same folks who own WJMI. Same GM. WJMI is the number one urban station in this market and is a vital part in my career as an artist. It is WJMI who broke my biggest records. Suppose Mr. GM tells the PD at WJMI to banish my records..then you messin wit someone's income. Puts another spin on things...

Author
Kamikaze
Date
2007-09-06T10:29:47-06:00
ID
114371
Comment

Sorry to hear about this, Kaze. Hopefully, you can land on your feet somewhere. Have you thought about setting up or working with a web-based radio station to air your views?

Author
golden eagle
Date
2007-09-06T10:50:13-06:00
ID
114372
Comment

Perhaps that vessel was too confining or small for you to occupy anyway. This isn't likely the only thing they would have eventually tried to circumscribe or limit about you anyway. Don't let the man (fictional character) get you down. "There is catlle on a thousand hills all yours to claim."

Author
Ray Carter
Date
2007-09-06T10:52:03-06:00
ID
114373
Comment

Thing is apparently those "opinions" fall within the scope of their obviously conservative agenda among other things "pro-Bush" and "Pro-War". They havent got one dissenting opinion or opposing viewpoint host-wise on their entire line-up. Clearly right-leaning. I was the only one...I think. Kinda like fox-news on-the-air LOL Todd put up a link on another thread yesterday on a report that says 91% of all political talk radio in the U.S. is geared conservative. How can this be when no one political ideology is the majority in this country? This country is about a third conservative, liberal and in-between, plus or minus a few percentage points. There are few liberal hosts out there, mainly offered by Air America (most notably, Randi Rhodes) or Jones Radio (Ed Schultz, Stephanie Miller). Memphis just lost its progressive talk station over the Labor Day weekend and now the only news-talk programming you'll here there is conservative. I remember when WJNT used to counterbalance Rush Limbaugh and G. Gordon Liddy with Alan Colmes and Jim Hightower (before ABC fired him). Now, find me any station that will do it now. It's either one or the other.

Author
golden eagle
Date
2007-09-06T11:06:01-06:00
ID
114374
Comment

Absolutely no balance around here. Even Supertalk is ultra conservative(they were the ones who bashed Banner when he was gonna recieve that award from The Black Caucus) and I know that that is simply not represenative of the views in this city. Reagardless, there should be some other voices on talk radio around here.

Author
Kamikaze
Date
2007-09-06T11:12:40-06:00
ID
114375
Comment

Kaze, the thing you have to always remember Kaze when faced with adversity, is that the Almighty runs the world, not any so-called powerful people who wish to wrongly confine, hurt or silence us. If you and the Lord jointly desire that you succeed, you will despite those men or women.

Author
Ray Carter
Date
2007-09-06T11:13:52-06:00
ID
114376
Comment

Oh Ray TRUST!! I know that..I just like sticking it to the haters..Its a rush for me..I want that one guy(or guys) to know that they have only succeeded in giving me a BIGGER platform to bash Bush and the criticism will get harsher and harsher!! Truth crushed to Earth shall rise again. Just cant stand the fact that someone somewhere is gloating. Feeling responsible for me NOT being on WJNT in the afternoons. The world where all conservatives and right-wing nuts want to see all liberal, progressive thinkers or even moderates tarred and feathered

Author
Kamikaze
Date
2007-09-06T11:19:34-06:00
ID
114377
Comment

Maybe it's just me, but it seems like whenever someone says something bad about a Republican (like what Kaze and the Dixie Chicks said about Bush), they seem to get a harsher backlash than those who criticize a Democrat in the same manner. Again, it could be my bias getting the best of me, but it's I observed over time.

Author
golden eagle
Date
2007-09-06T11:26:51-06:00
ID
114378
Comment

its not just you..LOL

Author
Kamikaze
Date
2007-09-06T11:36:14-06:00
ID
114379
Comment

Now that I think about it, given that a lot of the outrage would come from talk radio callers (which, again, is 91% conservative), they have plenty of outlets to air them out. Those who try to counter will find themselves being shouted out by the host and have their call ended. If a Republican said the same thing about a Democrat, they would say something like "It's a joke." Like White Sox manage Ozzie Guillen likes to say, "Psssst...please!"

Author
golden eagle
Date
2007-09-06T11:41:58-06:00
ID
114380
Comment

Absolutely no balance around here. Even Supertalk is ultra conservative(they were the ones who bashed Banner when he was gonna recieve that award from The Black Caucus) and I know that that is simply not represenative of the views in this city. Reagardless, there should be some other voices on talk radio around here. What about 90.1 WMPR? The late Mr. Tisdale had a talk show on for many years before he passed (which he paid for to have the whole hour commercial free) and he was hardly a Republican or conservative. I think the late Aaron Henry had a talk show on WMPR years ago before he passed also. I've heard that David Archie has a radio show but I've never heard it. I think that your argument isn't entirely true, but I will concede that conservative talk radio has been more successful both locally and nationally. There are pockets of alternative liberal viewpoints, like Al Sharpton's radio show and the embattled Air America network.

Author
Jeff Lucas
Date
2007-09-06T11:45:29-06:00
ID
114381
Comment

Don't worry Golden, these nuts are self-destructing faster than ice thrown in a smoldering fire. Revern Haggard is praying for them, but God has turned a deaf ear and blind eye to many of them.

Author
Ray Carter
Date
2007-09-06T11:48:26-06:00
ID
114382
Comment

Yeah..90.1 is an outlet. and Mr. T. did leave a void but Charles Evers wants an arm, leg, and a blood sample to get time over there. I explored that shortly after Tisdale passed. don't know who has that slot now. Its supposed to be "public radio" over there. Don't mind paying but DAMN! LOL

Author
Kamikaze
Date
2007-09-06T11:55:36-06:00
ID
114383
Comment

Are you telling me Medgar's brother, BB King's best friend, the civil rights champion, the big republican millionnaire who has bragged repeatedly about all the money he made from republican hook-ups, is hustling (i.e. overcharging) a young brother trying to make his way and help the community? You've got to be lying? Are you talking about Charles Evers, the former Mayor of Fayette and a one time Chicago resident? You can't be?

Author
Ray Carter
Date
2007-09-06T12:04:51-06:00
ID
114384
Comment

Says Kamikaze, "Freedom of speech no longer exists in this country." Uh... what? You certainly have the freedom to speak, just like the Dixie Chicks, Howard Stern, whoever. If the federal government or any governmental agency restricts your normal free speech rights, you have a news story. If a privately owned radio station doesn't want you to host a show, the "free speech" diatribe doesn't apply. But you certainly have the right to say even something that is incorrect.

Author
xxgreg
Date
2007-09-06T12:07:18-06:00
ID
114385
Comment

I think Stringfellow has a radio show now. Be sure to turn off the "Sub-Boost" when you listen. Dude has a deep voice. ;-) xxgreg is right. It is the decision of the GM, and the parent company, if you are allowed your right to free speech on their radio station. Yet, that doesn't mesh with the fact you were in Europe when you made the statement. Again, bummer....

Author
pikersam
Date
2007-09-06T12:19:11-06:00
ID
114386
Comment

I think Stringfellow has a radio show now. Yes, it's on WJSU. I believe it comes on Friday afternoons at 4:30.

Author
golden eagle
Date
2007-09-06T12:22:49-06:00
ID
114387
Comment

I don't understand how the same GM can decide that it is innappropriate for a talk show personality to voice strident views against G.W. Bush in an independent forum such as a JFP blog, but it is acceptable to play music that voices strident nihilism and misogyny in urban rap songs on another platform, owned by the same company? It is not acceptable to say "F*** George Bush" but it is acceptible to condone dealing drugs and/or killing other black men (even in the name of artistic expression or "reality")? Doesn't seem consistent, and may just be profit motivated, rather than a more "principled" choice.

Author
Renaldo Bryant
Date
2007-09-06T13:15:14-06:00
ID
114388
Comment

Greg is right. It's not really a "freedom of speech" issue. The government didn't do it to you, so your "rights" aren't violated. Thus, the appropriate response is more speech, which is exactly what you're doing. These kinds of things tend to help the entertainer get their message out wider, so take advantage of it like the Dixie Chicks did. Want to take a gander on who has more respect now—the Dixie Chicks or George Bush? ;-)

Author
DonnaLadd
Date
2007-09-06T13:53:22-06:00
ID
114389
Comment

Now, Mr. Evers would never hustle. ;-D And that sarcasm comes from someone who loves him dearly as a person.

