[jyl]

I don't pay much attention to Limbaugh but I recall the controversy was over his addiction to narcotics, not over a bottle of Viagra.

He was charged with using multiple doctors (doctor-shopping) to get prescriptions for thousands of narcotic pills. He copped a plea, which was contingent on no further violations of prescription drug laws. The Viagra thing might have been a violation, but apparently Rush's doc bailed him out (figuratively speaking).

Since the essential facts - that Rush, who publicly calls for no mercy toward drug abusers and addicts, was himself an abuser and addict but wasn't above copping some judicial mercy for number one - aren't in dispute, why should there be any change of view?

Some background, lifted from news reports:

On the narcotics charges:

After a three-year investigation into “doctor shopping” for prescription painkillers, Rush Limbaugh was formally charged last week with illegally purchasing thousands of narcotics.

Limbaugh surrendered to local authorities in Palm Beach County (FL) last Friday after reaching a deal that arranged for the charge to be dismissed in 18 months upon the completion of a diversionary program. After being booked on a sole charge, Limbaugh was photographed, fingerprinted and posted $3,000 bail.

Limbaugh, a strong proponent for harsh treatment of non-violent drug offenders, received drug treatment and avoided jail time as part of his agreement. In 2003, Limbaugh publicly admitted he was addicted to prescription pain killers. He blamed his addiction on pain associated with back surgery. However, Limbaugh has been less than sympathetic to others suffering from pain and addiction, publicly scoffing at the notion of offering compassion and access to treatment for non-violent drug offenders.

On the Viagra thing:

Under last month's deal with prosecutors, authorities will dismiss a "doctor shopping" charge if Limbaugh doesn't get arrested for 18 months, among other terms.

Prosecutors had said he illegally deceived multiple doctors to get overlapping painkiller prescriptions.

Limbaugh denied the charges but admitted he was addicted to painkillers.

This latest case may be dismissed if prosecutors can confirm with Limbaugh's doctor that the prescription was written for Limbaugh, said Kendall Coffey, a former U.S. attorney in Florida.