The Al Franken-Rush Limbaugh effect

[RightyRightOn]

The brilliance lies within his successes. As I said, whether you agree with him or not, which you obviously don't.

Nicotine is of course addictive, I just wanted to hear you spaz out.

I believe the Iran-Contra convictions were vacated on appeal and those convicted were not in the admin.

Reagan was the greatest president in history, C'mon everybody knows that.

deal-with-it.org is not a site I would take very seriously.

It's not very respectable to make fun of a person's weight and addictions.

 

[rtwngAvngr]

Originally posted by montyfowler
Oh, Brother...you have stirred the Conservative lions today!

You have quickly discovered that there are a few people lurking around here who are intellectually stuck in a wooden box made of Conservative Republican party planks. They are as bad as the Liberals who can't reason beyond what the media pumps into their heads.

I appreciate your thoughtful comments on Mr. Franken and Mr. Limbaugh. Both are indeed entertainers, both have real insights filtered through their own political lens, and both have the ability to influence millions of people who would rather be spoonfed opinions that have to put in the work to form their own.

Keep posting and ignore the blowhard extremists.

Hey look everybody, it's monty The Liar. You obviously don't even listen to Rush so stfu.

 

[acludem]

I have to doubt anyone who does a political radio show and frequently rails against drug users while high. Rush is a great talk show host, and he knows how to entertain his audience. Al Franken is also a great entertainer and a great writer. If you don't believe me, watch some old episodes of Saturday Night Live from the late 70s through the early 90s when we was one of the show's main writers.

acludem

 

[rtwngAvngr]

Originally posted by acludem
I have to doubt anyone who does a political radio show and frequently rails against drug users while high. Rush is a great talk show host, and he knows how to entertain his audience. Al Franken is also a great entertainer and a great writer. If you don't believe me, watch some old episodes of Saturday Night Live from the late 70s through the early 90s when we was one of the show's main writers.

acludem

Actually Rush didn't really discuss drugs that much. The only quote I saw some lefty bringing up was from 1995. Too bad you're wrong again.

 

[LoneVoice]

Originally posted by rtwngAvngr
Actually Rush didn't really discuss drugs that much. The only quote I saw some lefty bringing up was from 1995. Too bad you're wrong again.

Was this the quote that you're referring to?

In 1995 he told listeners, "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 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." Mr. Limbaugh went on to deny that African Americans are over-incarcerated compared to whites as a result of the war on drugs. The answer to any such disparity, he said, was to catch more white drug users, "convict them and send them up the river, too."

 

[DKSuddeth]

Originally posted by rtwngAvngr
Actually Rush didn't really discuss drugs that much. The only quote I saw some lefty bringing up was from 1995. Too bad you're wrong again.

what about this, from his very own show this year?

WEST PALM BEACH, FL- Frankly discussing his addiction to painkillers, conservative talk-show host Rush Limbaugh told his radio audience Monday that his abuse of OxyContin was a "remnant of the anything-goes ideology of the Clinton Administration." "Friends, all I can say is 'I told you so,'" said Limbaugh, from an undisclosed drug-treatment facility. "Were it not for Bill Clinton's loose policies on drug offenders and his rampant immorality, I would not have found myself in this predicament." Limbaugh added that he's staying at a rehab center created by the tax-and-spend liberals.

 

[sitarro]

Hey Lone guy,
How about the doctor that prescribed the painkillers, shouldn't he take a bit of the blame for not recognizing that he was prescribing highly addictive painkillers to the man and also not recognizing his patient's dependence. How about John F. Kennedy's painkiller addiction , he was doing serious amounts of drugs while he was in office . What aboout his brother Teddy , obviously drunk most of the time he has been a U.S.Senator . Where are your judgemental posts about them?
Certainly you guys aren't stupid enough to be comparing an addiction to painkillers to a crack addiction , right ?
What says a lot , is that even when Rush was at the height of his addiction, he could still out debate that little troll Franken in his sleep .

 

[LoneVoice]

Originally posted by DKSuddeth
what about this, from his very own show this year?

WEST PALM BEACH, FL- Frankly discussing his addiction to painkillers, conservative talk-show host Rush Limbaugh told his radio audience Monday that his abuse of OxyContin was a "remnant of the anything-goes ideology of the Clinton Administration." "Friends, all I can say is 'I told you so,'" said Limbaugh, from an undisclosed drug-treatment facility. "Were it not for Bill Clinton's loose policies on drug offenders and his rampant immorality, I would not have found myself in this predicament." Limbaugh added that he's staying at a rehab center created by the tax-and-spend liberals.

