Limbaugh's Secret Life

GOPUSA ^ | 10/06/2003 | Carol Devine-Molin

[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

[jimmccleod]

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[steve8714]

Limbaugh boosted cigar sales in the '90s...will everyone go out and try oxy now?
Just kidding. This stuff is also available from Paki and SA over the 'net, thanks to AARP.

[steve8714]

I tend never to believe a person with two last names.

[Consort]

Are they trying to prepare us for some bad news?

[Howlin]

I looked her up; she's as credible as they come. Nothing she wrote jumped out at me.

[Howlin]

Carol Devine-Molin

Carol Devine-Molin is a Republican District Leader, a community activist, and the host of "On The Right Side", a local program sponsored by the Republicans and seen throughout most of Westchester County, New York.

She has a BA in psychology from McGill University, Montreal, Canada, and an MA in forensic psychology (social psychology) from John Jay College of Criminal Justice (CUNY), NYC.


http://www.gopusa.com/caroldevinemolin/

[jimmccleod]

This statement jumps out to me.

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.

[Guillermo]

Rush was out an awful lot at the end of 2000 and beginning of 2001.

I hope for the best for him, because drug addiction is hard to beat, and a fight he will have to fight the rest of his days.

A wife of a friend of mine got hooked on Lortab, and it is not a pretty picture.

[Aquinasfan]

From the GOP USA of all places.

Despite that it seems to be a fair assessment the situation.

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.

That pretty much seals it. Now hopefully Rush can get on with his revival.

[AppyPappy]

She's feeling his pain. I simply want to know how he did a radio show with all that junk in his system.

[shadowman99]

bookmark

[Destructor]

"We conservatives are all saddened by the news that Rush Limbaugh is being investigated by law enforcement authorities for illegal buys of prescription painkillers."

Here's a so-called "conservative" that doesn't seem to believe in the concept of "innocent until proven guilty" that our legal system is founded on. I would like to know how to contact this moron, so that I can give him hell when this all shakes out and Rush is proven innocent!

[Lockbar]

Unfortunately, it seems that Rush is being prepared to be thrown out of the conservative "lifeboat". Perhaps some people know that more serious details will eventually leak out. Even 6-7 years ago, during the height of Klintons power, I was always afraid, like in a bad dream, that something from Rush's private life would pop up to destroy his credibility. But I always said to myself: "No, Rush is too smart and important to self-destruct". He might survive this crisis if no new developments become public, but it seems most liberals and even some conservatives are already dancing on the grave of his political credibility.

[fabriclady]

I will withhold judgement of Rush until I hear his side. The demoncrats are out for blood. His biggest mistake will probably turn out to be hiring housekeeper Wilma Cline.

[new cruelty]

Given Limbaugh's outstanding analytical mind and sharp wit, it's difficult to believe that he's constantly in a drug induced state.

I agree. It will be interesting to see how this pans out.

[Howlin]

That would have been my "pick," too, for the most startling.

I read the article myself and I'd hardly use the word "credible."

[Austin Willard Wright]

Or....take a stand against throwing illegal drug users in jail. That would be the true logic of his position if the charges are true and would be entirely consistent with his message of freedom and responsibilit.

[Alissa]

Nothing she wrote jumped out at me.

What jumped out to me was her implication that his addiction was a FACT not an allegation from a tabloid!

[Howlin]

I was referring to the articles she had written; you know sometimes when you search people you aren't familiar with, you just can get a feel for something not right.

[Neets]

THIS is what jumped out at me! How does she know this??? and what tendencies are those exactly??

On some level Rush Limbaugh, like all substance abusers, has self-destructive tendencies.

[Howlin]

and even some conservatives are already dancing on the grave of his political credibility.

Do you consider it "dancing on his grave" to try to get the facts?

[Noachian]

Rush's private life is his own affair. What I want from Rush is his insight into the political arena that I can't get from the liberal media. As long as he can provide that insight I'm behind him no matter what he does in private.

[new cruelty]

Letter to the editor regarding this column

You can also send your comments care of feedback@gopusa.com

Carol Devine-Molin bio -

Carol Devine-Molin is a Republican District Leader, a community activist, and the host of "On The Right Side", a local program sponsored by the Republicans and seen throughout most of Westchester County, New York.

She has a BA in psychology from McGill University, Montreal, Canada, and an MA in forensic psychology (social psychology) from John Jay College of Criminal Justice (CUNY), NYC.

[The_Victor]

Sonething about this whole thing still doesn't pass the smell test. I'll trust Rush for now, at least until the body of evidence extends beyond the Enquirer.

[Ronin]

I was withholding judgment, but this comes from GOPUSA. It sounds very much like we are being prepped for the bitter truth.

Alas, we are all fallen, all of us.

I will pray that Rush conquers the demons sent to test him.

[Drawsing]

I had a double hernia operation back in the summer of 2000. My wife picked up the prescribed bottle of OxyContin on the way home. I lived in a blissful dream state for two days until the side effects started. Then I was dreadfully sick with cold sweats and nausea until we finally figured out it was the OxyContin. It took another two days until it left my system.

[DanTheAdmin]

Nope, It's the many people, a lot of them on FR, who have pronounced him guilty without the facts. I will wait for Rush's side.

[Ditter]

I am not ready not believe this but if it does turn out to be true, I am wishing Rush an easy rehab. Not to worry Rush, I still love you! Your freeper fan, Ditter

[Servant of the 9]

Alcoholism is supposed to be about 10%, a conveniently round number, of the population.
I would guess that drug addiction among the wealthy is probably about the same.

The lower class wino drinks Mogen David 20/20 and sleeps under a bridge.
The middle class alcoholic drinks good stuff and pulls himself together to go to work every day.

