Glee at Rush’s Spinal Pain, Deliberately Ignore Difference Between Pain & Recreational Use (VANITY)

NH LIberty | October 12, 2003 | NH Liberty

[NH Liberty]

Isn’t it despicable that the self-described “compassionate” Leftists are treating Limbaugh’s use of prescription pain-killers to that of recreational users?

News reports from every medium are barely mentioning the pesky little fact that Rush Limbaugh was taking pain-killers because -- shock, horror! -- he was in pain! And Limbaugh continues to suffer with spinal pain as a result of disc injuries and an unsuccessful operation performed on his back that left him in agonizing pain, which is now extending up to his neck.

According to Rush Limbaugh, himself, after his initial, unsuccessful operation and a discussion with his doctor, he decided that another operation was too risky, and opted to treat his pain with medication.

Although addictions are debilitating to all sufferers, no matter how they begin, any reasonable person would deduce that the circumstances of Limbaugh's situation is an entirely different one than that of those who use drugs for recreational purposes.

In the media world, however, there has been deliberately no distinction by the gleeful Left. Rather than recognizing Limbaugh as, predminately, an advocate of our founding principles of limited governnment, they describe Limbaugh as a “moralist” who is now a “hypocrite” because of his addiction. But even using their own “moralist/hypocrite” logic, how does one in pain becoming addicted to prescription pain-relief, fall into the “immoral” category?

Has anyone ever heard Rush Limbaugh condemn people in pain who have become addicted to prescription pain medication?

Instead of expressing concern about how Limbaugh will cope with his intense spinal pain after he stops taking pain-killers, Leftists everywhere are yahoo!-ing and popping champagne corks in their optimistic belief that they will once again gain monopolistic control over public discourse in the United States. The issue of Limbaugh’s spinal pain is almost never mentioned as either a cause or a concern. And on those rare occasions that it is mentioned, it is only done peripherally, as in “anoperationonhisspinethathehadfiveorsixyearsago.” Never do they mention what Limbaugh described himself just last Friday: that he still suffers in pain, and that it has recently extended into his neck.

Over the past fifteen years, it has become obvious to even the most casual observers of news programs that the Leftist loathing of Limbaugh stems from his “daring” to challenge their then steadily-worsening control over views held by the alphabet networks and CNN, which had been developing for decades. Since Limbaugh burst onto the scene in 1988 to challenge their stranglehold and socialistic “uniview,” his patriotism and common-sense Conservatism reinforced the beliefs of patriotic, common-sense Americans, and reminded them that they were not going insane.

Eventually, the rage of the Mediafolk became intensified as this same common-sense Conservatism, delivered with confidence by a man who gratefully claims to have "Talent on Loan from God..." led Limbaugh to the extraordinary success of attracting between 20 and 30 million listeners to his program at the distinctly unlikely successful time slot of weekdays at Noon to 3.00pm.

Mediafolk were livid and remained so for fifteen years. Despite their attempts to belittle and dismiss Limbaugh, his success has only become more widespread.

But now that they view Limbaugh as "down," the media have stooped to their most recent lowest low. In spinning the news about his prescription drug use (and in some cases joking and gloating about it), they deliberately avoid emphasizing that the root of the problem is ongoing, intense spinal pain. In the meantime, they continue to party like it’s 1969 because the matter of spinal pain doesn’t matter to them.

What really matters to them at the moment is muzzling Rush Limbaugh. Whatever it takes to silence the man who exposes them so artfully and so efficiently. What these folks are so hopeful about is that their near monopoly over media, however temporarily, will return to help them propagate the perception that Limbaugh is to be dismissed as a common recreational drug user -- a "fallen," "moralist hypocrite," who is not to be taken seriously and, therefore, is certainly not worth a serious listen.

Combine this with the fact that their spin will go almost completely unchallenged by anyone with national ratings in the millions (with the exception of, perhaps, Sean Hannity) for at least the thirty days it takes Limbaugh to rehabilitate, and -- voila! -- the carnival atmosphere continues.

[JohnGalt]

If he needs them for pain, why does he believe he has to stop taking them today?

[goodnesswins]

Yeah...their probably having (illegal) "drug" parties just to celebrate Rush's problems.....good piece.

