GOP'S HYPOCRISY BLINDING

I have listened to Rush Limbaugh off and on for more than 10 years.

He is a bright, informed talk show host who in many ways has defined talk
radio. His opinions are well formed and his ability to frame events from a
conservative perspective is unrivaled.

Having said that, I am amazed at the reaction of the right to his problem
with drugs. They are falling all over themselves to say this is a wonderful
man with a problem, and we should all pray for him. They go on about the
glee that the Rush haters must feel over this poor man's plight. Shame on
Kerry for making a joke, they protest.

I would welcome them to read the transcripts of dozens of Limbaugh shows
that indicate an unbending intolerance to people with personal problems. His
comments over the years have ignited that same intolerance in millions of
people in this country. I wonder how many government-funded drug treatment
programs have been voted down by Republican legislators. Throw the bums in
jail, they say. We need to build more prisons, not change the drug laws. The
hypocrisy is blinding.

Alan Roosa

Glendale