Posted on 10/07/2003 5:37:58 AM PDT by jimmccleod
Limbaugh's Secret Life By Carol Devine-Molin October 6, 2003
We conservatives are all saddened by the news that Rush Limbaugh is being investigated by law enforcement authorities for illegal buys of prescription painkillers. If accounts being bandied about the media are accurate, then Limbaugh: a) has procured tremendous amounts of highly addictive narcotic medications from his pill-pushing housekeeper Wilma Cline, and, b) is likely to be subjected to arrest. Oh, by the way, dear Wilma sold her hot celebrity story to The National Enquirer for about four hundred thousand dollars. Am I surprised by the overall situation? Yes and no.
Given Limbaugh's outstanding analytical mind and sharp wit, it's difficult to believe that he's constantly in a drug induced state. Who is more articulate and funny than Limbaugh in the world of political commentary? Nobody. However, the hard truth is this: Among entertainers, media personalities and politicos, substance abuse exists in epidemic proportions. For that reason, many conservatives have quickly moved beyond denial and are prepared to hear the worst of it. And I think the majority of conservatives will continue to be compassionate and supportive toward El Rushbo as long as he embraces rehabilitative efforts.
Limbaugh is clearly the most influential conservative of our era, with a radio audience of up to thirty million listeners each week. He's probably converted more Americans to the conservative persuasion than any individual except Ronald Reagan. Understandably, Limbaugh's myriad political foes rejoice in his current troubles. Al Franken and the radical Left are ecstatic. If the tabloid piece largely pans out, Limbaugh has provided his enemies with significant ammunition in efforts to discredit and silence him. But will those hostile to Limbaugh ultimately succeed in ruining him? I doubt it. His current woes are definitely a setback, but not insurmountable. I would state one pivotal caveat. The only individual who can really bring down Limbaugh is Limbaugh himself. Conservatives will maintain solidarity with Limbaugh if, and only if, he dedicates himself to being clean and sober. However, if Limbaugh continues to dabble in drugs, his legion of fans and listeners will slowly drift away.
Although most people are focused upon Limbaugh's legal circumstances, much more is at stake. Drug addiction is a life-threatening condition, which requires proper intervention. Reports indicate that Limbaugh had been rapidly detoxed twice, but returned to drugs both times. Of course he has to undergo another detoxification, and not of the dubious "ultra-rapid" variety that is completed in 24 hours. But what about follow-up care? I'm referring to a program of drug treatment to prevent relapse. Importantly, with relapse there's always the specter of overdose and further physical deterioration. And Limbaugh will have to fight his addictive inclinations for the rest of his life - that is the nature of the beast. It's encouraging to note that many radio and television personalities, such as Don Imus and Larry Kudlow, are succeeding in their day-by-day recovery efforts.
The drugs taken by Limbaugh - OxyContin, Lorcet and Hydrocone - are terribly dangerous by all accounts. Never mind that they cause a host of emotional side effects including paranoia and mood swings. Now, it's coming to light that at least two of these powerful painkillers are linked to sudden hearing loss. In other words, it's conceivable that Limbaugh's deafness was caused by his own addictive behaviors. If that turns out to be the case, it's not only tragic but speaks to the incredible grip of dependency created by these drugs. On some level Rush Limbaugh, like all substance abusers, has self-destructive tendencies. That's his private business, and his responsibility to explore through counseling. For addicts, arrest is often a good thing since the Court system forces them into essential treatment. Roy Black is a very adept criminal attorney who understands these issues. If Limbaugh is charged with a crime, certainly mandatory drug rehabilitation would be part of the plea bargain. I doubt that Limbaugh would be made to serve any jail time.
As to The National Enquirer article, I read it. And I found it to be credible, rife with details that demonstrate the severity of Limbaugh's substance abuse problem. Limbaugh had at least one other drug supplier besides Wilma Cline, referred to as his "FedEx" connection. Apparently OxyContin is Limbaugh's drug of choice. And law enforcement authorities are in possession of a couple of tapes, and a bunch of emails, that substantiate the claims made by Wilma Cline and her husband regarding Limbaugh. The Cline couple cut themselves a very nice deal with the people at The National Enquirer that are experts at marketing
LOL...just 5 days a week fer 10+ years.
