# Since when does Rush Limbaugh get to call Bonnie Rait and the Boss "drug addled"? **URL:** \ **Category:** The BBQ Pit\ **Created:** [August 6, 2004, 6:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/since-when-does-rush-limbaugh-get-to-call-bonnie-rait-and-the-boss-drug-addled/258647 "2004-08-06T18:04:46Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 4
**Author:** ![mhendo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mhendo/32/3159_2.png) [@mhendo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mhendo)\ **Post date:** [August 7, 2004, 1:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/since-when-does-rush-limbaugh-get-to-call-bonnie-rait-and-the-boss-drug-addled/258647/61 "2004-08-07T01:09:56Z")
> [@Starving Artist](#): > > **mhendo** , you fucking putz! Between the two of us, I really doubt that _I’m_ the moron. Nor am I a liar, you reading-impaired, mentally-challenged imbecile. **If you can manage to find your way back to my original post in this thread, you’ll see I was trying to explain why so many people in general object to celebrities spouting off about politics without seeming to find other entertainers such Limbaugh, Hannity, et al. to be guilty of the same. I explained it, and my explanation related to the large number of people who find it objectionable, not just myself (although I would indeed be one of them, as I openly said).** > > What an utter idiot you are. Try getting the facts next time before you go spouting off, calling names and revealing your own ignorance, which is after all what we’re supposed to be fighting here. Well, the quote i provided in my earlier post was, in fact, taken from your “original post in this thread.” But why don’t we look at that post _in toto_. You wrote: > [@StarvingArtist](#): > > I’m constantly amazed that the Limbaugh, O’Reilly, Hannity, etc.-bashers here don’t seem to be able to make the distinction between entertainers who voice their opinions because it’s their job, and people tune in – whether they agree or not – to hear what these people have to say. These people voice their opinions and their spin on things because it’s their occupation! People know what to expect going in. > > Singers/actors/producers, etc. are different kinds of entertainers. Their jobs are to sing, act, produce, etc. Their jobs are not to tell people what to think and how to view political issues. > > There are two problems when entertainers do this. First of all, it’s smug, conceited and arrogant to assume you are going to influence people to think as you do just because you are so great/cool/good-looking, and therefore worthy of emulation. > > Two, it’s inappropriate and unexpected (and therefore unappreciated) to speak out on politics when people are interested in seeing or hearing you because of your talents as an entertainer. It would be like Rush Limbaugh or Sean Hannity showing up to speak at a business convention and, because of their artistic interests and because they think they’re so cool, decide to subject their audience to a singing or acting performance. > > How silly and presumtuous would they look doing that? That’s how show-biz folk pontificating on politics come across. This is, as far as i can tell, all your own opinion. And part of that opinion is that “it’s inappropriate and unexpected (and therefore unappreciated) to speak out on politics when people are interested in seeing or hearing you because of your talents as an entertainer.” Yet, later on, you claimed that you didn’t say it was inappropriate, only that it was “_perceived_ as inappropriate.” Well, fuckstick, in your original post, which i have quoted in its entirety above, the word “perceived” does not appear once. You state, straight out, that it’s inappropriate. You are a liar and an idiot. ---
**Author:** ![bizzwire](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/958977/32.png) [@bizzwire](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bizzwire)\ **Post date:** [August 7, 2004, 1:14am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/since-when-does-rush-limbaugh-get-to-call-bonnie-rait-and-the-boss-drug-addled/258647/62 "2004-08-07T01:14:03Z")
> [@Starving Artist](#): > > If they are willing to hire on and be a spokesperson such as Heston did, or if they are willing to forego their cushy lifestyle, income and much of their fame to run for and take office in order to affect change, that’s just peachy with me. I don’t think that Mr. Heston or Gov. Schwartzeneger gave away all their earthly posessions when they assumed their political lives. Their fortunes were made, allowing them to dabble in politics. > [@](#): > > In fact I think it’s exactly what they should do. What I have a problem with is celebrities trying to use their “star power” to get impressionable people to think the way they do just be dint of their wonderfulness as a star. Do you for one second think that Governor Schwartzeneger was elected for his vast political experience and universally recognized expertise of agricultural issues? Do you honestly believe that when the NRA was shopping around for a spokeperson, they were in a dither because they couldn’t decide between Heston, John Astin, or a local gunsmith? These people are doing the very thing you’re railing against: trading on their celebrity and name-recognition while it’s still a valuable commodity. > [@](#): > > I would have a lot more respect for Babs or Linda or Rob if they actually ran for some office and tried to work for change that way, than by simply forking over thousands and thousands of dollars and going on television blabbing about things they know nothing about and hoping to have an effect simply because they’re so wonderful and everybody should want to be like them, which is what they’re really saying. As opposed to, say, Ken Ley, who forks over millions and millions of dollars, hoping to have an effect, but at least gets deregulation legislation for his troubles. ---
