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Keeping people from the things they want will always be a losing cause.

Not really. Prohibition actually caused a substantial drop in the rate of alcohol-related illnesses and deaths, suggesting that it was either stopping people from drinking or moderating their drinking. And if you believe that Prohibition was repealed because of organized crime, then you need to ask yourself why the organized crime created to illegally traffic in drugs hasn't created a similar public outcry to legalize drugs.

I'm a big Rush fan, but he's got a lot to answer for on this one. He has, in the past, espoused legal action against drug users. Now, it comes out that he, too, is a drug user. For whatever reason, his actions do not fit with his words. I don't think he should go to jail, but we (and the rest of us) cannot ignore the hypocrisy between the two.

If I espouse the death penalty for murderers, does that mean I'm a hypocrite if I get caught shoplifting and don't think I should be executed? Apples and oranges.

First, the drugs that Rush Limbaugh became addicted to were originally proscribed by a doctor in order to relieve pain. They were not bought from a pusher for recreational purposes. His alleged illegal activity happened after he became addicted to the substance legally. Second, the very fact that Rush Limbaugh could not control his consumption of these drugs, may have destroyed his hearing (and almost destroyed his career) using them, and had to resort to hiding his addiction from his friends and family and going to illegal suppliers to feed his addiction suggests that selling these pills over the counter is not a good idea.

When he returns, he would best be served by resolving this hypocrisy. I don't believe he's tried to excuse himself, but many people who've posted here have done just that.

Frankly, I don't personally believe that imposing increasingly draconian punishments on casual drug users is the answer, nor would I necessarily oppose the controlled legalization of marijuana. But I think that the opportunism displayed by those who seek the legalization of recreational drugs, comparing pain killers to recreational drugs, is idiotic.

Again, as stated by others, those wanting to end the wasteful and unjust "War on Drugs" don't do so JUST because they want access to illegal drugs (some do). I, personally, am sick of the wasteful spending and more importantly, the loss of our civil liberties this "war" has created. And, just so it becomes really clear, alcohol would not be legal if they didn't have a means of TAXING it. Kinda makes me wonder.

People still get illegal drugs. The "War on Drugs" hasn't stopped that. If you mean a reduction in the use of drugs is a success, you have to look at the costs imposed by these "successes." No-Knock warrants, illegal traffic stops, unfair sentencing and a whole host of other abuses that our Founding Fathers (partiers, themselves) would be shocked by. And these tactics aren't just being used on the "worst" of the offenders. They're used to target anyone who is politically charged and represents a threat to those employed by the "War on Drugs".

Prohibition was repealed because PEOPLE WANTED ALCOHOL, which is why it (and the WOD) is doomed to failure. I don't want drugs, but I want my Constitutional rights, so I'm joining the fight.

Rush stated the users of illegal drugs ought to be imprisoned. He, himself, was a user of illegal drugs - unless you think he had a prescription for all the Oxycontin? It doesn't matter how he became addicted, and claiming that the means of addiction (legitemate medical pain) obsolves him of the crime (buying and using illegal drugs) is a non-starter. I'm not against him, but saying "This case is different." is not gonna help him or anyone else.

Lastly, I'm not piling on Rush because I learned long ago, through the addictions of friends and family, and through the miserable existences of people like Daryl Strawberry, Robert Downey (and now Rush), that THESE ARE PEOPLE TO BE PITIED (and helped). But helping these people isn't gonna happen unless we realize that addicts are more than criminals. They are our families and friends. Prison is not treatment. Treatment is treatment.

I still agree with 90% of what Rush has to say, so I'm not using this to discredit him, either. When he was right, he was right. On the drug issue, he was wrong. Hopefully, now, he will see that and use his experience to help himself and the millions of other addicts out there.

First, the drugs that Rush Limbaugh became addicted to were originally proscribed by a doctor in order to relieve pain. They were not bought from a pusher for recreational purposes...

The last joint I smoked was to relieve stress from a hard day at the office. I prescribed it myself. I don't buy from pushers, period. Let me or any other common working man go in front of a judge for what Rush has admitted to, with those excuses, and the judge just gets a good laugh before ruining our lives by handing out a prison sentence.

Rush used illegal drugs for years. Rush engaged in a criminal conspirancy to obtain illegal drugs countless times over many years. If I get caught with a joint in my own house, I'll go to jail. Rush'll never see the inside of a jail.

One other thing I've yet to see the Rush kool aide drinkers address... I wonder how many crimes were committed by Rush's dealer while obtaining his illegal drug supply. How many burgularies were committed in Rush's name? Armed robberies? Murders? If my hypothetical purchase of weed from some southern redneck grower supports bin laden, what evil does Rush's drug money do?

I dissagree with your last statement. People take drugs because they have a problem and want to take "the easy route" to feeling better. This is true of both Legal and illegal drugs. Both are serious errors in judgement. both are symtoms of poor character.

It is true that the manner in which Rush became addicted is, to a degree, less culpable than one that becomes addicted to outright illegal narcotics...and is certainly less criminal. But, he is DEFINITELY NOT AND INNOCENT BYSTANDER. He is deserving of severe criticism for his actions especially considering his strong opinions on the subject.

Apparently, rush just doesn't have the "intestinal fortude" to be trusted with pain killers as a mature adult would. He took the easy route. He caved in to his appetite...not surprising considering his weight problem...I guess. Maybe we shouldn't be so surprised at his weaknesses.

sincerely,
a very disgruntled rush fan.