Rush Limbaugh Checks Into Rehab
October 10, 2003 2:01 PM   Subscribe

"I am no victim and do not portray myself as such. I take full responsibility for my problem." Rush Limbaugh finally admits to what everyone's been guessing for a while now...to read the text of his statement, he claims to be making a clean breast of things and taking full responsibility for his own actions. Is this really an example of a vocal ideologue finally living up the standards they proclaim, or is it somehow readable as self-serving hypocrisy?
posted by LairBob (129 comments total)
 
Personally, I'm torn...I've never liked the man, at all, but at least to read the transcript, he's done a good job of heading off a lot of criticism at the pass. The first part of his statement reads like he's going to just beg it off on the injury, but then he comes out with the section I've quoted.

What do people think--is this mea culpa machismo, or sincere regret?
posted by LairBob at 2:03 PM on October 10, 2003


or is it somehow readable as self-serving hypocrisy

Are there any drug legalization sites that have compiled the things he's said about drug addiction over the past 10+ years on the air? I seem to recall him being pretty hard on addicts on his show and how we shouldn't fund rehab programs and the like. He's been hooked on the stuff for five years, it would be interesting to read the things he has said in the time since he became addicted.
posted by mathowie at 2:04 PM on October 10, 2003


mathowie: I wouldn't be surprised at all if he was most outspoken while in denial of his condition.
posted by o2b at 2:06 PM on October 10, 2003


... denial being a natural stage of addiction, that wasn't meant as a jab.
posted by o2b at 2:07 PM on October 10, 2003


or is it somehow readable as self-serving hypocrisy?

Very much so, considering all the show transcripts from over the years I'm seeing on various progressive blogs. And I was hooked on pain killers, it was because of my pain, I tells ya, is a wimpy way of saying I was feelin' good by getting high. Mr. Responsiblity is just playing Mr. I'm not one of them, I'm one of us.
posted by y2karl at 2:13 PM on October 10, 2003


I'm impressed that he didn't blame Clinton. But not very impressed beyond that......
posted by elwoodwiles at 2:14 PM on October 10, 2003


A right wing ideologue trying to shut out reality. Wow. Who'd have thought?
posted by pyramid termite at 2:15 PM on October 10, 2003


"...too many whites are getting away with drug use. Too many whites are getting away with drug sales. Too many whites are getting away with trafficking in this stuff. The answer to this disparity is not to start letting people out of jail because we're not putting others in jail who are breaking the law. The answer is to go out and find the ones who are getting away with it, convict them and send them up the river, too."

Rush Limbaugh on sentencing minorities
Oct. 5, 1995
posted by xmutex at 2:16 PM on October 10, 2003


A timeline of Rush's drug use
posted by y6y6y6 at 2:16 PM on October 10, 2003


I have always detested Rush. But addiction to pain killers comes about in the beginning as an innocent thing--he was not experimenting, so we are led to believe. I wish him well. Pehaps he will reevaluate the way he judges others in the near future.
posted by Postroad at 2:17 PM on October 10, 2003


"There's nothing good about drug use, We know it. It destroys individuals. It destroys families. Drug use destroys societies. Drug use, some might say, is destroying this country. And we have laws against selling drugs, pushing drugs, using drugs, importing drugs. And the laws are good because we know what happens to people in societies and neighborhoods which become consumed by them. And so if people are violating the law by doing drugs, they ought to be accused and they ought to be convicted and they ought to be sent up."

Rush Limbaugh 1995


So the question is, when will Rush going to surrender to the nearest police station? And I wonder how Rush feels about making that statement now?
posted by whirlwind29 at 2:17 PM on October 10, 2003


Demagogue turns out to be hypocrite?
Color me unsurprised.
posted by spazzm at 2:21 PM on October 10, 2003


Rush's commentary (official website):
Video: wmv
Audio: WMA, MP3.

I was hoping for more boo-hooing, personally.
posted by Ogre Lawless at 2:22 PM on October 10, 2003


I refuse to let anyone think I am doing something great here.


I love that line.
posted by CunningLinguist at 2:31 PM on October 10, 2003




I seem to recall him being pretty hard on addicts on his show and how we shouldn't fund rehab programs and the like.

I'm sure he'll take care of his own bill, or his insurance company will, so it's a moot point unless the government picks up the bill.

I'm impressed that he didn't blame Clinton.

Clinton's situation would have never gotten to the level it did if he had been honest from the beginning. Rush, it seems, may have learned a lesson from that.

That being said, Rush is a hypacryte, but I really don't think this will have any effect on his career in the long run.
posted by WLW at 2:32 PM on October 10, 2003


I think he's been sharing some of his stash with this guy.
posted by dhoyt at 2:32 PM on October 10, 2003


In other drug war news, inhalers are bad, mmmkay?
posted by homunculus at 2:37 PM on October 10, 2003


It's not crack or speed or pot so, y'know, it's not really a drug addiction.
posted by WolfDaddy at 2:40 PM on October 10, 2003


so, all that crap about liberals all these years has just been the deranged rantings of a junkie. i'm down widdit. er, uh, i mean "ditto".
posted by quonsar at 2:41 PM on October 10, 2003


I am no victim and do not portray myself as such. I take full responsibility for my problem.

Full responsibility only when it could no longer be hidden.
posted by sageleaf at 2:45 PM on October 10, 2003


I've had a bet with myself for several days that he'll waddle away from this and the Clines will do hard time.
posted by RavinDave at 2:47 PM on October 10, 2003


And I was hooked on pain killers, it was because of my pain, I tells ya, is a wimpy way of saying I was feelin' good by getting high.

Look, back pain is pretty vicious. I can think of lots of wellknown people who got hooked because of intractable pain-Liz Taylor comes to mind. I also know of people with mood disorders who get hooked on the meds they need to sleep. (Thank God I was never one.)

This is different from recreational drug use in my opinion. And the loss of his hearing is a pretty severe consequence, in my book.

As far as hypocrisy, God has a great sense of irony. I used to think that people who took antidepressants were big weenies, too. So let's all cut Rush a break and go on. There are lots of other things you can hate him for if you are so inclined.
posted by konolia at 2:48 PM on October 10, 2003


These are my favorites:

"'When you strip it all away," Rush had said of the Grateful Dead guitarist, "Jerry Garcia destroyed his life on drugs. And yet he's being honored, like some godlike figure. Our priorities are out of whack, folks."

