THE PERSECUTION OF RUSH

Years ago, Brett Favre had a problem with pain killers. He was buying them illegally after a prescription ran out for after an injury that still hurt. He became addicted. After the news came out, he apologized to his fans, went into treatment, and all was right with the world. Not a soul seems to be interested in investigating Ozzy Osbourne’s drug use, but there might be a reason for this. Ozzy seems to be attempting to prove the theory of evolution by devolving into lower forms of life before our eyes. Ozzie is an interesting scientific experiment.

Yet, Rush Limbaugh is reported to have a problem with an addiction to pain killers, admits it and goes into treatment, and all is still not right with the world. Rumors are reported first that he’s part of a drug ring investigation. Ok, it seems this is true in that his name turned up as a customer. Then rumors were reported that he was buying these prescription pain killers in 1000+ lots. Then rumors were reported that he was involved in selling the drugs (like he really needs the money!). Then it was money laundering. Now he is under investigation for the very serious crime of “DOCTOR SHOPPING”. It seems this is a huge crime in Florida.

This makes me wonder. If I take my family to Florida for a vacation, and our daughter hurts herself, let’s say she hurts her leg. Being from Wisconsin we wouldn’t know who the good FL doctors are and who the quacks are. We’d probably take her to the closest doctor. So let’s say we get Dr Quack. Dr Quack takes her into the X-ray room, and comes out with an X ray showing a hairline fracture in her calf bone. We would assume a leg cast is in order. Dr Quack comes back with not the plaster cart, but a laughing gas cart and then pulls out a big meat saw. Dr Quack tells us he will have to amputate her leg for the hairline fracture. If we decide to take her out of the office (with both legs attached) and look for a second opinion are we in violation of FL law for “DOCTOR SHOPPING”?

I don’t claim to have any inside information on Rush’s situation, but drawing on what he has said, it seems that he had a painful back problem and went to Dr Quack. Dr Quack recommended surgery. Dr Quack messed up the surgery. Dr Quack prescribed a pain killer to Rush for temporary relief of a long term problem. Dr Quack’s prescription ran out on Rush, leaving him in debilitating pain. Rush knew the pain killer could allow him mobility, and Dr Quack offered no option other than permanent debilitating pain for the rest of his natural life. It seems to me that Rush should have been “doctor shopping” a long time ago!

Why is Rush on trial here, without even any charges being filed? Shouldn’t Dr Quack be the one being investigated for leading an innocent victim down the path of lawlessness and drug use? Where is the AMA? Could it be that they, along with the press have an anti-Rush agenda? Nah, couldn’t be. If I believed that I’d be one of the black helicopter conspiracy types then, wouldn’t I?

You seem to make a lot of assumtions about other operations procedures.

"If they had hard evidence of the cline's actually selling the pills, the arrest would have been made."
Unless of course Limbaugh DID purchase much more then he could ever use... then they would be trying to find where they were distributed before busting him on the little charge.

BTW - Since the Clines did buy large quantities of drugs, if Rush didn't get them, they must have gone somewhere else. If it can be proven that Rush did NOT buy them, I would think the Clines immunity would fly out the window, along with the Enquirer money.

Just what did the Clines have to gain by making up the bigger Rush story anyway ? They could have sold the true story of Rushs legal addiction. They would not have had to go to the cops at all, and would not have had to blow the whistle on their suppliers.

My "truth detector" was spinning reading Blacks testimony - The Clines supposedly threatened Rush and people associated with him, yet Rush does not pay up, and does not go to the cops. What, Did Rush think for some reason they would NOT tell their story to the Enquirer ? If so, why did he pay them all along ?

Ok, then tell me what your animosity towards Rush is! I was about to ask then remembered all the pro-dope Libertarians here and began to suspect you might be in that crowd.

So talk to me; why do you hate Rush? What has he done to you? Did he maybe not support one of your pet projects? What? Why do you hate him and want to see him in jail? Did you campaign to have Bret Favre jailed for his addiction to pain killers and illegal purchase of them? Have you come out against Ozzy's drug use, and MTV's glorifying of his twisted lifestyle? What do you have against Rush?

Mark A Sity

"Do you seriuosly think that Rush is the ONLY drug investigation taking place in Florida ? "

No, but Rush is the only one who is being reported on; while no charges have been filed. Normally in an on-going investigation the police keep their cards close to the vest. In some cases, like the DC sniper case there were press reports; with info that might help catch the perps.

The Michael Jackson case was handled like the Rush case, there were press reports, but not unsubstantiated charges, months before any charges are even close to being filed.

What do you have against Rush? Talk to me; I'm trying to figure this out, why supposed conservatives insist on throwing other conservatives to the wolves.

Mark A Sity

"What do you have against Rush? "

Same feelings towards OJ, Westerfield, The Clintons et.al.

This is a celebrity criminal case, with a lot of interesting little twists. Rush has spent a lot of time over the years showing how to dig behind the facade.

