Free speech works when it works for me?

One of the most amusing things about the Imus affair is seeing conservatives tumble over each other defending what he said. "Al Sharpton's said it." "Blacks say it in rap music all the time. It's not derogatory to them!"
Of course, there's an ulterior motive -- the inherent racism that would allow them to use the words Imus used. All in the name of free speech.
But just don't criticize the war.