Rush Laughs, Correction

Cousin Phyllis has made me aware that the "article" I posted on Thursday, Oct. 23, actually originated from The Onion, a satirical site. I presented and commented on this article as if it were an actual news item, although I was unable to find verification. I cited my source (Progressive Voice) precisely because I had some doubt about the veracity of the article. I should have stated my doubts in my original entry.

I regret the error. In fairness to the man, I hereby reprint Mr. Limbaugh's actual statement (as relayed to me by Cousin Phyllis):

NEW YORK, Oct. 10 /PRNewswire/ -- Rush Limbaugh today issued the following statement on his radio program:

"You know I have always tried to be honest with you and open about my life. So I need to tell you today that part of what you have heard and read is correct. I am addicted to prescription pain medication.

"I first started taking prescription painkillers some years ago when my doctor prescribed them to treat post surgical pain following spinal surgery. Unfortunately, the surgery was unsuccessful and I continued to have severe pain in my lower back and also in my neck due to herniated discs. I am still experiencing that pain. Rather than opt for additional surgery for these conditions, I chose to treat the pain with prescribed medication. This medication turned out to be highly addictive.

"Over the past several years I have tried to break my dependence on pain pills and, in fact, twice checked myself into medical facilities in an attempt to do so. I have recently agreed with my physician about the next steps.

"Immediately following this broadcast, I am checking myself into a treatment center for the next 30 days to once and for all break the hold this highly addictive medication has on me. The show will continue during this time, of course, with an array of guest hosts you have come to know and respect.

"I am not making any excuses. You know, over the years athletes and celebrities have emerged from treatment centers to great fanfare and praise for conquering great demons. They are said to be great role models and examples for others. Well, I am no role model. I refuse to let anyone think I am doing something great here, when there are people you never hear about, who face long odds and never resort to such escapes. They are the role models. I am no victim and do not portray myself as such. I take full responsibility for my problem.

"At the present time, the authorities are conducting an investigation, and I have been asked to limit my public comments until this investigation is complete. So I will only say that the stories you have read and heard contain inaccuracies and distortions, which I will clear up when I am free to speak about them.

"I deeply appreciate all your support over this last tumultuous week. It has sustained me. I ask now for your prayers. I look forward to resuming our excursion into broadcast excellence together."

Mr. Limbaugh clearly states that he is no victim. One may reasonably infer from his statement that he acknowledges that his actions were wrong. This seems to support my primary assertion in my original entry — whether the drugs are for "real" pain, or were once prescribed does not alter the fact that buying prescription drugs on the "blackmarket" is illegal. In the eyes of the law, there is little difference between blackmarket OxyContin or heroin — either one is illegal.

My secondary assertion was that Rush Limbaugh is primarily an entertainer, and should not be taken seriously as a commentator. Considering my failure to fully check my sources and/or facts, perhaps I need to be more cautious about where I point fingers.

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We now return you to our regularly scheduled poetic programming.