Author
DonnaLadd
Date
2007-09-06T13:54:17-06:00
ID
114390
Comment

Whats so odd about what happenned? I told you all Kim Wade was a buster from day one.

Author
Goldenae
Date
2007-09-06T14:02:45-06:00
ID
114391
Comment

Now I cant let ya bash Kim Golden. He's no buster. Infact, it was HIS idea to put me on in the first place. Wasnt his decision to suspend me either. and he really doesnt need to defend me. Im a big boy LOL. Hes one of the more likeable black conservatives Ive met. and again an even fair exchange of ideas is good. It was good for ratings too. Most talk shows dont get that. May not be the "government" per se' Donna and Greg but it sets a bad precedent when bosses can fire folks based on their own personal beliefs or precepts. Kinda like getting suspended because you like the Bears and they beat the Chargers(who happen to be the bosses favorite) and he suspends you because you come in chirping about the victory. Its just bad business either way. Freedom of Speech should be Freedom of speech. Besides, it wasnt even on their air..

Author
Kamikaze
Date
2007-09-06T14:11:53-06:00
ID
114392
Comment

interesting point Blackwatch...Kinda makes you ask whose agenda is being served.

Author
Kamikaze
Date
2007-09-06T14:14:22-06:00
ID
114393
Comment

I listened to WJNT one morning where they were calling Hilliary Clinton a whore and a lot of other things. Any of them can say anything they want about a "liberal" and there is not a problem. Kamikaze says what is on his mind and he has broken a law. Its hilarious to me. It also mirrors an incedent on the national conservative talk. Sean Hannity blasted the Dixie Chics and others for saying things about Bush and was part of a campaign against them. Recently Tedd Nugent said at a concert he wanted Hilliary and Obama to suck on his gun. Regardless of the many meanings that could have, none of them are decent, but he got a pass. More than that, he got an endorsement. Kamikaze just needs to realize that they only care about certain things when they can use it against someone else.

Author
Goldenae
Date
2007-09-06T14:15:00-06:00
ID
114394
Comment

Kamikaze, Kim is your boy, not mine. I just call em like I see em. Its the Kim Wade Show. If he does not have major say so over the guest or the content, especially concerning freedom of speech issues, he is even weaker than I thought. Whether you need him to, asked him to or not, something like this is what he should stand up for. You mean to tell me that the radio station he works for would let him get on daily and assert all sorts of things about Mayor Melton, but get so perturbed about you expressing your opinion on a totally different medium? Sounds like a buster working for some busters to me.

Author
Goldenae
Date
2007-09-06T14:21:10-06:00
ID
114395
Comment

Goldenae, you're still golden in my book!

Author
Ray Carter
Date
2007-09-06T14:24:52-06:00
ID
114396
Comment

And Golden, it works both ways. If I own a liberal publication, I can decide to cater to my liberal audience by not publishing a Limbaugh, Hannity or George Will column, but take shots at my conservative counterparts and gleefully write stories of fallen Republicans. If I own a relatively conservative radio station, I doubt I would invite someone to host a show that routinely uses the kind of language in public that rappers choose to use so freely, but think nothing of wagging my finger at liberal politicians when they occasionally stumble. And that is without regard to the person who was being disparaged at the concert in Europe. There is nothing sinister about that.

Author
xxgreg
Date
2007-09-06T14:29:06-06:00
ID
114397
Comment

xxgreg, well that is hypocrisy. Do not get upset about crude language if you really mean only crude language directed toward people you like. Kamikaze expressed his personal opinion on an entirely different medium. If he can not do that, they were being phoney by having him on in the first place.

Author
Goldenae
Date
2007-09-06T14:35:37-06:00
ID
114398
Comment

Well, greg, there is also the problem that Kaze uses "crude" language in other ways, and that didn't get him in trouble. Someone made that point already. It may not be "sinister," but it is hypocritical. And the point is very good that conservative talk radio allows women and "thugs" to be called horrible things with no recourse. I mean Larry Nesbit once talked about hanging thugs in front of the capitol and letting them "flap" in the wind.

Author
DonnaLadd
Date
2007-09-06T14:55:13-06:00
ID
114399
Comment

Hey...I'm not defending WJNT or Kim Wade. If you want to call them phoney, that's fine. But freedom of speech doesn't mean you have the freedom to make me listen. And freedom of speech doesn't mean if I own a news outlet, that I have to cater to anyone in allowing them to demand to be heard.

Author
xxgreg
Date
2007-09-06T14:56:36-06:00
ID
114400
Comment

I agree with that, Greg. Not sure about others. It is important to bear in mind that only the government can violate your free-speech rights. But it is perfectly exceptable for consumers to discuss, and react to, how private entities made these kinds of decisions. It's one of the beauties of free enterprise. I remember when Dr. Laura starting screaming bloody murder about free speech because consumers talked back after her horrifying comments about homosexuals. Ironically John Stossel--whom I think is an industry-sucking kowtower--did the same thing when he complained about his speech being shut down after a group of college women protested his visit because of comments he had made about date rape. People don't get the Constitution, unfortunately, and too often think that it applies to private entities and too often think that it only applies to their situation and not someone else's. Kamikaze's best response is to talk back.

Author
DonnaLadd
Date
2007-09-06T15:02:16-06:00
ID
114401
Comment

Folks..I have the song posted FINALLY on my myspace page. Take Me Away (Mr. President) http://www.myspace.com/mrshonuff601 Give it a listen download(for free) and pass along if you agree. If not..keep trucking. Waiting on Jaro to feed me over the actual footage of some of the Czech shows you dont get the full impact until you see it on video!!!

Author
Kamikaze
Date
2007-09-06T15:03:26-06:00
ID
114402
Comment

We all need a refresher in civics. Before I stopped listening, Kamikaze was very respectful to the WJNT audience, even when they were not to him. Its not like he made his comment on WJNT, he made it on another forum that allowed him to express himself in that manner. WJNT had to go looking for his comments to see them. They have every right to not let him back on. But once again, I will say, it just goes to show you what they see as in bounds and what they will go out of their way to call out of bounds. One week of listening to Larry Nesbit you will hear far worse than someone cussing Bush. What test freedom of speech? Things you dont want to hear. This situation is more about hypocrisy though.

Author
Goldenae
Date
2007-09-06T15:09:43-06:00
ID
114403
Comment

I agree with you, Golden. It is not a freedom of speech issue, but it is sheer hypocrisy. I hope Kamikaze turns it into a golden opportunity for himself.

Author
DonnaLadd
Date
2007-09-06T15:11:20-06:00
ID
114404
Comment

Ladd, we have to help him do that. Kamikaze should write a letter or take out an ad in JFP and ask WJNT to apply the same standard to him that they applied to Imus and other similar situations. Reveal them for the blatant hypocrits that they are.

Author
Goldenae
Date
2007-09-06T15:23:35-06:00
ID
114405
Comment

Well, they fired him for the blog; I suspect they are seeing this forum he has in which to complain about it. I also just sent his release out nationally.

Author
DonnaLadd
Date
2007-09-06T15:25:33-06:00
ID
114406
Comment

Can you bring us a disk tomorrow? I'll use that song in class for sure.... Blackwatch, AMEN. Frustrating. Am I wrong that the airwaves have to have balance? And that's why the Chicks went to Congress? Does ONE complaint really mean that the listeners don't want it?

Author
emilyb
Date
2007-09-06T15:28:41-06:00
ID
114407
Comment

I find this discussion fascinating, and I see a weird parallel with what happened to Jimmy the Greek. For those too young to remember, he was a prominent and popular CBS sports commentator back in the 1970s and 1980s (I think he’s dead now) who made some off-the-air comments about black athletes which got him fired almost 20 years ago. I think his comments were that blacks were better athletes because of their breeding from slave times. He was crude but he didn't cuss or use the n-word by most accounts. He said this during a film interview with a reporter with a local network that was supposed to be “off the record” and not related to CBS at all, but once the NAACP and other black organizations got wind of it they demanded his firing, which CBS obliged. I'm not defending what The Greek said, even though I remember a few of my Dad's friends saying at the time that as black men they really weren't offended by it, even saying that there was a grain of truth in the statement. I'm just looking for consistency in the outrage.

