The random political thoughts thread (Part Deux)

[scaeagles]

Originally Posted by Scrooge McSam

I do believe the ruling was proper. There was evidence to suggest Rush was involved in illegal activity.

Wow. That's a dangerous precedent, IMO. I can think of lots of tangents that can go down. Should a first time drug offender have his medical records searched to see if he had sought treatment in the past? If the guy has been using drugs, clearly there is justification to seek his medical records too see if he is really a first time offender or if it is just the first time he got caught. If they have the guy on drug charges, that's evidence of a crime that needs more investigation to see just how far it goes.

[Nephythys]

I call BS- I guarantee you that should someone they approve of come under this kind of fire, and someone tries to sieze their private records they will be screaming bloody murder.

[JWBear]

Originally Posted by Nephythys

I call BS- I guarantee you that should someone they approve of come under this kind of fire, and someone tries to sieze their private records they will be screaming bloody murder.

Funny... I was just thinking that Rush is being vigorously defended by the same people who would be calling for the head of any left-wing pundant who did what he did.

[scaeagles]

Originally Posted by JWBear

Funny... I was just thinking that Rush is being vigorously defended by the same people who would be calling for the head of any left-wing pundant who did what he did.

You may have a point....but something tells me that after a two year investigation (that included the apprehension of his medical records) that should there have been anything they could have gotten Rush on (particularly the felonies that were mentioned by the prosecutors), there would have been no plea deal basically letting him off with nothing.

However, I will say that I find it sad whenever a Charlie Sheen (not a pundit, mind you, but in the public eye) or a Whitney Houston has repeated problems and can't seem to get over them. I believe dealers should get time, but the process of putting users in prison is pointless. Fines? OK. Rehab? Certainly. Jail time? Probably not doing anyone any good.

Plus, looking at and listening to James Carville, something tells me he's on speed. I don't think jail time is required.

[Nephythys]

Maybe- maybe not. Frankly I am not sure I would be calling for the head of anyone who has a drug problem due to pain. It's called sympathy and empathy- no matter the person. Especially since I don't listen to left wing commentators much- I doubt I would know enough to want to condemn them. Other people have proven that they don't need to actually know anything accurate in order to condemn Rush.

[Alex]

I wouldn't call for anybody's head because I support the legalization of all drugs and consider anybody using them as engaged in an appopriate act of civil disobedience.

Is Limbaugh a hypocrite? Yes, but then we all are and there is nothing inconsistent in the idea of preaching against sin even if you are yourself a sinner. There is also nothing inconsistent in feeling that people should be punished to the fullest extent of the law possible and that the accused should still engage in the strongest defense available. Hypocrisy does not affect the validity of an argument.

Most of my problems with the story is with the D.A. who apparently was trying the case in the media and making claims that he had no support for (not even sufficient to bring an indictment which is a low threshhold). That is an abuse of the power of his office.

I don't have any problem with the examination of medical records because I disagree with the doctor-patient privilege and would like to see it abolished anyway.

[wendybeth]

Originally Posted by Nephythys

Maybe- maybe not. Frankly I am not sure I would be calling for the head of anyone who has a drug problem due to pain. It's called sympathy and empathy- no matter the person. Especially since I don't listen to left wing commentators much- I doubt I would know enough to want to condemn them. Other people have proven that they don't need to actually know anything accurate in order to condemn Rush.

"Compassion is no substitute for justice."
Rush Limbaugh


I am glad to see the compassionate conservatives coming out on this subject, though.

[Nephythys]

There has been justice- the problem is that most people on your side wanted him arrested, humiliated and silenced. It doesn't matter that at this point that justice has been served and is done.

Compassion and consequences are not mutually exclusive-

-and as to you tossing a Rush quote at me- given your prior comments- it means nothing, because I don't have context- and I am well aware that context matters. So you'll excuse me if I pretty much ignore it.

[Gemini Cricket]

wendybeth, you missed a few:

“Feminism was established to allow unattractive women easier access to the mainstream.”

“The most beautiful thing about a tree is what you do with it after you cut it down”

“The difference between Los Angeles and yogurt is that yogurt comes with less fruit.”

“When a gay person turns his back on you, it is anything but an insult; it's an invitation”

Originally Posted by Rush Limbaugh to an African American caller

“Take that bone out of your nose and call me back”

And these, I guess, are about himself...

"There's a simple way to solve the crime problem: obey the law; punish those who do not.”

“If you commit a crime, you're guilty.”

Yeah, I feel really sorry for this guy.

[wendybeth]

Originally Posted by Nephythys

....-and as to you tossing a Rush quote at me- given your prior comments- it means nothing, because I don't have context- and I am well aware that context matters. So you'll excuse me if I pretty much ignore it.

'Ditto.'