My response to the Imus controversy was summed up in two words I uttered on the radio yesterday: “selective outrage”. (My point was that, as a society, we are prone to choosing what to be outraged about, making it fake and dishonest. This was particularly evident in the Imus controversy.) I’ve noticed many people using the term with regard to Imus now, including libertarian radio talk show host Larry Elder, who was interviewed last night on Hannity & Colmes and used the same phrase to describe the Imus controversy, saying that while Imus’ remark could not be defended, “…it also shows you the double-standard and the selective outrage.” This from a black man who didn’t seem particularly offended.
I guess great libertarians think alike.