Author
Jeff Lucas
Date
2007-09-06T15:30:38-06:00
ID
114408
Comment

I guess I'm reminded of it because of the arguments made at the time to defend him were similar, that comments made outside of his "job" was protected and he shouldn't be fired for his personal opinions expressed off the airwaves or at another venue.

Author
Jeff Lucas
Date
2007-09-06T15:33:06-06:00
ID
114409
Comment

Jeff, you are asking for consistency from the wrong crowd. I did not have a problem with what Jimmy the Greek said and my birth certificate says Negro on it. With Imus, I did not want him fired, I just thought it absurd that people would defend him. The inconsistency is with WJNT. I do not want to control their content, just point them out as hypocrits. The loved Kamikaze when he was defending Imus's right to say what he wanted to.

Author
Goldenae
Date
2007-09-06T15:41:31-06:00
ID
114410
Comment

Props to Kaz for the song. True hip-hop gives a voice to the voiceless, oppressed people and offers biting social critique, which "Take Me Away" does, and it has a bumpin beat and catchy hook. I must admit that I am impressed with your skill as a rapper (rap=rythmic American poetry-peace to tha D.O.C.) to tell a story and express the realities of urban life. The connection of urban blight to public policy and government is something that is lacking many times in the social commentary I find here in MS. A breath of fresh air.

Author
Renaldo Bryant
Date
2007-09-06T15:44:53-06:00
ID
114411
Comment

who made some off-the-air comments about black athletes which got him fired almost 20 years ago. I think his comments were that blacks were better athletes because of their breeding from slave times. Do you find generalized statements about a race of people on the same ground as criticism of a specific public servant? It seems like a different scenario, but with only the actual firing process in common.

Author
DonnaLadd
Date
2007-09-06T15:59:18-06:00
ID
114412
Comment

Golden, I didn't agree with the decision to fire Imus but I could support the action given that he made those comments over the air while performing his job. The legality of the firing was a separate issue for me and CBS is now paying dearly for overreacting on that decision. Kaze made comments overseas outside of his role as guest commentator on WJNT This Afternoon, and while I think his firing is unfair, I'm really not surprised given how radio/TV tend to cater to the loudest voices (not always the majority) in their audience who they fear can impact their image, profit and bottom line, whether its the Dixie Chicks, Jimmy the Greek or Kamikaze, and "free speech" be damned. I doubt seriously that most people in the WJNT listening audience even knew about Kaze's comments, but what I suspect is that there has been animosity about his presence from some audience members for a while now and this incident just provided the owners some excuse to make this decision.

Author
Jeff Lucas
Date
2007-09-06T16:05:03-06:00
ID
114413
Comment

WOW!!!! I only really started listening to WJNT after you got on. I heard the station and always thought another voice was needed, they're TOO conservative. It's almost like FOX news and everyone who differs from their opinions ... they get talked over or booted off. WHAT'S THE NUMBER?? I'M CALLING NOW!!!

Author
willwork4food
Date
2007-09-06T16:54:10-06:00
ID
114414
Comment

Ahhh Freedom of speech. While it's generally true that freedom of speech doesn't apply to the private realm, it's also true that freedom of speech drives away talented independent thinkers. This is even true at the community social level. The whole point of freedom of speech is to allow new alternatives to be voiced. One expressing an unpopular or "weird" or "stupid"opinion may not have to worry about the government, but they DO have to worry about their community standing (especially ostracism). This fear of ostracism (especially if you're concerned about your image in the community) leads to self-censorship (or censorship under threat of ostracism, take your pick). Self-censorship, in turn leads to decreased access to alternative ideas - which in the long run, hurts society. After all, how far do you think science and technology would have advanced if the scientific community had the same problem with self-censorship to the degree that so much of mainstream society does? Conclusion: Without freedom of speech, you have, at best an inefficient democracy (like, I'm sorry to have to say, so much of the Deep South continues to have). -- OK, I'll admit to be something of a hypocrite here, for I'm still in flux about hate speech and a few other forms of expression being banned (legitimate protection of society or mere oppression, [think Fred Phelps vs. Mahatma Ghandi]?). The freedom of speech issue will likely never be settled. All we can do is set up approximate guidelines. Even so, we should all be aware of what I said above -- limiting freedom of speech, even via social ostracism, peer pressure, etc leads to inefficient democracies at best and the first stepping stone on the path to dictatorship at worst.

Author
Philip
Date
2007-09-06T17:52:00-06:00
ID
114415
Comment

I’m not drawing any moral or political equivalence between Jimmy’s comments and Kaze’s comments, just reflecting that in both instances a private business acted in their right to terminate the services of an employee (or in Kaze’s case just an unpaid contributor) who made statements outside of the workplace deemed offensive by management and to a segment of their audience. Seems a little bit unfair to those like me who weren't offended in either case, but it also seems to be the nature of the business.

Author
Jeff Lucas
Date
2007-09-06T17:52:46-06:00
ID
114416
Comment

In it, Kamikaze blasted President Bush's foreign policies and encouraged fans to scream "f**k George Bush" during his shows. I would tend to side with the Radio Station. They may have concerns the tone this would have set. I don't listen to radio anymore because of the hate language and rage that is encouraged on the airwaves. I have no love for President Bush and I didn't vote for him. I have been to Eastern Europe / Asia Minor and points beyond. I know that we have a lot that We could share with them. I hope that the rage and hostility on our Radio isn't one of those things.

Author
Slider
Date
2007-09-06T19:24:48-06:00
ID
114417
Comment

Am I wrong that the airwaves have to have balance? And that's why the Chicks went to Congress? Does ONE complaint really mean that the listeners don't want it? There used to be the Fairness Doctrine, which required broadcasters to present controversial topics in a balanced manner. Read this article from Wikipedia for more on this subject. Sometimes, one complaint is all it takes to get someone or something the air. There was a woman in Michigan who unsuccessfully tried to get Married...With Children taken off the air. Her attempts backfired, as the show's ratings rose.

Author
golden eagle
Date
2007-09-06T20:34:07-06:00
ID
114418
Comment

I would tend to side with the Radio Station. They may have concerns the tone this would have set. Slider ... this is the thing. The whole point of talk radio and Kamikaze being on the Kim Wade show was to show a different point of view. Kim is way right-wing conservative and Kamikaze was the left-wing liberal gone wrong. This is the tone it's suppose to set. You need an intelligent banter on political views, otherwise you have FOX news.

Author
willwork4food
Date
2007-09-06T20:43:41-06:00
ID
114419
Comment

Actually this is the thing.... Intelligent banter is not what the majority of the listeners are wanting from the Kim Wade show. They want to have their opinions supported by someone in authority. Most right-wing conservatives, love to have some one like Kamikaze represent the liberal view. In radio language matters almost as much as content. The Kim Wade show is just like Fox News when Kamikaze is on it. Fox chooses a less articulate liberal or someone that can be discredited easily. I know words are very powerful. The term "F**k Bush" doesn't add to any conversation. I am very tired of liberals being so easily labeled as "gone wrong" . Why try so hard to be so easily dismissed by outrageous language

Author
Slider
Date
2007-09-07T08:59:42-06:00
ID
114420
Comment

Folks, check it out: This story is front page of AAN site right now.

Author
DonnaLadd
Date
2007-09-07T09:08:51-06:00
ID
114421
Comment

True. The goal of opinion talk radio, be it liberal or conservative, is not to inform but to Affirm. To that end, hosts spend 2-3 hours on the air daily cherry picking news stories and op-eds that they can spin to promote their point of view. I listened to Air America for over a year a while back and it was more of the same garbage just with a liberal flavor. The Oxycontin Golfer is still the best at it, but Wallbanger seems to have learned the game pretty well during his time at Faux News Channel.

Author
Jeff Lucas
Date
2007-09-07T10:04:10-06:00
ID
114422
Comment

Why is Wade so quiet? Why doesnt he weigh in and give his side of the story? Or will they let him talk?

