President Obama wades in to the War on Rush after talk radio host Rush Limbaugh called contraception advocate Sandra Fluke a "slut" and a "prostitute." As a result, over 24 advertisers (and counting) have pulled their ads from his show. Not only did Rush refer to Ms. Fluke as a "prostitute," he propositioned her to post pornographic videos online. Following a media firestorm, Rush apologized. A White House reporter asked the President his thoughts on the situation.
"I thought about Malia and Sasha, and one of the things I want them to do as they get older is to engage in issues they care about, even ones I may not agree with them on," the President said at a White House news conference. "I want them to be able to speak their mind in a civil and thoughtful way, and I don't want them attacked or called horrible names because they're being good citizens."
If Ms. Fluke chooses to fight back against Rush's personal attack, she may have some legal recourse. According to House Minority Whip Steny Hoyer (D-Md.), "I'd like to see her take him to court." Hoyer told "The Montgomery Adviser," "She is not a public figure and, for that reason, she should be able to sue for slander, libel or whatever else might be involved."
Many Democrats are using this verbal assault against Ms. Fluke as a call to arms. The DNC has dedicated a page on its website to the rally against Rush calling citizens to Stand with Sandra. The DNC has placed Ms. Fluke as the face of the contraception debate and is asking Democrats to join President Obama and Stand with Sandra (via a monetary donation.)
Many Democrats are using this verbal assault against Ms. Fluke as a call to arms. The DNC has dedicated a page on its website to the rally against Rush calling citizens to Stand with Sandra. The DNC has placed Ms. Fluke as the face of the contraception debate and is asking Democrats to join President Obama and Stand with Sandra (via a monetary donation.)
However, not everyone believes Rush's foul name-calling is reprehensible. Left wing comedian and talk show host, Bill Maher went to Twitter to defend Rush Limbaugh's name-calling. Maher tweeted, "Hate to defend #RushLimbaugh but he apologized, liberals looking bad not accepting. Also hate intimidation by sponsor pullout." But, Maher is no saint because he too has a history of making incendiary remarks against women. He has referred to former Alaskan Governor Sarah Palin and Presidential Candidate Michele Bachmann as "boobs" and "two bimbos."
Both Republicans (ie. Rush) and Democrat (ie. Bill Maher) fail to find articulate ways to make their points and then just shout anti-female epithets. Disrespecting woman is not merely a Rush problem or a Republican problem, it's a systemic issue. One SBW blog reader messaged us about this issue and eloquently said, "Misogyny is Misogyny." Quite true SBW reader!
Women's History Month, not withstanding, we just want a little R-E-S-P-E-C-T.
Both Republicans (ie. Rush) and Democrat (ie. Bill Maher) fail to find articulate ways to make their points and then just shout anti-female epithets. Disrespecting woman is not merely a Rush problem or a Republican problem, it's a systemic issue. One SBW blog reader messaged us about this issue and eloquently said, "Misogyny is Misogyny." Quite true SBW reader!
Women's History Month, not withstanding, we just want a little R-E-S-P-E-C-T.
