Drug Rush?

[Lewis Black]

For the "who cares?" comment, I'm not sure what's so objectionable. I doubt Rush was suggesting that blacks should have less political power than other groups: every black has one vote and as a group they can organize into political organizations -- just like everyone else, from gun nuts to tree huggers. I doubt Rush was criticizing that. More likely, he was criticizing the suggestion that they have more political power than reality justifies.

I certainly don't know how mentioning that stat is racist. It is true that blacks make up only 12% or so of the U.S. population. I don't know what's racist about bringing that up.


About the Jesse Jackson comment, Rush is saying Jackson looks like a criminal. Is that a low blow and a personal insult? Definitely.

But when is it racist to insult someone who happens to be black? Rush didn't focus on the fact that Jesse Jackson's black.


Even out of context, I'm not sure where the charge of racism is coming from.


If it weren't for my horse...

 

[deep]

"Have you ever noticed how all newspaper composite pictures of wanted criminals resemble Jesse Jackson?"

ALL pictures of CRIMINALS resemble JESSE JACKSON

Jesse Jackson (Black) All criminals (black)

About the Jesse Jackson comment, Rush is saying Jackson looks like a criminal. Is that a low blow and a personal insult? Definitely.

But when is it racist to insult someone who happens to be black? Rush didn't focus on the fact that Jesse Jackson's black.

"Rush is saying Jackson looks like a criminal."


all newspaper composite pictures of wanted criminals resemble Jesse Jackson


Or maybe Rush meant Rev. Jesse Jackson (religious) all criminals (religious) therefore, all religious are criminal?

I think Rush was going for the first premise.

 

[Lewis Black]

Did you just say that all criminals are black?

If it weren't for my horse...

 

[deep]

Rush implied that.

 

[Lewis Black]

Did Rush imply that, or did you infer that? Who's really the racist?

Let's say that someone says Jeff Foxworthy look like the typical mugshot (and that's not too unreasonable). Did that guy just imply that all criminals are white?

If it weren't for my horse...

 

[pax]

The one thing I hate about quotes....they are isolated from the context of the conversation.

What difference would the context of the Jesse Jackson remark make?

 

[bonoman]

Lewis you argue a point and when you are proven wrong you turn to calling another poster racist?

Look at the quotes. Adress everyone of them. Try it and try to justify each one. You have been listening to Rush for 15 years and you 'trump' all of us. You must have remembered these quotes and the context they were in. Oh yeah I forgot it wouldnt matter to me what context they are in, they are all racist.

You are blind in your love of Rush. Wake up.

 

[Dreadsox]

What difference would the context of the Jesse Jackson remark make?

Were they talking about a specific crime in which the guy did look like Jessie Jackson? Or is it a dig at Jackson looking like the criminal. It is not racist, does not even come close to the definition.

I am sorry, I am sure many here find Jessie to be a hero. he has done heroic things, and I do not take that away from him. Many times however I find Jessie to be a "facts be damned" opportunist. I also find his behavior as a minister to be pretty repulsive. Clinton chose the right man to council him on adultry.

I am not saying his comments are not offensive. I am just not certain in the context of which they are said, they are racist by the definition. I think it is so easy to scream racism when offended by a offensive comment these days. It is really a word thrown at people too much.

 

[Dreadsox]

I am sure james "Whitey" Bulger is thrilled with the comment though...LOL Maybe that is why the FBI cannot find him.

 

[pax]

He wasn't talking about a specific crime--he said ALL newspaper composite pictures of criminals look like Jesse Jackson. (Whom I don't like much, by the way, but still. I'd never say that all newspaper composite pictures of criminals look like, say, Rush Limbaugh.)

Again, .

 

[Dreadsox]

He wasn't talking about a specific crime--he said ALL newspaper composite pictures of criminals look like Jesse Jackson. (Whom I don't like much, by the way, but still. I'd never say that all newspaper composite pictures of criminals look like, say, Rush Limbaugh.)

Again, .

Pax, you know for cetain the context of the entire conversation that prompted the comment? All I am saying is is that without the context of the show and topic I am left with a quote out of context. Having listened to his show about 10 times in my life, I can say that he does not just come out and make a comment for no reason at all. Therefore I am wondering the context.

He did not say with that comment that anyone was inferior, lacking in skills, lacking in intelligence which would indicate to me that he is a racist.

I have stated that based on the quotes I would categorize many of the comments as offensive and I would not want my children to say these things.

again back at ya!

 

[BVS]

And why wouldn't you want your children to say those things? Can one consistently make offensive comments based on race and not be a racists?

I'm sorry but you can't chalk up all the instances stated in the article posted by Melon as "his brand of humor." And you can't use the argument that he's just questioning the cannon of political correctness. You don't combat the extreme of PC by using the very ignorance that caused the movement.

 

[pax]

 

[Dreadsox]

And why wouldn't you want your children to say those things? Can one consistently make offensive comments based on race and not be a racists?

I'm sorry but you can't chalk up all the instances stated in the article posted by Melon as "his brand of humor." And you can't use the argument that he's just questioning the cannon of political correctness. You don't combat the extreme of PC by using the very ignorance that caused the movement.