Author
Goldenae
Date
2007-09-07T10:26:08-06:00
ID
114423
Comment

He's probably not allowed to say anything about it on the air.

Author
golden eagle
Date
2007-09-07T10:41:02-06:00
ID
114424
Comment

Wade has to realize that it undercuts his credibility by not commenting or not being allowed to comment. How can WJNT justify being so abrassive if they appear so sensitive on this issue?

Author
Goldenae
Date
2007-09-07T10:52:25-06:00
ID
114425
Comment

Well golden...my brother..the best way to voice your displeasure...and to make the station deal with the issue head on...is to call today 5:10 601 366 1880. and simply ask "Where's the Kaz?" LOL. its funny but he'll have to deal with it. In fact Im asking folks to call in during the show today and voice your opinions about the issue. whether you agree or not. Just dont let them ignore it. Again 601 366 1180 today at 5:10pm Ask him why Kaze was suspended.

Author
Kamikaze
Date
2007-09-07T13:04:35-06:00
ID
114426
Comment

..."The Kim Wade show is just like Fox News when Kamikaze is on it. Fox chooses a less articulate liberal or someone that can be discredited easily. I know words are very powerful. The term "F**k Bush" doesn't add to any conversation." ..I dont know if that is to infer that Im "less" articulate than the average liberal. so Im trying to decide if I should be offended or not. Im easy to discredit? As I stated on the JFP show today on WLEZ(A great show by the way). Im a man with an extensive vocabulary. I could very well have used different verbiage. There is a difference between "choosing to" and "not being able to". in my case it was the former. simply because more PC language would have gotten my comments ignored. Truth is when I said "F--k Bush" people paid more attention. bottom Line. they always do. Folks dont listen until someone says or does something to shake their proverbial apple cart. ..really im more moderate than anything.

Author
Kamikaze
Date
2007-09-07T13:10:10-06:00
ID
114427
Comment

As I watched the pre-show to football last night (saints and colts), I said wouldn't it be wonderful if the NFL used rappers to do the theme song next year or in place of Faith Hill ( a MS girl who i'll give a pass for that reason) or the country music guy they used the last few years. Then I said I bet they're scared to death they will hear to many mf, sob or something worse. The words and styles or rappers do get quick attention and are often quite humorous, but Kaze don't you think those words and styles also hurt rappers in the long run and for chances of hitting the bigger times. It seems to me the nflers are also either conservative folks or are afraid to lose fans in the dog-eat-dog world of television competition. I'm all for talking about Bush. He deserves it. The f-word is kind of strong though.

Author
Ray Carter
Date
2007-09-07T13:23:30-06:00
ID
114428
Comment

Would probably try to use softer language next time Ray..but ya got to get em listening first..tiptoeing around the issue never addresses it. A LOT(and I mean a LOT) of people dont like Bush. Im just no afraid to really say so. I dislike him in the basest terms..which equals a F--K Bush for me!! I cant get any stronger than that. and there's no room for doubt obviously. It got everyone's attention and now a dialogue has emerged. Like I said on Radio JFP..I could have easily said. "Im none to pleased with the President" or "Im not fond of George Bush" or even " the President really irks me". Probably statements that would have been dismissed otherwise. I dont talk like that in regular convo and that word is not a word that I freely sling around. I know better and can use better. it was simply a choice to use the racier content for effect. the song I have dedicated to Bush on my myspace page has the profanity taken out. Its a clean listen and my point STILL comes across. Sometimes Ray dissension is not pretty. sometimes revolution is not pretty. Occasionally the words are gonna be harsh.

Author
Kamikaze
Date
2007-09-07T13:41:50-06:00
ID
114429
Comment

Kaz, I have to keep my word and that was to never listen to the Kim Wade Show again. But I will draft the station a letter.

Author
Goldenae
Date
2007-09-07T13:49:40-06:00
ID
114430
Comment

Nah...ya cant get off the hook that esy. Besides. the best way to make youor opinion known or for it to have an effect is to call. Its what got me suspended in the first place right? Why not call the GM instead of calling the show? Anyone else who prefers NOT to be on the air. Call the GM 601 957 1300 and let your voice b heard.

Author
Kamikaze
Date
2007-09-07T13:52:33-06:00
ID
114431
Comment

Seriously, its a matter of principle to me. I was a fairly frequent caller, but they crossed the line and I drew the line. I will call the GM then. You have my word on that.

Author
Goldenae
Date
2007-09-07T13:59:37-06:00
ID
114432
Comment

Kim Wade just made a statement/joke about Kaze being booted. And he sent a message to me, answering my statement that he makes something pretty bold "In my opinion, xxxx is a xxxxxx" statements, which hasn't gotten him suspended. He responded, nonsensically, that some people say that Melton is a crime-fighter, and he isn't, so that means he can accuse Melton off being things that are considered less honorable than "crime-fighter." Uh, I wish issues of defamation were quite so simplistic. I'm not challenging Wade on his opinion; it's his opinion. I'm saying that the people who own his station are hypocritical for letting him say that ON THE AIR about one public servant, and suspending Kaze for something he said in another media outlet and in another country about another public servant. His response was very weak.

Author
DonnaLadd
Date
2007-09-07T16:42:03-06:00
ID
114433
Comment

I got a similar email from Wade about Kamikaze today that really did not surprise me at all. I think I may be the only person that looks at Kim Wade and sees a very sad individual. That is just my opinion. It is just odd to me that a person would swing from the Nation of Islam to a right wing conservative. But it happens. I would doubt that this recent incident with Kaz is any bigger than any other incident he has been involved with, but it should be. Reasonably thinking people will look at this situation and see the hypocrisy. It is just my personal opinion that Kim Wade cares more about fitting in than doing what is right. Being a black conservative does not mean you have to take a hostile stance against the black community, but he has chosen to do so. That being the case, if his bosses tell him to boot Kamikaze, why would he care? I told Kim a long time ago that if he just keeps talking, people will see him for what he really is. Maybe that is now, maybe it will come later, but he will not change.

Author
Goldenae
Date
2007-09-07T17:03:14-06:00
ID
114434
Comment

That is just my opinion. It is just odd to me that a person would swing from the Nation of Islam to a right wing conservative. Well, Golden, the NOI isn't far from right-wing conservatism in many ways. I'd say it's more right than left.

Author
DonnaLadd
Date
2007-09-07T17:13:29-06:00
ID
114435
Comment

Ladd, you may be right, but the NOI, especially Farrahkan would not make that link, nor would leaders on the right embrace NOI. In an obscure way, I see the similarities now that you point that out.

Author
Goldenae
Date
2007-09-07T17:46:56-06:00
ID
114436
Comment

Oh, I know. Just like Melton's most strident North Jackson supporters wouldn't want to admit how similar they, in some vital ways, to the Jackson Advocate contingent. Division is division, no matter how you get there. NOI conservatism: pro-gun stockpiling anti-women's rights anti-abortion patriarchal anti-gay segregationist not pluralistic toward religion Let's see: what else?

Author
DonnaLadd
Date
2007-09-07T18:07:21-06:00
ID
114437
Comment

Yeah..I heard that too Donna LOL. Nice non-stance followed by a little uncomfortable humor to lighten the mood. I DO infact know it was the "suits" as he put it that did it. That's actually who I want to target. Kim's "talent" and cant or wont take a visible stand no matter how cool he thinks I am. That show was there long before I got on so why would he losr it defending me. It just wreaks that other comments from him and his guests fit along those same lines ON-AIR and nothing is done. I guess its not WHAT you say but WHO you say it about. And Bush is the conservative's "sacred cow". I dont feel like Ive made a dent yet..

Author
Kamikaze
Date
2007-09-07T18:30:01-06:00
ID
114438
Comment

I guess its not WHAT you say but WHO you say it about. Amen.

Author
DonnaLadd
Date
2007-09-07T18:43:45-06:00
ID
114439
Comment

Well, Golden, the NOI isn't far from right-wing conservatism in many ways. I'd say it's more right than left. There's a lot of truth in that which is probably why I have some love for the NOI and Farrakhan, but I cringe at his anti-Jew rhetoric and rigid prejudices.

