Pancake Hypocrisy 

Wisconsin radio hosts have been getting in trouble lately. A few weeks ago, WISN radio talk show host Mark Belling made a "racially insensitive" phrase on his show:

On Belling's Oct. 27 show, in a discussion about voter fraud, he used the word "wetback," a derogatory term used to describe illegal Mexican immigrants. He apologized on the air numerous times last week, but those apologies were couched in sarcasm and attempts at humor.

Belling issued a written apology over the weekend for his initial use of the ethnic slur and for what he called his "inept and insensitive" handling of the matter.

He apologized several times, and was removed from the air for a period of time. The Hispanic community of course was not willing to accept his apology and demanded he be fired.

A few days ago, a Madison talk show host made the following comments about Condi Rice on his show:

An unrepentant Sly explained why he called the nominee to be secretary of state, Condoleezza Rice, an "Aunt Jemima" and outgoing Secretary of State Colin Powell an "Uncle Tom" on the radio Wednesday.

Sly, the on-air name for John Sylvester, told WTDY-AM (1670) morning show listeners that Rice, who is black, bought her way into the White House with obedience to President Bush.

"I'm not apologizing for what I said," Sylvester said Thursday in an interview. "I stand by it.
...
Response was negative, from Wisconsin Democratic U.S. Sen. Russ Feingold to Madison Mayor Dave Cieslewicz and the Urban League of Greater Madison. Sylvester has been intensely supportive of Feingold and Wisconsin Democrats in general.

This morning I heard on the radio that he will be giving away free pancake mix to listeners, and will make a public apology... not to Condi... but to Aunt Jemima. No word yet from the radio station... who seems have enjoyed the rating bump.

So why are the two being handled differently? Why is it not alright for Belling to use a derogatory term, but it is OK for Sly to? I'm not excusing Belling... he should have known better. But taking a person off the air permanently as many have demanded is wrong. You're basically asking to destroy a person's livelihood over one mistaken remark that he apologized for. Of course, doesn't he have a right to say whatever he wants? Isn't that the point of that whole 1^st Amendment thing?