Rush Limbaugh apologizes to Sandra Fluke for ‘slut’ jibe - (on a Saturday, on his website)
Source: Politico
For over 20 years, I have illustrated the absurd with absurdity, three hours a day, five days a week. In this instance, I chose the wrong words in my analogy of the situation. I did not mean a personal attack on Ms. Fluke.
I think it is absolutely absurd that during these very serious political times, we are discussing personal sexual recreational activities before members of Congress. I personally do not agree that American citizens should pay for these social activities. What happened to personal responsibility and accountability? Where do we draw the line? If this is accepted as the norm, what will follow? Will we be debating if taxpayers should pay for new sneakers for all students that are interested in running to keep fit?In my monologue, I posited that it is not our business whatsoever to know what is going on in anyones bedroom nor do I think it is a topic that should reach a Presidential level."
My choice of words was not the best, and in the attempt to be humorous, I created a national stir. I sincerely apologize to Ms. Fluke for the insulting word choices.
Read more: http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0312/73574.html#ixzz1o69mp7r7
Read more: http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0312/73574.html
Faygo Kid
(21,477 posts)Throw his sorry ass off the air. He's been doing this for more than 20 years.
SusanaMontana41
(3,233 posts)TLTL.
TrollBuster9090
(5,953 posts)Absolutely. Screw his non-apology apology, hidden in the fine print on his website. Continue to boycott his advertisers until he gets fired. Although that's not likely to happen, we should, in the end, "settle" for him apologizing on the air. Not hidden in his website, since we all know that none of his listeners can actually READ.
wordpix
(18,652 posts)SunSeeker
(51,369 posts)bulloney
(4,113 posts)That dog doesn't hunt anymore, you ignorant blowhard!!
Anybody with a brain knows you just say anything for the sake of spin. Truth and facts be damned.
The absurdity in most of your shows starts, continues and ends in your studio, you idiot!!!
Limbaugh doesn't know what he's talking about most of the time. Example: A caller several weeks ago questioned Limbaugh's nonstop ranting for Reagan and his policies when Reagan raised taxes and did other things 180 degrees from what Reagan supporters worship him for. Reagan raised taxes, grew the size of government and did other things that are polar opposites from what conservatives say they and Reagan stand for. On that show, Limbaugh went into a tirade and said this is an example of how liberals don't know what they're talking about. What's there to know? The evidence of Reagan raising taxes is easily accessed if Limbaugh would just take the time to look it up. Therein lies the problem. Limbaugh and his staff are too damned ignorant to look it up. They're afraid of learning that they may be wrong.
sweetloukillbot
(10,807 posts)His argument was that it just demonstrates that the media never researches news items properly. When I told him he was defending the indefensible, he said he wasn't defending anything - and defriended me. 30 year friendship gone because he refused to acknowledge that his hero mad an ass out of himself.
INterestingly, that friend would defend Reagan by saying that he wasn't actually responsible for raising taxes or growing gov't - it was all the Democratic Congress. But now everything that has been done is 100% Obama's.
I don't mind a good debate, but I have no patience for intolerance, prejudice or ignorance. And sadly this friend, who is otherwise fairly smart, demonstrated all of them.
bulloney
(4,113 posts)zbdent
(35,392 posts)the Republicans controlled everything for 6 of Bush43's 8 years, and Bush43 only rediscovered the veto power when the Dems took back the House and Senate (although not with filibuster-proof numbers).
Iwillnevergiveup
(9,298 posts)Mendocino
(7,430 posts)boycotts should be directed to all advertisers of any program on any station that carries Rush. Make them all hurt.
obxhead
(8,434 posts)These companies need to pull advertising from any STATION that carries Limbaugh. That will end the horror Limbaugh assaults our airwaves with.
no_hypocrisy
(45,774 posts)It wasn't funny and he knew it wasn't funny. He meant to be malicious.
underpants
(182,279 posts)I catch a few minutes of his show at lunch and he has been hammering this home all week. This was no joke - the tape is proof of that - and he thought it was a winning point until now.
Was it the lost advertisers? Was it his trophy wife? -- not likely OR was it that he got so many calls from Repub insiders that he had to do something. Speaking of which not only did he claim it was a joke he also still stuck in his nonsense talking points AND he did it away from the mic. He is a coward.