Author
Jeff Lucas
Date
2007-09-07T18:51:56-06:00
ID
114440
Comment

Didn't Kamikaze work for Hearst-Argyle for a little while?

Author
A-Tee_ate
Date
2007-09-08T08:39:22-06:00
ID
114441
Comment

What is all the fuss about? Your editor, Donna Ladd, throws people off her web site all the time with whom she disagrees, after she calls them trolls and all sorts of other terrible things. I believe she threw Dr. Matthias off a number of weeks ago, and Matthias didn't use the F word about anyone. However, writers to this website don't own it. And those who have have hired Ladd to be in charge. They also give her the right to toss anyone off she doesn't want. And although she does it most often with conservative bloggers, she even dumps folks as benign and liberal as Tom Head, who must have annoyed Ladd for some unfathomable reason. She can do it if she wishes as long as her owners agree. And at that point, if they disagree, they'll toss her too. I'm fairly new to blogging (I was a lurker). I fear I can't argue with Ladd, either. She'll probably try to squelch my voice, too. The folks who own WJNT did the same to the Koz. Stinks, doesn't it, Ms. Ladd. Then stop doing it yourself. Eloise

Author
**Previously Banned Member**
Date
2007-09-08T19:53:42-06:00
ID
114442
Comment

You don't get banned or suspended for merely disagreeing with Donna or anyone else. These are the reasons why that would happen. All you have to do is follow the rules and it won't happen to you. Unlike Frank Melton, no one is above the law here.

Author
golden eagle
Date
2007-09-08T21:26:18-06:00
ID
114443
Comment

And the saga continues.. Doing an interview Monday a.m. with KKFI 90.1 FM Kansas City Community Radio. Vicki Walker and KC Media Watchdogs - Heard the story and called for an interview...Gonna see if they simulcast on the web. So now mr. anonymous caller I get to bash Bush all the way up in KC. Something I probably wouldnt have been able to do if ya hadnt made that call. hmmmm...

Author
Kamikaze
Date
2007-09-09T13:36:30-06:00
ID
114444
Comment

Cool, Kaze. Represent well! Eloise, you need to get your facts straight before you start accusing other people of stuff. First, I allow people to post on this site who have said some horrible things in other forums—like white nationalist (or whatever he calls himself; Rebel?) Jim Giles. We interviewed him and allowed him to post here until he violated the User Agreement just like everyone else. The WJNT situation is very different as I've already said. They kicked Kaze off because of something he said in a completely different forum (not to mention country), not because he was "trolling" their station (violating the on-air rules). They had the right to, and Kaze and others have the right to point out their hypocrisy, considering what they allow Nesbit, Wade and others to actually say on-air there. So get used to people responding. Your comments about me personally are funny. First, do you really think I'm a hired gun at the Jackson Free Press? I own the paper, along with my partner Todd Stauffer. Trust me, I'm not going to be fired anytime soon regardless of how I deal with trolls. ;-) I have never banned Tom Head (or a number of other people who claim that I did, not that Tom claims that, as far as I know), but I have suspended "liberals" who wouldn't follow the rules. I repeat: NO ONE has ever been suspended for agreeing or disagreeing; they get suspended for being disagreeable and for violating the rules. They then go whine about their free speech, but the truth is they couldn't be adult enough to take responsibility for their own behavior. They made their own bed. I did suspend the Good Doc finally, not because I disagree with her on some issues (we agree strongly about the incompetency of Melton), but because she persisted in violating the rules here with juvenile name-calling, not to mention generalizations about groups of people. She had long done both in some ways, but I tend to give people who post under their own names more leeway, figuring they are owning their comments for better or worse. Be aware that I don't have the same patience for anonymous trolls who only show up to tell people how much they suck, spew bad facts and do anything but talk about issues. You're either here for participate in a civil discussion or you're not. I suggest you give it a try, within the rules, and see what happens. Otherwise, as I tell everyone, ALL comments about the moderator and the way the site is run MUST go to: [email][email protected][/email] Any further such comments will be deleted without notice, per the user rules. Please discuss issues if you plan to continue posting, and make sure you are not posting false statements are you are above.

Author
DonnaLadd
Date
2007-09-09T15:58:39-06:00
ID
114445
Comment

Other than Ray Carter, who is listed in the white pages, Ladd, the Koz, and a few others, most folks who post here do it anonymously. Matthias and Head at least had the honesty to use their real names. EP

Author
**Previously Banned Member**
Date
2007-09-09T16:13:34-06:00
ID
114446
Comment

A good number of people post under their real names, and I know the identity of most people who don't. I always respect people who do more. However, I realize that some people have reasons that they can't. My point is that I have much less patience for people pushing the rules when they are anonymous, because it's usually the same guy who has already passed through and pee-ed on the floor a few times. I give everybody, including you, several tries to figure out the user agreement and how to follow it, and I give people under their real names a few more. But it can only go so far, or all the silliness drives off the people who aren't here to show their butts. And they're our core customer base here, and it would be bad business to let a few jerks run them off, no? Now, please take me seriously that we are not going to discuss the moderation policy any longer. Post about issues, on topic, or do not post again.

Author
DonnaLadd
Date
2007-09-09T16:18:36-06:00
ID
114447
Comment

Ray, there are those of us who want to be spared the f***s and the h*s, and the b****es and crotchgrabbing as we watch the NFL. We dislike seeing Rosanne Barr bare her butt on TV, too. Nascar runs a clean show, and their ratings have never been better. TV these days is about CHOICE, and if you want to see candywrappers doing all these things (and more) watch MTV, BET, etc. That's what it's all about. If you're mad that WJNT declined to invite the Koz back to Wade's show, don't listen to it. Don't like the Clarion-Ledger, don't buy it, don't read it. I don't like the ultra-liberal leanings of NPR. Guess what? I don't listen to it anymore, or I selectively don't listen during their news/features broadcasting time. (During a trip last weekend to the Big Easy, NPR had avoice coach on for a 15 minute segment telling us how she teaches heavy-metal rockers to scream without hurting their vocal cords! BORING!) It doesn't surprise me in the least that Wade belonged to the NOI at one time. To quote my Daddy---"If you're young and not a revolutionary, you have no heart. If you're old, and not a conservative, you have no brain." EP

Author
**Previously Banned Member**
Date
2007-09-09T16:25:57-06:00
ID
114448
Comment

True, Eloise, people have the power to avoid certain media. They can also talk publicly or privately about why they're doing it. You know what John Dewey said about conversation and democracy. This is a great line: "We dislike seeing Rosanne Barr bare her butt on TV, too." Tee, hee. Good "issues" post, by the way. ;-) I would ask why an older person should be a conservative, though. The most interesting, and active, ones I've known weren't. I mean, why can't older people have hearts, to probe your daddy's quote a bit?

Author
DonnaLadd
Date
2007-09-09T16:42:58-06:00
ID
114449
Comment

There's several dead spaces in the song.. censors I'm assuming. Why? Put the song up un-edited. You're complaining about being censored but censor yourself? Come on Kaze. [img]http://home.comcast.net/~tegaspard/images/smiles/confused.gif[/img]

Author
LambdaRisen
Date
2007-09-09T18:47:26-06:00
ID
114450
Comment

Just dropping in to say that I was never banned by Donna--though the password reminder system was apparently banned by the rather aggressive spam filter on tomhead.net, which is why the Revised and Expanded account is the only one that works (it goes to my gmail address). I backed away mainly because--when it gets down to brass tacks--I'm ashamed of what I said about some people and institutions while I was posting here. There are other excuses, but that's where the emotional energy comes from. My mental engine is powered on self-actualizing guilt. Vroom, vroom. I probably said some unkind things about the JFP on the way out, too, so that gives me more to feel guilty about. Wonder Twin powers, activate! Form of...raw vitriol! Shape of...Holden Caulfield! If y'all miss me, I'm on both Facebook and MySpace, though I check the former account more regularly. Did I say regularly? I meant obsessively. Oh, and drop me an email if you want to. I also drop by to snark on various local blogs at random. I am the thief who moves in the night, or something. Hell, I might even post here from time to time if it doesn't make me too raaaaaandy. And you'll see me in the local community. I still do activist stuff, I still do interfaith stuff, I never did much arts stuff (I'm terrible at it, as anyone who saw me stumble all over my attempts to help with HeARTS Against AIDS can attest). But I don't spend as much time as I used to posting on the Jackson Free Press forums, and that's probably best for everybody, myself included. There comes a time when a (wo)man must ride, ride into the sunset, and-- no, wait, that sounds morbid. Let's try again. There comes a time when a (wo)man must stand on [his]/[her] own two feet and-- no, that's not right either. Screw it. Anyway, you know where to find me. Love and smooches to everybody, especially pikers, who did NOT chase me off, my own gestures to the contrary. I'm deeply sorry if I ever implied as much. (Vroom!)