[TrebleRebel]

Oxycontin is 100% addictive, and the detoxification process is almost deadly. The people who are slamming him have no clue what he's up against. It's going to be a long tough road.

[Support Free Republic]

A Recall AND a Fundraiser? I'm toast.

Let's get this over with FAST. Please contribute!

[jmc813]

WOD Ping

[gdani]

According to Rush, in this July 2003 interview, he golfed 3 times that week. Pretty darn good for "agonizing pain".

This may also be of interest (from the interview):

_____________________

Question: What was the big bother, was it the number of people watching you?

RUSH LIMBAUGH: You know, I've played the Bob Hope three times and the AT&T twice. It wasn't bad. It's just the game is mental. Once you've mastered the physical aspect, not mastered, but 90 percent of the game, all of the other things being equal is mental, and for some reason, I just was not able to execute my swing today.

And I think it had nothing to do with physical characteristics. There's nothing wrong with me. I think it's just for whatever reason, maybe I was tired, I have no idea what it was. And that's the thing that frustrates me about the game, I'll go play well two rounds, come out and do today and not really know why I did poorly. But that's what makes me an amateur.

[jammer]

Has anyone ever heard Rush Limbaugh condemn people in pain who have become addicted to prescription pain medication?

Ummm. No. IMO, that's a huge problem, and why this is falling so heavily on his head. HE chose not to make the distinction.

[jammer]

Quit it. How dare you post facts on this forum? ~:)

[Always Right]

If he needs them for pain, why does he believe he has to stop taking them today?

Gee, maybe because oxycottin is the most dangerlously addictive prescription drug that is being widely used. It is probably the most effective pain killer available, but is enormously dangerous to take too much.

[davisfh]

"Glee at Rush’s Spinal Pain, Deliberately Ignore Difference Between Pain & Recreational Use"

The leftists are engaging in selective criticism. If this had happened to one of the Hollywood crowd, there would be no criticism. Instead there would be much sympathy and the leftist sob sisters would be wailing and weeping.

Never fear though, NH Liberty. Rush will be back stronger than ever. He is a very determined and strong man and I have absolute faith that he will beat this problem.

[pgyanke]

Well said!

[myself6]

Please remember that Rush's fate is held in OUR hands not the hands of liberals. We, the listeners, will determine if Rush lives or dies on AM. The liberal media knows this, the liberal trolls on FR know this and they are attempting to "sway" your opinion of Rush since they themselves are powerless to remove him.

Remember this when you are reading a thread like this or listening to some "report" about Rush. YOU the "listener" are the target of the leftists PR. Whether or not you choose to be their willing dupe is up to you.

[ohioWfan]

Rush has been on my mind, and in my prayers since Friday. This will be a very difficult time for him.

I don't always agree with him, but I respect him, especially for what he has done for the Conservative cause.

Those who condemn him for this........on the left OR the right......should be ashamed of themselves.

[JohnGalt]

So the opening question of the author is essentially bogus?

We are in agreement then.

[headsonpikes]

If he needs them for pain...?

The principles of American Socialism require absolute submission by anyone who has offended the Established Pharisees' sense of propriety.

It is required that the transgressor, Rush in this case, publicly weep and otherwise humiliate himself to satisfy the Official Whited Sepulchers of the Republic.

And they are everywhere - there's no escape!

Good luck, Rush; I'm praying for you to stand up like a man and denounce the insane drug regulatory system.

[ConservativeMan55]

Excellent Post. Ken Hamblin even said it was "recreational" the other night. Its not RECREATIONAL!!!!

Chronic back pain isn't much of a recreation now is it?

[jimt]

You've missed the point.

Those of us who are criticizing Rush don't feel "glee" at his pain. Pain ranges from unpleasant to excruciating, and no reasonable person would wish it on him.

We're not criticizing his use of drugs, either. He certainly has every right to take prescribed drugs to help manage his condition.

What I AM criticizing is his hypocrisy. When he started taking ILLEGAL (not prescribed) drugs, while supporting the WOsD and denigrating drug users, he was being utterly hypocritical. He was doing what he criticized others for.

Hypocrisy is the issue - not glee over his pain, or denial of his right to manage the pain therough drug use.

