ACLU to help Rush Limbaugh

[Jobber of the Week 0]

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. — Talk radio host Rush Limbaugh (search) probably never expected the American Civil Liberties Union (search) to become one of his staunch supporters.

 

But the privacy rights group was on his side Monday when its Florida branch filed a "friend-of-court" motion on behalf of Limbaugh arguing state officials were wrong in seizing his medical records for their drug probe.

 

"For many people, it may seem odd that the ACLU has come to the defense of Rush Limbaugh," ACLU of Florida Executive Director Howard Simon said in a released statement.

 

"But we have always said that the ACLU's real client is the Bill of Rights, and we will continue to safeguard the values of equality, fairness and privacy for everyone, regardless of race, economic status or political point of view," Simon said.

 

The ACLU contends that state law enforcement officers violated Limbaugh's privacy rights by taking possession of his medical records as part of their criminal investigation into the commentator's alleged "doctor-shopping" to feed his prescription-drug addiction.

 

"While this case involves the right of Rush Limbaugh to maintain the privacy of his medical records, the precedent set in this case will impact the security of medical records and the privacy of the doctor-patient relationship of every person in Florida," Simon said in his statement.

 

The motion, filed with the Fourth District Court of Appeal (search), claims the state encroached upon the Florida constitution's right to privacy when law enforcement officials confiscated Limbaugh's medical files.

 

The ACLU said it was trying to "to vindicate every Floridian's fundamental right to privacy by ensuring that the state be required to comply" with the law.

 

Its motion comes a week after a judge ruled that Limbaugh's medical records were to stay out of prosecutors' hands for at least 15 days more while his lawyers worked on an appeal to permanently seal them.

 

Limbaugh's attorneys asked for the extension while they appealed the judge's earlier decision allowing prosecutors to examine the files for evidence that the commentator illegally purchased painkillers.

 

The records included "the most private conversations between doctor and patient," the radio host's lawyer, Mark Shapiro, said last week.

 

Investigators seized the records last month after discovering that Limbaugh received more than 2,000 painkillers, prescribed by four doctors, at a pharmacy near his Palm Beach mansion.

 

Limbaugh's former maid told investigators she had been supplying him prescription painkillers for years.

 

Limbaugh admitted his addiction to prescription painkillers in October, saying it stemmed from severe back pain. He took a five-week leave from his afternoon radio show to enter a rehabilitation program.

 

Prosecutors have not filed charges against Limbaugh and their investigation will be delayed until the court decides whether to keep the records sealed past the new deadline.

 

The radio host and his legal team have criticized Palm Beach State Attorney Barry Krischer (search), a Democrat, for opening the records and accused prosecutors of pursuing Limbaugh for political reasons.

 

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,108140,00.html

 

[Stephen Joseph 0]

And THAT'S why I love the ACLU. While I might disagree with their cases half of the time, the fact they don't give a fuck about political orientation or orientation in general is awesome.

 

Some dead guys who wrote something awhile ago would be proud

[Guest Salacious Crumb]

That's the first thing in a good while that they've done that I agree with.

[Guest MikeSC]

And THAT'S why I love the ACLU. While I might disagree with their cases half of the time, the fact they don't give a fuck about political orientation or orientation in general is awesome.

 

Some dead guys who wrote something awhile ago would be proud

One small good thing hardly makes a benevolent organization.

 

I'm sure PETA helps some animals. Doesn't make them a good organization.

-=Mike

[Vern Gagne 0]

Where's the support of the 2nd amendment advocotes?

[snuffbox 0]

i think Rush should get his own sentence...howd it go?...'up the river'

 

anyone so passionate about jailing drug users and then caught atop a pile of oxy's should have to take a few 'bradshaws' in the pen.

[kkktookmybabyaway 0]

I think the ACLU and Rush "joined forces" before but I'm a bit fuzzy on the details (I think it dealt with some free speech issue)...

[Guest JMA]

One small good thing hardly makes a benevolent organization.

 

I'm sure PETA helps some animals. Doesn't make them a good organization.

Uh, I don't think it's fair to compare the ACLU to PETA. PETA is a creepy "ends justify the means" type of group.

 

I don't support some of the things the ACLU has done (supporting NAMBLA, for one) but they're no PETA. The ACLU did help get the Ten Commandments moved out of the courthouse here in Alabama.

[Guest Salacious Crumb]

One small good thing hardly makes a benevolent organization.

 

I'm sure PETA helps some animals. Doesn't make them a good organization.

Uh, I don't think it's fair to compare the ACLU to PETA. PETA is a creepy "ends justify the means" type of group.

 

I don't support some of the things the ACLU has done (supporting NAMBLA, for one) but they're no PETA. The ACLU did help get the Ten Commandments moved out of the courthouse here in Alabama.

I will support the ACLU when they stick up for a Christian in any situation. After they refused to help that woman that got fired for wearing a cross necklace at school, I have a hard time believing that they ever will.