**Author:** ![silenus](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/silenus/32/166_2.png) [@silenus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/silenus)\ **Post date:** [August 7, 2004, 1:31am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/since-when-does-rush-limbaugh-get-to-call-bonnie-rait-and-the-boss-drug-addled/258647/63 "2004-08-07T01:31:05Z")
> [@C3](#): > > You mean you and my dad? Or you and me? If it’s you and me, I’d be happy to be your virtual sister! 🙂 Cousin! Cousin! It’s a family reunion. Of course, my Dad (the ex-high school teacher and successful businessman) thinks I’ve grown dangerously liberal since I married “that ACLU Boston wife of yours.” Granted, he says it with a grin, and he loves arguing with her, but really…Dad, get a grip. Rush is retarded. ---
**Author:** ![Oy](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/o/bc8723/32.png) [@Oy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Oy)\ **Post date:** [August 7, 2004, 1:32am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/since-when-does-rush-limbaugh-get-to-call-bonnie-rait-and-the-boss-drug-addled/258647/64 "2004-08-07T01:32:40Z")
I think Limbaugh’s comment (at least about Springsteen) was in response to this [editorial](http://www.nytimes.com/2004/08/05/opinion/05bruce.html?ex=1092683449&ei=1&en=ed82a5b50c00ee50) in the NY Times. I see nothing wrong with _anyone_ writing an editorial, entertainer or not. And it takes some kind of chutzpa for someone who is publicly known to have a drug problem to refer to someone like Springsteen, who has always had an utterly squeaky clean rep in this regard, as being drug-addled. ---
**Author:** ![Brutus](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/91b2a8/32.png) [@Brutus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Brutus)\ **Post date:** [August 7, 2004, 1:37am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/since-when-does-rush-limbaugh-get-to-call-bonnie-rait-and-the-boss-drug-addled/258647/65 "2004-08-07T01:37:05Z")
> [@AvhHines](#): > > …And it takes some kind of chutzpa for someone who is publicly known to have a drug problem to refer to someone like Springsteen, who has always had an utterly squeaky clean rep in this regard, as being drug-addled. That has yet to be proven, you know. ---
**Author:** ![Marley23](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/45deac/32.png) [@Marley23](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Marley23)\ **Post date:** [August 7, 2004, 1:39am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/since-when-does-rush-limbaugh-get-to-call-bonnie-rait-and-the-boss-drug-addled/258647/66 "2004-08-07T01:39:44Z")
> [@](#): > > Marley23, even though you were talking to Voyager, I will say that I also have no problem with an entertainer incorporating their beliefs into their work. That is, if Linda Ronstadt wanted to record a song singing the praises of Michael Moore, I would find it much less objectionable than I would if she were addressing a concert audience or giving a speech. Is this what it’s really all about? The pain it causes when celebrities give voice to their opinions outside of a specifically designated “it’s okay for you celebs to state your views over here” zone? > [@](#): > > It’s a more upfront and honest way of going about it. How did ‘honest’ get in there? ---
**Author:** ![Shayna](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/shayna/32/17976_2.png) [@Shayna](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Shayna)\ **Post date:** [August 7, 2004, 1:56am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/since-when-does-rush-limbaugh-get-to-call-bonnie-rait-and-the-boss-drug-addled/258647/67 "2004-08-07T01:56:55Z")
My husband and I took a couple of friends to see Tracy Chapman at the Hollywood Bowl a few weeks ago (_fantastic_ performer, btw). At one point between songs, right in the middle of her concert, she addressed the audience… **Tracy Chapman** : “Is everyone registered to vote?” **Audience** : Loud Applause!!! **Tracy Chapman** : “Because we’ve got an important election coming up in November.” **Audience** : Even LOUDER Applause!!! **Tracy Chapman** : “And I think it’s time to make some changes.” **Audience** : THUNDEROUS APPLAUSE, LOUD WHISTLING & A STANDING OVATION!!! Moral of the story: Not every audience resents performers making political statements when they went to hear them perform their songs, not give a political speech. \ I think they can say whatever the hell they want when it’s their show and their stage. Don’t like it? Get up and leave and don’t patronize that artist anymore. Really, it _is_ still a free country, afterall. ---