LOL....
So, you're saying Rush is not responsible for his own drug addiction?

Not only is he not responsible, but he manages to find some way to spin it so as to blame Clinton and make him the culprit.

I thought Rush was adamantly against Slick Willy spin tactics, yet hypocritically that's exactly what Rush is doing.

And somehow, with all of that, Rush is supposed to be right...
Well, I guess he's a master of the slick spin...

 

[DKSuddeth]

Theres a few reasons that they are not comparable.

One, is that JFK didn't go around slamming all drug addictions on a talk show, radio show, presidential addresses.

Two, Ted Kennedy doesn't go around speaking for MADD or preaching about lowering the legal limit.

Three, Any doctor KNOWS that oxycontin is highly addictive. What is at question is how many doctors did Rush play hopscotch with in obtaining the medication. This may never be truly known because of the need to keep medical records private. A good decision by the courts finally, it sucks sort of, but a good decision nonetheless.

The matter MAY have been dropped were it not for his attempt at blaming the clinton years for his ability to get addicted. So much for personal responsibility.

 

[DKSuddeth]

Originally posted by LoneVoice
LOL....
So, you're saying Rush is not responsible for his own drug addiction?

Not only is he not responsible, but he manages to find some way to spin it so as to blame Clinton and make him the culprit.

I thought Rush was adamantly against Slick Willy spin tactics, yet hypocritically that's exactly what Rush is doing.

And somehow, with all of that, Rush is supposed to be right...
Well, I guess he's a master of the slick spin...

I'm not saying that. I was posting this in response to this statement from RWA: "Actually Rush didn't really discuss drugs that much. The only quote I saw some lefty bringing up was from 1995. Too bad you're wrong again."

 

[LoneVoice]

Originally posted by sitarro
Hey Lone guy,
How about the doctor that prescribed the painkillers, shouldn't he take a bit of the blame for not recognizing that he was prescribing highly addictive painkillers to the man and also not recognizing his patient's dependence. How about John F. Kennedy's painkiller addiction , he was doing serious amounts of drugs while he was in office . What aboout his brother Teddy , obviously drunk most of the time he has been a U.S.Senator . Where are your judgemental posts about them?
Certainly you guys aren't stupid enough to be comparing an addiction to painkillers to a crack addiction , right ?
What says a lot , is that even when Rush was at the height of his addiction, he could still out debate that little troll Franken in his sleep .

I agree... Enforce the law with regards to the doctor that prescribed the drugs to Rush. Also enforce the law with regards to Rush. They both should be punished in accordance with the law.

Then you try the old partisan tactic... When your guy is guilty, point the finger at the other side. It's a partisan tactic to distract the blame or attention from Rush, because it looks bad for your guy.

But, I agree. The law should be enforced consistently. When there is sufficient proof, they should be busted as well.

If you have sufficient evidence to have someone else punished, then have your party or constituency promote prosecution. That's how checks and balances work.


The point is, right now, Rush is the one brought up on charges for his illegal use of drugs. Deal with that case and punish him in accordance with the law.

If the country is going to exact a war on drugs policy, then it should be consistent in its enforcement.

 

[sitarro]