[Guest JMA]

I will support the ACLU when they stick up for a Christian in any situation. After they refused to help that woman that got fired for wearing a cross necklace at school, I have a hard time believing that they ever will.

I really have to roll my eyes whenever someone accuses the ACLU of being "anti-religion." That sounds like something the Media Whore would say. Besides, most of Americans are Christians. Why would they need the ACLU?

 

In any case, are you saying that if I find some documents to show that the ACLU has helped a Christian, you'll support them? This should be fun...

[Guest JMA]

ACLU Supports Right of Iowa Students to Distribute Christian Literature at School

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Thursday, July 11, 2002

DES MOINES--The Iowa Civil Liberties Union today announced that it is publicly supporting the Christian students who recently filed a lawsuit against the Davenport Schools asserting the right to distribute religious literature during non-instructional time.

 

“The school's policy against the distribution of religious literature outside of class is clearly wrong,” said Ben Stone, Executive Director of the ICLU. “Not only does the policy violate the students' right to freely exercise their religious beliefs, but it also infringes on their free speech rights," he said.

 

The case, brought by Davenport students Sasha and Jaron Dean and Becky Swope, was filed in federal court on May 31, 2002. The ICLU said it plans to file a "friend-of the-court" brief in support of the Christian students.

 

According to the ICLU, the literature ban could be an example of poorly informed school officials acting out of ignorance. "Once in a while, we hear of schools taking away a kid's Bible at school or not letting students say grace before lunch,” Stone said. “Such restrictions are dead wrong, and are usually stopped rather quickly once the school receives some instruction on constitutional law. Let's hope the Davenport schools change their policy without further litigation,” said Stone.

 

Stone noted that ICLU's position in this case is perfectly consistent with its recent litigation to prevent another local school from having students sing "The Lord's Prayer" during graduation.

 

"The First Amendment says the government can't restrict the right of people to practice their personal religious beliefs, while at the same time it forbids the government from endorsing religious beliefs, especially in a school setting,” said Stone.

(wins)

 

(waits for excuses)

[Guest Salacious Crumb]

ACLU Supports Right of Iowa Students to Distribute Christian Literature at School

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Thursday, July 11, 2002

DES MOINES--The Iowa Civil Liberties Union today announced that it is publicly supporting the Christian students who recently filed a lawsuit against the Davenport Schools asserting the right to distribute religious literature during non-instructional time.

 

“The school's policy against the distribution of religious literature outside of class is clearly wrong,” said Ben Stone, Executive Director of the ICLU. “Not only does the policy violate the students' right to freely exercise their religious beliefs, but it also infringes on their free speech rights," he said.

 

The case, brought by Davenport students Sasha and Jaron Dean and Becky Swope, was filed in federal court on May 31, 2002. The ICLU said it plans to file a "friend-of the-court" brief in support of the Christian students.

 

According to the ICLU, the literature ban could be an example of poorly informed school officials acting out of ignorance. "Once in a while, we hear of schools taking away a kid's Bible at school or not letting students say grace before lunch,” Stone said. “Such restrictions are dead wrong, and are usually stopped rather quickly once the school receives some instruction on constitutional law. Let's hope the Davenport schools change their policy without further litigation,” said Stone.

 

Stone noted that ICLU's position in this case is perfectly consistent with its recent litigation to prevent another local school from having students sing "The Lord's Prayer" during graduation.

 

"The First Amendment says the government can't restrict the right of people to practice their personal religious beliefs, while at the same time it forbids the government from endorsing religious beliefs, especially in a school setting,” said Stone.

(wins)

 

(waits for excuses)

Well for starters that's the ICLU. Not the big show. And from what I've run into they are anti-religious. Look at the constant attacks on Christmas if you don't believe people.

[Guest Salacious Crumb]

I really have to roll my eyes whenever someone accuses the ACLU of being "anti-religion." That sounds like something the Media Whore ™ would say. Besides, most of Americans are Christians. Why would they need the ACLU?

 

And since when in the recent years has the majority agreeing with something been enough to protect it. How many times has 99% of a community been fine with something like say Christmas only to have the ACLU come in and ruin things for everyone like not letting school's take kids to Christmas Carol plays or to sing Christmas Carols in school programming?

[Guest JMA]

Well for starters that's the ICLU. Not the big show. And from what I've run into they are anti-religious. Look at the constant attacks on Christmas if you don't believe people.

Come on. I showed you documentation showing that the ACLU helped a Christian. Saying "it's just ICLU" is just an excuse. I'm no ACLU fanboy (they take a lot of things too seriously), but a lot of the hate they get is undeserved IMO.

[Guest Salacious Crumb]

Well for starters that's the ICLU.  Not the big show.  And from what I've run into they are anti-religious.  Look at the constant attacks on Christmas if you don't believe people.