Author
Tom Head, Revised and Expanded Edition
Date
2007-09-09T19:27:19-06:00
ID
114451
Comment

Did I say snark? I meant participate constructively as a member of this beloved Jackson area community. Snarking is mean. And I probably did it. Yeah, I snark too much. It's snark week. Snark attack. Tiger snark. I am the Great White Snark. And I feel terribly guilty about it. (Vroom!)

Author
Tom Head, Revised and Expanded Edition
Date
2007-09-09T19:36:48-06:00
ID
114452
Comment

Huh--well, this is nice. Through intervention of angels or demons, the password for my old account just came in. Donna, you can delete the other one if you'd like--the username throws off the thread formatting for some reason, and he's a jerk anyway. Okay, back on topic. Sorry for the distraction. (Vroom!) Kaze, haven't heard the track yet--about to--but have you heard the Moby/Public Enemy collaboration "Make Love F--k War"? Three or four years old, but a good track. Catchy as hell.

Author
Tom Head
Date
2007-09-09T20:05:25-06:00
ID
114453
Comment

.."There's several dead spaces in the song.. censors I'm assuming. Why? Put the song up un-edited. You're complaining about being censored but censor yourself? Come on Kaze" ..Well Lambda thats called a "radio version" Servicing this record to a lot of radio stations around the country..and the response has been better than I expected given the content. Secondly, I didnt want the message to be obscured by folks who would surely say "Well, there's too much cussing in it" or "I didnt want to listen becuase of the profanity" I took away those excuses. It's good for ALL ears! Thirdly, ITS OK IF I CENSOR MYSELF!! As long as its ME deciding what I should or shouldnt say its cool. But I refuse to let anyone else censor me. I felt like it was appropriate for me to say what i said in the Czech Republic given the situation and I felt it was appropriate to post a radio version of the song on my page.

Author
Kamikaze
Date
2007-09-10T09:39:23-06:00
ID
114454
Comment

Gotcha. But MySpace ain't radio so put the uncensored version up! I just don't see how you can have a song blasting that bastard Bush, and parts of it be censored.. except for terrestrial, corporate radio obviously (go Sirius and XM!).

Author
LambdaRisen
Date
2007-09-10T09:45:28-06:00
ID
114455
Comment

Speaking of censors, I didn't know b@st@rd was that bad of a word! [img]http://home.comcast.net/~tegaspard/images/smiles/rofl.gif[/img]

Author
LambdaRisen
Date
2007-09-10T09:46:28-06:00
ID
114456
Comment

Oh, and don't forget that his use of the F-word had an asterick in it in both his blog and in the column that WJNT got so bent about. So it was no different than his radio version, really.

Author
DonnaLadd
Date
2007-09-10T09:59:51-06:00
ID
114457
Comment

I will do that Lambda..But I still want folks to have a choice...yeah..go figure..b-----d is a "cuss" word

Author
Kamikaze
Date
2007-09-10T10:01:03-06:00
ID
114458
Comment

The "B" word isn't that bad, but some radio stations will edit out words even more tame than that. Y101 edits the word "drugs" out of the Nickelback song "Rockstar".

Author
golden eagle
Date
2007-09-10T10:27:16-06:00
ID
114459
Comment

exactly..dont wann get too far off subject. Cuz that goes into the "music" issue again. Point is. i would have never used the "f" bomb on the air on WJNT..We all know FCC laws prohibit that. But they in essence say that folks who are on any of their shows are to be censored OUTSIDE of the workplace as well. Or maybe that just applies to those who dont like the government

Author
Kamikaze
Date
2007-09-10T10:34:22-06:00
ID
114460
Comment

Not to get too far off topic, but how about that Kid Rock and Tommy Lee impression of Suge Knight and Dre last night at the VMA awards. Had I known rockers would be fighting I'd tuned in. Were they fighting over Pamela Anderson who had the good sense to leave both before becoming too stoned, drugged-out and battle-worn? Don't they know fights should occur for a real reason such as who is the best rapper, best producer, has the biggest rims, most bling bling or is the realest of the real. Those rockers simply bore me, and they fight like girls.

Author
Ray Carter
Date
2007-09-10T11:34:21-06:00
ID
114461
Comment

Eloise, its hard for you to say that NASCAR runs a clean show. Maybe its one of those situations where you cant see the forest for the trees. I saw a special on black drivers trying to get into NASCAR and all of the hostility against them. Richard Petty got on there and said that he did not think blacks had a place in NASCAR. Its hard for me to see that kind of thing and call it a clean show. Maybe it does not support a particular type of music, or bad language, but how ugly is it when it systematically tries to exclude people? Its a lot of ugly out there that people accept. Why overlook that and get upset about what Kaz said? He would still be on WJNT if he had said "F" Bill Clinton. Because that would be an acceptable use of the word to that audience.

Author
Goldenae
Date
2007-09-10T11:56:47-06:00
ID
114462
Comment

haha I was talking about b@st@rd being censored in my post here. At any rate, I look forward to the unedited version of the song Kaze. Thanks.

Author
LambdaRisen
Date
2007-09-10T11:58:27-06:00
ID
114463
Comment

He would still be on WJNT if he had said "F" Bill Clinton Truer words have likely never been spoken, Goldenae.

Author
DonnaLadd
Date
2007-09-10T12:05:03-06:00
ID
114464
Comment

Eloise I didn't see your post until now. Thanks for your comment. Faith Hill is so boring that she would be offensive to some music listeners, too. I understand your point though. I don't want to see the grabbing and hear the f, b, and h words either, but I surely would like to hear a different tune or sound inviting me to football. Ater hearing Faith, I don't know whether to watch the game, take a nap or shoot myself. Maybe a clean rapper, rocker, hip-hopper or an old school musician with some unvarnished energy. I bet the players wouldn't vote to have country music played as the intoduction to Football. I would love to see a survey of football fans and ticketholders concerning what music they prefer to hear, and I wouldn't be shocked if Country ranked high on the list or won.

Author
Ray Carter
Date
2007-09-10T12:19:50-06:00
ID
114465
Comment

Faith was kinda boring. I think she is more suited to singing loves songs to her hubby or cussing out a fan for fondling him. Maybe Kaz can come up with something. My cowboys deserve better than that intro last night.

Author
Goldenae
Date
2007-09-10T12:34:18-06:00
ID
114466
Comment

I would love to see a survey of football fans and ticketholders concerning what music they prefer to hear, and I wouldn't be shocked if Country ranked high on the list or won. It depends on the market. If it were Nashville, then I would bet country would be high on the list. All other places, it could go any way. I bet what most people wouldn't want is a repeat of the 2005 Orange Bowl (the one in which USC beat Oklahoma) in which Ashlee Simpson was booed.

Author
golden eagle
Date
2007-09-10T12:49:46-06:00
ID
114467
Comment

Youre sooooo right. Bill clinton regularly gets lambasted on those shows and as I recall the economy was doing quite well during his tenure. Its a simple measure to hold their audience hostage with only THEIR views. As if squashing other opinions will hide the truth.

Author
Kamikaze
Date
2007-09-10T13:00:04-06:00
ID
114468
Comment

Don't tell me you're shocked this happened, Kamikaze. :)

Author
Ironghost
Date
2007-09-10T13:19:33-06:00
ID
114469
Comment

Actually, I am surprised. I'm not surprised that they wouldn't let him say it on the air, but it is rather extreme to suspend him for something he said that didn't have anything to do with WJNT. I mean, we know he didn't do it due to the "f*ck" part; have you heard his music? Thus it's about his views on Bush that he expressed somewhere else completely. That is just weird.

