Rush Limbaugh

[Foobar]

'SEND THEM UP THE RIVER'

Rush Limbaugh made the following comments during a segment on drug use during his show on Oct. 5, 1995. They were made in reference to a report citing the disproportionate charging, conviction and jailing of blacks on drug charges.

"Let's all admit something: 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."

"...What this says to me 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. That's how you deal with this, ladies and gentlemen."

 

[Foobar]

Retrieved from: http://www.suntimes.com/output/entertainment/cst-nws-rush11.html

BY JILL BARTON Advertisement

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. -- Conservative commentator Rush Limbaugh announced during his radio show Friday that he is addicted to pain-killers and is checking into a rehab program.

''You know I have always tried to be honest with you and open about my life,'' Limbaugh said during a stunning admission aired nationwide. ''So I need to tell you today that part of what you have heard and read is correct. I am addicted to prescription pain medication.

''Immediately following this broadcast, I am checking myself into a treatment center for the next 30 days to once and for all break the hold this highly addictive medication has on me,'' he added.

Attempts to reach Limbaugh by phone, e-mail, fax and at his Florida home were unsuccessful Friday.

Limbaugh gave up his job as an ESPN sports analyst Oct. 1, three days after saying on the sports network's ''Sunday NFL Countdown'' that Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Donovan McNabb was overrated because the media wanted to see a black quarterback succeed.

Reports of possible drug abuse surfaced at about the same time, first in the National Enquirer. The tabloid had interviewed Wilma Cline, who said she became Limbaugh's drug connection after working as his maid. She said Limbaugh had abused OxyContin and other pain-killers.

Law enforcement sources confirmed that Limbaugh was being investigated by the Palm Beach County, Fla., state attorney's office.

''At the present time, the authorities are conducting an investigation, and I have been asked to limit my public comments until this investigation is complete,'' Limbaugh said.

Mike Edmondson, a spokesman for the Palm Beach County state attorney's office, said Friday his office could neither confirm nor deny that an investigation was under way. Limbaugh's attorney, Roy Black, did not respond to a message seeking comment.

Limbaugh said he started taking pain-killers ''some years ago'' after a doctor prescribed them following spinal surgery. His back pain stemming from the surgery persisted, so Limbaugh said he started taking pills.

''Over the past several years, I have tried to break my dependence on pain pills and, in fact, twice checked myself in to medical facilities in an attempt to do so. I have recently agreed with my physician about the next steps.''

A spokesman for Premiere Radio Networks, which syndicates the ''Rush Limbaugh Show,'' declined to elaborate on Limbaugh's previous treatment.

OxyContin is a narcotic pain-killer that is prescribed for victims of moderate to severe chronic pain resulting from such problems as arthritis, back trouble and cancer.

Limbaugh reported two years ago that he had lost most of his hearing because of an autoimmune inner-ear disease. An electronic device was placed in his skull to restore his hearing.

Research has found that abuse of opiate-based pain-killers like OxyContin can lead to profound hearing loss caused by damage to the inner ear, said Dr. Gail Ishiyama, an assistant professor at the UCLA department of neurology. She could not confirm that was Limbaugh's case without access to his medical history. AP

 

[Typhoon1244]

Rush Limbaugh said...
"...what this says to me 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. That's how you deal with this, ladies and gentlemen."

So, did Rush surrender himself to the police as soon as he realized he had a problem? I'm sure he'd happily do the time since his convictions are so strong on this issue.

 

[Typhoon1244]

Better try and make this more aviation related...

Lots of pilots listen to Rush Limbaugh.

There.

 

[Foobar]

Next thing you know we'll find out the president and head of the republican party had a drug problem. Oh wait, uhhh, hmmmm...

http://www.progress.org/archive/drc12.htm

Ok well at least he never received a DUI.

Oh wait ummm, hmmm, thats a problem too.

Now before you launch into Clinton I think he was a pot smoking wanker as well.

 

[Super 80]

When a conservative, a religious person or anyone calling for any sense of morality shows the least human frailty and failing they are instantly pilloried and for lack of better argument against the ideas they had, everything they stand for somehow seems discounted.

Meanwhile, a liberal, a secularly minded person, or anyone who chaffs against any personal restraint constantly wails their right to the pursuit of happiness (a modern interpretation of Adam Smith's pursuit of wealth as then penned) does something wrong in their personal life; they are celebrated when they confess and their ideas still get honorable mention.

It seems to me the difference has to do with saying you have a standard. If you do, then some will hang you for the least hypocrisy, but if you don't then the sky is the limit. For those that want to bandy the word hypocrite around, are you lily-white? Or do you just say those standards don't apply to yourself because you don't recognize them, but still you’ll use them against your political opponents?

At the same time, the ideas of limited government, less taxation, being responsible, right and wrong, and upholding a moral responsibility as the only foundation for freedom have not lost any of their weight or the strength of their argument.

