Rush Limbaugh apologized to Sandra Fluke, the Georgetown law school student he called a "slut" and "prostitute" this week because she testified in support of President Obama's requirement that employers provide health insurance that covers birth control. (Brian Jones/ Associated Press)
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In what was surely a rare move for the conservative radio host, Rush Limbaugh apologized Saturday to the Georgetown University law school student he called a "slut" and "prostitute" earlier in the week.
The apology, posted to his website, said he did not mean to make a "personal attack" against Sandra Fluke. The third-year law student had testified before Democrats in favor of President Obama's new rule requiring employers to offer health insurance plans that cover birth control.
"My choice of words was not the best, and in the attempt to be humorous, I created a national stir," he wrote. "I sincerely apologize to Ms. Fluke for the insulting word choices."
Limbaugh's words had sparked an immediate backlash, drawing ire from all sides and leading some companies to pull advertising support for his show.
But although he apologized for the remarks, Limbaugh did not back down from his position on the contraceptive requirement.
"I think it is absolutely absurd that during these very serious political times, we are discussing personal sexual recreational activities before members of Congress," he wrote. "I personally do not agree that American citizens should pay for these social activities. What happened to personal responsibility and accountability?"
The Practical Buddhist Responds
Rush Limbaugh is a silly man whom some find endlessly entertaining. He's a bully who says the things hateful and fearful folks wish they could say. He's less polished than Santorum, and a lot more crude, but the message is the same that Rick's been peddling.
A young woman gave thoughtful testimony about contraception and health insurance, citing instances where birth control pill can control tumors. How that makes her a prostitute I'm not sure, and I'm not worried about her. She's likely vastly smarter and far more compassionate in the ways that count than any radio hate monger.
No, I'm worried about sex getting a bad name. Buddhists are practical about sex. They think it's private, but definitely not dirty. They don't think that having sex, if you're not trying to have a baby, is just entertainment.
At its best, sex is an unparalleled expression of trust, tenderness, and commitment. It's not like watching reruns of Friends or playing Wii games, however uplifting those recreations may be.
And no, the government doesn't need to pay for my social activities, nor do my fellow citizens. But the conventional wisdom of normal people (including Catholics in the pew) is that judicious family planning is good for the family and for the children they bring into the world. And contraception is part of health care. If you disagree, don't do it, and exercise your right to preach powerfully against it. But don't deny workers reasonable health care because it doesn't square with your views. If you want to hire workers in this land of the free, allow them to make their own choices about contraception. And if Rush is a clown who entertains you with his antics, enjoy! But if you consider him a teacher, you're in trouble.