**Author:** ![Starving\_Artist](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/aeb1de/32.png) [@Starving\_Artist](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Starving_Artist)\ **Post date:** [August 7, 2004, 1:59am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/since-when-does-rush-limbaugh-get-to-call-bonnie-rait-and-the-boss-drug-addled/258647/68 "2004-08-07T01:59:48Z")
> [@mhendo](#): > > Yet, later on, you claimed that you didn’t say it was inappropriate, only that it was “_perceived_ as inappropriate.” Well, fuckstick, in your original post, which i have quoted in its entirety above, the word “perceived” does not appear once. You state, straight out, that it’s inappropriate. > > You are a liar and an idiot. In the first place, when I used the word inappropriate, I was describing the feelings of those who disapprove of celebrity activism, myself included. I disavowed it only to the extent that it was being made to seem that I exclusively was putting forth this view, and I’m sure you know that. My use of the word “perceived” was explanatory, not meant to be a direct quote, which I’m sure you also know. So, to the extent that you are deliberately trying to misrepresent my words and intent, you sir, are the liar…and a devious, conniving and deliberate (but not very smart) one at that! ---
**Author:** ![Typo\_Negative](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/typo_negative/32/484_2.png) [@Typo\_Negative](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Typo_Negative)\ **Post date:** [August 7, 2004, 2:04am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/since-when-does-rush-limbaugh-get-to-call-bonnie-rait-and-the-boss-drug-addled/258647/69 "2004-08-07T02:04:48Z")
> [@Starving Artist](#): > > Singers/actors/producers, etc. are different kinds of entertainers. Their jobs are to sing, act, produce, etc. Their jobs are not to\*\*\* tell people what to think and how to view political issues[\*\*/I]. Emphasis mine. Sorry to single you out here, **Starving** , but you were the first in this thread to use this phrase, and it’s the phrase I take issue with. I hear it often. When liberal artists talk about their political views, they are “telling people what to think”. I say no. They are not 'telling people what to think", they are telling people what THEY (the artists) think. Nowhere does it say that an artist can’t be an activist for any cause he/she believes in. Their views tend to get out there because people with film crews and microphones and notepads keeping asking them about their views. People keep inviting them to share these views. Now it may well be that the people expressing these views are morons. Some of them obviously are. But the “telling people what to think” phrase carries a different connotation. As if there is some sort of mind control attempt going on rather than a free flow of ideas. And it is surely an ad hominem attack to attempt to dicount what they say simply because their primary occupation is entertainment, as if that fact alone made them unworthy. That is all. Return to your discussion… ---
**Author:** ![Starving\_Artist](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/aeb1de/32.png) [@Starving\_Artist](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Starving_Artist)\ **Post date:** [August 7, 2004, 2:05am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/since-when-does-rush-limbaugh-get-to-call-bonnie-rait-and-the-boss-drug-addled/258647/70 "2004-08-07T02:05:41Z")
> [@Shayna](#): > > I think they can say whatever the hell they want when it’s their show and their stage. Don’t like it? Get up and leave and don’t patronize that artist anymore. Really, it _is_ still a free country, afterall. Isn’t this exactly what’s been happening? Those who approve, cheer and support them; those who don’t, critisize and boycott them. It’s the American way. But I thought this thread was supposed (here’s that word again) to be about why people think celebrities are poopy heads for speaking out politically when they don’t seem to feel the same way about Limbaugh, etc.? What does that have to do with Chapman’s audience approval? ---
**Author:** ![Starving\_Artist](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/aeb1de/32.png) [@Starving\_Artist](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Starving_Artist)\ **Post date:** [August 7, 2004, 2:20am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/since-when-does-rush-limbaugh-get-to-call-bonnie-rait-and-the-boss-drug-addled/258647/71 "2004-08-07T02:20:32Z")
> [@spooje](#): > > Emphasis mine. > > Sorry to single you out here, **Starving** , but you were the first in this thread to use this phrase, and it’s the phrase I take issue with. > > I hear it often. When liberal artists talk about their political views, they are “telling people what to think”. I say no. They are not 'telling people what to think", they are telling people what THEY (the artists) think. Nowhere does it say that an artist can’t be an activist for any cause he/she believes in. Their views tend to get out there because people with film crews and microphones and notepads keeping asking them about their views. People keep inviting them to share these views. First of all, thank you for your wonderfully rational and polite