"What this says to me," he told his listeners that day, "is that too many whites are getting away with drug use. Too many whites are getting away with drug sales. Too many whites are getting away with trafficking in this stuff. The answer to this disparity is not to start letting people out of jail because we're not putting others in jail who are breaking the law. The answer is to go out and find the ones who are getting away with it, convict them and send them up the river, too."

I wish him a long and painful recovery, and hopefully some prison time.
posted by milovoo at 2:48 PM on October 10, 2003


I wonder if medical marijuana could have staved off the "legal" drug abuse?
posted by Fantt at 2:52 PM on October 10, 2003


living up the standards they proclaim

Whoa there, does admitting that you're an addict really show you're living up to high standards? Besides what will make this "drug thing" go away faster? Denying everything or admitting it ducking out of the public view?
posted by soren at 2:53 PM on October 10, 2003


For the sake of my own personal agenda, I hope that Rush does not serve prison time. In fact, I hope that Rush, having experienced addiction and its consequences, will become a vocal advocate of reforming U.S. federal drug policy. Perhaps he can lead some of his followers into supporting legalization or, at the least, more lenient treatment of addicts.

"Only Nixon could go to China..."
posted by Joey Michaels at 2:54 PM on October 10, 2003


I humbly submit myself for a serious MeFi ass-whoopin':
Maybe this experience will teach Rush to reserve judgments about personal weakness, to which we are all suspect. Or maybe it will reinforce his notion that libruls like to smear people. Hipocrisy ought to be exposed, but drug addiction--even when it's your "enemy"--is not something to celebrate.

Limbaugh is a hypocrite and a blowhard, but to turn one guy's fucked-up life into a general indictment of right-wingers seems a little short-sighted. If the Paul Krugman/Enron ties had been really deep and compromised his integrity, would it prove that all Democrats are hypocrites? Unfortunately, it would to some people. Why be like those people?
posted by Ignatius J. Reilly at 2:54 PM on October 10, 2003


"That Rush guy is a huge hypocrite," exclaim like-minded discompassionate hypocrites on MeFi.
posted by dhoyt at 2:55 PM on October 10, 2003


Don't you get it?

Rush failed to show compassion for whose afflicted with drug addiction, instead he condemned them (see quotes above).

So now, when its public that he's the one with the addiction, he's proved himself untirely underserving of any compassion.
posted by pemulis at 3:03 PM on October 10, 2003


I am morally adrift in a dark sea of sin without the guiding light that is Rush Limbaugh and Bill Bennett.
posted by wfrgms at 3:04 PM on October 10, 2003


Are there any drug legalization sites that have compiled the things he's said about drug addiction over the past 10+ years on the air?

For me it explains why I find his show terrible; he goes on & on about him, no one else seems to matter nor does he show much compassion. Notice that vicodin makes people impersonal and self righteous, indifferent to you. Recently found out through a friend you can order it on the net w/o a prescription. Him having this addiction just shows how main stream this problem may be.

So now, when its public that he's the one with the addiction, he's proved himself untirely underserving of any compassion.

Hope not because he may not change his rhetoric then.
posted by thomcatspike at 3:07 PM on October 10, 2003


Actually it would be good for the left to show him some compassion, and then say, "This is why we need to stop the war on drugs." The WoD is doing more damage than Limbaugh's show ever could, and every ally is welcome to end it.
posted by Eloquence at 3:10 PM on October 10, 2003


Eeek. Rush in rehab... my sympathy for whoever is unfortunate enough to suffer through hours of group therapy sitting next to him.

That 4th step, " Made a searching and fearless moral inventory of ourselves," is going to be a rough one -- don't make lunch plans.

That said, I wish him the best regardless of my utter and total loathing for his politics.
posted by cedar at 3:11 PM on October 10, 2003


If the last rant against drug users we can find is from 1995, then I don't think this is grounds for calling him a hypocrite. His M.O. has changed fairly drastically since a decade ago, in my opinion. Back then it was all about out-Morting Morton Downey Jr. He has since become more of a rational commentator than shock-jockey.

Regardless, wishing him a "long and painful recovery and prison time" because you don't like what he has to say is some hateful, hateful shit. You should be ashamed.
posted by glenwood at 3:12 PM on October 10, 2003


I'm wondering how fans of Rush's show will deal with the fact that someone they see as being very smart and articulate has been wacked out on drugs for the last three years.

Since both Bush and Rush are now known to be drug users, will they abandon the idea that drugs are bad?
posted by y6y6y6 at 3:13 PM on October 10, 2003


Limbaugh came clean only when events forced it upon him, and he's obviously still in denial about his own behavior. He ridiculed addicts far and wide while hiding his own addiction. His racism, sexism, and general willingness to get on his knees to money and/or power is despicable. That goes for his legions of dittoheads as well.

I wish him well in seeking a cure for the disease of addiction. But he and his misguided sheep have far worse problems.
posted by fold_and_mutilate at 3:13 PM on October 10, 2003


Eloquence,

The "Left" do NOT tend to be pro-drug legalization. I'm not sure where you're getting that. It's way more of a libertarian ideal, and as such is really closer to conservative philosophy.

Dan Quayle, for instance, was pro-legalization.

y6y6y6, Rush Limbaugh, granted manipulator of facts and not the most compassionate man on the planet, is absolutely smart and articulate. That's really inarguable, as he talks for 3 hours every day and hardly utters an "um" the whole time.

Don't you do anything at all that you also kind of find to be "bad"? I was addicted to smoking for 10 years. I knew it was "bad" yet I continued to do it. I never abandoned the idea that it was bad for me (thank god).
posted by glenwood at 3:16 PM on October 10, 2003


Rush failed to show compassion for whose afflicted with drug addiction, instead he condemned them (see quotes above). So now, when its public that he's the one with the addiction, he's proved himself untirely underserving of any compassion.

Only if you think that his standards of compassion are worth shit. Since when does anyone here ask "What Would Rush Do" before making decisions? I think he's a moron, so I'll go ahead and go with my own judgments on the matter over his. What does my judgment say? That drug addiciton is a serious mess and that human suffering is never to be celebrated. Sure, despise him as an idea-slinger, but by treating him as you would anyone else, you are delivering the ultimate slap-in-the-face to his divisive and hateful public persona without stooping to emulate that same posture.
posted by Ignatius J. Reilly at 3:19 PM on October 10, 2003


I feel we should offer our sympathy to Rush and his family. As konolia pointed out, many people become addicted to pain-killers due to other medical problems, not out of drug experimentation. Rush probably found himself stuck between his addiction and his public reputation and realized that he couldn't go to rehab without losing his career. Now that things have been flushed into the open he has the opportunity to get the help he needs. I have no doubts that this will haunt him, or that his broadcast persona is in deep trouble, but wether or not his career is ireparably damaged is really in his own hands.