"He doesn't harp on it because he knows what a failure it is, but he has said on MANY occasions, he is in favor of the WOD."
I'm anti-WOSD, too, and agree that he doesn't spend enuff time exposing what a failure it's been, but he's nothing like O'Reilly in his support. I reckon he's sorta just figgering something needs to be done, but I've never really heard him spouting off against users except to say that they are stooopid.
FReegards...MUD
Mud,, don't you work? How can you stand to listen to ANYONE that much?
...and I say STFU! Innocent till proven guilty! At least that's the way I was raised in this country. Rush owes you nothing. If you want the real Inquirer info, I suggest you contact the Space Alien or Bat Boy........
You and all the other know-it-alls around here are a disgrace. Take your sorry asses over to DUh and hypothesize all you want. When the real truth comes out then come on back and offer your apologies on a public forum or reap your accolades for wishes come true.......
no, I dont think so. I prefer to follow the doctrine of innocent till proven guilty and prefer not to cast judgment on such a vague, unsubstantiated charge without having all the facts. And for those who profess to have all the facts in which to cast judgment on this issue, I have nothing but disgust.....
Well Mr. Independent Thinker, if you are wrong, if all the Rush bashers are wrong, what are you going to do about it? Are all of you going to step forward and admit that you were wrong? Admit that your actions and lame arguments were the same ones used by the socialists? I suspect nothing. You will continue to bash Rush at every opportunity without ever admitting you may have been wrong. Kinda like the demorats now that I think about it.....
LOL...yeah, at the office, he's just background sound from 12-3, but I hear what's really important. I especially like to listen when I'm on the road. Heck, I usedta tape him and listen to him again while at the gym or mowing the lawn, etc. It's an addiction...
"How can you stand to listen to ANYONE that much?"
Heh heh...if Rush pauses mid-sentence, I've gotta pretty good record of finishing his thought. I just like listening to Rush 'cuz I like his thinking process; however, I've also come to realize that he can actually serve as a protagonist for the Media in general. For instance, if he brings attention to an issue, the Vast,LeftWing,MedyuhWhore'd is almost forced to acknowledge said issue. 20 Million faithful listeners is a pretty powerful weapon to wield. I appreciate it that he hasn't abused or squandered that power, imho.
FReegards...MUD
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Just what if it is the other way around. Rush was asked by Law Enforcement Officials to pose as an addictee for the purposes of getting the goods on the drug ring that his ex-maid and husband was part of?
Just what if someone set him up using his e-mail addy and tape of his voice from his program, or telecons, spliced in a way that would make it appear that he was talking to the drug pusher maid?
Are there pictures of him actually meeting with ex-maid to receive the drugs?
Finally, why does she and hubby get immunity when they are doing the drug pushing and are allowed to sell their sordid story to a tabloid?
Sounds as specious as Joe Wilson now getting a book proposal about his role in leakgate.
bttt, thanks !
In the country I was raised in, you can say WTF you want. Don't like it Bucko? Move to Cuba.
..-. --- .-.. .-..
Eyes are wide open, Joe, but I'm not about to throw Rush under a bus if it turns out he's got a problem. As often as I listen to him, he can't be all jacked up...you could tell something. Maybe he does do some illegal things and I hope he cleans himself up if so, but he's still a major ally to all those who wish to live in a FRee Country, imho.
FReegards...MUD
It also seems to me that we "mind-numbed robots" listen critically to anybody, and can disagree with--or be bored by--commentary which is not incisive. And that pain killers are not noted for making you actually think clearly (although some, e.g. alcohol, might make the user think otherwise).
So a glorified rumor, in the form of a National Enquirer article, really cuts no ice with me. The proof of the pudding is in the eating, and the proof of Rush's commentary is its originality or at least cogence and imaginative delivery.
And if he is actually on something which makes me think he is smart? Sorry, I just don't think they make that! But if they do . . .
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