RUSH'S ADDICTION

The radio host known for what's often a holier-than-thou attitude -
and "talent on loan from God" - has turned out to be the servant of a
demon - drug addiction. Rush Limbaugh on Friday admitted he was hooked
on pain killers and was checking himself into a rehab center.

The conservative commentator, like virtue czar (and million-dollar
gambler) William Bennett before him, made the classic mistake of
throwing stones while living in a glass house. Now that the tables
have turned on the popular radio talk show host, he's asking his
listening public to be understanding and sympathetic. Critics will
have a field day pointing out the hypocrisy and hubris of Limbaugh's
predicament.

Limbaugh should, however, be accorded the sympathy he was loathe to
offer others. Many people have wrestled with drug addiction and won,
becoming better for their battle. His credibility as a commentator
certainly is impaired. But perhaps Limbaugh will emerge from rehab a
stronger man, with a little more compassion for human vulnerability -
something of which he now has first-hand knowledge.