If Rush goes to rehab, breaks his cycle of addiction and learns something about himself and, by proxy, other people, then I wish him the best of luck.

If he returns from rehab only to continue to use drugs illicitly and yet moralize on about liberals and etc, then we should throw the book at him.

Rush doesn't deserve sympathy, but that's not what sympathy is about. Give him the chance he wouldn't give others and maybe he'll learn something.

If he learns nothing, screw the bastard.

On preview: what Ignatious said
posted by elwoodwiles at 3:30 PM on October 10, 2003


Regardless, wishing him a "long and painful recovery and prison time"
because you don't like what he has to say is some hateful, hateful shit.
You should be ashamed.


nope, sorry, I'm just not feeling it. I used to have to listen to that disgusting pig at a past job
and I have seen how his comments are used by his listeners to reinforce their own racist
and sexist agendas, and he does nothing to dispel or counteract the venom he spreads.

Do you think constant repetition of the term "feminazi" has made the world a more equitable place for women.
Do you think calling a teenage chelsea clinton a dog is responsible "journalism"?

I believe he deserves to suffer both in this world, and in any sort of afterlife he believes in,
but obviously, I'm not in charge of those kind of decisions, so I can think what I want.

(although, if my wishes were to actually bring about reality, perhaps I would give it more thought -
but if that were the case his show would have ended a long time ago, Bush wouldn't be in office,
and the world would be a better place - so I think he's safe)

some more of his compassion: "I have about had it being told that the plight of the homeless is my fault.
I'm sick and tired of turning on my TV and being told that the AIDS crisis is my fault too, because I don't care enough."
posted by milovoo at 3:53 PM on October 10, 2003


From Thomas de Quincy's "Confessions of an Opiate Adict" from 1821:

"I will, however, candidly acknowledge that I have met with one person who bore evidence to its intoxicating power, such as staggered my own incredulity; for he was a surgeon, and had himself taken opium largely. I happened to say to him, that his enemies (as I had heard) charged him with talking nonsense on politics, and that his friends apologized for him by suggesting that he was constantly in a state of intoxication from opium. Now, the accusation, said I, is not primâ facie, and of necessity, an absurd one; but the defence is. To my surprise, however, he insisted that both his enemies and his friends were in the right. "I will maintain," said he, "that I do talk nonsense; and secondly, I will maintain that I do not talk nonsense upon principle, or with any view to profit, but solely and simply," said he, "solely and simply, -- solely and simply (repeating it three times over), because I am drunk with opium, and that daily."
posted by wfrgms at 3:54 PM on October 10, 2003


he's proved himself untirely underserving of any compassion.

I think you may be a little unclear on the concept of "compassion". Also, what IJR said.
posted by sennoma at 3:59 PM on October 10, 2003


Personal responability, from one who champions such, would demand that you NOT buy illegal drugs, and rather seek medical council for your addiction. This man with intelligence on loan from God didn't just wake up this morning and decide to admit to his addiction ... he got caught breaking the law, knowing he was breaking the law, willfully breaking the law. He's not a hypocrite because of his stance on drugs, he's a hypocrite because he felt himself above the law of the land.

I honestly hope he gets the treatment all people deserve from the medical profession, and then I will scream my bloody fool head off if he doesn't also get what he deserves from the legal authorities. Taking full responsibility doesn't mean get medical help, as Rush alludes to. It means willingly doing the time you owe.

(this reminds me of the "I have sinned" speech from Jimmy Swaggart. Not quite as funny, but still ... satisfying.)
posted by Wulfgar! at 4:00 PM on October 10, 2003


Meanwhile, Tommy Chong has begun his prison sentence.
posted by homunculus at 4:04 PM on October 10, 2003


I wouldn't want to wish prison time on anyone just because of a drug addiction. That said, I do think there should be some punishment for being such an arrogant ass. Whether that's forming a long line of people he's hypocritically criticized and having them spit in his face and yell "serves you right, mother fucker", or having his core constituancy desert him in his "time of need", I haven't yet decided.

The thing is, this isn't going to change any conservative's opinion on drug laws. They'll just rationalize it by saying it was only prescription medication, not "real" drugs. I do wish he'd go on the air and say something like, "Forgive me father, for I have sinned" like this guy:

Joke: Why does Jim Bakker spell his name with two "k's"? Because three would be too obvious.
posted by Civil_Disobedient at 4:09 PM on October 10, 2003


What a crazy world, a guy who sells art glass bongs gets 9 months in the slammer. While a guy who spreads hate manages to sign up for 30 days in rehab after he gave money to drug cartels (financed terrorism!), all while condemning those that are the same as him.

I agree with the above posts, I hope he comes out, learns sometime, and starts advocating compassion and reform of our drug laws. If not, I wish him the worst.
posted by klaruz at 4:11 PM on October 10, 2003


I wish him good luck, and hope he recovers completely.

After that, I expect him to _at least act_ like he learned the lesson and reinstate his speeches, pointing out that he was wrong and was just spitting hate without adding anything valuable to the discussion. It is probably too late to repair the damages his comments on the drugs subject may have done, but it's never too late to get a f*cking clue and start saying things that make sense.
posted by elpapacito at 4:11 PM on October 10, 2003


MeFites are SO damn predictable.
posted by HTuttle at 4:11 PM on October 10, 2003


civil_disobedient: guess that's exactly what will happen or with some minor variations like or other nonsense. Anything but saying "I was totally wrong when I said xyz because xyz is idiotic"
posted by elpapacito at 4:13 PM on October 10, 2003


"That Rush guy is a huge hypocrite," exclaim like-minded discompassionate hypocrites on MeFi.
posted by dhoyt at 2:55 PM PST on October 10


Exactly. This is a godsend for the anti-Rush crowd. They are now free from ever having to debate him on the merits (or lack) of his arguments, and may now simply denounce him as a hypocrite.

And, of course, lack of compassion in others is the perfect justification for lack of compassion in oneself.
posted by Ayn Marx at 4:17 PM on October 10, 2003


Exactly. This is a godsend for the anti-Rush crowd. They are now free from ever having to
debate him on the merits (or lack) of his arguments, and may now simply denounce him as a hypocrite.