The junkie can't function in society and sinks rapidly into disease and poisoning from the adulterants in street drugs.
The rich can buy clean paraphenalia and pure enough drugs to keep functioning for many years, or forever.

So9

[Bryan24]

"As to The National Enquirer article, I read it. And I found it to be credible..."

I have yet to hear how someone can take, on average, 66 oxycodone pills per day for over a year. I talked to a pharmacist. He said there was NO WAY that he could even function, if he managed to survive that many drugs.

Sorry, but I don't find that very credible.

[Moonmad27]

They keep talking like his drug abuse (if true) is current, but it's said that the Enquirer sat on the story for two years. Is he NOW using drugs? That hasn't been clarified in the reports and rumors I've heard.

[Stormyta]

Could we please wait and see what the crux of this investigation is? Surely we all realize that Limbaugh is a good target for the nutty Liberals. So let's support Rush and stop the ambivalance---none of us know the full details, obviously including Rush.

[aristeides]

Limbaugh news.

[Born Conservative]

[Howlin]

I looked the author up to see if she was credible.

Sue me.

[sonserae]

Rush's private life is his own affair. What I want from Rush is his insight into the political arena that I can't get from the liberal media. As long as he can provide that insight I'm behind him no matter what he does in private

I suppose you felt that way about Clinton as well?

[sonserae]

Another clue in his substance abuse is the fact that he was always at least 350 pounds and now he is slim, trim. The drugs he is accused of taking cause loss of appetite and weight loss.

[joesbucks]

we're an overly litigous society and if you disagree with me I'll sue you.

[Robe]

You know, for a guy that made his living by talking ON THE RADIO for the past 10-15 years, it would seem that he at one time has spoken almost every word in the English language.

With modern technology, I’m a little leery of putting a lot of stock in a RECORDING.

</tinfoil hat>

[apillar]

"...and, b) is likely to be subjected to arrest..."

Actually Rush's chance of being arrested and prosecuted is somewhere between infintesimly slim and none.

There was as story by some prominent attorney yesterday where he said the only way Rush could be prosecuted even if all the allegations were true was if the pills were found in his possession. It didn't matter how many secret recordings his houskeeper made of him arranging to get pills. The only way he could have been prosecuted is if he was actually caught accepting the pills in a sting. According to the attorney there may actually be more of a criminal case against the maid for making secret recordings.

I'm actually not defending Rush if the allegations are true, just repeating the legal argument.

[Howlin]

Right! I figured I might as well get an attorney as long as everybody else has one! :-)

[Labyrinthos]

She's feeling his pain. I simply want to know how he did a radio show with all that junk in his system.

If he's truely addicted to that junk, then he wouldn't be able to do his radio show without stuff in his system. (The withdrawl symptoms are nasty stuff -- just like heroin -- which is why many heroin addicts spend the rest of their lives on methadone.)

[Born Conservative]

This statement also is very presumptive: However, if Limbaugh continues to dabble in drugs, his legion of fans and listeners will slowly drift away.

[shhrubbery!]

What jumped out to me was her implication that his addiction was a FACT not an allegation from a tabloid!

That jumped out at me too, as well as this line:

On some level Rush Limbaugh, like all substance abusers, has self-destructive tendencies.

Either this woman is a presumptious psychobabbler, or she knows something we don't. Most likely the former.

Nonetheless, I believe there probably is some core truth among the likely lies and distortions of Wilma Cline's story.

But why are Dimocrats so gleefully confident that this is the ruin of Rush? I've listened to Rush from the get-go of his syndicated show fifteen years ago, and I'll continue listening to him because he's d@mn GOOD, on drugs or not.

And I and millions of others will be praying for his health.

[MrsEmmaPeel]

Then I was dreadfully sick with cold sweats and nausea until we finally figured out it was the OxyContin. It took another two days until it left my system.

Only a couple weeks ago, I decided to clean out the medicine cabinet and get rid of old unused junk. I found a prescription to me dated 1999 for Hydrocone. The prescription was for 15 pills. I never finished the bottle, I just hated the way it made me feel. It made me very tired, and depressed.

[ladyinred]

It seems to me the author has based her conclusions on the fact that Rush indeed is addicted to pain killers, that he did indeed purchase them illegally, and that we don't need to wait until he and his attorney feel it is prudent to discuss this on the air.

Either she knows something the rest of us do not, or she has some other agenda. While it is possible Rush did get addicted to the pain meds, he certainly is not the first one who has, nor will he be the last. Living with constant pain is never easy, and if this is the case, he is to be pitied, not brought down to the level of gutter material who has no credibility.

Let's wait however to get the facts from him. He will tell all he can as soon as he is allowed to. My heart goes out to him no matter what the truth is.

[Labyrinthos]

I have yet to hear how someone can take, on average, 66 oxycodone pills per day for over a year. I talked to a pharmacist. He said there was NO WAY that he could even function, if he managed to survive that many drugs.

You are assuming that he actually took 66 pills a day. An addict is always worried about the next fix, and if he has the money, he will make sure he has a large stash just in case the pipeline suddenly goes dry (i.e., the supplier gets busted). Also, many oxy addicts don't take the drug in pill form, but rather grind the pills into powder and snort them in order to negate the time releasors in the pill, with the result being a more intense high. The dosage for the drug in pill form vs. powder is not 1:1, meaning that several pills might be ground up into powder for a single "fix."

[isthisnickcool]

However, if Limbaugh continues to dabble in drugs....

This kinda makes Limbaugh sound like sound guy laid out on a cot in an opium den. Hardly the case. Plus, how does she know he actually has "dabbled" in drugs? And when was he and is he? She certainly could no know any more than what we do. Could she?