Posted on 10/07/2003 5:37:58 AM PDT by 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
Clinton was doing his thing WHILE on taxpayer TIME and DIME. Therefore, his was NOT a personal "behavior" - IT WAS A "PUBLIC" ACCOUNTABILITY matter. Clinton was also revealed to have been sneaking out of the WH in the evenings to visit girl-pals. THIS was NOT brought up nor charged. Why? Those nocturnal events were on his own time.
Not so the Monica. Therefore, Clinton /Monica -- was a public event. Rush, OTOH, is not paid a taxpayer cent.
I have to hold my sides considering how people are trying to "impeach" Rush, along the lines of el Clinton. It so ain't the same... It's like watching a bunch of Hot Lips Hoolihans Cheerleading a football game of which they are clueless about -- rules, play, etc.
AT this point in time, there are ONLY allegations against Rush. There is no proof. No hard data -- no matter what spin people are trying to put on this.
That would be a move forward! ;^)
hmm... and he always adds that he has half of his brain tied behind his back, just to make it fair. ;)
Pick up some extra disability and life insurance before the habit grows to mainlining high performance motorcycles.
If you go over the high side on a bike, can I have your Viper?
So9
I wonder if he had his house plane car etc confiscated how he would feel about the WOD
This is the point that I have been trying to make since this story hit the wires. There are a lot of us who don't use drugs and wouldn't even if they were legal, but have had enough of the loss of privacy and civil rights, as well as tens of billions spent every year on a drug war that has failed. We could have 1/3 of the population in jail and on parole and drugs will still be here. Hell they can't even keep them out of the prisons. The right is just as bad about the failed war on drugs as the left is with their failed social programs, but most people are content to ignore that.
Do you mean the public sector stooges who are wasting the taxpayer's dollar pursuing Rush and others, or do you mean the evil SOB politicians who crafted the laws?
I'm still wondering why Rush would allow himself to be sucked into something as stupid as this. It's obvious he knew that people were out to burn him at every corner. Why would someone as astute as Rush put himself into that very position? Over the past 23 years, I've worked with various people who have killed their careers (and paychecks) by doing something stupid. I've also worked with people who have had life-threatening illnesses, overcame those illnesses, only to turn to drugs and stupidity. All lost their good paying positions. Some of these people had 15-20 years on the job. All I could do is shake my head then, and if this is true about Rush, I'll sure as hell shake my head again. But there's still alot of unanswered questions though and I'll reserve judgement until then.
I think good people can come down on either side of the drug legalization issue. Personally, I lean toward decriminalization. It is logically possible to be a user of illegal drugs and to also be in favor of drug criminalization. "Stop me before I hurt myself!" But he'll be a hypocrite if he's unwilling to take his lumps.
This statement assumes that Rush #1. has an addiction and #2. is currently practicing his addiction.
Jumping to these kinds of conclusions based on incomplete and unsubstanciated information is just plain wrong. Speculation and conclusions based on this kind of information is worthless.
I will wait until the FACTS come out BEFORE coming to a conclusion.
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