[JohnGalt]

Exactly.

If Rush hands a victory to the 12 Steppers, it will be a shame.

[NH Liberty]

"If he needs them for pain, why does he believe he has to stop taking them today?"

Is this a trick question???

I presume that he realizes that he is filling his body with chemicals on a daily basis, and doesn't want to compound his problems by jeopardizing his overall health.

[M. Peach]

Hmmmm - hard to refute....

[ohioWfan]

HE chose not to make the distinction.

May I have a quote where he equated prescription drug addiction for pain, with recreational drug use?

[JohnGalt]

Doesn't that imply that he is taking these drugs recreationally?

He is either taking them for pain or he is taking them for 'fun'. Drug addicition is a behavior, unless you buy the Left's vicitimology constructs.

[Frapster]

The reality is that Rush has set himself up for a very cloudy conundrum. I agree that his 'gateway' into drug abuse is legitimate - he is still addicted and still abusing. Not all drug abuse fits into the seedy images that we typically have - there are plenty of affluent folks doing drugs on their granite counter tops sipping espresso's afterwards enjoying their fix.

We should not be surprised that there is that element who will sieze upon any opportunity to drag him down. We here at FR are no different when someone from the left does something similar. I see it almost every day on these forums.

[Sangria]

Did anyone see Geraldo Rivera this weekend? He kept referring to Rush as a "junkie." That despicable little weasel needs to be sent back to Afghanistan and pretend to doge some more bullets.

[jammer]

May I have a quote where he equated prescription drug addiction for pain, with recreational drug use?

Absolutely not. I am sure there are none. You just made my point exactly--he painted with a broad brush and neither equated nor separated.

[Post Toasties]

Because Oxycontin is addictive.

[Post Toasties]

Your post does not make any sense.

[ohioWfan]

Are you clueless about Oxycontin??

It's not 'fun' to need it so much that you do things you wouldn't otherwise do to get it.

It is in NO way parallel to those who wish to escape reality and have 'fun' with drugs......and to say it is, is absurd.

[ohioWfan]

he painted with a broad brush and neither equated nor separated.

When?

I listen to him regularly. I never heard him do that.

[Cathryn Crawford]

I have a question, just a small one:

I can't figure out how or why we have gotten caught up in trying to figure out the intensity of Rush Limbaugh's pain, or perhaps whether he was using the drugs recreationally or not.

I understand the questions, but it all seems a bit irrelevant when he has already admitted to being addicted and is taking steps to end his addiction.

Can anyone explain this to me?

[jammer]

Somehow, I knew you would find it that way. Look, why don't you folks just be honest: no history, no facts, nothing said is going to change your minds. You (as I do) love Rush. That's a legitimate position. But don't keep trying to justify this stuff. It just provides entertainment for our enemies.

[jammer]

C'mon. You've seen, read, and heard all the quotes. This discussion's over. See my previous post to Post Toasties.

[JohnGalt]

It's synthetic heroin; why on Earth Rush or his doctor thought it was a good idea to take it for back pain, I will never know but my critique is related to the line of defense taken by the author.

[Post Toasties]

And neither has anybody else up until now. You cannot honestly say that Rush should be taken to task for not explicitly confusing the issue by also talking about prescription drug addiction when condemning the much worse and almost entirely separate problem of recreational drug abuse.

[headsonpikes]

...it will be a shame.

Wouldn't it be marvelous if Rush took on the established view in this matter in the same spirit with which he assaulted the palace of lies erected by Clinton and his Democrat co-conspirators!

The man does have cojones - and I am praying. ;^)

Hypocrisy is the easiest sin to forgive - one has only to come clean and speak the truth to be cleansed.

[bvw]

Look, it's up to each sane ADULT as to why they use something. Why do wish to have some perma-nanny witching over us all 120 years of our life?

[JohnGalt]

That is how Leftists of the advanced victimology variety would explain it.

Why do you think Rush would accept the advice of his doctor to take synthetic heroin for back pain?

[Rudder]

how does one in pain becoming addicted to prescription pain-relief, fall into the “immoral” category?

It's your mind and your self-righteous moral values, you tell us.

Many people take drugs for the "pain" of psychologic disturbance. Some, just like Rush, take them because it makes them feel better. If neither are directly hurting anyone else, morals has nothing to do with it.

