It must be said... (re: Limbaugh's recent comments)

It must be said. And, the more I think about it, it must be said by a pastor. Rush Limbaugh is a jerk. His recent comments were crude and rude, vitriolic and just plain stupid. His words--even in the context of "just trying to make a point through absurdity" or "just being an entertainer"--were outrageous, incendiary, and demeaning towards all women.

A public figure, Limbaugh ought to be vehemently rebuked. Any public figure (including pastors; indeed, especially pastors!) who would like to be taken seriously must denounce Limbaugh's words without reservation. How could I expect to be taken seriously as a mouthpiece of truth on Sunday mornings if I were to hem and haw when asked (perhaps by your daughter), "Pastor, what's your take on Rush Limbaugh's comments?" Hem and haw on this one? Shame on me!

Indeed, the greater shame does not belong to Rush; after all, he's been distasteful and crude for years--this is no great secret, right? The greater shame belongs to radio stations that allow him to spread his manure all over their listening areas, to advertisers who feed the monster, to listeners who provide the motivation for the advertisers. The greater shame belongs to those who merely shake their heads and say, "Tsk, tsk."

Perhaps an even greater shame belongs to the leading Republican candidates, who, so far, have chosen not to condemn that which deserves condemnation. Mitt Romney simply says, it's "not the language" he would have used. Are you kidding? That is far less than the rebuke I once received for just saying "Oh shit!" in the house. Meanwhile, Rick Santorum ("Champion of Faith and Family" says his website) squirmed a bit and finally said, "He's being absurd. But that's, you know--an entertainer can be absurd." What?! Just absurd?! Oh, I get it--kinda like "boys will be boys"? Is that what we're saying?

I repeat, the greatest shame does not belong to Limbaugh (or even his ghost writers) but to those in leadership positions who refuse to give a powerful and unequivocal rebuke against this loudmouth who repeatedly called a young woman a "slut" and a "prostitute" on the public air waves.

For Romney and Santorum, this was a perfect chance for them to take a stand in favor of the high ground, regardless of politics. It was the perfect opportunity, but they blew it.

Leaders observe and clarify reality, offer vision, and speak the truth. Speak the truth! And, in a case like this, a tepid response will not do at all, will it? We would do well to remember what the risen Lord Jesus said to the church in Laodicea: "...Because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to spit you out of my mouth."

Peace,
Rev. Randal K. Lubbers

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Rather than being leaders, being men of character, they tried to duck the issue. That, however, is the best case scenario, that they know in their hearts, and minds, that the remarks should be roundly condemned. The worst case scenario is that they agree with Limbaugh.

Where has morality gone? What kind of men call a woman a derogatory and a vile name, a 'slut' because of her political views - in a democracy!!! - views held by millions of others that, agree or disagree, are at heart about trying to help people stay healthy? What kind of a world would we have if we were lead by men like that?

That Romney and Santorum chose to respond so limply, if done out of fear of alienating voters, is downright shameful. But if done because they secretly agree with Limbaugh - then that is downright scary.

-- Marcus Hondro