RUSH TO JUDGEMENT

RUSH LIMBAUGH'S slip from the pedestal he built on the strength of a
national radio show featuring bombastic, conservative commentary --
earning him an estimated 20 million listeners -- has predictably
generated both dismay and glee, depending on your point of view. We
say predictably because among commentators, Limbaugh is a
bomb-thrower, his fame and wealth built on a unique ability to elicit
love-hate feelings over the airwaves.

Rush's pious, moralistic tone was part of the act. Now, as he goes
into drug rehab to break the hold of an addiction to painkillers, his
loftiness (some would say arrogance) entangles him like a sticky web.

Certainly, those who've borne the brunt of Limbaugh's needling, mostly
liberal politicians and pundits, now can say with some merit that
their tormentor is getting his comeuppance.

We're not so sure, although a dash of humility never hurt
anyone.

If Limbaugh's story is true -- that he got hooked on painkillers after
unsuccessful spine surgery a few years ago -- most Americans probably
will be forgiving. If Florida authorities turn up something different,
his will likely be a falling star.

Signing off his program last week before a 30-day stint in rehab,
Limbaugh seemed to have the right attitude. "I want you to know I'm no
role model," he told his listeners. "I refuse to let anyone think I'm
doing something heroic here, something great here. I'm not a victim.
. I take full responsibility for this problem."

It's the right approach as Limbaugh deals with chemical addiction and,
later, as he tries to rehabilitate his public image.