I don't think that Rush's views on the nature of substance abuse oare out of line at all...but even if I did, I would not calssify that statement as being hard on drug users. It is a choice, ultimately, to use drugs, and a choice to stop using drugs. Addiction may be present, but each individual has the ability to make that choice, even if it is difficult for them.
I'm not certain that this makes it in any way irronic that Rush became addicted to them. Many addicts also happen to understand the nature of their addictions.
If you think they cannot hold those opinions, you don't know many recovering addicts.
I also don't think that his offhand statement about allowing those who would legalize drugs to move o0ut of the country is really relevant , either. Rush has never advocated the legalization of illegal drugs.
We all make mistakes, and in most cases, I think it is safe to say we don't disagree with the law. I think this is the situation with Rush.
That sounds reasonable, but I am still sticking to ironic. Life is full of irony, I am not saying that I don't like Rush. He is an amiable guy, and I wish him the best.
What Rush is accused of doing is clearly morally wrong as well as illegal. What Rush has going for him is that it's also clear that there's a world of difference between the drugs he used - even though illegally obtained - and thugdrugs like crank and coke and heroin. Buying thugdrugs puts money into the hands of some of the nastiest, most despicable people on earth. And Liddy surived a felony conviction. So will Rush.