Author
DonnaLadd
Date
2007-09-10T13:22:54-06:00
ID
114470
Comment

I take it that Eloise means conservative in the sense of going from wild as a teenager and young adult to using good judgment like a grown up and seasoned adult, not the definitions liberals and conservatives have been given of late by Ronald Pagan and Rusty Limpbaugh. The conservatives as described by Pagan and Rusty were/are jealous of Clinton because he was a pimp believing in a little bit of that and a little bit of this, so long as he could use it to win. He was whatever the moment and time called for. He pretended to be more liberal and conservative than anyone else when he needed to be. I have to give Rusty his props for reading Clinton well. You don't have to be a genius to see how hypocritical these conservatives are today, which is why I don't blame Senator Craig for not resigning without a fight. If Kaze would go back and apologize then say he meant f Jessie, Al, Barack, Dr. King and some other good Negroes he would get his own show and some recompense.

Author
Ray Carter
Date
2007-09-10T13:26:02-06:00
ID
114471
Comment

Right, Ray, I missed her clues about that. My bad. (wink) You have a point about Craig: The hypocrites knew a long time ago, as he was leading the fight against gay marriage. Yes, it is hard to imagine those guys firing Kaze for saying "F*ck Jesse," ain't it? I think they'd draw the line at Dr. King, though, to give them credit. Probably not Obama, and definitely not Sharpton.

Author
DonnaLadd
Date
2007-09-10T13:28:41-06:00
ID
114472
Comment

"Richard Petty got on there and said that he did not think blacks had a place in NASCAR." Gold. Where did you get this about Petty? The fact is, the Pettys and the Scotts were quite close. They were also close to the Earnhardts, Jarretts and many others. Did Scott have a tough time coming through the NASCAR ranks? Absolutely. But NASCAR wasn't any different than baseball, football or anything else for black athletes of his time. Here's a story about Wendell Scott with quotes from Scott's own son, Frankin about Richard Petty.

Author
Cliff Cargill
Date
2007-09-10T14:20:49-06:00
ID
114473
Comment

If Kaz said "F" Jesse, he would get his own show. Hannity got on national radio and condoned Ted Nugent for telling Hilliary and Obama to suck on his gun(which in my hood is a threat of the worst kind). I wonder did they get calls to pull him off of WJNT. Even if they did not get calls, would'nt that be in line with what they were claiming to do when they let Kaz for for his statement. How are the calls to the station going?

Author
Goldenae
Date
2007-09-10T14:25:02-06:00
ID
114474
Comment

Cliff, I guess you are telling me that I should not believe what my lying eyes showed me or what my ears heard. You do realize its 2007. I do not follow NASCAR, but I do watch ESPN and I think I get a pretty good picture of what it is. You talk of it like its just a little simple thing like white players in the NBA, NFL or MLB got roadblocks put up for them by the owners, fans and competitors. If NASCAR was welcoming to blacks, they would have more black drivers(if they have any). I saw recently that the a new strategy was to get appeal from the black community, but they said they had to do it slowly as not to offend the current fans. Why would that be? Sometimes you just have to call something for what it is and not try to make it something its not. People go where they are welcomed and avoid where they are not.

Author
Goldenae
Date
2007-09-10T14:35:34-06:00
ID
114475
Comment

Did you bother to read the story? I just asked where you heard that about Richard Petty, and offered some of Wendell Scott's son's words to refute what you said.

Author
Cliff Cargill
Date
2007-09-10T14:41:11-06:00
ID
114476
Comment

Hannity got on national radio and condoned Ted Nugent for telling Hilliary and Obama to suck on his gun(which in my hood is a threat of the worst kind). I wonder did they get calls to pull him off of WJNT. Ted Nugent was acting like an ass like usual and should have apologized for going too far. Or else he should get a visit from the Secret Service for his remarks. And I certainly don't condone Hannity or any talk show host trying to minimize Nugent's stupid moronic comments when they would hammer a liberal for similar comments. On a NASCAR tangent, what's up with the trend around here of these brothas with NASCAR car tags given that I can't think of a single black NASCAR driver, and not that many in the stands at Talledega?

Author
Jeff Lucas
Date
2007-09-10T14:43:46-06:00
ID
114477
Comment

And, NASCAR is doing a great deal to promote minority drivers. Check out http://www.drivefordiversity.com/

Author
Cliff Cargill
Date
2007-09-10T14:44:03-06:00
ID
114478
Comment

Oh, and here's another: http://www.nascar.com/2007/news/headlines/official/01/22/drive.for.diversity.2007.drivers/index.html

Author
Cliff Cargill
Date
2007-09-10T14:45:06-06:00
ID
114479
Comment

OK, we're off-thread off, all. Please start a new thread to further discuss NASCAR. Thanks.

Author
DonnaLadd
Date
2007-09-10T14:46:45-06:00
ID
114480
Comment

Cliff, check out this link. Tell me if I am the only one that finds it a little odd that in 2007 they are talking about this guy Lester like he is Jackie Robinson and its the 1960s. It takes a certain kind of black guy to break into NASCAR? More than just one that can drive? Talking trash was never held against Larry Bird, Jeremy Shocky, etc. Maybe its just me, but it seems a little condescending to me. If I am looking at this wrong, I really would like some feedback. http://www.nascar.com/2006/news/headlines/cup/03/19/blester.first.cup.race/index.html

Author
Goldenae
Date
2007-09-10T14:47:55-06:00
ID
114481
Comment

"Cliff, I guess you are telling me that I should not believe what my lying eyes showed me or what my ears heard. You do realize its 2007. I do not follow NASCAR, but I do watch ESPN and I think I get a pretty good picture of what it is." Well don't this hurt those eyes too much. Bill Lester is black racecar driver in NASCAR.

Author
Cliff Cargill
Date
2007-09-10T14:51:09-06:00
ID
114482
Comment

Ahem.

Author
DonnaLadd
Date
2007-09-10T14:52:27-06:00
ID
114483
Comment

10-4 ladd. I've said what needed to with the facts.

Author
Cliff Cargill
Date
2007-09-10T14:52:38-06:00
ID
114484
Comment

Goldenae, I remember reading or hearing the same thing you did regarding Richard Petty. All I can remember for sure is that I heard it around the time Richard Pryor played Wedell Scott in the movie. Pam Grier was his wife so I was especially interested in seeing the movie. I either read it in the newspapers or saw thest type comments on television. I will search my brain for how I arrived at that. I can't stand NASCAR. Once I get up to 80 miles per hour in my own car I'm tempted to jump out the window due to fear of moving too fast while still on the ground. I don't like the wrecks associated with NASCAR either. And Lord knows I have a problem feeling sorry for anyone injured while driving that fast for no good reason. It's a foolish act for foolish people, in my humble opinion.

Author
Ray Carter
Date
2007-09-10T14:56:50-06:00
ID
114485
Comment

Donna, we SSHOULD start a new thread on this because it just represents why Kaz got kicked off of WJNT. Cliff is the perfect representive. Good guy from all that I have have heard of him, but not quick to listen. If I referred him to an article, it was because I was familiar with it. This is definately the last thing that I will say about this. Kaz got kicked off of WJNT not because of what he said, but because he was the wrong person saying it. Thats all I was trying to point out to Cliff when I forwarded the article about Bill Lester. He is not allowed to stay in NASCAR because he is good, but because he is the right "type" of black driver. Kaz was the wrong "type" of person to say what he said. It all connects.

Author
Goldenae
Date
2007-09-10T15:03:25-06:00
ID
114486
Comment

Then start a forum thread and put a link here to send people there.

Author
DonnaLadd
Date
2007-09-10T15:20:25-06:00
ID
114487
Comment

YES MA'AM!

Author
Goldenae
Date
2007-09-10T15:27:03-06:00
ID
114488
Comment

I have to disagree a little golden. I was the wrong type of person i.e. liberal/moderate/progressive, rapper, black..But that was trumped by the fact that something about Bush was said. thats where liberals draw the line. That super-patriotic, fanatical war mongering is probably more detrimental to progress in Iraq than anything...We're "un-American" because we dont blindly follow whatever the president. the only issue of late that had conservatives wailing on Bush was the Amnesty Bill. they completely threw Bush under the bus on that one..Because basically bigotry in this country trumps patriotism..

