Imagine the firestorm if any liberal (whether or not in the "liberally-biased" Mainstream Media")

[zbdent]

had called Callista Gingrich a name similar to what Rush Limbaugh called a non-public figure average citizen ...

I can imagine the meltdown if she had been referred to as a potential "First Sl*t" ...

[RC]

1. Rules and proper decorum only apply to Liberals and Democrats.

Republican and Conservatives, not so much.

[exboyfil]

2. Bill Maher

Rick Santorum's wife uses a vibrator.

Bill Maher - Palin is a c***

Fluke is one sense is no longer an average citizen. She has elected to take an advocacy position an an issue. While I strongly denounce Rush for his comments and especially the later piling on, folks who use the words like c*** and bimbo have no place in politics. It would not be an issue if he was only a comedian, but he is becoming a voice in liberal circles along with having considerable influence ($1M to Obama's SuperPAC).

[BumRushDaShow]

4. Bill Mahr is not broadcasting on the public (free) airwaves. n/t

[exboyfil]

6. And Rush used a less offensive term

I don't think who pays for the microphone necessarily changes the impact of the statement. The word slut was used on every Saturday Night Live episode in the 1970s. It is a hurtful word, but not one of Carlin's 7.

Rush should be held accountable, but folks who give a $1M to the progressive cause also need to be held accountable.

[Shankapotomus]

18. And, again, he is a comedian

and it is well established and understood his own comments on his show are or can be delivered in an entirely comedic and informal context. In other words, not necessarily his true and formal stance on anything.

[mac56]

7. Really?! Limbaugh is just the same as Maher?!

Much to learn have you, young Rushbot.

[exboyfil]

9. Look at the original post

Is Maher a liberal progressive? Yes far more than the current occupant of the White House
Does Maher have influence in liberal circles? Yes. In addition to his platform which he uses to espouse liberal ideas (along with his entertainment), he also has a big checkbook like Limbaugh ($1M worth so far)

Did he say something offensive about a woman in the public sphere and one in the private sphere (yes definitely about Palin and an allusion that brought Santorum's wife into the comedy).

Rush got a lot of flak for Chelsea is a dog as he should have (I saw that episode when it was first broadcast and I was outraged). Should Maher get a pass about his comment about Santorum's wife or using such a vile word to describe Palin?

[mac56]

12. Despite your tepid criticism of El Rushbo

you seem to be spending a lot of time and energy sticking up for him on this site.

There is at least one website I can name where they stick up for him 24/7. It may be worth a look.

[exboyfil]

13. My proposal is to ask Romney

about Bain Capital and its investment in Clear Channel who is the closest thing you will get to a Rush employer. I take satisfaction in every sponsor who drops Limbaugh (see some of my other posts). I think a good reporter could force Romney to take a position on his investment in Bain Capital. I don't listen to him.

What I am saying is that Maher should watch his mouth as well or Democrats should not take his cash. The Santorum vibrator thing could go viral as well (fueled as a response to Rush). The c*** is pretty old, but what about next time?

[zbdent]

16. another thing that Maher has said is

he's a Libertarian ...

But then, like you say ... look at the original post ...

no lefty has called Callista Gingrich a s*ut ...

[exboyfil]

17. Libertarian?

You are kidding. Right. Funny type of libertarian. He is more progressive than Obama.

His monologue about having the rich pay more taxes.

By the way I agree with him.

Bill Maher Explains Taxes And Wins

http://www.skepticmoney.com/bill-maher-explains-taxes-and-wins/

[Shankapotomus]

20. Maher is a comedian

There is a well pre-established comedic context associated with Maher and any comments he may make. If there's no difference between Maher and Limbaugh then what do you do with a comedian like Lisa Lampanelli who insults people based on race, sex and orientation in the most vile ways? There's a difference in context between a comedian and solely a political commentator with occasional weak forays into comedy.

[lacrew]

3. Ed Schultz - Laura Ingram

[zbdent]

5. Don't see that Rush is "suspended" ...

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=102x4863361

[exboyfil]

8. How exactly do you suspend Rush?

I am still waiting to see Clear Channel take a stand on the issue, but Rush is not an employee like Schultz. Advertisers dropping him is probably the closest you can get to a suspension along with stations also deciding to drop him to avoid the controversy.

Rush's problem is also Romney's problem since Romney owns a portion of Clear Channel. Definitely the pressure should stay on Romeny to address this issue. If he feels that the situation is not being handled correctly, then he should divest himself of his Bain Holdings (hint to reporters - ask him that question!!!!!!!!!). No I would not use those words. He clearly has more responsibility than Santorum, and he also has some leverage in doing something about it.

On the flip side Obama should be asked about the $1M going to his SuperPAC from Bill Maher (of Palin is a c*** fame). Do you want this money from someone who makes such misogynist statements

[mailman82]

14. Yes Ed did that.

He also took himself off the air without pay. And made real apology!

[mainer]

10. The difference is that Rush insulted ALL women who use birth control

It wasn't just "you, Susan, are a slut." His message was: "because you want birth control, you are a slut." That's painting a lot of women with a very broad brush, because it means that every woman who wants birth control is in the same category.

Maher was pretty specific when he insulted Palin, and not half of America..

[exboyfil]

11. Actually he said that if you want

your government mandate that you receive "free" contraceptives, you are a slut. If you pay for it yourself, then you are not a slut???

I don't see how calling one specific individual a c*** is any less severe than calling an entire group (let us say the Eagle Forum) a bunch of c****s.

The outrage being felt is being expressed in part because Fluke (who is not entirely a private citizen anymore once she decided to take up a specific cause in a public setting) is an individual who is being slandered.

I frankly want Maher to watch his words as well.

I hope Rush goes down in flames and he drags Romeny with him. (Please please reporters ask Romeny about his holdings in Bain Capital - Clear Channel - Rush Limbaugh. Do your job)

[zbdent]

15. still haven't seen anywhere where a liberal called Callista Gingrich a s*ut ...

[joeglow3]

19. So, you are not looking for an honest discussion.

Really, you are going to be so narrow as to look at one person and call that evidence of hypocrisy? I strongly encourage you to NOT go out for a debate team.

[zbdent]

21. funny how some defenders of Rush get into the semantics and the exactness of what was said

and then someone else points out "Hey, the liberal said something so narrow!"

[joeglow3]

22. THis is flying right over your head

The issue is if someone has said ANYTHING degrading towards ANY woman. Sadly, there are examples abound of people all across the political spectrum degrading women.

Sad that you see this in such a spectrum. I am concerned with how many people don't give a shit about women and only feign shock when it benefits them politically.