OK, fine, whip it out. Tell us the Rush Limbaugh gem of wisdom that will fix all the world's problems.
Tell us one thing that he brought to the world of public discourse, an idea, a metaphor, a new way of
envisioning a problem or an actual solution. Anything, so then we can debate his mystical wisdom is this public forum.

Maybe I just missed something in-between all the Clinton bashing lies and paranoid shit-stirring.
posted by milovoo at 4:27 PM on October 10, 2003


Do you think constant repetition of the term "feminazi" has made the world a more equitable place for women.
Do you think calling a teenage chelsea clinton a dog is responsible "journalism"?


So I guess that rooting for the misery of a stupid radio host is going to end sexual inequality and restore integrity to journalism? Frankly, blaming social problems on a blowhard boogeyman is rather Republican. :)

Ayn Marx:
Bullshit. Rush's arguments are either appeals to emotional nationalism or made-up evidence (i.e. any think tank with the word "family" in their name). Refuting them on their merits is often like grabbing a fish by the nipples.
posted by Ignatius J. Reilly at 4:28 PM on October 10, 2003


How do you suppose Rush would react on the air had all this come out about Hillary Clinton?
posted by RavinDave at 4:35 PM on October 10, 2003


Rarely has "do as I say, not as I do" been granted such validity as it is of late by a credulous public desperate for a moral compass yet unconcerned with the direction of its pointer.

Standards, people. If you seek those who choose to adhere to them, you will find them; if you claim they can't exist, they will cease to.
posted by rushmc at 4:35 PM on October 10, 2003


MeFites are SO damn predictable.

Nearly all humans are. When in groups, even more so. What's your point?
posted by DevilsAdvocate at 4:40 PM on October 10, 2003


The "Left" do NOT tend to be pro-drug legalization.

Gee, I don't know which lefties you hang out with (or most probably don't), but that certainly hasn't been my experience. All the progressive political parties in my part of the world have pro-legalization platforms. And in the case of the great unwashed masses, particularly within young people, support for legalization tends to bridge a wide political spectrum. So how can you justify your statement?
posted by Jimbob at 4:43 PM on October 10, 2003


Rush is using this to his advantage. Total victim card all the way. Except, he is turning "victim" into being a hero struggling against all odds. Prepare to hear:

"Folks, even a superior being like me has fallen victim to these cunning, diabolical pills. God, that's a scary thought. This is almost as evil as the liberal Left. Rushbo will beat this insidious poison. Please pray for me and my affliction. I will be strong and beat this, like I beat the pinko commies. Pray for your hero."

I, for one, am looking forward to him falling off the wagon AGAIN, possibly being caught in a dumpster fucking an inflatable sheep, dressed as a Catholic school girl.
posted by sharksandwich at 4:44 PM on October 10, 2003


civil_disobedient: your man Jim Bakker is apparently back on track and using the same "Send money to Jebus !" scheme , check here and here
posted by elpapacito at 4:47 PM on October 10, 2003


he claims to be making a clean breast of things
Huh huh, huh huh, he said "clean breast". Huh huh.

Yeah. Huh huh. Huh huh.

(end Beavis/Butthead impersonation)
posted by ehintz at 4:55 PM on October 10, 2003


So I guess that rooting for the misery of a stupid radio host is going to end sexual inequality and restore integrity to journalism?
Frankly, blaming social problems on a blowhard boogeyman is rather Republican. :)


but he's not a boogeyman, he seems to have a large-ish following
of people who are willing to proclaim themselves as blind followers
of his ideas.

And I do think that introducing words to demean others is one way
to impart social change for the worse. Words like queer and nigger
are being vitiated, but I think that feminazi will be used as a shorthand
argument in men's clubs and back rooms for plenty more years to come.
posted by milovoo at 4:58 PM on October 10, 2003


I was actually pretty impressed by his statement.

Rush didn't beat around the bush, he admitted that he had a problem, he said he was going to get help, and he was optimistic about being back. Seemed straightforward to me. I suspect that the vast majority of us would not have the guts to have that admission of guilt and be that open on such a national stage.

Having said that, I simply don't understand how one gets hooked on painkillers. Trust me, I am a walking kidney stone FACTORY and have several bottle of prescription pain killers on hand. They don't make you feel good, they just make me want to go to sleep and ignore the world.

On second thought, maybe that's the point. I've never taken Oxycontin, but have certainly had plenty of Lorcet/Lortabs of varying strengths, Percodan, Mepergan Fortis, etc. There's nothing like a demerol to make that icepick in your side go away for a while.
posted by insulglass at 5:08 PM on October 10, 2003


Just curious, as a followup...

I know painkillers work differently for different people, but - does anyone know of a comparison chart that shows the relative strength of various painkillers?
posted by insulglass at 5:12 PM on October 10, 2003


I was actually pretty impressed by his statement.

Rush didn't beat around the bush, he admitted that he had a problem, he said he was going to get help, and he was optimistic about being back. Seemed straightforward to me. I suspect that the vast majority of us would not have the guts to have that admission of guilt and be that open on such a national stage.


What would have impressed me more would have been his admitting to it before having someone else put his problem out in the open. This is just damage control.
posted by whirlwind29 at 5:29 PM on October 10, 2003


glenwood,

see the Wikipedia article Political spectrum for a slightly more complex discussion.
posted by Eloquence at 5:30 PM on October 10, 2003


well, oxycodon is shedual II, while Hydrocodine is shedual III
posted by delmoi at 5:34 PM on October 10, 2003


Rush failed to show compassion for whose afflicted with drug addiction, instead he condemned them (see quotes above). So now, when its public that he's the one with the addiction, he's proved himself untirely underserving of any compassion.

Who says the right thing to do is to show compassion only to the "deserving"?

Or, what Ignatious said.
posted by weston at 5:36 PM on October 10, 2003


I read that the potency of Oxy rises dramatically if you crush it into a powder first (as opposed to its time-released design as a pill).
posted by RavinDave at 5:38 PM on October 10, 2003


If he returns from rehab only to continue to use drugs illicitly and yet moralize on about liberals and etc, then we should throw the book at him. --IJR

Over the past several years I have tried to break my dependence on pain pills and, in fact, twice checked myself into medical facilities in an attempt to do so. -- Limbaugh

So, yeah, he's already done the rehab thing, although unsuccessfully. And continued to preach his holier-than-thou vitriol.