His first statements were puzzling -
"When I get all the facts, when I get all the details of this, rest assured that I will discuss this with you and tell you how it is -- tell you everything there is. "

Did he just forget that these were the people who were blackmailing him ? Did he not EXPECT this to happen ?
Why did it take 3 months for the extortion allegations to arise ?

Strange statements by the broadcasting woman about him having more drugs then he could use.

Why no word from the others he talked to about the blackmail ? - surely his close confidants could be expected to stand up and say "yes I remember that"

The promise to "fully cooperate", then the political prosecution charges and the cooperation disappears.

The charges of "leaks" that don't really appear to be there, but give a "validity" to the attempt to hide medical records that are supposed to prove him innocent.

Information regarding facets of the investigations are condemned as leaks, then when NO information comes out it called proof that the investigations were dropped.

... and a cadre of followers who will not even step back and look at it dispassionately.

I don't think I've ever said a bad word about Rush.

If it turns out that he IS guilty, of all of it including distribution - do you think he should be let go becuase he is a celebrity ? The OLD Rush would not let him off...

"C'mon... don't ask me for a lot of pity for a man that has the resources to ...at any time in the last five years... go anywhere... hire anyone... to help him cure this addiction -"

Not asking you for a lot of pity...perhaps just a wee bit.

"Yet he decided the best course of action was to buy drugs from his housekeeper"

How do we know without a shadow of doubt that he bought the drugs from his housekeeper?

"... and I am supposed to trust his judgement regarding American politics ????

No! But did you ever trust his judgement regarding American politics????

Thank you for your very responsive comments. Lots to consider in your well stated arguments.

"I really don't remember what that was all about. I've heard and seen several references to it in the last couple of weeks, but I don't personally remember what the details were. How are the facts of the Clinton case similar to Rush's and how would the Clinton facts apply to Rush?

Actually, they don't, but it should be incumbent upon the citizens of this country to demand to know the physical and mental condition of the men and women who desire to be president before an election.

Bill Clinton was let off the hook too easily in any number of instances, and was applauded for keeping his records sealed from public perusal. Rush Limbaugh, private citizen, on the other hand is not being afforded that right because an over zealous prosecutor needs to find something to hang him with other than a National Enquirer story by Limbaugh's former extortionist/ housekeeper.

The DA's actions have severe ramifications for all citizens, IMHO, and like Bill Clinton, Rush should have every right to fight to protect his medical files from being opened and reported by a too eager media that seems more interested in collusion with the DA.

Anyway, thanks again for giving my questions your thoughtful consideration.

"Bill Clinton was let off the hook too easily in any number of instances, and was applauded for keeping his records sealed from public perusal."

I don't recall - when was it that a legal search warrent was issued for Bill Clinton's records ?

"an over zealous prosecutor needs to find something to hang him with other than a National Enquirer story by Limbaugh's former extortionist/ housekeeper."

Have you STILL not read the Warrent application which shows that this "over zealous prosecutor" kept the Limbaugh connection under wraps for almost a year ?

But, RS, he doesn't have to deny or agree at this point? Seems to me that the DA must prove that Rush was "doctor shopping", and the DA ought to be sending the extortionist/housekeeper/drug dealer to jail regardless of whether Rush bought his pain medication from Cline or not.

BTW, did you say that the "No Doctor Shopping" legislation has been on the books for 5 years?

Heck, what exactly is Rush being accused of anyway other than becoming pain medication addicted, "doctor shopping", buying medication from housekeeper drug dealer, both??? And, especially now that he has succeeded in drying out why is the DA wasting so much money after the fact?

I guess I had better admit it honestly, I'm baffled.

"Seems to me that the DA must prove that Rush was "doctor shopping",
Sure, that's what they are trying to do with the search warrent.

"DA ought to be sending the extortionist/housekeeper/drug dealer to jail regardless of whether Rush bought his pain medication from Cline or not"

It appears that the Clines got immunity by "fully cooperating" with investigators, their information was accurate, and resulted so far in arrests and the shutting off of another drug source.
See-
http://www.thesmokinggun.com/archive/beshara1.html
http://www.thesmokinggun.com/archive/rushsearch1.html

"I guess I had better admit it honestly, I'm baffled."

It's an interesting puzzle all right, but I highly doubt this dotor-shop stuff is all the investigating that's going on, and Rush has much that he would like to keep hidden.

If you read the transcript, Rush is the only person in the history of the state who has had his medical records subpoenaed for a user case. The routine process of requesting production was NOT followed ONLY in this case.

Generally when prosecutors are cultivating a case the do not want any PR in order to prevent suspects either running or altering documents.

We are trying to second guess what the SA is cultivating. It is not just a user case, it may not even be a laundering case. It seems they are trying to pin a specific amount in Rush's care custody and control. This would kick in FL's law which states a specific amount makes you a dealer regardless of intent.

