COMPASSION COMES FROM BOTH SIDES

After reading the Nov. 3 letter, "Short on caring," I felt compelled to
write. When referring to liberal critics of Rush Limbaugh, the writer stated
that "Apparently compassion is a selective emotion with some, reserved only
to those of similar political convictions."

While I have seen numerous articles written about Mr. Limbaugh's situation,
I have also been pleasantly surprised that some of his staunchest critics
have held back at times. Even Al Franken, author of Rush Limbaugh is a Big
Fat Idiot, stated, "I wouldn't wish that [drug addiction] on anyone."

I thought an article entitled "A weakness on the right," by Ellen Goodman of
The Boston Globe summed up the position that many liberals, including
myself, took. It seemed like an ideal time to rant and turn the tables on
Mr. Limbaugh, telling his followers who hold him in such high esteem as to
border on perfection, "See, I told you so." However, it is a "weakness" I am
proud of that I can view Mr. Limbaugh's obviously painful situation and
still have empathy for the plight of someone whose views I wholeheartedly
disagree with.

I would be intrigued to see Mr. Limbaugh's stance if a high-profile
"feminazi" or "environmental wacko" suffered the fate of being caught taking
illegal pills by the handful or fessing up to "full responsibility" for a
problem only after being fodder for the National Enquirer.

Would someone who lectures that "We're becoming too tolerant, folks," call
off his ditto-head dogs? Would a man who touts his "talent on loan from God"
or has described himself as the "epitome of morality of virtue" cut someone
he deems of lower ethical standards, such as "a left-wing extremist," a
break?

His past rhetoric indicates not.

My hope is for a full recovery for Mr. Limbaugh and a renewed outlook before
his next Rush to bombastic judgment when one of "those liberals" proves to
be all too human.

Derick Wilder, Plantation