Now go have a stiff drink for your pain.

[ohioWfan]

Let me clarify that.

His not including specifically, nor excluding pain medication addiction in his condemnation of drug use does not mean anything...........unless you're out to get him for some reason?

Rush has always talked about personal responsibility.

Being addicted to drugs because you use them for fun is clearly a different thing than become addicted quickly to a highly addictive pain medication. One is irresponsible.....the other not.

The distinction shouldn't have to be made. The medication, and the reasons for using the drug makes the distinction by itself.

And Rush is clearly taking personal responsibility now for what has happened. There is no hypocrisy.

[M. Peach]

Even though I'm a big fan of Rush - your post of his interview makes it hard to refute the fact that it is quite possible that he no longer has any pain and that he enjoys the buzz.

It is less likely that perhaps he has been taking multiple doses to avoid the pain in order to play golf. Perhaps he doesn't like to indulge in self-pity.

In either event - who amongst us here is perfect? Can you imagine how far the leftist agenda would be without him? I'm surprised some leftist whacko hasn't taken him out yet.

Any conservative should be very thankful that Rush has been around. Just because he made a mistake doesn't negate all that he has done....

[Pan_Yans Wife]

I think his wife is a big part of that answer.

[RS]

"May I have a quote where he equated prescription drug addiction for pain, with recreational drug use?"

What does it matter what HIS opinion of it is ?


Prescription drugs that are used without a prescription are ILLEGAL drugs.

Prescription drugs purchased without a prescription are obtained via, and therefore subsidize ILLEGAL activities - smuggling, theft, fraud etc.

By obtaining these drugs ILLEGALLY one is a knowing accomplice in these activities.

[gdani]

I understand the questions, but it all seems a bit irrelevant when he has already admitted to being addicted and is taking steps to end his addiction.

What's relevant is the scores of Freepers & Rush fans who attempt to explain away Rush's addiction (and, most likely, multiple felonies) by talking about what excruciating 24/7 pain he's in. In thier eyes, that makes him different from your average junkie or crackhead.

However, according to the interview taken from July 2003 that I posted in #7, Rush himself says he's in no pain. As well, Rush is an avid golfer & has been for quite some time -- even while he was in so much alleged pain.

I don't wish for anyone to be addicted to drugs. I do wish for an end to this non-sensical War on (Some) Drugs.

[Pan_Yans Wife]

ping

[Afronaut]

Rush should not have been playing golf.

He is an entertainer that is an addict. He went for help two times before and continued his addiction by choice. He needs help and he needs to admit he is an addict. All addicts are the same, they are addicted. If you want ot play games with the "who is the bigger addict" then type away. I hope he does well and changes his life around. He is not the first or the last.

Rush's housekeeper saved his life.

[machman]

I'm a big fan of Rush, but the golf thing has me puzzled. IIRC, it doesn't seem that he took up golf until AFTER his back surgery. If so, maybe the only way he could play is to be totally medicated on pain killers, but its doesn't make sense.

I've played golf for over 30 years. I've also had some back problems off and on the last 20 years or so, not disk related it seems, but when it hit I literally could not move a muscle without extraordinary pain for 4 or 5 days, but then it would clear up and seem almost 100% in a another day or two. When you have worries about your back, golf is not the first thing you thing of doing. Mine was just hoping I could get up off the bed and make it to the bathroom when I needed to.

If these drugs make you go from being almost an invalid to being able to play golf 3 times a week, I could see the power that they could have. How they seem to be almost "magic", and of course, since they are perscription drugs you get from your doctor (at least at first) alot of people must thing there is nothing wrong with taking them.

[JohnGalt]

I see, his high was gubmint approved.

[Post Toasties]

Not knowing enough about Rush's particular situation, whether other opinions were sought, etc., I wouldn't want to make a decision yet about whether Rush should have refused this prescription, although perhaps he should have.

[JohnGalt]

I suspect there is truth in that answer, but addicts don't tend to correct their behavior until they hit rock bottom. Rush has not hit rock bottom and in fact has created an enormously successful business.

I fear that because he has bought into the 12-Stepper mentality, he is setting himself up for failure when he need not do so.