I believe that you asked me what the definition of racisim was that I was going by. I posted it a while ago. I do not believe that the comments about Jessie jackson have anything to do with the definition of racism.

One can be anti-pc and not be a racist.

I do find some of the comments offensive, and I would be hard pressed to not want to go to to toe with the man over them. I still feel that while they are not PC, it does not make him a racist.

I still think that the context of the comment is important as well.

Peace

 

[Dreadsox]

 

[womanfish]

Were they talking about a specific crime in which the guy did look like Jessie Jackson? Or is it a dig at Jackson looking like the criminal. It is not racist, does not even come close to the definition.

I'm no Jesse Jackson fan, but when you look at the quote you can see Rush isn't talking about a specific crime and even if he was, his comment is not about a specific criminal. He says, ever notice how ALL newspaper composite pictures of criminals look like Jesse Jackson. Not - did you notice that police composite picture looked like Jesse Jackson? That would have been different and specific.

When I read that comment, it sounds very much like he is saying that all composite pictures look like Jackson because they are all black and look alike. Yeah, pretty racist.

 

[BVS]

Yes I agree context is important, but how could the comment about the NAACP should get a liquor store and practice robberies be used in any positive way?

I also agree one can be anti-pc without being a racist, but I don't think this to be a case of that.

I've listened to his show and I read these comments and have heard many like it in context and believe them to fall in everyway into your definition of racisim.

 

[Dreadsox]

I'm no Jesse Jackson fan, but when you look at the quote you can see Rush isn't talking about a specific crime and even if he was, his comment is not about a specific criminal. He says, ever notice how ALL newspaper composite pictures of criminals look like Jesse Jackson. Not - did you notice that police composite picture looked like Jesse Jackson? That would have been different and specific.

When I read that comment, it sounds very much like he is saying that all composite pictures look like Jackson because they are all black and look alike. Yeah, pretty racist.

1st I read the quote and I think it is a dig at Jackson.
2nd The quote does not state that because of their race they are inferior therefore it does not meet the definition of racist.
3rd it is Politically incorrect in my opinion.

Finally, you cannot say that this quote does not have a story behiond it. You do not know what the reference was. Sorry....I disagree.

And that is what makes FYM a great place.

I freaking hate defending him.

LOL

 

[BVS]

1st I read the quote and I think it is a dig at Jackson.
2nd The quote does not state that because of their race they are inferior therefore it does not meet the definition of racist.
3rd it is Politically incorrect in my opinion.

I think stating that all composites look like Jessie Jackson goes beyond just a dig at Jackson. How could a composite of a caucasion man look like Jackson? I think he's making a generalization that all composites are of black men and they happen to look like Jessie Jackson. So I believe generalizing that all criminals are black, like Jackson, would indeed fit into your definition. I mean you tell me what you think he meant...

 

[deep]

Isn't it funny how much the alleged mastermind behind 9/11, Khalid Shaikh Mohammed, resembles porn star Ron Jeremy?

Dread and Mr. Black suggest that Rush made a statement similar to the above.


That clearly is not the case.

I don't know why they substitute the actual statement for one that does not have racist overtones.

 

[womanfish]

LOL, I know, just like I hate defending Jackson.

But I disagree with your arguement that it doesn't imply that anyone is inferior. I think it is demeaning to someone to call them a criminal or to infer that they are a criminal because of their race or background. For instance, if my dad was a criminal and someone said "Womanfish, you're probably a criminal just like your dad." Then yes, I would feel inferior and discriminated against.

If he is indeed incinuating (sp?) that all criminals (or almost all) are black, then yes, I would say that his statement is making others feel inferior and it's degrading to them.

But yes, I can see that a lot of his statements and humor walk a thin line near racism. Non-pc is fine by me. That's why I love Bill Maher. He speaks his mind, is rarely pc, but is still quite liberal on most issues. He can make a point about many touchy things, including race, by talking about it and not making cheap shots like Rush sometimes likes to do.

 

[deep]

Lewis you argue a point and when you are proven wrong you turn to calling another poster racist?

Bonoman,

I had no problem with that post.

I started a thread where people could take tests concerning bias.

Scientists at a reputable college created it.

I took the test and determined I do have bias concerning race. I believe all people do. On the scale, I was not too extreme.

I find it very interesting that Lewis Black has been listening to Rush since he was eight years old. I imagine he has been raised in a very conservative environment in Steel town USA.

I had a similar background. At eight years of age I was very politicized.

On November 22, 1963 when my third grade teacher, Mrs. Chaier, (I remember she was tall, slender and very attractive) told us President Kennedy had been killed in Texas. My remarks reflected my upbringing.

Doreen Danner, one of the Danner twins, (gosh they were cute) started crying.
I told her, "Why are crying? I am glad he is dead, he was a communist."

 

[Dreadsox]

deep

Well then clearly I am not intelligent enough to see it....

I have not substituted anything. I have explained how I see it. I have said I do not find it politically correct, and I do not believe it is racist based on the definition of racism.