As far as the war on drugs , I agree with Sam Kinison that the socalled drug war has done nothing but make the least dangerous "drug" harder to get (also more expensive) and made two of the most dangerous drugs , Crack Cocaine and Heroin , easier to get (less expensive) .
Thirty years ago , when I was in college , all my friends dealt drugs . I tried almost everything that was available at the time , back then crack was called free basing . Out of everything I tried (never tried Heroin) Alcohol and prescription valium were two of the most dangerous . Pot was easily the most benign . Cigarettes were worse .
Here is a short story about the effectiveness of "the drug war" . My neighbor was at lunch with a younger guy from work . On his way back to work the kid pulls out a pipe lights it up . A State cop sees this and pulls them over . He gets the kid for the possession of the pipe and it's contents , this gives him the probable cause to search the car . He finds a tiny bag under my neighbors seat , maybe a pipe full . He busts both of them . He brings them to jail , the sheriff calls the golf course they work at and tells them the story . My neighbors wife calls me to pick him up from jail , the kid borrows 160 dollars for the towing fee (2 miles , one night storage) .My neighbor and the kid get fired from a country club that pushes alcohol all day and night and allows customers to drive away seeing triple ... they couldn't allow drug addicts to work there (the cart guys were known to sneak beer all of the time). My neighbor then proceeded to lose his house and get a divorce after spending 2500 dollars on a lawyer that did nothing . He had worked at that golf course for 10 years , they fired him immediately . The cop spent 4 hours of his time on this huge bust , how many drunk drivers drove by them while he took a pipe and a gram of pot off the street ? I'm sure this happens every day across the country . And we wonder why the courts and jails are overflowing. My former neighbor has been on social security and other benifits since he lost his job 3 years ago , he is no longer a contributer to society , he is sucking on the government's proverbial; teet .
As for Rush , he didn't hurt anyone but himself . He has contionued to pay more in taxes than most of us will earn in a lifetime .I don't think that the jail time for drug offenses is intelligent , it doesn't do any good for anyone . Robert Downey Jr. has proved that . If they really want it they can get it in jail . It would do nobody but the wimps in the Democrat party any good to put Rush in jail , that is the only reason they are pushing for it . Be careful what you wish for Dems , you just might get it . Imagine the amount of workers that are effected by the wealth this man creates . Just as the tax laws you guys made sure were changed out of jealousy , the little guy always gets hurt in the end when you take money from the wealthy . How many restaurants and all of the chain of people related to them went out of business when work lunches were no longer tax deductible ? Things have been the way they are for a reason , you screw with pieces and the whole machine stops working.
As for Rush talking about drug users , I have listened to his show almost every day for 9 years , I really don't recall his ranting against drug users , he may have commented once or twice but it has never been a major part of his show . It is always the people that never listen to his show that want to tell the world what his show is about .

 

[montyfowler]

I have been a fairly regular listener of Rush for the past 8 years. I view Rush primarily as an entertainer (as does he) but he is also the voice and conscience of the Conservative wing of the Rebublican party. He has undeniable influence over 20+ million listeners per week and generally uses that influence in very positive ways.

His insightful and reasoned commentary on politics and the issues that affect all of us are important in that they serve as a very necessary counterbalance to the Liberal-tinged "news" from the major networks.

I must admit that I am very disappointed in him for his addiction to prescription medications. As a very vocal (perhaps the most vocal) proponent of conservative values, he has made himself a role model for others to emulate. Therefore he has put himself in a position where he is called to a higher standard of behavior. I realize that an addiction has both physical and psychological components, but that does not absolve an individual of his personal responsibility.

Should rush go to jail? I don't know...I would need to be a juror in a trial to judge that. I do have confidence that our criminal justice system deal with him in a fair and impartial manner, if it comes to that.

Rush does deserve our prayers and support for recovery from this addiction. I think he is to be admired for his ability to persevere through this situation in the harsh light of public scrutiny. It is more than any of us would ever have to deal with.

 

[LoneVoice]

Originally posted by montyfowler
I have been a fairly regular listener of Rush for the past 8 years. I view Rush primarily as an entertainer (as does he) but he is also the voice and conscience of the Conservative wing of the Rebublican party. He has undeniable influence over 20+ million listeners per week and generally uses that influence in very positive ways.

His insightful and reasoned commentary on politics and the issues that affect all of us are important in that they serve as a very necessary counterbalance to the Liberal-tinged "news" from the major networks.

I must admit that I am very disappointed in him for his addiction to prescription medications. As a very vocal (perhaps the most vocal) proponent of conservative values, he has made himself a role model for others to emulate. Therefore he has put himself in a position where he is called to a higher standard of behavior. I realize that an addiction has both physical and psychological components, but that does not absolve an individual of his personal responsibility.

Should rush go to jail? I don't know...I would need to be a juror in a trial to judge that. I do have confidence that our criminal justice system deal with him in a fair and impartial manner, if it comes to that.

Rush does deserve our prayers and support for recovery from this addiction. I think he is to be admired for his ability to persevere through this situation in the harsh light of public scrutiny. It is more than any of us would ever have to deal with.

Hey! A reasonable Republican. I'll give you credit.

Truth is, Rush does have some very good and insightful points. That's one of the reasons that he's grown to the popularity that he has. At the same time, his show is dominated by blatantly misguided or instigating remarks as well. That's why he gets so much negative reaction as well.

