In the mad rush to make politically correct denunciations of Don Imus, journalists and celebrities have neglected the beneficial role such talk has in society. As unpopular as it may be, Brainsnap must stand up for certain rights. In this instance, it is the ability to rake in cash by offending folks that is under attack.

As in all matters of free speech, there is of course a need for balance. Just as Oliver Wendell Holmes cannot yell "Fire!" in a crowded theater, a guest cannot yell "Sweatshop!" on a program sponsored by Nike. (Nor "Pepsi!" in a movie theater serving Coke products, for that matter.)

Even the most stalwart proponents of free speech must acknowledge some limits. For example, when a corporation's image begins to suffer in the eyes of the majority because it is marketing too strenuously to niche demographics, most marketers would agree that free expression needs to be rehabilitated in a focus group.

We must keep in mind that Mr Imus was only exercising his right to receive a lucrative salary by deliberately provocative behavior. To deny him that because of the perceived sensitivity of certain subjects would be sadly misguided; he can hardly help it if they turn out to have thin skins in addition to questionable coiffures. We must acknowledge how backwards our values have become when inoffensiveness supersedes profit.

We can only hope rational heads will prevail in the long run and offensive speech will return as a sound market strategy.