Beck, Limbaugh went too far with comment

Conservative radio-talk show hosts Glen Beck and Rush Limbaugh have gone too far this time.

The two have cashed in on lobbing deeply offensive comments on their respective shows. Last week’s target, U.S. Sen. Mary Landrieu, was caught in the crossfire.

Specifically, the talking heads took issue with Landrieu’s vote – the second to last needed to open debate – on the health-care bill. Landrieu warned fellow Democrats and Republicans alike that she may oppose the bill.

At question is not the seemingly turnabout for health-care reform. No, Beck and Limbaugh are offended that Landrieu’s consent was prompted by a $300 million payout from leadership to help stave a gaping hole in our state’s budget. More specifically, the $300 million addresses the shortfall created as a result of federal Medicaid funding cuts to Louisiana.

In Landrieu’s defense, the money will pay for health care for the state’s poor and uninsured. It was a deal Landrieu said Republican Gov. Bobby Jindal not only endorsed, but explicitly urged her to take.

But Beck and Limbaugh view the payment differently. They stooped to calling our U.S. congresswoman a prostitute.

Beck likened her to a high-class call girl, telling listeners, “She may be easy, but she ain’t cheap.”

Limbaugh kept the theme alive, calling Landrieu “the most expensive prostitute in the history of prostitutes.”

Landrieu’s bid to open debate on an issue America’s been hotly discussing at town hall meetings across the nation was a responsible move. It moves the issue front and center. Unlike recent legislative decisions – namely the TARP bill – health-care reform should be debated in the sunshine.

That Louisiana gets $300 million to help stop our budget’s bleeding is a sound health care decision for the taxpayers of this state. To call Landrieu anything other than a savvy politician working for the good of the people on this issue is not only crass, it’s irresponsible. Hopefully, Louisiana listeners will let Mr. Beck and Mr. Limbaugh know their comments were unappreciated, unfounded and unnecessary to stimulate the reform debate.