Rush Limbaugh of Excellence In Broadcasting (that’s the EIB logo you see for his broadcasts) has issued an apology or “Statement From Rush” in the wake of massive social media pressure which caused EIB to lose a whopping nine sponsors after Rush called Georgetown University Law Student Sandra Fluke a “Slut” after her congressional testimony on financial assistance and access to birth control. Here’s the statement, as placed on the Rush Limbaugh website:
For over 20 years, I have illustrated the absurd with absurdity, three hours a day, five days a week. In this instance, I chose the wrong words in my analogy of the situation. I did not mean a personal attack on Ms. Fluke.
I think it is absolutely absurd that during these very serious political times, we are discussing personal sexual recreational activities before members of Congress. I personally do not agree that American citizens should pay for these social activities. What happened to personal responsibility and accountability? Where do we draw the line? If this is accepted as the norm, what will follow? Will we be debating if taxpayers should pay for new sneakers for all students that are interested in running to keep fit?In my monologue, I posited that it is not our business whatsoever to know what is going on in anyone’s bedroom nor do I think it is a topic that should reach a Presidential level.
My choice of words was not the best, and in the attempt to be humorous, I created a national stir. I sincerely apologize to Ms. Fluke for the insulting word choices.
But the apology came not really because Rush was sorry, but because his running off at the mouth was felt in his pocketbook. EIB lost the following sponsors: AutoZone, eHarmony, Quicken Loans, Dominos, The Cleveland Cavaliers, Sleep Train, ProFlowers, LendingTree, and Carbonite.
And in the case of Carbonite, its’ decision to drop Rush Limbaugh’s show sponsorship came even after Rush issued his apology. According to Carbonite CEO David Friend, the reason was he has two daughters the same age as Sandra Fluke, who’s 30 years old. Here’s what Mr. Friend wrote on the company’s Facebook page:
A Statement from David Friend, CEO of Carbonite:
“No one with daughters the age of Sandra Fluke, and I have two, could possibly abide the insult and abuse heaped upon this courageous and well-intentioned young lady. Mr. Limbaugh, with his highly personal attacks on Miss Fluke, overstepped any reasonable bounds of decency. Even though Mr. Limba