SusanaMontana41
(3,233 posts)JDPriestly
(57,936 posts)He hurt a lot of women, not just Ms. Fluke with his over-the-top remarks. I suspect that many Republican women are as annoyed as we are.
liberal N proud
(60,302 posts)He abused her verbally, he must apologize verbally.
underpants
(182,279 posts)Skittles
(152,964 posts)gawd Rush is such an asshole
sarcasmo
(23,968 posts)anti-alec
(420 posts)It's a non-apology apology, as usual.
Sic him where it hurts - a full fledged lawsuit against Bloated Limbaugh for his entire assets and the only way that she should be satisified with the outcome - that Excrement in Broadcasting should be fired, assets taken away, left with absolutely nothing that he owns outright.
Let him learn how to live like a pauper.
Chipster
(155 posts)Last year, Rush signed a contract netting him $38 million a year with a $100 million signing bonus.
File a FCC complaint against Limbaugh for soliciting pornography over public airwaves (put videos up on internet so we can all watch) at: http://bit.ly/ygF4u3
onehandle
(51,122 posts)DURHAM D
(32,595 posts)wendylaroux
(2,925 posts)Frustratedlady
(16,254 posts)There is no way he was trying to be humorous. He was insulting beyond description. I still think Ms. Fluke should sue him.
Squinch
(50,773 posts)I'm still boycotting. And calling the sponsors to tell them so. AND the local radio station to tell them I'm calling the sponsors.
Jester Messiah
(4,711 posts)You repeatedly called her, personally, a slut and a whore! You told her to put videos of herself having sex on the internet for your perusal!
No, you sick, fat fuck, you do NOT get off the hook that lightly.
Webster Green
(13,905 posts)'Hey, sorry if I said anything that may have been misconstrued.'
IMO his web posting amounts to a pretty wimpy "apology".
SusanaMontana41
(3,233 posts)Coming up empty.
totodeinhere
(13,036 posts)Yet when Ed Schultz called Laura Ingrham a right wing slut, which of course she is, Drudge was all over that. And Ed got suspended and was off the air even though he issued a heart felt apology, unlike Limbaugh's forced insincere apology. And of course Limbaugh won't be suspended and won't miss even one minute of air time. What hypocrisy.
lunatica
(53,410 posts)He said Rush should do the same thing. Apologize and take the heat for saying something so shameful on the air.
I'm much more interested in why Rush is even making such a cowardly and poor attempt at apologizing anyway. He must feel threatened by something, and I'm pretty sure it isn't anyone's anger. It has to be money or power.
Tunkamerica
(4,444 posts)barbtries
(28,702 posts)this is no apology. i'm sorry if you were offended by my words but i meant each one?!
come on. that is one of the most anemic excuses for an apology ever.
SunSeeker
(51,369 posts)Ms. Fluke was testifying as to the horrendous medical consequences of not having birth control covered under health insurance she and other women ALREADY PAY FOR. She was not discussing "personal sexual recreational activities."
Preventing endometriosis or ovarian cysts is not a "recreational activity." It is a medical treatment. And to his question, "Where do you drawn the line?": If your doctor prescribed it, it should be covered. There's the line, A-hole.
"My choice of words was not the best" is hardly an acknowledgment that he was wrong. These weren't just "word choices." He branded her a slut and a prostitute and said she should post sex videos to "pay" for her birth control. What would have been the "best" words to get those points across, exactly?
It's really ironic that, smack dab in the middle of that offensive, lie-filled apology, he would ask, "What happend to personal responsibility and accountability?"
csziggy
(34,120 posts)tosh
(4,422 posts)Nothing.
Chipster
(155 posts)The Liberal Lady seeks volunteer listeners to Rush's programs to note his local advertisers. Volunteers needed in the Midwest, California, Southwest, East Coast, and Southern States. Complete listing and details at: http://leftleaningliberallady.blogspot.com/
totodeinhere
(13,036 posts)seconds without turning him off in disgust.
zbdent
(35,392 posts)my notes on local afternoon guy triv around here are many.
At best, I listen to a Youngstown station for news until 9am (local RW Rush wannabe) and then after 3pm.
Brigid
(17,621 posts)And how could anyone possibly fail to see that being called a "slut" is a joke?
Canuckistanian
(42,290 posts)It's merely a continuation of his original attack on women's rights and health issues.
Rush needs to go away. Forever.
Politicub
(12,163 posts)What a piece of scum... Word choices
Purveyor
(29,876 posts)fallout.
This will fail...miserably.
BTW...Cue up the tape for Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz on Meet The Press tomorrow!