Come on. I showed you documentation showing that the ACLU helped a Christian. Saying "it's just ICLU" is just an excuse. I'm no ACLU fanboy (they take a lot of things too seriously), but a lot of the hate they get is undeserved IMO.

It only mentions the ACLU in the title and then discusses what the ICLU did. So basically the ACLU gets credit for not stopping the ICLU?

[Guest JMA]

And since when in the recent years has the majority agreeing with something been enough to protect it. How many times has 99% of a community been fine with something like say Christmas only to have the ACLU come in and ruin things for everyone like not letting school's take kids to Christmas Carol plays or to sing Christmas Carols in school programming?

The ACLU has the impossible dream of full religious equality. It's not going to happen anytime soon (if ever) but they're still going to try.

[Guest BDC]

I have no respect for an organization that wanted to give free legal council to NAMBLA.

[Guest MikeSC]

And since when in the recent years has the majority agreeing with something been enough to protect it.  How many times has 99% of a community been fine with something like say Christmas only to have the ACLU come in and ruin things for everyone like not letting school's take kids to Christmas Carol plays or to sing Christmas Carols in school programming?

The ACLU has the impossible dream of full religious equality. It's not going to happen anytime soon (if ever) but they're still going to try.

Protesting CHRISTMAS --- which, much as they may not like it, IS WHAT DECEMBER 25TH IS --- is hardly "religious equality. They have a yearly crusade against Christmas that is obscenely offensive.

-=Mike

...or, as Glen Beck might say, have a happy RamaHanaKwanzMas

[Jobber of the Week 0]

I'm sure PETA helps some animals. Doesn't make them a good organization.

-=Mike

Poor comparison. PETA sends money to domestic terrorists.

[Guest MikeSC]

I'm sure PETA helps some animals. Doesn't make them a good organization.

        -=Mike

Poor comparison. PETA sends money to domestic terrorists.

ACLU supports guys who fuck little boys.

 

No improvement there.

-=Mike

[kkktookmybabyaway 0]

Now, now Mike -- it's a free speech issue...

[Jobber of the Week 0]

ACLU supports guys who fuck little boys.

 

No improvement there.

            -=Mike

Ok. Well, I can tell you've caught the rhetoric bug. That's nowhere near as bad as giving money to those commiting acts of terrorism.

 

Also, I never actually understood what the connection between these two is. If I just listen to O'Reilly, I get the impression that the ACLU stood up and said that the NAMBLA people have every right to fondle young children. My common sense knows it's not really that extreme. My best guess is there's a constitutional right to speech involved?

[kkktookmybabyaway 0]

If I just listen to O'Reilly, I get the impression that the ACLU stood up and said that the NAMBLA people have every right to fondle young children.

 

The ACLU stod up and said that the NAMBLA people have every right to inform its readers how to fondle young children and get away with it.

 

And why not? After all we have freedom of speech.

 

Why, if we lived in a country where we weren't allowed to tell others how to BUTT-fuck 8-year old boys then we might as well be speaking German...

[Jobber of the Week 0]

No -- NAMBLA has the right to inform its readers how to fondle young children and get away with it...

Well, based on your details, I'd put that with the flag burning stuff, bomb building materials, and so on. Ugly and low, but restricting it is counterproductive to free society.

 

If you want to go use this material to go fondle young children, however, then we've got a line that's been crossed.

[Guest Wildbomb 4:20]

There in lies the problem. If you have information on how to fondle young children, somebody will probably do so. Not a large group, but some.

 

It's really just a vicious cycle, which is one of the consequences of having freedom of speech. Placing a restriction on speech violates the Constitution, but using this speech would result in crime. Anyways.

[BX 0]

Isn't fondling "anything" sorta intuitive?

[Guest Salacious Crumb]

There in lies the problem. If you have information on how to fondle young children, somebody will probably do so. Not a large group, but some.

 

It's really just a vicious cycle, which is one of the consequences of having freedom of speech. Placing a restriction on speech violates the Constitution, but using this speech would result in crime. Anyways.

Actually free speech wouldn't really cover this. I would compare this to yelling "fire" in a crowded theater.

[Jobber of the Week 0]

Actually free speech wouldn't really cover this.  I would compare this to yelling "fire" in a crowded theater.

The Anarchist's Cookbook isn't exactly something most people should be reading either. But I trust it to coexist with our society and for Americans to not build bombs. People who do are going to be doing plenty of time. I don't think that Klan rallies are all that pretty either.

 

Free speech can be a hinderance to a perfect society sometimes, but that's the way it is.

[Vyce 0]

I've seen everything now.

 

Oh, and JMA - ISOLATED incidents aside, the ACLU has done a lot of work that can be construed as directly or indirectly prohibitive of the free exercise of Christian religion. Their crusade, no pun intended, against Christmas is the best example.

[kkktookmybabyaway 0]

ACLU: Child rape = free speech issue.

 

ACLU: Boy Scouts = hate group.

 

And some of my friends still wonder why I don't give two shits about the human race...