Sandra Fluke, a Georgetown Law School student, was supposed to speak at the hearing for the Obama administration’s contraception policy, but the powers that be silenced her; therefore leaving absolutely no women to testify about a policy that essentially concerns them. However when Fluke was allowed to speak on the contraception policy at a Democratic hearing, she spoke on the importance of contraception for some women’s health for Georgetown students.
Rush Limbaugh, a conservative right-wing political radio talk show host took it upon himself to label Fluke a slut because of her concern of insurance not covering contraceptives. He took everything she stood for and flipped it on its head, labeling intelligent activist a “slut” and a “prostitute.” I understand being funny and using shock value for entertainment purposes, but Limbaugh’s insulting comments were uncalled for.
Here’s three reasons why Rush Limbaugh is indeed, sorry.
1. Loose Interpretation
So good old Rush Limbaugh went in on Sandra Fluke when he called her a slut. He based this label on the fact that Fluke stood up as a woman to defend women’s health issues at her school. When Limbaugh interpreted Fluke’s statement at the Democratic hearing as requesting the government pay her to have sex, he was definitely reaching, He said, “So, Ms. Fluke and the rest of you feminazis, here’s the deal: If we are going to pay for your contraceptives and thus pay for you to have sex, we want something for it. And I’ll tell you what it is. We want you to post the videos online so we can all watch.” Even before any of those vile words escaped his lips, Limbaugh should have known he was dancing on thin ice with this. How sorry is Limbaugh for taking Fluke’s statements and interpreting them in this way?
2. Let’s Talk About Sex
If Limbaugh really listened to what Sandra Fluke had to say, he would know that she wasn’t trying to air her own sexual history at a Democratic hearing. She was standing up for what she believes is necessary. She used a friend’s health issue as an example. The woman has cysts and needs birth control to help prevent them from growing. In Limbaugh’s sorry apology, he mentioned that we shouldn’t be discussing sexual recreational activities in front of members of the Congress. Who is? Fluke was simply defending women’s reproductive health, since no one else was and where there’s women’s reproductive health, there’s sex. Limbaugh tried to make it seem as if Fluke laid on the floor in front of members of the Congress and spread her legs wide.
3. Don’t Take It Personal
In Limbaugh’s weak apology, he mentioned not meaning to personally attack Sandra Fluke, but he continued to go after Fluke even after President Obama stepped in, calling Fluke to make sure that she was ok amidst Limbaugh’s insults. Limbaugh said, “Well, that’s touching. Obama just called Sandra Fluke to make sure she was all right? Awww (kissing sound). That’s so compassionate! What a great guy. The president calls her to make sure she’s okay. What is she 30 years old? Thirty years old, a student at Georgetown Law, who admits to have so much sex she can’t afford it anymore.” I don’t know about you guys, but that sounds extremely personal to me.
Check out Limbaugh’s weak apology below.
“For over 20 years, I have illustrated the absurd with absurdity, three hours a day, five days a week. In this instance, I chose the wrong words in my analogy of the situation. I did not mean a personal attack on Ms. Fluke.I think it is absolutely absurd that during these very serious political times, we are discussing personal sexual recreational activities before members of Congress. I personally do not agree that American citizens should pay for these social activities. What happened to personal responsibility and accountability? Where do we draw the line? If this is accepted as the norm, what will follow? Will we be debating if taxpayers should pay for new sneakers for all students that are interested in running to keep fit? In my monologue, I posited that it is not our business whatsoever to know what is going on in anyone’s bedroom nor do I think it is a topic that should reach a Presidential level.
My choice of words was not the best, and in the attempt to be humorous, I created a national stir. I sincerely apologize to Ms. Fluke for the insulting word choices.”
What do you think about Rush Limbaugh’s strong opinion on Sandra Fluke and his weak apology? Let’s discuss on Twitter @Rhapsodani.
