LIMBAUGH NOT GIVEN FAIR SHAKE BY LIBERALS

To the Editor:

With glee and twisted pleasure, the mainstream liberal media has paraded
Rush Limbaugh around like a conquered prisoner, sarcastically commenting on
his serious problem with prescription drugs. The disrespect is appalling.
In Ellen Goodman's Oct. 17 article, ''Rush, are we too tolerant now?'' she
snidely likens Rush Limbaugh to a cocaine addict waiting for his next
delivery of smack.

The truth is you cannot compare Rush's problem with that of a habitual drug
addict. Rush underwent unsuccessful back surgery that caused him a great
deal of pain, so his doctor prescribed him OxyContin. Using any powerful
prescription drug for a long period of time can lead to addiction for
anyone, including Ellen Goodman.

As a loyal Rush listener for 13 years, I was as shocked as anyone when the
prescription drug allegations arose; however, despite what Ellen Goodman
thinks, conservative Republicans are not getting ''too tolerant.'' There
has not been a single conservative who has condoned Rush's addiction; we
are, however, supporting Rush as he overcomes his problem. Rush Limbaugh
has accepted full responsibility for his actions and has accepted the
consequences as well.

Ellen Goodman certainly would not show ''one of her own'' the national
disrespect that she has shown Rush Limbaugh. Instead of jeering and
snickering, the media should show Rush some dignity and give him privacy
while he heals in rehab. When music artists, actors, and the Hollywood
elite enter rehab for drug addiction, the media gives them dignity and privacy.

The media need to show some class and give Rush equal treatment.

David Eshelman

Brentwood 37027