Bring Back Randi Rhodes Now

While we realize that Air America expects its employees to abide by certain standards when appearing in public, your suspension of Randi Rhodes for remarks she made at affiliates benefit far exceeded her offense, and in the long run, will damage Air America's credibility far more than than those comments damaged Randi's.

Nobody in their right mind imagines that Randi is anything less than a staunch feminist and champion for women. On the air, she has always taken great pains to treat Hillary Clinton with consummate respect, making it clear liberals should support whichever Democrat wins the primary.

And it is Randi's on-air behavior that truly matters, not some off-the-cuff remarks she made, believing only a scant roomful of people would hear them.

Randi's attempted stand-up comedy -- while regrettable -- was performed at your request, and clearly, it is not her medium.

If she erred, it was at least as much your fault as hers. And while you had the right to be upset and let her know it, you had an obligation to make it clear to her that regardless, you had her back.

Anybody who has ever worked for the liberal media is more than aware of what a target you become for vile abuse and death threats, yet Randi never let such tensions temper her passion.

Surely you know better how dogged and hardworking she is, despite such conditions, and how loyal a following she commands. She deserves your loyalty as well. 

Had an Air America manager or partner made the mistake Randi did, she would have made every effort to put those remarks into context and minimize the damage, instead of buckling to pressure and compounding the matter, as you did.

Are the Conservatives and Republicans correct? Is the liberal establishment really comprised of spineless wimps?

You certainly haven't shown otherwise by your summary execution of Randi.

But you can distinguish yourselves now, by immediately reinstating her and publicly reaffirming your continued support and respect.

At the very least, do it out of self-interest. Randi Rhodes is Air America's greatest asset, after all.