Deep if you prefer, I will no longer voice any opposition to what is said in this forum. Obviously I am not intelligent enough.

 

[Dreadsox]

LOL, I know, just like I hate defending Jackson.

But I disagree with your arguement that it doesn't imply that anyone is inferior. I think it is demeaning to someone to call them a criminal or to infer that they are a criminal because of their race or background. For instance, if my dad was a criminal and someone said "Womanfish, you're probably a criminal just like your dad." Then yes, I would feel inferior and discriminated against.

If he is indeed incinuating (sp?) that all criminals (or almost all) are black, then yes, I would say that his statement is making others feel inferior and it's degrading to them.

But yes, I can see that a lot of his statements and humor walk a thin line near racism. Non-pc is fine by me. That's why I love Bill Maher. He speaks his mind, is rarely pc, but is still quite liberal on most issues. He can make a point about many touchy things, including race, by talking about it and not making cheap shots like Rush sometimes likes to do.

Thanks for the intelligent conversation. It has been very fun!!!

Peace everyone. Time for a break.

 

[Dreadsox]

I think stating that all composites look like Jessie Jackson goes beyond just a dig at Jackson. How could a composite of a caucasion man look like Jackson? I think he's making a generalization that all composites are of black men and they happen to look like Jessie Jackson. So I believe generalizing that all criminals are black, like Jackson, would indeed fit into your definition. I mean you tell me what you think he meant...

Thanks for responding with a logical argument.

I would say this, I can see it this way as well. However, again, was Rush looking at a newspaper? Was there a picture of a man arrested that day of a crime? We do not know. That is indeed why I made my context point.

Peace....keep it real!

 

[BVS]

Thanks for responding with a logical argument.

I would say this, I can see it this way as well. However, again, was Rush looking at a newspaper? Was there a picture of a man arrested that day of a crime? We do not know. That is indeed why I made my context point.

Peace....keep it real!

True but then he would have said isn't it funny how THIS composite of the so and so burglar look like JJ?

 

[ThatGuy]

Rush admits addiction

Conservative commentator Rush Limbaugh told his radio audience Friday that he is addicted to painkillers and will enter rehab:

"You know I have always tried to be honest with you and open about my life. So I need to tell you today that part of what you have heard and read is correct. I am addicted to prescription pain medication.

I first started taking prescription painkillers some years ago when my doctor prescribed them to treat post surgical pain following spinal surgery. Unfortunately, the surgery was unsuccessful and I continued to have severe pain in my lower back and also in my neck due to herniated discs. I am still experiencing that pain. Rather than opt for additional surgery for these conditions, I chose to treat the pain with prescribed medication. This medication turned out to be highly addictive.

Over the past several years I have tried to break my dependence on pain pills and, in fact, twice checked myself into medical facilities in an attempt to do so. I have recently agreed with my physician about the next steps.

Immediately following this broadcast, I am checking myself into a treatment center for the next 30 days to once and for all break the hold this highly addictive medication has on me. The show will continue during this time, of course, with an array of guest hosts you have come to know and respect.

I am not making any excuses. You know, over the years athletes and celebrities have emerged from treatment centers to great fanfare and praise for conquering great demons.

They are said to be great role models and examples for others. Well, I am no role model. I refuse to let anyone think I am doing something great here, when there are people you never hear about, who face long odds and never resort to such escapes.

They are the role models. I am no victim and do not portray myself as such. I take full responsibility for my problem.

At the present time, the authorities are conducting an investigation, and I have been asked to limit my public comments until this investigation is complete. So I will only say that the stories you have read and heard contain inaccuracies and distortions, which I will clear up when I am free to speak about them.

I deeply appreciate all your support over this last tumultuous week. It has sustained me. I ask now for your prayers. I look forward to resuming our excursion into broadcast excellence together.''

AP-NY-10-10-03 1535EDT

Copyright 2003, The Associated Press. The information contained in the AP Online news report may not be published, broadcast or redistributed without the prior written authority of The Associated Press.

 

[verte76]

Let's not be too harsh on Rush and his problem with painkillers. I don't like his politics, for the record. But spinal problems and pain from it have nothing to do with politics. I'm currently taking stuff for sciatica. I had one bottle of the same painkillers that Rush had trouble with. Yes, they are addictive as hell which is why my doc was responsible and didn't give me a refill. This pain sucks big time. It's not fun. Anyone can get addicted to painkilling drugs. All it takes is a painful injury or illness. I hate this

 

[BVS]

I'm glad he's taking responsibility for his actions, and admits he's no role model. I hope he gets better and is given a fair investigation. I'm sure there have been a few distortions, but I don't know how he's going to prove that he's been obtaining the drug legally? We'll see.

Thanks for the update.

 

[sharky]

I have problems with this. I don't agree with people with opposing view point but I respect them. I DON'T respect people who are hypocrites. I'm sorry he has to go through this but he should be just as severly punished as he has advocated others be punished. as for rehab, he wouldn't be going into rehab if 1) this story never broke and 2) he wasn't going to be charged with a crime. Judges are lenient on people who show they are trying to get help. He's only covering his ass with this.