Celebrities and even athletes (see ) can claim dependency and receive treatment with the opportunity to return to their jobs when they're "healthy". Rush should be afforded the same benefit in those circumstances. The question is, would you or I have the same benefit? I'd be out of a job and un-hireable in my field (and without millions and millions of dollars in the bank). It's just a little bit of a reality check. It really ought to be substance over style. I'm afraid we're worshipping the style and ignoring the substance without all the facts.
WE didn't give them a pass, the media did. And I don't think anyone wants to pile on someone who has an addiction (unless it's a conservative figure). If we didn't demand accountability, it's our own fault.