(Georgetown,DC) - Am I the only one at Georgetown who is not upset with Rush right now?
His comments regarding Sandra Fluke, third year Law student at Georgetown University, are less outrageous when viewed in the real context of the debate on Obama’s mandate for religious institutions to include contraceptive coverage in their healthcare plans.
Fluke, in her own testimony before a Democratic panel, pointed out that the University covered birth control pills when used for the treatment of a medical condition. This is the key to understanding Limbaugh’s comments. When used for medicinal purposes and healthcare, Georgetown has no problem covering the expense of birth control under their insurance plan. Fluke’s complaint was based on the fact that it was not covered for the use as a contraceptive, which would violate the Catholic church’s beliefs.
Limbaugh’s statements were not that much of a stretch. He might have been a tad hyperbolic in making his point, but this is how he earns a living. Whether or not you agree with the way he phrased his argument, he may have a point.
Of course, no one wants to actually talk about that aspect of the issue. They would rather make this an unneeded debate about contraception rather than admit this is about religious liberty.
Limbaugh, in his attempt to focus the debate back on the actual issue at hand, has been demonized by...well, just about everybody.
President Obama went so far as to call Fluke and offer his support. Meanwhile, DC residents are paying almost $5 a gallon for gasoline. Good thing he has his priorities straight.
There have been calls from all levels of Democrats, including former Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA), for all Republicans to condemn Limbaugh’s comments. Congresswoman Louise Slaughter (D- NY) wrote a letter to Speaker John Boehner (R-OH) saying, “the Republicans have a special obligation to condemn the atrocious and hurtful words spoken by Mr. Limbaugh.”
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Apparently, now everyone has to actively seek out and apologize for comments other people make, regardless of whether or not they agree with them, if the offender shares a similar ideology. Where does this line of reasoning take us? Should all Baptists have to make public statements that they do not agree with the actions of Westboro Baptist Church?
That would be ridiculous. Just like the outrage over Limbaugh’s criticism of Fluke. I might be in the minority on my campus, but I agree with Rush.
Post by Spring 2012 Townhall.com intern Mallory Carr
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