There is no reason "full cooperation" should ever mean that Rush or any defendant should just bend over and take it.

Last, it will be VERY interesting to find out if the Clines admitted to the SA that they were blackmailing rush. If the did not disclose that little detail (and it is proven) they could be in breach of their immunity deal. In any event, Rush will eventually be able to go after them under a civil fraud suit.

"...it should be incumbent upon the citizens of this country to demand to know the physical and mental condition of the men and women who desire to be president before an election."

Absolutlely. When a company hires a CEO or otherwise invests time in money in someone it hires, a physical and more often these days even a psychological profile are in order and a condition for employment. You have to know what you're buying. Check out the horse's teeth so to speak. If someone desires to be president the same should apply as we "hire" that individual.

And, I would not be alone in being totally outraged to find Rush's medical records posted on The Smoking Gun. For reasons of ratings or readership (including freelancers), you can bet your bottom dollar there are journalists that would do and/or pay anything to get their hands on those records. The DA has a grave responsibility in being in possession of those records.

I would think that if it were to turn out that the DA has some kind of iron clad case of some serious crime Rush has committed, if the records were leaked, the DA could kiss his case goodbye because he'd never find a jury that would not include people that were as outraged as the general public.

So the way I see it, there is a lot of incentive for the DA to be very careful what he does and how he does it.

I started this post because Rush was not being treated as a regular person would. He is not getting "...equal protection under the law." I've been thinking about writing on this issue for a while, but the "doctor shopping" thing seemed just too silly and open for ridicule to pass up!

Again, what do you have against Rush?

Mark A Sity

OJ and the Clintons scated. OJ got away with murder not because he was a celebrity, but because he was black and had the cash to hire a "dream team" of lawyers who were not afraid to use race to get him off. The Clintons had a "dream team" also; the main-line press. This is what got them off, that in addition to spinless Senators on the Republican side.

All I am saying is that Rush should not be singled out for special treatment. Many other people have gone through what Rush did, addiction to pain killers; and not even had charges filed against them. Are you upset that Bret Favre has not been jailed for his addition, and purchace of perscription drugs illegally?

If they have evidence to charge Rush with the illegal purchase of perscription drugs, then let them charge him. But the witch hunt must end. The Celebs you mentioned got a pass, Rush is considered guilty and must prove his innocence. What happened to "innocent until proven guilty"? You don't seem to subscribe to that concept when it comes to Rush.

I have no problem with Rush being PROSICUTED, in compliance with existing proceedures in FL. I do have a problem with him being PERSECUTED in violation of those proceedures. There is a difference!

What was that line Jannet Reno used sooooo often during the Clinton years? Wasn't it something like; 'I can't comment on an ongoing investigation'? Why do the FL prosecutors insist on commenting on their "ongoing investigation"?

If they want to bring charges, bring them; don't try him in the press!

Mark A Sity

"If they have evidence to charge Rush with the illegal purchase of perscription drugs, then let them charge him. But the witch hunt must end. "

They will or won't charge him as they find appropriate ...
... and if they never do, they don't have to make any announcement at all.

"All I am saying is that Rush should not be singled out for special treatment."
Good - then you agree with me that they should have gone through those records the minute they got back to the office, and let the medical staff deal with calling Limbaugh - like what would happen to every other person.

You seem to give no weight to the fact that they knew he was involved last year, yet none of it came out until the media forced the issue after the Enquirer report.

You seem to give no weight to the fact that the Medical Records is part of the search for evidence, and the longer they are blocked in that legal search, the longer this portion will take. Limbaugh is causing the delay.

You can't logically expect them to just throw up their hands and walk away, simply because they were nice enough to not read the records immediately upon seizing them, as they had every legal right to do.

( I know, you will use emotion again, and retort "the've allready read them... and given them to Hillery ! ")

(( Interesting speculation - " What if when they read them, they found something so damaging that they MUST follow through to offically "open" them again ??? HHmmmm? ))

When you must try to evoke emotional responces by throw out the words "witch hunt" and "persecution" are you running out of logic ?

"What happened to "innocent until proven guilty"? You don't seem to subscribe to that concept when it comes to Rush. "

Sorry, I don't subscribe to that concept at all in the public arena... I get to decide, based on my own criteria, who I belive is guilty or innocent, lieing or telling the truth. ... and you do too.

BTW -
Rush has been whining about them looking at the records during that "window of opportunity". I wonder why he has not said something like -

"By now they have the proof that I am innocent, and they cannot hope to win a case of "doctor-shopping" against me.
I am therefore dropping my appeal to conclude these matters"

It seems logic hasn't worked with you since you seem to believe Rush is guilty and must prove himself innocent.

You also seem to feel that in the case of Rush it is ok for the media to be involved in the investigation, when for regular people the press would not be notified of anything until after (and if) charges are filed.

Logic seems not to work on someone consumed with hate.

Mark A Sity

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