America owes talk host Rush Limbaugh a debt of gratitude, Libertarians say

LP Press Release ^ | October 16, 2003 | Libertarian Party Press

[noprob]

The entire nation owes radio broadcaster Rush Limbaugh a debt of gratitude, Libertarians say, because his ordeal has exposed every drug warrior in America as a rank hypocrite.

"One thing we don't hear from American politicians very often is silence," said Joe Seehusen, Libertarian Party executive director. "By refusing to criticize Rush Limbaugh, every drug warrior has just been exposed as a shameless, despicable hypocrite.

"And that's good news, because the next time they do speak up, there'll be no reason for anyone to listen."

The revelation that Limbaugh had become addicted to painkillers -- drugs he is accused of procuring illegally from his Palm Beach housekeeper -- has caused a media sensation ever since the megastar's shocking, on-air confession last week.

As the Limbaugh saga continues, here's an important question for Americans to ask, Libertarians say: Why are all the drug warriors suddenly so silent?

"Republican and Democratic politicians have written laws that have condemned more than 400,000 Americans to prison for committing the same 'crime' as Rush Limbaugh," Seehusen pointed out. "If this pill-popping pontificator deserves a get-out-of-jail-free card, these drug warriors had better explain why."

Given their longstanding support for the Drug War, it's fair to ask:

Why haven't President George Bush or his tough-on-crime attorney general, John Ashcroft, uttered a word criticizing Limbaugh's law-breaking?

Why aren't drug czar John P. Walters or his predecessor, Barry McCaffrey, lambasting Limbaugh as a menace to society and a threat to "our children?"

Why aren't federal DEA agents storming Limbaugh's $30 million Florida mansion in a frantic search for criminal evidence?

Why haven't federal, state, and local police agencies seized the celebrity's homes and luxury cars under asset-forfeiture laws?

Finally, why aren't bloviating blabbermouths like William Bennett publicly explaining how America would be better off if Limbaugh were prosecuted, locked in a steel cage and forced to abandon his wife, his friends, and his career?

The answer is obvious, Seehusen said: "America's drug warriors are shameless hypocrites who believe in one standard of justice for ordinary Americans and another for themselves, their families and their political allies.

"That alone should completely discredit them."

But there's an even more disturbing possibility, Seehusen said: that the people who are prosecuting the Drug War don't even believe in its central premise -- which is that public safety requires that drug users be jailed.

"The Bushes and Ashcrofts and McCaffreys of the world may believe, correctly, that individuals fighting a drug addiction deserve medical, not criminal treatment," he said. "That would explain why they're not demanding that Limbaugh be jailed.

"But if that's the case, these politicians have spent decades tearing apart American families for their own political gain. And that's an unforgivable crime."

[CWOJackson]

I'm sure he appreciates your ping but I'm also sure he knows his own position on things. But hey...if you feel the need to run to JR that's cool.

[Hemingway's Ghost]

Actually, you not understanding that I pay little attention to your attempt to draw me in is funnier.

Actually, your attempts to sexualize my cheerleading comments and turn them back on me re: homosexuality is crystal-clear proof you haven't the slightest clue as to what's going on. But as long as you're hell-bent on hanging yourself, I'll continue feeding you line, "Chief."

[MrLeRoy]

if you feel the need to run to JR

No "running"---it's FR etiquette to ping someone you're talking about. (Pro-WODdie Dane has chided me for failing to do so in the past.)

[CWOJackson]

Of course you will...when people develop emotional issues they often find themselves incapable of not acting out on them. I would expect no less from such as you.

[CWOJackson]

Oh, so you just wish to ping him to let him know that you are hiding behind his statements. Still cool.

[Protagoras]

Post 414 provides better information that your new favorite news source.

No matter how many times you try to pretend that the info comes from elsewhere, the truth is, as explained on the third grade level numerous times, that the information comes from RUSH LIMBAUGH. Your icon gave all the info necessary.

You will look even more foolish when the dtails are revealed in the future. But don't worry, all of the rest of those who are in denial about their idol will find another way to explain it away. You people are amusing.

[MrLeRoy]

you are hiding behind his statements.

No "hiding"---just agreeing.

[CWOJackson]

No, hiding is more accurate.

[robertpaulsen]

"I see where he's made a somewhat similar assertion, in terms of what could happen. I don't find any explicit assertions of historical fact."

I see. Even though a stated historical fact could be checked (and disputed), you chose to criticize my comments without doing so.

But if a poster makes some wild-a$$ed claim about what might happen if we legalize drugs, you stand mute. Allow me then to change my statement, such that it is indisputable (by your standards):

Legalizing drugs would cost us ten times what the WOD is costing. Therefore, the WOD is actually saving us money."

[tpaine]

The 'chief' has been very confused since he arrived at FR..
Apparently he thought portraying himself as a tough old no-nonsense ex-military guy would garner instant respect..
When that ploy failed he reverted to type. We see the result..
A pom pom boy who will say damn near ~any~thing, just for attention..

[robertpaulsen]

"We don't lock people up because they might do something bad, we lock them up WHEN they do something bad."

Drunk drivers?

[CWOJackson]

Don't worry so much tp...garner respect is not an issue the LP is too concerned with. They're latest efforts to make Limbaugh their poster boy is garnering them more defections from their cause.

[robertpaulsen]

"... those dope-smoking hippies for taking to the streets and ruining the fun of sending someone else's kid to die halfway around the world."

Most of the "dope-smoking hippies" I knew in the mid- to late-60's would have responded "Pfffft, Viet what?"

[jmc813]

Ah, but the LP'ers believe Limbaugh should go to jail because he confessed to being addicted

I'm no fan of the LP, but you're 100% wrong on that.

[Hemingway's Ghost]

You're like a guy trying real hard to laugh in a room where everyone's laughing at a joke, only you don't get it. How many times did that happen in the chief's mess, "Chief"?

[CWOJackson]

Of course in the strictest sense they are doing nothing more then pitching to have dope legalized, but as their vehicle they are demanding Limbaugh go to jail...and many of them are demanding on it based soley on his confessing to an addiction and a story in the National Enquirer.

[CWOJackson]

Hey, I'd never try to get a laugh on an LP dope thread...how can I compete with the humor of your pathetic efforts to further your crusade. It would be next to impossible.

[tpaine]

Typical of your confusion, jackson.. You again rag on the 'LP' as a diversion..

No one here really ~cares~ about the Party's position.
-- Your goofy, irrational response to constitutional libertarianism is at issue here.

[Hemingway's Ghost]

Quite frankly, my guess is the only thing you ever "competed" with is the other girls on the cheerleading team for attention from the football players. That's how you developed the skills that would later lead you onto a life of professional GOP Cheerleading. Are you a Cheney Chick, too?

[CWOJackson]

Not as a diversion tp...it might have escaped you, but this thread is about the LP's press release trying to use Limbaugh to further their pro-dope agenda.