Sick, that's my point. Palin is a public person - almost anyone can say anything they want about her - and they won't get sued. Say the same about your neighbor or boss and you'll wind up in court - and you'll lose. Printed comments from police are usually Sergeant and above. There's a reason for that... Even though comments from beat offices might be more colorful, newspapers won't quote a beat cop because he's NOT a public person - and holding him up to ridicule will get them sued. Successfully. In the above example a beat cop can be quoted for 'nice' - like, "Anyone would have done what I did - I'm not a hero"... those kinds of comments can be quoted and printed about anyone...
Most newspapers have a first amendment attorney on retainer. This is serious stuff and the rules are well known. I watch freepers dance on the edge sometimes and I can hardly catch my breath... but the law seems so in line with common sense and fair play - that few here cross it. But there are people out there who would like to take our ability to 'speak truth to power' away from us. The fastest way would be to say we're NOT real journalists and don't have the protections they have... There ARE people who want to do this to us.
About Rush and his apology - studies have consistently shown that when a paper 'goes too far' IF they apologize and print a retraction - it helps them from being sued - and if they are sued - it helps with the jury. What Rush did was prudent.
There are a few libs here in Maryland I know personally that I really dislike but I have way too much common sense to talk about them by name on the internet, or to use my real name when posting my opinions of politicians.
Fluke on the other hand appeared on MSNBC after Issa committee rejected her but before she ‘testified’ to the Pelosi House NOW gang, and before Rush made his comments. And in her interview on MSNBC before Rush's comments she played ‘the victim of House Republicans’ act. I know because unlike most here I saw it first-hand. I noticed that few here even know that. It would be great to find the show and transcript.
Much like Palin she became a public figure then joining Dems in a public political battle.