"Time" asks what it can say

The Don Imus affair has inspired Time magazine to title its cover page "Who Can Say What?"

I read the lengthy cover story by James Poniewozik behind the headline, but I see that he has missed what I consider the central point. One mark of a civilized person has to be that he or she understands what statements will offend whom, and uses this knowledge to steer away from making offense. This is one way that we all contribute to the cohesion of our society and to the goal of peace.

Did Imus think the Rutgers women would not be offended by his remark? If so, he was profoundly ignorant. Did he know, and still make the remark anyway for effect? If so, he was inexcusably exploitive. Did he not consider the effects of his words before he uttered them? If so, he was human but unprofessional.

In any case, it should be clear to Time and to everyone else: Imus cannot say that.