 

[Foobar]

Hmmm, no I'm not Lilly white but my point is that Rush is a pot smoking wanker. I can throw that stone. I'm not a pot-smoking wanker. Rush was throwing stones while he was a pot-smoking wanker. I was a pot-smoking wanker, but haven't been since I was 15. So I suppose once Rush is out of druggie rehab (as opposed to prison where he believes he ought to go) and has been clean for a while then he can start throwing stones again.

It seems to me that those most interested in preaching about accountability are the least interested in being accountable.

Just like the pilots who whine the most about how unfair a CFI or cargo job shout the most about paying dues later.

Just like the guy taking the Mesa job will complain the most about industry pay later on. Life is always ironic.

But really the point is that Rush is a pot-smoking wanker. Now that’s funny. The phrase pot-smoking wanker is funny too. Especially if you throw in a monkey. As in, Rush is a pot smoking monkey wanker.

But once he goes to prison (or will he) then he will be a pot smoking ass monkey for some big dude.

 

[Timebuilder]

Well foobar, first of all, I am unimpressed by Adam Smith's article. I know that you will cling to it as incontrovertible fact, but I know the forces at work against Bush, since I was once such an activist type myself. Because of my experience as one of the left wing wankers, I have more reason than most to discount the Smith article.

Let's ask about the context of Rush's statement about drugs. Was he saying that no person should be prescribed pain medication by a doctor, or that pain medication legally prescribed by a physician should be a reason for prosecution?

No.

As you already know, his statement dealt directly with illegal drugs used for recreational use, not for an addiction to legal drugs prescribed by a physician. This is the difference between a medical condition arising from a medical treatment and a criminal activity. If he went to illegal sources in order to releive the pain of his spinal condition, he was wrong for doing so. We don't yet know the facts surrounding this, so we must wait and see what, if any, wrongdoing comes to light as the result of the ongoing investigation.

Now, contrast this behavior with recreational drug use, where the drug is illegal under all circumstances, and the damage to society is overtly evident. I think you will agree that recreational drug use is for the purpose of pleasure. In the case of Rush, the legally prescribed painkillers never produced pleasure, but only made the level of pain bearable. If you have never suffered severe back pain, you may have no notion of what Rush was going through. I have had some back pain, so I can easily imagine the level of pain that must have been the basis for the prescriptions, which doctors avoid writing whenever possible.

So, you can lump Rush in with those who he was speaking about if you like, and I know that you DO like, but realize that you can only do so by ignoring the facts of this particular set of circumstances.

Which I am certain you are willing to do.

 

[BBJPILOT]

Does ANYBODY really give a rats ass about any of this crap? Really?

 

[2000flyer]

In most cases I refrain from a political debate, especially amoung fellow aviators whom political leanings vary as much as the equipment we fly.

However...

Liberal vs. Conservative:

Bill Clinton admits to "trying pot" but "didn't inhale". Later he admits, "uhhh, ok I inhaled". The media all but ignors it and the liberals embrace him as some sort of friggin hero.

GW admits to once having an alcohol problem. Liberals scream he's unfit for office. "Why, everyone knows, once a drinker....always a drinker!"

---

Darryl Stawberry gets convicted how many times....forever banned from baseball how many times? If I'm not mistaken he was given three chances to return to baseball, even though he was permanently banned before finally being told enough second, third and fourth chances were exhausted.

Limbaugh gets named by a "reputable" paper as one who is buying prescription meds on dark streets covertly. He announces to a loyal audience "I have a problem and at the end of this program I'm checking into a treatment facility to beat this addiction." First, the only thing illegal was how he purchased the medication. They themselves are NOT an illegal substance. Now don't get me wrong, I certainly would NEVER advocate any do such a thing, nor would I defend it. But do you think if Wesley Clark made such an admonition the liberals and media would glorify him for "recognizing a serious addiction and taking action to cure himself?" Yet, the left is rejoicing at Rush's addiction, some even demanding he be fired from EIB and they sue him since he just signed a multi-million dollar contract.

---

Trent Lott honors a man's history in the republican party and his head is handed to him on a stick because his comments are "racists".

Hillary thanks God in her book for being raised in an all white neighborhood and gets ohs and ahs. Hello?!?!

Simply put, would it be nice if ALL political parties would concentrate on doing what they were 'hired' for and work towards a common good. ALL parties seem more concerned at servicing themselves and ensuring their a$$e$ get fatter regardless.

You ever wonder why the little guy or gal could give a rats ... for running for political office. Not to mention who the he11 could afford it.

 

[fLYbUDDY]

I KNEW IT!

I almost started a thread about what is going on with Rush (before this one showed up), but then I figured “why should I be the one to get all the heat from the thread-Nazis (the ones on this board that will not tolerate anything that isn’t aviation related)" I am glad someone started this though (thanks foobar!) I find this to be pretty interesting.

I think it is horrible for anyone to have to get over an addiction, especially the OCs. They are a disease that can easily infect ANYONE. I will be praying for Rush and all the people that have to fight that dragon found in any type of addiction.

I also think it is great that he admitted his problem. And not just Rush, but anyone who comes clean about something like that is worth giving a chance to be rehabilitated and returned to society as a normal (good-hearted) citizen.