That said, I can't be happy about this. We already knew that Limbaugh has a lot -- a lot -- of problems, of which drug abuse is just the next on the list. I'm sorry that he's addicted to drugs. I'm also sorry that he's an ignorant, hateful, racist, sexist dillhole. He and his success are sad, sad things.
posted by LittleMissCranky at 5:46 PM on October 10, 2003


What el papacito said; I truly wish that Limbaugh recovers from his addictions and regains his health (and perhaps some of his hearing to boot).

And I do hope that he has learned something from the experience. It would be great if he brought away from this a little understanding of how it feels to be the recipient of oversimplified broadside attacks from people who don't understand the complexities of your particular situation.
posted by Sidhedevil at 5:46 PM on October 10, 2003


Do you think calling a teenage chelsea clinton a dog is responsible "journalism"?

milovoo, are you fucking joking? Nobody considers Rush a journalist, he's merely a curmudgeon with a radio show. This thread is just another case of schadenfrude, and more proof that assholes in this country aren't limited to people who watch too much reality TV.
posted by insomnyuk at 5:50 PM on October 10, 2003


So, yeah, he's already done the rehab thing, although unsuccessfully. And continued to preach his holier-than-thou vitriol.

Reminds me of a song that goes, "Maybe the one who screams the most screams about himself."
posted by insomnyuk at 5:51 PM on October 10, 2003


I read that the potency of Oxy rises dramatically if you crush it into a powder first

Is that a warning or a suggestion? ;)
posted by dhoyt at 5:51 PM on October 10, 2003


Hmmm... I don't think I'll add to the hate here (although I wonder if Rush would restrain for me), but I do hope he learns a little thing called compassion from all this. Just because he wasn't "experimenting" himself, he still got caught up in it. Most of us who do experiment ususally have some issues equally important to us that can lead to addictions. I guess what I really wish is for all of us, myself included, to find a way to stop judging everyone else, 'cause we's all fuct up!
posted by LouReedsSon at 5:57 PM on October 10, 2003


My sister is a drug addict so I know the problems that he's going through and wish him well. That being said, I also know that my sister hasn't the financial wherewithal that Rush has. Yes Rush is a hypocrite. His admission was, I think, largely a legal "head em off at the pass" maneuver, not one of pure humility and responsibility. The frequent attempts at kicking the habit have largely failed.

Rush is a hypocrite. His admission today wasn't one driven by humility and a real feeling of responsibility. It was a legal maneuver. Pure and simple.

Yeah, I'm a raving liberal. But no, I don't wish the worst on him or anyone. I do wish that he would really and fully realize what he says and what he means. Perhaps we can do without the Rush Limbaugh show. I guess that's what I wish.
posted by damnitkage at 6:03 PM on October 10, 2003


If you count the comments expressing compassion for Rush versus the comments expressing hatred for Rush, I think you'll find that the compassion comments outnumber the other. It is a testament to the power of hate that the nasty statements seem to provoke the most reaction, while the others tend to be ignored.

That being said, I still wish the dude the best, even if I don't agree with him and even if he does return from rehab to bash the things I believe in. I just hope that this situation inspires a change in his beliefs regarding treatment of drug addicts.

Is it hypocritical to realize, through personal agony, that a view you once held was wrong and try to change? Dear God, I hope not. Thus, I hold out hope for Rush.
posted by Joey Michaels at 6:05 PM on October 10, 2003


Perhaps we can do without the Rush Limbaugh show. I guess that's what I wish.

That's easy. Turn the dial.

Though I admit that I think both Tony Snow and Sean Hannity are superior in both technique and intellect.
posted by insulglass at 6:07 PM on October 10, 2003


If you count the comments expressing compassion for Rush versus the comments expressing hatred for Rush, I think you'll find that the compassion comments outnumber the other.

There doesn't need to be a mojority of hatred for me decide not to add to it. There's just too damn much of it in the world. But I do agree that personal agony and a change of position can and should go hand in hand. Didn't we learn in kindergarten that we learn from our mistakes? :)
posted by LouReedsSon at 6:14 PM on October 10, 2003


I just hope this doesn't lead to criminalization of perscription pain medication and increased prosecution of doctors who perscribe them. This isn't uncommon, and recently happened to a doctor in South Carolina who is now facing a 100-year prison sentence as a drug dealer.
posted by homunculus at 6:18 PM on October 10, 2003


proof that assholes in this country aren't limited to people who watch too much reality TV.

Yes. Some of them have national radio programs and a drug habit that would kill a horse.
posted by crunchland at 6:25 PM on October 10, 2003


Exactly. This is a godsend for the anti-Rush crowd. They are now free from ever having to
debate him on the merits (or lack) of his arguments, and may now simply denounce him as a hypocrite.


When was it ever possible to debate him? His show is presented like an open forum when its really a carefully controlled environment where his views are artificially inflated. The only lefties allowed through on the phone lines are cranks.

What amazes me is that he never OD'd, and never sounded all wasted in public. He certainly had skillsat monitoring his dosage carefully, and when you're taking 50 tabs a day, its real easy to mess up....
posted by BentPenguin at 6:28 PM on October 10, 2003


I really don't want to be happy about this, but I have this persistent case of Schadenfreude about hypocrites in general and Limbaugh in particular. I might, might be more inclined to be compassionate if I thought there was any least chance that Rush would engage in some introspection and develop some compassion for his fellow drug addicts. But I feel certain that this time next year, he'll be back in his bully pulpit, spouting the same rhetoric about addicts, with the added cachet of having overcome his own addiction - "I did it, why can't they?" (Assuming he actually does, and notwithstanding that his resources for treatment and support are far greater than most peoples'.)
posted by RylandDotNet at 6:32 PM on October 10, 2003


I have a great deal of respect for Rush Limbaugh. He's a great American, and he's spent 15 years illuminating the airwaves with positive views on self-sufficience, meritocracy, and excellence in broadcasting, (not to mention upbraiding the socialists, communists and cowards, among others, thankfully). He's also in an awful lot of physical pain.

He has inspired more people than he will ever know, and deserves the hope, thanks and prayers of us all.

I wish him all the best.
posted by hama7 at 7:09 PM on October 10, 2003


you people are all so cold and inhumane. the guy's got a drug problem, fer christ's sake - help him out. send any and all narcotic pain killers you can spare to:

Rush Limbaugh
1270 Avenue of the Americas
New York, NY 10020
posted by quonsar at 7:19 PM on October 10, 2003


haha hama7, good one! good show.
posted by xmutex at 7:22 PM on October 10, 2003


Fuck him. I couldn't care less if he spent the last 10 years snorting cocaine off the bellies of teenage hookers with Dubya, he's still a nasty sack of wet weasel shit, with or without the drugs.