post. Such is a rarity around here (yes, I know it is after all the Pit.) But I disagree. Linda Ronstadt did not explain to her audience in Las Vegas that it was her opinion that Moore was a patriot and truth teller, she stated it as fact. She said by inference that her audience did not know the “truth” and advised them to see Moore’s movie so that they could learn the “truth.” People like Rob Reiner, Barbara Streisand, Linda Ronstadt, et al. are not just walking down the street minding their own business and suddenly finding themselves with microphones thrust in their faces and being asked their opinions on current political events. They show up at these events specifically to make their voices heard. (And while we’re on this subject, if these celebrities are so guileless and their opinions are being solicited rather than foist upon us, how come so few microphones are thrust in the faces of conservative celebrities?) And I’ve already explained how so many people perceive them as telling people what to think. They have no inside knowledge that makes them more qualified to speak to these issues, they have no particular insight that the common, everyday person has…so what makes them think their opinions carry weight and will sway voters? Their celebrity, that’s what. They think their popularity and star power will persuade people to their point of view! It can be nothing else because they have nothing else to bring to the table. Back to you, mon frere… ---
**Author:** ![Starving\_Artist](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/aeb1de/32.png) [@Starving\_Artist](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Starving_Artist)\ **Post date:** [August 7, 2004, 2:23am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/since-when-does-rush-limbaugh-get-to-call-bonnie-rait-and-the-boss-drug-addled/258647/72 "2004-08-07T02:23:03Z")
Ahem…make that “that the common, everyday person _doesn’t have_…” ---
**Author:** ![Typo\_Negative](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/typo_negative/32/484_2.png) [@Typo\_Negative](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Typo_Negative)\ **Post date:** [August 7, 2004, 2:35am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/since-when-does-rush-limbaugh-get-to-call-bonnie-rait-and-the-boss-drug-addled/258647/73 "2004-08-07T02:35:10Z")
> [@Starving Artist](#): > > People like Rob Reiner, Barbara Streisand, Linda Ronstadt, et al. are not just walking down the street minding their own business and suddenly finding themselves with microphones thrust in their faces and being asked their opinions on current political events. They show up at these events specifically to make their voices heard. (And while we’re on this subject, if these celebrities are so guileless and their opinions are being solicited rather than foist upon us, how come so few microphones are thrust in the faces of conservative celebrities?)… There’s just not much outrage, there. C’mon. It’s not like Reiner and Streisand are unwelcome at these events. And yes, they do show up to be heard. If _you_ had a medium willing to transmit your views across the nation, wouldn’t you do it? Don’t you think \*your \* message is worth that? No, they are not guiless. they no the score. Rondstat is a different story. I disagree with what she did. She was paid to do a job. As such, she was speaking on someone elses dime. ---
**Author:** ![mhendo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mhendo/32/3159_2.png) [@mhendo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mhendo)\ **Post date:** [August 7, 2004, 2:37am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/since-when-does-rush-limbaugh-get-to-call-bonnie-rait-and-the-boss-drug-addled/258647/74 "2004-08-07T02:37:15Z")
> [@Starving Artist](#): > > My use of the word “perceived” was explanatory, not meant to be a direct quote, which I’m sure you also know. Show me where, in your original post, you even _implied_ that the issue was one of other people’s perceptions, rather than your own statement of how things should be. Liar. ---
**Author:** ![furlibusea](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/aca169/32.png) [@furlibusea](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/furlibusea)\ **Post date:** [August 7, 2004, 2:44am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/since-when-does-rush-limbaugh-get-to-call-bonnie-rait-and-the-boss-drug-addled/258647/75 "2004-08-07T02:44:31Z")
I begin to see why you are starving as an artist. It seems you haven’t got a very good grasp on what the purpose of art is. Art is supposed to reflect the times in which it is produced. Thats what artists do. Those that just shut up and sing are not artists they are merely performers. From Tchaikovsky’s 1812 overture to Moliere’s Tartuff artists have always been on the edge. Sometimes it got them killed. In the cultural revolution in china artists were among the first targets. Pinochet targetet artists as well. Almost always when a dictator wants to take over, the first step is to silence the artists and the intellectuals. Artists in the Soviet Union walked a thin line and had to veil their comentary in parables in order to say what they needed to say, sometimes they didn’t quite cover themselves enough, so they went to the gulag. During the Macarthy era artists were among the first to be silenced. Of course they make you uncomfortable. Sometimes that is the point. But, if you have nothing to say there is no point in being an artist of any kind. It is not about painting pretty pictures or making nice comedies or even singing a pretty tune. Art is about comunicating. The point of art is the message, the medium it is carried in is only that. ---