HeiressofBickworth
(2,682 posts)but in this case, since the apology is based on the threat to his financial status and not on any heart-felt compassion for the results of his hurtful labels, there is no need to accept it.
This is generally how bullies operate -- they are as offensive as possible and when called on their behavior, they claim it was a joke or having misspoken or been misunderstood. IOW, they never take responsibility for what they have done. Mr. (and I use the title with as little respect as I can muster) Limbaugh has no sense of decency, is not at all amusing, and isn't in the least enlightening. He IS however, an odious individual who should not shame the country with his continued presence on our public airways.
I'm pleased to note that his sponsors have some sense of decency and have withdrawn their advertising dollars which seems to threaten Mr. Limbaugh more than anything else.
SusanaMontana41
(3,233 posts)Profit margins are motivating these companies.
zbdent
(35,392 posts)but not specific times ... that their commercials run at the station's placement (which just so happens to be during Rush's show).
That's their cop-out ... along with "Hey, we just won't renew when this cycle is over."
Aerows
(39,961 posts)And it's filled with lies to boot. That doesn't add up to being an apology.
nobodyspecial
(2,286 posts)And he's still lying. Birth control is a medicine that is given for reasons other than birth control. It is not a "social" expense. And how are taxpayers paying for it?
underpants
(182,279 posts)GREAT point nobodyspecial - once again the right frames a discussion and that leaps over the vital initial facts of a story or issue.
SnowCritter
(808 posts)he'll still be lying.
But he can't acknowledge that because it would be presenting the truth to his listeners.
Eugene
(61,593 posts)That's no apology.
PA Democrat
(13,225 posts)I want to see him squealing like the pig that he is.
nonpareil
(71 posts)That's just adding insult to injury. She should sue him and demand that he read an on-air apology (that she and her lawyers have approved in advance) every day for a week. Oh, and donate a million bucks to Planned Parenthood earmarked for contraceptives for low-income women.
Response to underpants (Original post)
Post removed
Ruby the Liberal
(26,216 posts)Damn, thought this was an OP. Was all set to lock it.
Oh well, next time.
uppityperson
(115,674 posts)deleted, anyway. "Hosts of this forum, feel free to delete this P R move from Rush"
Where did she call you a bigot and homophobe? Why are you sending her threatening PMs?
Response to uppityperson (Reply #43)
Post removed
uppityperson
(115,674 posts)Where did she call you a bigot and a homophobe. Please share with me so I can see both sides.
MarkCharles
(2,261 posts)AUTOMATED MESSAGE: One of your posts has been hidden by a DU Jury
At Sat Mar 3, 2012, 05:12 PM, an alert was sent on the following post:
I have posted threads that were closed because ..
REASON FOR ALERT:
This post is disruptive, hurtful, rude, insensitive, over-the-top, or otherwise inappropriate. (See <a href="http://www.democraticunderground.com/?com=aboutus#communitystandards" target="_blank">Community Standards</a>.)
ALERTER'S COMMENTS:
Bigot and homophobe. Sending threatening pms to dixiegrrrrl to boot.
JURY RESULTS
A randomly-selected Jury of DU members completed their review of this alert at Sat Mar 3, 2012, 05:22 PM, and voted 5-1 to HIDE IT.
Juror #1 voted to LEAVE IT ALONE and said: No explanation given
Juror #2 voted to HIDE IT and said: Isn't this a TOS violation?? And if he is sending nasty PM's to the OP he needs to be TSed.
Juror #3 voted to HIDE IT and said: I don't see anything about PMs - those should be alerted directly. voting to hide for the "human being" comment and whatever is meant by "white straight people didn't like my links" make sense if you want your posts to be understood
Juror #4 voted to HIDE IT and said: No explanation given
Juror #5 voted to HIDE IT and said: "white straight people didn't like my links" should be enough to not just hide the post, but also to TS this person.
Juror #6 voted to HIDE IT and said: No explanation given
CONSEQUENCES OF THIS DECISION
You will no longer be able to participate in this discussion thread, and you will not be able to start a new discussion thread in this forum until 6:22 PM. This hidden post has been added to your <a href="/?com=profile&uid=277127&sub=trans">Transparency page</a>.
uppityperson
(115,674 posts)THE ALERTER said that. And the alerter is ANONYMOUS. The ALERTER called the post bigot and homophobe and said you were sending threatening pms to dixiegrrrrl. And you did send threatening pms.
However, accusing dixiegrrrrl of calling you a homophobe and bigot is false as it was the ALERTER, not dixiegrrrrl. Got it?