Author
Kamikaze
Date
2007-09-10T15:46:19-06:00
ID
114489
Comment

Dunno how the calls are going golden. Did you make that call? And continue to pass the word. Methinks this is one of those "indefinite suspensions" that will graduall morph into a "just dont come back" if ya know what i mean. Unless of course we raise enough ruckus. It just chaps my hide that its some guy out there smirking over the fact that im not on Kim's show.. btw the interview this morning with the Kanas city, MO radio station went well. I can be content in the fact that this has gotten national coverage.

Author
Kamikaze
Date
2007-09-10T15:49:33-06:00
ID
114490
Comment

oh..LOL. Paul Gallo sent me an email today got a HUUGE kick out of it because he took time to respond. He read the press release and asked if Kim was THAT hard up for guests LOL.. and said he'd rather have James Brown's gardener on than me...and he's on supertalk..Where the hell is talk radio at in this town.

Author
Kamikaze
Date
2007-09-10T16:09:30-06:00
ID
114491
Comment

Oooo, post the whole thing!

Author
DonnaLadd
Date
2007-09-10T16:17:28-06:00
ID
114492
Comment

Now there's a nuthouse.. Paul Gallo. He can spin an inanimate object that has no corners, curves or globes! Spin master indeed.

Author
LambdaRisen
Date
2007-09-10T17:10:06-06:00
ID
114493
Comment

Gallo's voice is NOT radio friendly.

Author
pikersam
Date
2007-09-10T17:41:53-06:00
ID
114494
Comment

Kaz, its a hard one to figure out. It surely is not about Patriotism. I said you were just the wrong person to say that because I think it could be said without that reaction. If I remember Cliff use to go on Kim's show, not sure if he still does. All things being the same, not saying that he would, but If Cliff said "F" Bush because he was for some weapons ban, I think the outcome would have been different. It all may have been a big experiment to see if Kim could tame this liberal black rapper and introduce him to how civilized people think. It was a rigged gig.

Author
Goldenae
Date
2007-09-11T00:54:29-06:00
ID
114495
Comment

Naw. dont think it was rigged. Because they couldnt have known that would continue my Bush bashing overseas. And Kim is probably the only one in that station that regularly reads the jfp site. But i do think it was some "lesson" that they wanted to teach. The same lesson the CL tried to "teach" me by telling me that a "rapper" wasnt equipped to write about social issues. Becuase of course we're all ignorant and uneducated. We brought you on write about MUSIC because thats all you rappers know anyway. LOL. And BAM!! Im at JFP.

Author
Kamikaze
Date
2007-09-11T11:46:33-06:00
ID
114496
Comment

I really wish there was a large alternative platform in which I could go heads up against JNT and Paul "Gallileo" the space cadet as I call him. Wish WLEZ could reach more folks. I could wipe em out in 8 months!!! But in doing a little searching i see there is no radio show like what this city really needs cuurently running regularly and if it is..its sandwiched between more war-mongers:-)

Author
Kamikaze
Date
2007-09-11T11:49:25-06:00
ID
114497
Comment

Kaz. As I recall, most of the callers were respectful to you and listened to what you had to say becuase they were genuinely interested in you. I tuned in to hear you as well. I didn't agree with what you said on foreign soil myself, but that's just me. Doing it here, I wouldn't have a problem with it, but again that's just me. As for going up against the two conservative talk stations, I can't see how you would lure them (conservatives) away, and that's why it worked when you went to them.

Author
Cliff Cargill
Date
2007-09-11T11:56:30-06:00
ID
114498
Comment

don't think I's "lure" them away but it would provide for an alternative viewpoint. I refuse to believe that Jackson is a majority "conservative" city. Even so, the numbers cant be THAT far off that it wouldnt work. Its a crazy idea but I think balance WOULD actually work

Author
Kamikaze
Date
2007-09-11T12:11:38-06:00
ID
114499
Comment

The reach of those stations, and those shows, isn't what people think it is, folks. The audiences are small. We can pull the numbers for you out of Media Audit reports when we get a minute. It was a bad business decision on WJNT's part. They need new listeners. Their current ones are getting old.

Author
DonnaLadd
Date
2007-09-11T12:19:48-06:00
ID
114500
Comment

Agreed. Kaze represents a demographic WJNT isn't getting; it's their loss. He's not going to pull over the conservative listeners in huge numbers, but those aren't the only or even the primary folks who listen to the radio in this 74% black, 83% Democratic city.

Author
Tom Head
Date
2007-09-11T12:30:51-06:00
ID
114501
Comment

.."It was a bad business decision on WJNT's part. They need new listeners. Their current ones are getting old." I agree. but the oone thing Ive found unfortunately in this city is that most folks dont make decision based on good-business sense. *sigh* folks around here never listen.. LOL. I wonder if that anonymous caller is reading this...This is some info he probably need to go tell too. .."but those aren't the only or even the primary folks who listen to the radio in this 74% black, 83% Democratic city." In the words of Jay-Z "men lie...women lie...numbers don't!" But then again you gotta think. they may not WANT those listeners. Conservatives only thrive when they're surrounded by like-minds. they're like fish out of water gasping for air anywhere else.

Author
Kamikaze
Date
2007-09-11T12:39:11-06:00
ID
114502
Comment

Still waiting on the unedited version Kaze!

Author
LambdaRisen
Date
2007-09-11T14:08:45-06:00
ID
114503
Comment

With situations like this, you have to find what matters to them. I do not think that WJNT is worried in the slightest because their supporters are not going to see but one side of the issue. I doubt if they ever wanted to hear Kaz's opposition as much as they wanted to contrast him against Kim Wade. Anyone that listens knows that offense statements are not offensive to WJNT when its directed at someone on the left. Do you really think the issue was whether it was said here or there? I don't. When they comment on people trying to silence talk radio, I would suggest that people remind them that they essentially want to do the same thing.

Author
Goldenae
Date
2007-09-14T12:23:46-06:00
ID
114504
Comment

A caller named the Professor called Kim's show and talked about why WJNT kicked Kamikaze off the air and Kim pretty much threw Kaze under the bus. He particularly said that what Kaze should've deserved a visit from the Secret Service. Kaze didn't say shoot George Bush. I was rather disappointed in Kim, but I may give him the benefit since he was probably toeing the company line.

Author
golden eagle
Date
2007-09-14T21:23:23-06:00
ID
114505
Comment

Considering they're both in the media, and know the games that go on...

Author
Ironghost
Date
2007-09-16T10:26:28-06:00
ID
114506
Comment

Yeah. I heard that G.E. LOL. Right under the bus LOL. But he had to and I can dig it. A lot of his listeners would be surprised that hes not as "conservative" as he comes off on the air. He's still got some pretty radical views. And even he wasnt really concerned with the F--k Bush thing. But he has to be for the listeners. I could only hope that the SS visits me. if only I could be so lucky LOL. I couldnt believe the caller that called in and said that G.B was "smarter than all of us" and that he was "playing us all" PLEASE. Its sad that someone actually toes the party line sooooo much that they will believe that G.B is smarter than ANYONE! And then it pretty much dissolved into the usual undercover racial talk...The guy even used the classic "some of my best friends are black" line. I cant believe people still use that

Author
Kamikaze
Date
2007-09-17T08:29:56-06:00
ID
114507
Comment

It seems to me that Allen Grreenspan is saying f--- Bush too in his book which I haven't read yet. He accuses the repugnants of trading principles for power. I differ slightly and would argue the repugs never had any principles in the first place but were better pretenders at one time. They got arrogant once much of the ignorant public fell hook, line and sinker for their crap. They were supposed to be the antidope to Clinton who had a few indiscretions of the female kind. I have to admit Kaze I was surprised and a little shocked that you choose overseas to go after Bush. Our nuts over here don't like that. Again I say if you can say if here why not say it elsewhere too!

Author
Ray Carter
Date
2007-09-17T08:39:34-06:00

Support our reporting -- Follow the MFP.