**Author:** ![Starving\_Artist](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/aeb1de/32.png) [@Starving\_Artist](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Starving_Artist)\ **Post date:** [August 7, 2004, 2:47am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/since-when-does-rush-limbaugh-get-to-call-bonnie-rait-and-the-boss-drug-addled/258647/76 "2004-08-07T02:47:33Z")
> [@mhendo](#): > > Show me where, in your original post, you even _implied_ that the issue was one of other people’s perceptions, rather than your own statement of how things should be. > > Liar. Apart from the fact that I refer to “people” knowing what to expect from Limbaugh, Hannity, el al.? Apart from the fact that I’ve said so in so many words? Apart from the fact that it doesn’t make any difference as I’ve clearly stated I agree with them? So again, what difference does it make, other than to allow you to spread your wings and take flight as the soaring asshole you are? Schmuck! 😃 When come back, bring relevance… ---
**Author:** ![Harborwolf](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/c89c15/32.png) [@Harborwolf](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Harborwolf)\ **Post date:** [August 7, 2004, 2:55am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/since-when-does-rush-limbaugh-get-to-call-bonnie-rait-and-the-boss-drug-addled/258647/77 "2004-08-07T02:55:26Z")
As far as I’m concerned, an editorial is an editorial whether it’s spewed from Rush or Streisand. They both get payed to entertain their chosen audience. Starving, an honest question. Do you consider Al Franken to be an entertainer or a commentator? He’s played both. As for Rush, he is clearly a big fat idiot. 😉 I read that somewhere, unlike this quote attributed to Rush. Got a cite yet Apos? ---
**Author:** ![PatriotX](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/c4cdca/32.png) [@PatriotX](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/PatriotX)\ **Post date:** [August 7, 2004, 3:02am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/since-when-does-rush-limbaugh-get-to-call-bonnie-rait-and-the-boss-drug-addled/258647/78 "2004-08-07T03:02:17Z")
> [@bizzwire](#): > > Who does Rush speak for? My money’s on illiterate losers with itchy butts. I’ll have you know that I read real good. ---
**Author:** ![PatriotX](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/c4cdca/32.png) [@PatriotX](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/PatriotX)\ **Post date:** [August 7, 2004, 3:07am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/since-when-does-rush-limbaugh-get-to-call-bonnie-rait-and-the-boss-drug-addled/258647/79 "2004-08-07T03:07:28Z")
> [@C3](#): > > Oh, it’s much scarier than that. My father is a retired CIA executive with a genius level IQ. He’s good-looking, sociable, very intelligent…and a Rush fan. No, he doesn’t think, “I don’t agree with everything he says, but he’s pretty entertaining and comes up with a few good points every once in awhile.” He actually agrees with 90% of Rush’s spew. He also only watches Fox News (has hated Dan Rather and The Washington Post with a passion for as long as I can remember) and I can’t even vaguely criticize Bush or speak positively about someone not in the Republican administration without getting into a huge, heated, very unfriendly “debate” with him. It’s very worrisome. I’m sure he finds it equally worrisome that he raised such a lefty kid. Tell him that you side with Bill Buckley jr about Iraq. (He just got around to saying that he wouldn’t support the war if he had it to do over again. Tell him that you side with Brent Scowcroft and George Herbert Walker Bush that the invasion of Iraq was not a good idea. Hell, even Kissinger thought that this venture was a bit bonkers. ---
**Author:** ![PatriotX](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/c4cdca/32.png) [@PatriotX](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/PatriotX)\ **Post date:** [August 7, 2004, 3:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/since-when-does-rush-limbaugh-get-to-call-bonnie-rait-and-the-boss-drug-addled/258647/80 "2004-08-07T03:12:40Z")
Rush is an unappreciated genius. His wordsmithing shames Rumsfeld’s. If you are willing to _really_ listen to him you’ll be able to see what I mean. He pokes fun of those who take him too seriously (his callers especially). He has created whole new genres of variations on the negative pregnant. His sleeves are full of laughs. Listen and remember that he’s poking fun of those who take him seriously, then you’ll see the light. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/since-when-does-rush-limbaugh-get-to-call-bonnie-rait-and-the-boss-drug-addled/258647.md?page=3) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/since-when-does-rush-limbaugh-get-to-call-bonnie-rait-and-the-boss-drug-addled/258647.md?page=5)