Digby's Hullabaloo

Hissy Jiujitsu

by digby

If we take the Republican side at their word that last week’s vote on another controversial statement related to the war was truly about patriotism, not politics, then I have no doubt that they will stand with us against Limbaugh’s comments with equal fervor.

I am confident we will see Republicans join with us in overwhelming numbers. Anything less would betray a double standard that has no place in the United States Senate.

He’s asking senators to sign a letter of complaint to Rush’s employers. I’m sure we’ll see Republicans rushing to sign on. Meanwhile, as Jane Hamsher points out, they fail to do the one thing the Senate could appropriately do to Rush Limbaugh, which is remove him from Armed Forces Radio, since he has repeatedly insulted the…Armed Forces.

Here’s how the House Republicans are responding:

House GOP Sponsor Resolution to Commend Limbaugh

110TH CONGRESS
1st SESSION
H. RES. —

Commending Rush Hudson Limbaugh III for his ongoing public support of American troops serving both here and abroad. Thanking Mr. Limbaugh for his relentless efforts to build and maintain troop morale through worldwide radio broadcasts and personal visits to conflict regions.

IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

OCTOBER 1, 2007

Mr. KINGSTON submitted the following resolution

RESOLUTION

Commending Rush Hudson Limbaugh III for his ongoing public support of American troops serving both here and abroad. Recognizing Mr. Limbaugh for his relentless efforts to build and maintain troop morale through worldwide radio broadcasts and personal visits to conflict regions.

Whereas the need to show support for American troops serving and fighting both here and abroad during a time of global conflict has never been greater, with the need to communicate an uplifting message of encouragement to American soldiers eternally important, in addition to the morale-boosting value of personal visits to region by highly-regarded individuals;

Whereas daily radio broadcasts reaching tens of millions of civilians and soldiers both in America and abroad by way of the Armed Forces Radio Network are conducted five days a week by Rush Hudson Limbaugh III;

Whereas Mr. Limbaugh has consistently used his broadcast time to praise American troops and support them during their ongoing efforts to secure peace in a troubled world;

Whereas Mr. Limbaugh made a week-long visit to meet with troops based in Afghanistan in 2004;

Whereas Mr. Limbaugh has raised and donated millions of dollars to the Marine Corps Law Enforcement Foundation, which provides college scholarships to the children of Marines and veterans of other branches killed in action;

Whereas Mr. Limbaugh’s website features an “Adopt a Soldier” program which provides them with free subscription access to his online program features;

Whereas during the original invasion in 2003, pilots of five different aircraft flew an American flag in Mr. Limbaugh’s honor during their bombing and refueling runs; and

Whereas Mr. Limbaugh’s commitment to American troops serving both here and abroad remains as strong as ever: Now, therefore, be it

Resolved, That the House of Representatives–

(1) recognizes Rush Hudson Limbaugh III for his support of the Marine Corp Law Enforcement Foundation and for providing free subscriptions for active-duty servicemembers;

(2) recognizes Mr Limbaugh’s desire to see American troops achieve a successful outcome in Iraq, Afghanistan and wherever soldiers are stationed; and

(3) commends Mr. Limbaugh’s tireless public support for American troops and their families through radio broadcasts, fundraising and other public support.

I wonder how many Democrats will sign on?

Meanwhile, as Greenwald pointed out yesterday, FoxNews contributors are writing, “our generals in both the Army and Marine Corps have cared more about their precious careers and reputations than their soldiers and Marines under them,” and “our generals are betraying our soldiers . . . again,” and nobody says a word. Odd, don’t you think, considering that the media couldn’t talk about anything else just last week?

The media, of course, will say that they were only reporting on it because the republicans made a big deal out of it and the Democrats aren’t doing the same. But what they aren’t telling anyone is that the Republicans made a big deal out of it by calling them up and mau-mauing them with threats and intimidation if they didn’t flog the story. We know how that works, we have testimony about it: Scooter or Karl or Ed or whomever else is in charge of hissy kabuki this week calls up Chris Matthews or Wolf or their bosses and demands they cover the story — or else. And they do it. That’s how the game is played.

I haven’t seen a thing on the cable gasbags shows today on this Rush thing. Maybe Olberman will cover it. Matthews is too busy obsessing about the boob-flashing, nagging wife, Hillary’s irritating “cackle.”