As NewsBusters reported Tuesday, Bill Maher's "defense" of Rush Limbaugh via Twitter was not what it appeared.
HBO's Real Time host made that clear Friday when he called the conservative talker "a stupid fat f--k who’s not funny" (video follows with transcript and commentary, vulgarity warning):
BILL MAHER: I got crap from both the Left and the Right this week because, okay, let me address the Left first because I found this more disheartening. They were very mad at me because I tweeted that people like Rush Limbaugh, who I absolutely disagree with. I've never said a good word about him. I did a whole monologue about what an asshole he was only a week ago. But I said I don't like it that people are made to disappear when they say something you, or people try to make them disappear, when they say something you don't like. That's America. Sometimes you're made to feel uncomfortable, okay?
[Applause]
First off, who is Bill Maher - as one of the most vulgar people on television - to determine what's a disgusting sentiment?
Given all the truly vile things he has said about conservative women over the years, he certainly is no arbiter of decency, and it's a farce for him to suggest he is.
Secondly, why is humorously calling a 30-year-old woman wanting others to pay for her birth control a slut and a prostitute disgusting? Or, more importantly, how does it come close to calling Sarah Palin a "dumb tw-t" or a "c-nt" as Maher has?
Though not meant to be humorous, later in this discussion, Maher said such comments are acceptable from him because he's "a potty mouth."
But does that make it less disgusting because he frequently uses vulgarity to make a point? So vulgar sentiments from folks are acceptable if they regulary make them?
Seems like a pretty weak defense, doesn't it?
The reality is Maher and all of his supporters by no means think calling a women a slut or a prostitute is vile - as long as the target is someone they don't like.
Then, vulgarity is free speech.
But say it about a liberal, and it's "a disgusting sentiment."
And that's what this entire Limbaugh-Fluke episode has once again demonstrated: there are indeed two standards for what's acceptable speech in this country, and those on the Left not only have to adhere to a far more liberal one, they are also the self-appointed arbiters solely entitled to determine when someone has crossed the line.
Makes you proud to be an American, doesn't it?
