The Fallout From Rush Limbaugh's Comments About Sandra Fluke

In the aftermath of Rush Limbaugh's controversial comments about Georgetown law student Sandra Fluke, several companies pulled their advertising from his radio program. On March 3rd, Rush did something I don't believe he's ever done when faced with backlash from any of the outrageous statements he's made... he offered an apology. At least it's the closest he could come to one.

Posted on Rush's website is his "apology":

"For over 20 years, I have illustrated the absurd with absurdity, three hours a day, five days a week.  In this instance, I chose the wrong words in my analogy of the situation. I did not mean a personal attack on Ms. Fluke.

I think it is absolutely absurd that during these very serious political times, we are discussing personal sexual recreational activities before members of Congress. I personally do not agree that American citizens should pay for these social activities. What happened to personal responsibility and accountability? Where do we draw the line? If this is accepted as the norm, what will follow? Will we be debating if taxpayers should pay for new sneakers for all students that are interested in running to keep fit?In my monologue, I posited that it is not our business whatsoever to know what is going on in anyone's bedroom nor do I think it is a topic that should reach a Presidential level.

My choice of words was not the best, and in the attempt to be humorous, I created a national stir. I sincerely apologize to Ms. Fluke for the insulting word choices."

 

Rush's apology rings false because after his initial Wednesday February 29th attack against Ms. Fluke, he hurled additional verbal bombs at her on Thursday and Friday. It was only after a number of advertisers started to abandon ship that he saw the error of his ways. Apparently, his "apology" hasn't stopped the bleeding because another advertiser, Carbonite, pulled their ads from his show. After dropping Limbaugh's program, Carbonite CEO David Friend said the following:

"No one with daughters the age of Sandra Fluke, and I have two, could possibly abide the insult and abuse heaped upon this courageous and well-intentioned young lady. Mr. Limbaugh, with his highly personal attacks on Miss Fluke, overstepped any reasonable bounds of decency. Even though Mr. Limbaugh has now issued an apology, we have nonetheless decided to withdraw our advertising from his show. We hope that our action, along with the other advertisers who have already withdrawn their ads, will ultimately contribute to a more civilized public discourse."

 

While writing this post, I learned that another company (Pro Flowers) yanked their ads from Limbaugh's show on March 4th. Props to all the companies who have finally had enough of Limbaugh's "entertainment". 

 

If you'd like to let the companies still advertising on Rush's program know that you don't approve of his misogyny, below is one of the sites where you can make your voice heard.

 

CREDO action

 

Let me close by saying that the Limbaugh/Fluke controversy isn't a left vs. right issue to me. Even if one disagrees with Ms. Fluke's stance that health insurance plans should cover the cost of birth control, I don't see how they can defend Rush's despicable attacks against her. As always, I like to hear from people with opposing viewpoints. I'd especially like to hear from any female conservatives who read this post. 

Sandra Fluke's testimony:

Fallout From the "Asians in the Library" Video Rant

By now, many of you may have seen the video in which then UCLA student Alexandra Wallace went on a rant about Asians. The video (which I've posted below) is offensive and ignorant on a multitude of levels.  As expected, the video has drawn strong reactions.  Unfortunately, some of the reactions have crossed the line.  According to UCLA officials, Wallace and her family have received death threats.  As a result, she has decided to withdraw from the school. In a letter to the UCLA newspaper in which Wallace explained why she is leaving the school, she also apologized for the comments she made in the video. Here is a NY Daily News story that provides more details.



As ignorant as the video by Alexandra Wallace is, responding to it with more ignorance isn't the answer. After reading the N.Y. Daily News article, it still isn't clear if she's apologizing for what she said or simply sorry because of the negative publicity the video has generated. Apologizing to the entire UCLA campus was a nice gesture. However, saying she was sorry to the Asian community as well would have been even better.

Something positive could still come from Alexandra's "Asians in the Library" video rant.  I realize it's a dirty term for some, but this could be a "teachable moment" not only for her, but for others too.