""white straight people" isn't bigoted or homophobic? Really?
uppityperson
(115,674 posts)Obama since they don't meet LBN SOP.
Ruby the Liberal
(26,216 posts)Are you kidding me?
I have never seen something so vile on DU.
Damn.
evilhime
(326 posts)SH*t! He isn't apologizing he is backhandedly saying he was right just he should have choosen more politically correct words... And do you see anywhere in this apology any mention of his crude and rude DOM suggestion that she put her love making in a video posted online for people like him to watch? The man is the lowest kind of slime and that is insulting slime imo!
Odin2005
(53,521 posts)This is equivalent to how corporations "apologize" without admitting guilt.
crunch60
(1,412 posts)used Rush, whore or bimbo maybe? You are a disgusting, vile, airbag and your "apology is vapid and insincere. "Social Activities" you say, why don't you educate yourself and learn what contraception is used for beside prevention of unwanted pregnancy.
Rush, you're addicted to Viagra, tell me you don't use it for your "social activity" you misogynist hypocrite.
GeorgeGist
(25,294 posts)that Lush has syphilis?
jimlup
(7,968 posts)teewrex
(96 posts)Zorro
(15,691 posts)That would be something to watch.
ScottLand
(2,485 posts)And it may be too late anyway, with sponsors like Carbonite saying they're done with him either way.
Botany
(70,291 posts)Rush Limbaugh issued an apology today to the Georgetown law student he branded a "slut" in three days of attacks, after she argued to Congress that the expense for her birth control should be covered by her employer's health care plan.
He said he "did not mean a personal attack" on Sandra Fluke, the Georgetown student.
"My choice of words was not the best, and in the attempt to be humorous, I created a national stir. I sincerely apologize to Ms. Fluke for the insulting word choices."
*************
Rush's "apology" is just as bad as his statements to begin w/ .... he kept up the attacks for days and then in his
apology he still said that his claim about Ms. Fluke was true but his wording about her was wrong.
Keep up the boycott!
wordpix
(18,652 posts)actually contained."
What's that, Drug Rush? Some oxycontin, maybe?
frylock
(34,825 posts)what a great week this has been!
RockyMtnGuy
(83 posts)Douche Limpdork says he was joking and then deflects the actual issue away from him. A real apology from him would mean taking accountability for calling a woman a slut and prostitute, because he had nothing intelligent to say in response to her logic.
Did he think this would really be acceptable? He needs to be on air and tell it to her and the rest of his listeners on Monday, no excuses.
Monk06
(7,675 posts)His big mouth must have put a hole in his bank account on this one.
Freepers are renting the clothes that the sainted Rush would apologize
for anything.
MADem
(135,425 posts)He needs to have his little nose rubbed in it...!
MrMickeysMom
(20,453 posts)Late, and definitely too late for me to EVER support any of his sponsors. They lost big time from the likes of this big fat idiot.
If I were you, sponsors, I'd drop the whole idea of picking this dick's show up ANYmore.
jmowreader
(50,452 posts)Let's see now...
1. If calling someone a slut (and, IIRC, a prostitute) and demanding she post videos of herself engaging in sex on the internet to "pay" for her birth control pills isn't what Rush considers a personal attack, I would really like to know what he DOES consider a personal attack.
2. Describing Ms. Fluke's conduct as "recreational activities" and "social activities" reeks of "Ms. Fluke, you're still a slut." Which is something Rush would do.
3. If it's not our business to know what's going on in anyone's bedroom, let's ask what Rush thinks of gay people having sex. (Yes, this is a weird segue, going from birth control to gay sex, but I'm pretty sure Rush is all in favor of making it legal for the cops to bust down the doors of anyone having gay sex.)
We're way past "absurd" and into "let's cram Rush's gold-plated microphone up his ass then pass a bill of attainder forbidding him from buying a new one" territory.
emmadoggy
(2,142 posts)and this pathetic excuse of an apology does not lessen my anger. Everyone above has already said everything I'm thinking about this "apology", but the the thing that keeps pissing me off so damn bad is the fact that they keep saying that she/we are asking for taxpayers to pay for free birth control. Am I missing something?? Isn't this just over making INSURANCE companies provide the same coverage for contraceptives that they provide for heart medication, cholesterol meds, diabetes meds, GERD meds and so on?? In other words, the employee and employer are paying for the INSURANCE that would provide this benefit?? Isn't it just about treating contraceptives as a normal and necessary part of women's health and therefore giving it fair coverage along with all other types of medical prescriptions? And how many of us get medication for free?? Most of us, at the very least, have to pay a copay.
