LIMBAUGH A GOOD EXAMPLE OF BAD

It seems that nothing catches the attention of the idle public more than a
scandal. I make no pretense that I am immune. I am as eager to hear the
details as anyone else. A current hot issue is the drug abuse of Rush
Limbaugh, who is admired by many of us because he so clearly and artfully
articulates our political ideology, and despised by others because of his
daily assault on their ideology, and their heroes and icons. He is a
polarizing figure on the political and social scene, and one whose
lifestyle and conduct are under constant close scrutiny. Limbaugh is
certainly not a fool but he seems to have done some foolish things. Not
only foolish, but wrong both morally and legally.

I hope no one would suggest that he should escape the consequences of his
acts for any reason. But I also hope he would not be pursued and persecuted
in a vengeful and vindictive way for no greater purpose than silencing him.
If it is a question of right or wrong and what is best for society we ought
to be diligent in attacking the problem, not merely assuring that someone
we don't like or who has offended us suffers some dire consequence.

As much as anything else, Rush is representative of millions who have
fallen prey to the seductiveness of drugs in recent decades. It isn't only
those who huff, puff, hack, snort and shoot up either. Millions are
addicted to prescribed drugs.

Pain killers are among the most dangerously addictive, and doctors and drug
manufacturers use them irresponsibly. But fault rests on the whole
community as well because we reject principles of common sense when it
comes to matters of comfort and convenience. We seek fast relief from pain,
distress and anxiety when we know we will soon be better. And when it's a
long-term issue, we knowingly risk grim side effects, including addiction.
We are a drug-using culture.

I don't mean in any way to justify any wrongs Rush may have done. But I
will maintain that he really is a "harmless, loveable fuzz ball." At the
very least he is an excellent bad example.

An oxymoron you say? Hey, that's not the worst name he's been called.

David J. Gingery lives in Springfield.