But he's done his part to turn America into the kind of intolerant fame-worshipping scrum of ignorant demagoguery that so many (myself included) loathe, so there's that going for him, anyway.
posted by stavrosthewonderchicken at 7:24 PM on October 10, 2003


I have no respect for Rush Limbaugh. He's a pompous, low-road blowhard, a failed comedian, and he's spent 15 years polluting the airwaves with negative, derogatory, sensationalist dogma. He knows nothing of self-sufficience, meritocracy, or excellence in broadcasting, (not to mention spewing cheesy catchphrase bombast aimed at whatever broadbrush generalization he's currently casting aspersions upon). He deserves to live in an awful lot of physical pain.
posted by quonsar at 7:26 PM on October 10, 2003


Rush has been irrelevant for a long time; the only thing this whole circus has done is drag his carcass back into public view.
posted by aramaic at 8:04 PM on October 10, 2003


So, you don't separate the guys addiction and his politics? In my opinion that is entirely fucked. Personally I think his politics suck, but when it comes to his addiction I don't give a shit about his politics or what he has said about addicts in the past. My only hope is that he is able to find the support and strength needed to begin to battle this deadly disease.
posted by anathema at 8:07 PM on October 10, 2003


The idea that liberals should put aside politics and express compassion for Rush is a crock. A big part of Rush's schtick has always been lack of compassion for personal weakness and savage mockery of his political opponents in times of personal distress. For example, bad-pilot jokes the day after JFK Jr's plane crashed.

"Oh, but we should turn the other cheek, spread love even to those who spread hate, blah blah." If you can do that, fine, you're a saint. Most people make judgments about who deserves compassion and respect and what sorts of situations might warrant giving a truly vile person a big hug. Rush deserves less respect than just about anyone I can think of, and this drug problem just isn't that dire. Joyful, merciless schaudenfreude is more than appropriate here. Personally I find the image of a sweaty strung-out Rush huddled on his bathroom floor in a fetal position begging his maid to go score some blues absolutely hilarious.

How much has Rush suffered anyway? Yes he's a drug addict, but a rich addict with a steady supply who's in no danger of ever spending a day in prison. Like Jerry Garcia, he managed to function reasonably well in his social and professional life for years, with occasional stints at high-priced rehab resorts. Addiction probably helped him with the weight loss too. The withdrawal will be painful, but come on, this isn't the heartrending personal crisis some are making it out to be. It's not like he lost several family members in a tragic accident or something.
posted by Daze at 8:09 PM on October 10, 2003



"...too many whites are getting away with drug use. Too many whites are getting away with drug sales. Too many whites are getting away with trafficking in this stuff. The answer to this disparity is not to start letting people out of jail because we're not putting others in jail who are breaking the law. The answer is to go out and find the ones who are getting away with it, convict them and send them up the river, too."

Rush Limbaugh on sentencing minorities
Oct. 5, 1995


I just wanted to see that appear once again in this thread.
posted by clavdivs at 8:12 PM on October 10, 2003


Daze, thank you for expressing the proper sentiment. I can't believe that the will to compassion is overriding the sense of justice here. Maybe the left has become totally out of touch. This man (Rush) willfully broke the law, people.

I do honestly hope that he breaks his addiction. I want badly for him to come out of rehab a clean and sober member of society. And I want the federal marshalls waiting for him with handcuffs the second he leaves the clinic. He confessed to an illegal action on the air. Why wasn't he arrested immediately afterward?

This preemtive bullshit of "I'm an addict" doesn't fly at all with me. It was an attempt to further marginalize "the left" as hypocritical fools, attacking a poor drug addict. Wrong. I'm a Democrat, I have leftist views, and I still think that the law should apply equally to all. Anyone care to argue? Rush admitted to breaking the law. I'll feel his pain when he actually faces the consequences of his choices, and not until.

Yeah, liberal hate, that's all it is. (Can you say bullshit?)
posted by Wulfgar! at 8:31 PM on October 10, 2003


The lesson I take from this thread is that if you talk a lot and don't say "ummm" then you are intelligent.

ummm
posted by Eekacat at 8:50 PM on October 10, 2003


I read that the potency of Oxy rises dramatically if you crush it into a powder first

Is that a warning or a suggestion? ;)


I hope it's a warning. That's the usual way to abuse Oxycontin. In 2001, Oxy caused 92 deaths in the Philadelphia area, and a couple of doctors went to jail for running what amounted to a prescription-on-demand service.
posted by Slithy_Tove at 8:54 PM on October 10, 2003


He's also in an awful lot of physical pain.

Tell us more about the pain. Could you describe it in detail?
posted by Armitage Shanks at 9:02 PM on October 10, 2003


Whoa, Wulfgar. Back up a second.

Where did he admit to breaking the law? I heard a man admit that he had a problem and that he needed to seek help. What I did not hear were specifics (obviously at the advice of his lawyer).

Despite the left's desire for a crucifixion here, in truth, it probably isn't going to happen. The reason is that the wheels of justice have traditionally tried to stem the illegal use of drugs from the supply side, not the demand side. Unless they have proof that Rush was trafficking, I suspect that he'll simply receive some fines and minimal overall penalties.

I'm conservative, and I think that the law should to address both the supply side and demand side. If he's convicted and guilty, then Rush should pay the appropriate penalty. But before all those on the left start throwing rocks, is this a new push to build more prisons to put away other casual users and addicts? If you wish this fate upon Rush (as so many have vitriolically stated above) at least be intellectually honest and consistent.
posted by insulglass at 9:03 PM on October 10, 2003


y'know if he had actually used the word "drug" or "drugs" in that speech that was linked to, I might be inclined to a bit more sympathetic, but he's clearly drawing a distinction here between his use of "medication" and real drug-use. Doing that hardly seems like being honest with himself, much less with his audience.
posted by juv3nal at 9:05 PM on October 10, 2003


If you wish this fate upon Rush (as so many have vitriolically stated above) at least be intellectually honest and consistent.

What's inconsistent if you only wish it upon those people who wish it upon others? It's perfectly reasonable to make an exception for self-righteously hypocritical blowhard assholes.
posted by Armitage Shanks at 9:11 PM on October 10, 2003


The idea that liberals should put aside politics and express compassion for Rush is a crock. A big part of Rush's schtick has always been lack of compassion for personal weakness and savage mockery of his political opponents in times of personal distress.

