This is just beautiful... "It may seem odd that the ACLU has come to the defense of Rush Limbaugh," the state chapter's executive director, Howard Simon, said in a 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." Backing Limbaugh, ACLU goes to court By Jill Barton, Associated Press WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. -- Rush Limbaugh and the American Civil Liberties Union do not agree about much, but they are in accord that the conservative radio commentator's medical records should be off-limits to prosecutors. The Florida ACLU filed court papers yesterday supporting Limbaugh's argument that investigators violated his constitutional right to privacy when they seized his medical records in November to investigate whether he violated drug laws when he purchased prescription painkillers. "It may seem odd that the ACLU has come to the defense of Rush Limbaugh," the state chapter's executive director, Howard Simon, said in a 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." State Attorney Barry Krischer had no comment on the ACLU's involvement. Spokesman Mike Edmondson said prosecutors have followed state laws and have protected Limbaugh's rights throughout the investigation. Limbaugh has not been charged with a crime. Prosecutors say they cannot continue their investigation until they review Limbaugh's medical records, which have been sealed since Dec. 23. Limbaugh's lawyers have asked an appeals court to keep the records sealed past a Jan. 23 deadline set by the circuit court. Investigators went after the records and said they found that Limbaugh received more than 2,000 painkillers, prescribed by four doctors in six months, at a pharmacy near his Palm Beach mansion. Limbaugh's former maid told investigators she had been supplying him prescription painkillers for years. Limbaugh argues that the investigation is politically motivated, an allegation that prosecutors deny. Roy Black, Limbaugh's lawyer, says the records would prove only that Limbaugh suffered from a serious medical condition and was prescribed painkillers. Limbaugh admitted his addiction 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.
It's good to see them finally standing up for something other than freedom of Americans FROM religion.
Whatever you feel about the ACLU, you simply must grant that they are about the most ideologically consistent organization around. THey will align with nazis, gays/lesbians, klansman, minorities, big business, the right wing, the left wing, whoever; basically anybody in order to support their cause. They are principled almost to a fault.
SAm Fisher, the ACLU is very principled and consistent as you say. Unfortunately this again shows that Rush isn't. I bet you could find literally 100's of incidences in which he has trashed the "liberal pinko wussies of the traitorous ACLU" to state things the way Rush does. The great champion of conservatives is unmasked as just another opportunist. It would be appropro and even amsuing in a sick way to use the Patriot Act against Limbaugh. Illegal drug activity supports terrorism. Therefore use the Patriot Act to get his records. I'm sure in Bush-Ashcroft America the Patirot Act can trump privacy and other rights and defeat the ACLU and the friends of freedom.
I'm really curious as to what Limbaugh's reaction to his new ACLU allies will be - you know the ACLU is loving all this attention.
"ACLU to save Rush Limbaugh..." This is good news!!!! Democracy must be upheld! Bill of Rights and our freedom of speech!!! Yes, this includes KKK members, Nazis or Murderers (due processes under the law). Why? Because one day, you might be falsely accused. And the government should not be above the law, no matter what administration is office. This prevents the "Big Brother" or "Police State." So, even though you might not agree with Rush. What's more important is that everyone civil rights must be upheld! This includes YOURS!
