Al Roker, you hypocrite!

Al Roker On Epilepsy - In case you missed the June 7th TODAY show on NBC, during which Al Roker made what some might call 'inappropriate' comments about epilepsy and the 2012 Olympic logo, you may want to check out the following link for the audio on media.putfile. Thank you, folks, for hosting this.

"Remember that controversial Olympic logo for the 2012 Olympics in London? Some folks have complained that the campaign actually sent them into epileptic seizures," Roker said.

"Well, we asked you to weigh in on our Web site in an informal poll; those of you who could get up off the floor after shaking around were able to actually log in . . . " Roker continued

Roker was QUITE OUTSPOKEN about Don Imus for his mistatements that ultimately got him fired from his job at MSNBC and WFAN. His specific statements were legion, but can be boiled down to citing“context within a comedy show” is not an excuse". (Quote: Al Roker's personal blog, MSNBC.MSN.COM. Follow the link to read the bulk of his statement about why Don Imus had to resign or be fired) .

Roker later apologized.

"I started joking about it. I want to make this clear - I was not joking about epilepsy or anyone who suffers from epilepsy," he said at around 8:04 a.m. while he was delivering a weather report from Milwaukee.

"We understand and know that this is a serious affliction and would never joke about that.

"We were joking about the logo - not about epilepsy. If anybody was offended, I heartily and really humbly apologize."

Now, I ask you. WHERE IS THE OUTRAGE??? It's okay to fire Imus for his blatant insult to women of color, and not accept his apology (according to Roker, see link above). YET! The numerous sufferers of epileptic seizures in this country must accept Roker's apology, weak as it is.

To paraphrase Roker's own words:

Yes, Al Roker needs to be fired for what he said.

The “I was merely joking about the Olympic Logo, not epilepsy” apology doesn’t cut it. At least he didn’t try to weasel out of this by hiding behind alcohol or drug abuse. Still, he said it and he won't have to pay for it at all. For Al Roker, nothing.

The general manager of Cartoon Network resigned after a publicity stunt went wrong and caused a panic in Boston. He did the right thing. Al Roker should do the right thing and resign. Not talk about taking a two-week suspension with dignity. I don’t think Al Roker gets it.

NOTE BENE: I'm not serious about this suggestion. It's hardly just to throw Roker under the bus for a stupid mistake when I'm railing against him for collusion with the forces that did the same thing to Imus.

However, if your'e upset about hypocrisy, call this number: 212-664-4444. It's the switchboard number for MSNBC. Call them and ask if Al Roker will be held to the same standard that Don Imus was.

Long Live Free Speech!