However, I must wonder what Rush would have said about it (the pain-killer addiction) if it was one of his liberal enemies that was going through all this. I am not very political and have only listened to Rush a few times. The few times I did listen to him, he seemed pretty hard on some people for making stupid mistakes. Sure people deserve to be held accountable for their actions but sometimes I think he can go a little beyond that in what he would expect out of some people, especially those that were politically different from him. All in all I hope he is able to pull through this okay.

 

[Timebuilder]

I know people who are in jail and being treated for drug addiction.

Yep, I give a rat's ass about it. I'm paying for that prison and the treatment, and I'd like to see an end to their suffering.

2000flyer:

What you just pointed out is one of the reasons that I am no longer a liberal: the willingness of the left to be TOTALLY disingenuous in order to advance their philospphy, a true case of believing that "the ends are justified by the means". It is an example of "do as I say, not as I do". I'm sure Rush would have given ANYTHING to avoid having his back problems. Unfortuantely, what relieves pain often can build a chemical dependence due to the activity of Serotonin in the brain. Once we fully undersatnd this, we may have very effective painkillers that are non-addictive.

The reason this is important to everyone is this: the philosophy of the people in whom we vest political power will determine the nature of our culture and the level of freedom we have as individuals. Once, we could speak our minds. Now, we must be politically correct. Once, we could hire who we want, now we have quotas and an EEOC. We once were in charge of the guidance of our children, and now teachers and school activists and psychologists are the arbiters of right and wrong, along with activist judges who legislate from the bench. It is very likely that the school nurse will have more influence over your child's medical care than you will. If your child comes to school with bruises, you will be the suspect. A word from your daughter and you can be arrested.

If none of this is a concern to you, then click away. Otherwise, think of this: it is your frog that is being slowly cooked in a incrementally warmer pot.

 

[fLYbUDDY]

Does ANYBODY really give a rats ass about any of this crap? Really?

Yeah, as I already mentioned, I kinda do.

 

[Timebuilder]

However, I must wonder what Rush would have said about it (the pain-killer addiction) if it was one of his liberal enemies that was going through all this.

If you have to wonder, you need to listen more frequently. Come back in a month and find out. Or, better yet, call him and ask.

 

[fLYbUDDY]

Hey guys it is 4:20 what do you think rush is doing right now?

Sorry I couldn't resist! I am just kidding!

 

[Dieterly]

Super 80

the ideas of limited government

HA HA, that's a good one!!! What ever happend to "smaller goverment"? BTW, the goverment is now bigger than ever before, thanks George, for keeping yet another campaign promise...

 

[Super 80]

Re: Super 80

What ever happend to "smaller goverment"? BTW, the goverment is now bigger than ever before, thanks George...

Actually, I think you have to look at the makeup of the Senate to see why President Bush has placated the Left's big spending ways.

The easiest thing for a politician to do is spend someone else's money, and in that regard you're right in there with Rush, may we refer to you simply as a ditto-head when you attack GW for the horrendous level of Federal spending we have today?

 

[jarhead]

I believe that Rush is a pilot, and flys his own twin engine prop plane to various engagements all over the country.

Can someone tell me if there are any ramifications with the FAA pulling his ticket (for medical, or any other reasons) based on his admissions to prescription drug abuse? By the way, even though OxyContin IS a prescription drug, I am certain he was consuming far more than any Rx would allow. There are reports he was taking up to 40 10 mg tablets a day. I just got home from the hospital a week ago from back surgery, and I was given a three week supply of OxyContin for pain, to be taken over a 21 day period. There was a TOTAL of 49 pills for me to take over 21 days, and I was told it WOULD NOT BE REFILLED after they had been consumed over that 21 day period.....PERIOD, The point being, if Rush has used in the amount reported, he was getting these pills on the black market from illicit drug dealers. That is a crime, and I am wondering what, if any impact it may have on his flying of his own airplane.

Anyone?

 

[Super 80]

Originally posted by fLYbUDDY -Romans 1:20-25
(puts things into perspective)

RO 2:1 You, therefore, have no excuse, you who pass judgment on someone else, for at whatever point you judge the other, you are condemning yourself, because you who pass judgment do the same things.

Kind of puts things into perspective doesn't it?

 

[Foobar]

http://www.cnn.com/ALLPOLITICS/stories/1999/08/20/president.2000/bush.drug/


"Later, an aide clarified the remarks, saying Bush has not used illegal drugs in at least the last 25 years. "

Bush was a pot smoking monkey wanker, Rush is a pot smoking monkey wanker.

I think Bush is clean now. Oh yeah, thats another one. Its always the re-born, I just found Jesus, or recently kicked the habit that yell the most about people still doing it. While Bush was smoking whatever I'm sure he was all about how he should be able to do whatever he wants. No he's clean so he'll be all about how you can't do what he did. Thats the irony, and its not limited to republicans. Mr. Clinton was all about women's lib while he's the same guy making the money shot (not that I've ever seen porn) in the oval office.

I tell you, anybody who thinkgs either party is all right about anything is an IDIOT.

They are all money grubbing, do as I say not as I do, pot smoking monkey wankers. The real civil servants joined the red cross.