He doesn't provide any balance though. I understand your main point, that media sways to the left. But Rush on the other hand is extreme right wing, so that doesn't provide any balance. He tips the scale. For example, the media doesn't usually spend a lot of time on extreme left issues... i.e. not killing any animals, or protecting every tree. Whereas Rush will often take up extreme right wing issues. Every religious right issue, as long as it's Christian religion. Christian prayer in schools. Christian symbols in public establishments. Tax cuts for the wealthy at every opportunity. (He says he's for all tax cuts, but suggest one that doesn't predominantly favor the wealthy, and see how he'll react. i.e. the flat tax and removing the tax loopholes). So, he provides an alternative viewpoint, but balance, not hardly.
It's sort of like a quote I heard from the Dave Chapelle show. He had viewer mail that asked why he doesn't show white people in a favorable, positive manner on his show. His response was, due to all the other shows that show white people in a favorable manner and don't show black people in a favorable manner, he will provide balance by continuing to insult white people every chance he gets.

The truth is, that for any President, if all you want to do is criticize him, then you can find all sorts of reasons and stories to back you up. If all you want to do is praise a President, then you can find all sorts of reasons and stories to back that up. Really, that's true of any body and any issue. If you choose to polarize and only look at it from one viewpoint, then you will only see the things that you want, and that support your viewpoint.


I can understand the compassion that you feel for Rush and his drug problem. In general, I agree... we should show some compassion to all people and all circumstances. But at the same time, if we have to do what's right, then we should be able to do that as well. For example (not the best example), we should have compassion for Michael Jackson right now. But if evidence comes to light during the trial that he really did molest any children, then we should prosecute him to the fullest. We should also have compassion for the child and family that brought forth the allegations. But if evidence comes to light that this case was brought up for any misguided reasons (i.e. extortion for money, or trying to wreck Michael Jackson's career or whatever), then that should not be tolerated either.

So, the point is be consistent. Now, Rush's show never displays an ounce of compassion for anything. It would be inconsistent of him to desire compassion for him and his circumstances at this point.

For example, Rush used to be 100% against the ACLU. As a result of his drug problem, that's changed. Give him credit for seeing the light for protecting Civil Liberties. But, if he is able to do a 180 degree turn on this issue. That should make you reflect on many of the other issues that he was so 100% dogged about. Looks like Rush is alot different when he actually walks in those shoes awhile.

 

[rtwngAvngr]

LoneVoice, Rush is not out of balance, you are. No broadcasters spend time on far left issues like not killing animals? Of course they don't, because the jury is in, and the verdict is that people like meat, we like to eat animals, we like to wear them, and since we're there, well test our medicine on them too, thank you very much! And lonevoice, you're this far outside the norm on every issue, from national security on down.

 

[LoneVoice]

LOL... I see you're trying to instigate....

You know not of what you're arguing against.... Typical of your idiocy.

I partake of meat too.

 

[kcmcdonald]

orginally posted by lonevoice
"LOL... I see you're trying to instigate....

You know not of what you're arguing against.... Typical of your idiocy.

I partake of meat too."

What, oh great thinker, is the wisdom of your great mind. Please teach me how to be a bleeding heart, brain washed, socialist.:

 

[kcmcdonald]

Rush is a raddical right winger, 20 million people listen to this guy on the regular. That's more than i can say listen to Franken on the regular. If you don't like the truth turn off your raido.
Or as the GREAT: leaders of the 60's said......Tune out:

 

[Zhukov]

WEST PALM BEACH, FL- Frankly discussing his addiction to painkillers, conservative talk-show host Rush Limbaugh told his radio audience Monday that his abuse of OxyContin was a "remnant of the anything-goes ideology of the Clinton Administration." "Friends, all I can say is 'I told you so,'" said Limbaugh, from an undisclosed drug-treatment facility. "Were it not for Bill Clinton's loose policies on drug offenders and his rampant immorality, I would not have found myself in this predicament." Limbaugh added that he's staying at a rehab center created by the tax-and-spend liberals.

That is the stupidest thing I've heard in awhile.

 

[rtwngAvngr]

DK, again you miss the point. The point is that Rush didn't go around "railing against drug users", he was really low key about the issue. But don't let the truth get in the way of your arguments. And the thing about this being a result of clinton era moral looseness... That's a bit. a joke. Learn to spot humor.

And Rush is brilliant. That's why you libs hate him so much.

That's why all you do is focus on "proving he's a hypocrite". Why not try taking on some of his arguments on their own merit, instead of your habitual ad hominem sophomoric bullsqueeze?