And since when does he write your personal or political playbook? What I'm getting from you and Wulfgar is that "Rush is an asshole so I should act like him." Geez, it seems like only a few days ago that I all my homies on the left tried hard not to be like Rush Limbaugh. I just don't get how him being involved in a major personal scandal has suddenly led lots of American liberals to decide to see the world the way Limbaugh sees it.
posted by Ignatius J. Reilly at 9:54 PM on October 10, 2003


You know, I was just thinking that Rush is actually an even bigger coward now than before he "came out". At first I was thinking that his moral integrity would sooner have him in jail then to admit that he was wrong, his ideas are wrong, and that his fellow conservatives are wrong. But now I realize, he didn't do that at all. He didn't say, "I broke the law, and I'm going to prison, because that's what I think should happen to drug users." No, he threw his hands up in the air and exclaimed "Mea Culpa!" -- completely sidetracking the entire issue of his politics being wrong, wrong, wrong, and in fact, relying on the very compassion he spent a career mocking.

I'd have a lot more respect for the guy if he were willing to accept incarceration for his crimes. More proof that he and his ilk are bottom-feeders.
posted by Civil_Disobedient at 10:00 PM on October 10, 2003


Insulglass - Were you or I in this position, we would be doing the time. I have already heard commentators suggest that prosecutors in Limbaugh's case may not pursue charges because the public "humiliation" has already been enough punishment. I suppose the implication is that other "casual" users of drugs do not face losing homes, jobs, families or "face" when confronted with similar circumstances. This is poppycock.

Limbaugh sought to illegally obtain prescription drugs. It is completely "intellectually honest and consistent" to hope this criminal faces the same charges and fate of any other citizen, liberal, conservative, white, black, green, pink or otherwise. What you and I lack is a public forum to "come clean" and play the part of the victim in what for years has been portrayed as a "victimless" crime.

Where many, liberal or not , have a problem with the push to build new prisons, is that far from being filled with those of Rush's ilk (read wealthy, connected) they are being filled with first-time offenders overwhelmingly non-white, and of lower socioeconomic position.
posted by charms55 at 10:13 PM on October 10, 2003


I hope Rush gets better from his problem. Addiction is a tough nut to crack.

However, the Rush defenders acting shocked, shocked that people are happy about his misfortune makes me want to puke.

On a daily basis, Rush would engage in schadenfreude and his listeners would enjoy it as well.

After picking on his political enemies for their every fault and foible for years, finally his faults are public.

For Rush and his supporters to expect that others won't enjoy Rush's fall from grace is hypocritical and insincere. Rush is getting the same thing has dished out for years.

His supporters should expect nothing less.
posted by Argyle at 10:51 PM on October 10, 2003


So Rush has owned up to his habit of vice,
and his situation recalls the kettle and pot;
from his nemesis it seems he has taken advice:
Like Clinton, he confesses only after he's caught.

We're not making light of his state of addiction
--OxyContin's effect can be sad and pathetic.
But as he's spoken of those of similar affliction
without compassion, this justice is surely poetic.

We're not cads--we hope he gets off this narcotic.
But unless he finds his hero Bush is in error,
he must admit he's really been unpatriotic
--since illegal drug users are supporters of terror!

(As for Bakker, he did horrible stuff under cover of his church,
but I think it's wrong to imply he's racist without supporting research.)
posted by troybob at 10:54 PM on October 10, 2003


"So the question is, when will Rush going to surrender to the nearest police station? And I wonder how Rush feels about making that statement now?"

Thank you (and I mean that sincerely) for taking the words directly out of my mouth. I've been saying exactly the same thing for a few days now.

Since Rush admits that he isn't a "victim," that means that no one FORCED him to take drugs in massive quantities. In other words, he is a common criminal, the kind of person he has condemned multiple times publicly in the past. He broke the law and he should turn himself in.

Unfortunately, we all know that that isn't going to happen and that, because he is rich, famous and white, almost certainly, nothing is going to happen to him. Already, the police are indicating that they are going to let him off the hook with statements to the effect of, "We're going after the suppliers, not the users," etc. What a load of crap! When have you EVER heard a police force make an announcement like that when the users were black, Hispanic or members of some other minority group?

Here's another thing to consider: with the massive amounts of drugs he allegedly was using, logically he HAD to have been doing his show at least part of the time under the influence of narcotics. I wonder what the Limbots think about THAT? Their hero was dispensing "wisdom," fueled, at least in part, by pills.
posted by Cranky Media Guy at 11:19 PM on October 10, 2003




FUCK THIS NOISE. WHEN IS HE GOING TO PRISON?
posted by trondant at 4:17 AM on October 11, 2003


My girlfriend has three prolapsed cervical discs, and every doctor who has seen her x-rays and MRI's says she's one of the worst cases they've encountered. She used to take 5-7 extra strength Vicodin a day until all the acetaminophen started to upset her stomach and she reluctantly switched to Oxycontin (the 20 mg variety). She takes two a day and she can function, although she still does have bad moments. Her doctors have offered her other painkillers (including 40mg Oxycontins, transdermal morphine patches and morphine capsules that last for three days) but she refuses to "let things escalate". According to the three different surgeons she's been referred to, surgery is not an option because 1) it is unlikely to help 2) there is a high risk of spinal cord damage during surgery which could lead to her becoming a quadriplegic. So my brave girl endures pain and disability, while continuing to function, and she NEVER abuses her medication. I suppose she's a text book example of the sort of person for whom Oxycontin was designed.

As for this heartless loudmouth hypocrite Limbaugh.... He had successful back surgery and still popped a gazillion Oxy's, all the while railing against "drug addicts" (not to mention every other disenfranchised/marginal segment of society) and cashing his multimillion dollar paychecks, and we're the bad guys for not having sympathy for him? Give me a fucking break.
posted by Devils Slide at 5:19 AM on October 11, 2003


Someone referred above to Mr. Limbaugh as a "common criminal." I find that to be far from true. For those in the know, Mr. Limbaugh's abilities to scale walls, slide carefully beneath laser sensors to avoid capture, and wedge himself perilously in the ceilings of buildings while watching the frantic security guards below is well-known and respected. I have not even mentioned his signature move, of multiple backflips during fisticuffs. Common criminal indeed.
posted by mecran01 at 5:58 AM on October 11, 2003


The "Left" do NOT tend to be pro-drug legalization. I'm not sure where you're getting that. It's way more of a libertarian ideal, and as such is really closer to conservative philosophy.

