Posted on 10/11/2003 7:17:26 PM PDT by Matchett-PI
Did anyone else hear the ludricrous statements that Ken Hamblin made on Rita's show just now?
Among other things, he said that "Rush was given the keys to the kingdom and let us down."
Then he proceeded to puff himself up, making a total jackass out of himself as far as I'm concerned.
I videotaped the whole segment and would replay it and transcribe it, but have to run out for a while right now.
But he has.
Several years ago (in the 90's) Hamblin underwent back surgery for a herniated disc(s), and talked about it on the air. He even touted an exercise ball he used in PT that he sat on during his show, to help him keep his posture and decrease the stresses on his back. Once, you could see a picture of it on his website.
I can't for the life of me understand where Hamblin is coming from here. He knows what unrelenting back pain is. He was one of the very lucky ones where his body chemistry didn't get addicted to the meds he might have been given.
How soon they forget.
see my post #222.
None of which was necessary, what's your point? Blackbird.
Rita Cosby is a tabloid tramp. She's as bad as Geraldo.
And you know that how?
Are you privy to his medical records or his personal care?
A short while back I turned on my local radio station and heard Laura Ingram in Ken's time spot. At first I thought she must be filling in for him, but as days went by I realized it was her own show.
So this is what happened to Ken Hamblin?
It appears that so many of them get to big for their britches.
I have listened to Limbaugh for a long time. He has admitted in the past that he used to drink alcohol every night. In his own words, it was enough that "some people might have considered him an alcoholic." I heard him brag, that once he developed some health problems which made it unwise for him to keep drinking like this, that he just decided to quit and did quit. He inferred that it should be this easy for everyone to quit if they really wanted to quit.
Hamlin's position was essentially:
"Rush was not without sin and he has been casting stones."
You implied that Rush is getting better treatment than "common" drug users because "...they didn't have a AM Radio following to forgive them..."
My point is the common drug user doesn't have the media et al on them like Rush.
Here's the rub. Ken HAS fought with back problems, also. I remember, when his show was on in our market, him talking about his pain and I remember when he went through surgery.
Perhaps, just perhaps, Ken can be given a little slack for having earned the right to voice his opinion (and none of us is being forced to agree) on this subject.
I agree with all the points you made. In the bad times one finds out who ones real friends are.
For the most part right now, I am just sitting back reading and watching who is saying what.
Some of the most interesting remarks are being made by the non-hypocrites.
I'm saving them.
Rush has apparently received lots of support from many non-hypocrites.
He refers to them here:
Transcribed from my audio tape at end of his ON-AIR statement during his show Friday, 10-10-03. NOTICE that there's a telling, key difference at the end -- than the official statement that he released (which I'm posting in its entirety below it):
Rush: "...the overwhelming support that you have expressed to me -- extended to me ... it literally has sustained me. But it doesn't fool me. It is what it is, and I take it for what it is, and I appreciate it more than I will ever be able to express to you.
But now I want to ask for your prayers --- because when this is all over with, I look forward ... and it, actually, it's never gonna be all over with, that's something I know, but nevertheless, I look forward to resuming our excursions into broadcast excellence together again .. soon as possible."
===
Rush Limbaugh issued the following statement on his radio program:
"You know I have always tried to be honest with you and open about my life. So I need to tell you today that part of what you have heard and read is correct. I am addicted to prescription pain medication.
I first started taking prescription painkillers some years ago when my doctor prescribed them to treat post surgical pain following spinal surgery. Unfortunately, the surgery was unsuccessful and I continued to have severe pain in my lower back and also in my neck due to herniated discs. I am still experiencing that pain.
Rather than opt for additional surgery for these conditions, I chose to treat the pain with prescribed medication. This medication turned out to be highly addictive.
Over the past several years I have tried to break my dependence on pain pills and, in fact, twice checked myself into medical facilities in an attempt to do so. I have recently agreed with my physician about the next steps.
Immediately following this broadcast, I am checking myself into a treatment center for the next 30 days to once and for all break the hold this highly addictive medication has on me. The show will continue during this time, of course, with an array of guest hosts you have come to know and respect.
I am not making any excuses. You know, over the years athletes and celebrities have emerged from treatment centers to great fanfare and praise for conquering great demons. They are said to be great role models and examples for others. Well, I am no role model.
I refuse to let anyone think I am doing something great here, when there are people you never hear about, who face long odds and never resort to such escapes. They are the role models.
I am no victim and do not portray myself as such. I take full responsibility for my problem.
At the present time, the authorities are conducting an investigation, and I have been asked to limit my public comments until this investigation is complete. So I will only say that the stories you have read and heard contain inaccuracies and distortions, which I will clear up when I am free to speak about them.
I deeply appreciate all your support over this last tumultuous week. It has sustained me. I ask now for your prayers. I look forward to resuming our excursion into broadcast excellence together."
You may realize that I didn't make that remark, but you left the impressions in the minds of those who were reading your reply (to *me*), that I was the one who wrote it.
I'm sorry if you don't appreciate that fact that I don't want people to misunderstand my position. You should have addressed your reply to the person who wrote those words and given him/her the opportunity to respond to what you wrote.
I have no argument with your comments to that poster, I agree.
I try but it's an addiction!
At this point, do we have enough solid evidence for you to make those assertions and assumptions?
With respect to Hamblin, Rush, Bennett and Arnold, I've only repeated what they have already admitted to. All of that taken together with the news reports of Rush's investigation indicate a possible (which is what I said) illegality. If so, I indicated little difference between Rush and other drug addicts. BTW, I like Rush myself, but his actions have hurt our "moral high road" positon.
My point is, the common drug user doesn't need to have the media launched against them, it isn't necessary to gain the scorn of society (read that hypocritical fellow citizens). It isn't necessary to gain incarceration, conviction or sentencing. Blackbird.
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