Libertarianism is often described as liberal social policies combined with conservative fiscal policies. Drug use is a social issue. Liberals tend to be pro-choice about personal moral decisions, like drug use. The difference would be that a libertarian position would basically just cut the laws out and let the market sort itself out, while a liberal position would be to make it a regulated market (most libertarians would allow some regulation, I'd think, considering the laws about cigs and alcohol already in place).

As for Rush, I think Daze already said it well. I don't personally care much one way or the other how this affects his life, but it's not uncaring to suggest he be treated exactly as he has many stated he ought to be treated. It is only in compliance with his own philosophy. As someone said above, imagine what he would have said if this news came out about hillary clinton.

Regarding the medical need vs. experimentation thing, plenty of people who get hooked on drugs do have a medical need of some sort, most often psychiatric, but sometimes more straightforward. The difference is, without insurance and medical care, they get something from a friend that dulls the pain. If people get into it purely from an experimental interest, they are a lot less likely to get addicted. I know plenty of people who have tried various drugs, including heroin, who were able to stop without massive trouble, mainly because they had a life to return to. Yes, there's a physical element, but that's not the whole story.

Re: oxycontin just makes you fall asleep - I dunno, it felt pretty good to me. Opiates definitely lull everything, but in a very pleasurable way.
posted by mdn at 6:51 AM on October 11, 2003


but it's not uncaring to suggest he be treated exactly as he has many stated he ought to be treated. It is only in compliance with his own philosophy.

It's not? This is logically constipated. Are you suggesting we adopt the "philosophy" of the individual to determine their punishment? Double standards for people we don't agree with politically is dangerous on a personal and societal level. Why are people so easily willing to abandon their own principles when there comes a chance to do harm to someone they don't like?
posted by anathema at 7:09 AM on October 11, 2003


He had successful back surgery

Not getting involved, just pointing out that his back surgery was actually unsuccessful (scroll down).
posted by biscotti at 7:54 AM on October 11, 2003


Rush doesn't deserve prison time, regardless what he has said about locking up drug users in the past. First time nonviolent drug offenders should always have the option of treatment.

But he certainly deserves mockery and a glaring spotlight on his hypocrisy.

As for his honesty -- he came forward after the police and tabloids nailed him. That isn't brave honesty, it's damage control.
posted by Daze at 7:59 AM on October 11, 2003


Double standards for people we don't agree with politically is dangerous on a personal and societal level. Why are people so easily willing to abandon their own principles when there comes a chance to do harm to someone they don't like?

The double standard is the other way around, though: many people are persecuted for this crime; Limbaugh has specifically stated that this is just and that rich white people shouldn't get off any more easily. Personally, I think the laws should be changed, but as long as they're being applied to poor black kids, they should equally be applied to rich white talk show hosts.

And people aren't advocating this line because they "don't like" Rush; they're suggesting it because it is exactly what he preached. If that's what the law ought to be by his standards, then why isn't he advocating his own arrest? Again, I'm not advocating that; merely pointing out that that is what HE wants, according to his earlier statements.

It's good to be compassionate, but you have to be reasonable and strong, too. It isn't good to let people walk all over you. That only encourages their behavior. Likewise, while I have some sympathy for his trouble, and don't wish anything bad on him, I think it's important to hold him to some kind of consistency: either he should retract his previous positions, or he should follow through on what they require of him. To allow him to condemn others but escape the same punishment himself is to show a lack of compassion for all those others who have suffered under the laws Limbaugh supported because they didn't have the money or fame to wiggle out. It's important that he recognize that he's the same as they are.
posted by mdn at 8:50 AM on October 11, 2003


Ha ha. Right. For a minute there, I forgot where I was. Now I remember.
posted by hama7 at 8:57 AM on October 11, 2003


How about people who pay others to destroy evidence for the first time in their lives in a non-violent manner? Do they get a hug too?
posted by trondant at 10:17 AM on October 11, 2003


Haha homolefty ! Now that's funny :) But there's more !
Yes rebellion is exactly the same as terrorism. Mhhh homoreactionary..mmhh nah let's do HomoNazi (so NaziLesbians don't feel alone). Christ if it was for you U.S. shouldn't have started rebellion against HRM the Queen. HomoLefty,HomoNazi..welcome to MetaCircus !
posted by elpapacito at 12:26 PM on October 11, 2003


I think trondant has it right: FUCK THIS NOISE. WHEN IS HE GOING TO PRISON?
posted by subgenius at 12:51 PM on October 11, 2003


Unfortunately, the surgery was unsuccessful and I continued to have severe pain in my lower back and also in my neck due to herniated discs. I am still experiencing that pain...

Bullshit! This junkie should be in prison.
posted by amberglow at 4:31 PM on October 11, 2003


Jesus you people* are hateful, and smug too.



*homoleftists
posted by paleocon at 4:47 PM on October 11, 2003


He was high as a kite, even when he was spouting off to you, paleocon.

In fact, he lied to those of you who listen to him even while announcing his leave for rehab.
posted by amberglow at 4:58 PM on October 11, 2003


I was cutting him some slack until I just learned about this golf thing--I thought he actually could be a guy in chronic pain, but that's not so.
posted by amberglow at 5:03 PM on October 11, 2003


control the hyperbole, leftists!
posted by mcsweetie at 6:56 PM on October 11, 2003


Paleocon: Just to get this clear, are you saying that gay liberals
are more hateful or are you just using "homo" as a generic insult?
posted by milovoo at 10:20 PM on October 11, 2003


i think he's parroting rush, milovoo
(although i am a homoleftist, and proud of it)
posted by amberglow at 10:26 PM on October 11, 2003


"I mean, when I play we don't even call them 'mulligans,'" he added, "we call them 'Clintons.'"

We don't call it the Limbo, we call it the Limbaugh.

Limbaugh, Limbaugh, lower now....

How low can you go?

posted by y2karl at 7:23 AM on October 12, 2003


Hateful and smug? That sounds an awful lot like a certain pill-popping conservative rado talk-show host I know. Are you sure you're talking into the right microphone?
posted by trondant at 8:22 AM on October 12, 2003


Charity is when you get what you deserve.
Pity is when you get what you don't deserve.
Mercy is when you don't get what you deserve.
posted by Lord Chancellor at 4:50 PM on October 12, 2003




One of Rush's favorite recent catchphrases on his show is: "Folks, I'm well off. Do you think it's right that the federal government should pay for my prescription medicine?"

I guess he kinda has a point now.
posted by RavinDave at 10:24 AM on October 13, 2003


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