That is what is pissing me off the most about this issue - that the right-wingers are all twisting this NON-ISSUE into something that it's not!! And most of their idiot followers are too damn dumb to even recognize it!!
underpants
(182,279 posts)Rush used "abortion related" repeatedly last week. You and I know how this works - they take the actual issue that you point out....make it about sex....repeat .....then connect it to abortion....repeat...repeat....etc.
I catch some of his show and it went from contraception to MY MONEY!!! to "slut" to sex tapes ---it was bizarre to listen to and he was SURE that this was a winner for him.
WhoIsNumberNone
(7,875 posts)He spends the whole second paragraph rationalizing what he said. The third paragraph might as well read "OK fine. If you can't take a joke, I'm sorry." maybe followed by a graphic of a crying baby wearing a Democratic Party badge.
Nice one Rush- Keep living down to my expectations.
Response to underpants (Original post)
Aviation Pro This message was self-deleted by its author.
okojo
(76 posts)This falls into if anyone found my remarks offensive, it was not my intention remark. He doesnt apologize, and he went way bit further than used a couple inappropriate words. He went to trying to slut shame Sandra Fluke, used about every offensive misogynist shibboleth about female sexuality, (from she is a prostitute, to she probably having So Much Sex, It's Amazing She Can Still Walk on his March 1st broadcast)
I dont know even why anyone pays attention to this bozo. He has come across as so racists, so puerile, I dont know why he is looked upon with fear inside the Republican Party.
If he thinks his little contrition will keep the storm at bay, he is sorely mistaken. He went way out of his way to try shame Ms. Fluke, and there is going to be a backlash, with hopefully more advertisers stopping to buy ad time for his show..
veganlush
(2,049 posts)..so if you have private health insurance and they have to cover something like contraception it's at the taxpayer's expense? What am I missing? What are premiums for? isn't it insurance?
truthisfreedom
(23,113 posts)center rising
(971 posts)Taverner
(55,476 posts)lunatica
(53,410 posts)Women shouldn't take insults personally because 'everyone does it'. Rush is just being a guy.
Tanelorn
(359 posts)This 'man' did not apologise at all. They never do.
They just use the moment to have another dig with the tag at the end a so called apology.
JohnnyRingo
(18,581 posts)It's about whether private insurance should cover it when the employer objects.
The bottom line is that Republicans are trying to find a way for employers like WalMart to opt out of "Obamacare" on moral reasons. The Waltons will soon find themselves at an impasse with their religious belief that the working class is responsible for their own health and welfare.
underpants
(182,279 posts)If anything this shows that the right knows that they are going to lose their frivolous lawsuits against the mandate (which was demanded by the insurance companies going back to 1993). Cuccinelli - the Va. Att Gen- lost his nonsense suit against UVa this week and he is surely going to lose his mandate lawsuit.
It just hit me reading your post. Thanks.
MD20
(123 posts)the one from Clear Channel for hiring this BAHs-turd in the first place!
Ecumenist
(6,086 posts)then he needs to apologise the same way. Seems his pocketbook is hurting...CREEP.
Amaril
(1,267 posts)....when you start speaking out about Viagra, Cialis, et al being covered by health insurance then maybe -- just maybe -- we'll believe that your "Personal Responsibility! Personal Responsibility! Polly want a cracker! SQWAKKKKK!" non-apology / self-eggrandizing bullshit isn't just something you pulled out of your ass to appease the PTB that MADE you apologize.
TexasBill
(19 posts)To see what Rush's fans have to say: [link:http://visiontoamerica.org/8544/rush-releases-apology-statement-to-georgetown-law-student-sandra-fluke/| or copy and paste: http://visiontoamerica.org/8544/rush-releases-apology-statement-to-georgetown-law-student-sandra-fluke/
Warning: The content challenges widespread assumptions that rabies is well-controlled in the the modern human population. Children and viewers with gentle dispositions are advised to avoid clicking on the link.
workinclasszero
(28,270 posts)Like the poster above said this character assassination of a private citizen took place on the radio and the so called apology needs to be done on air too.
Rush Limpballs has finally gone to far! Attacking a private citizen with his millions and his nationwide hate radio network. This nazi bastard has to be shutdown once and for all!
The slimeball only said he used the wrong words so hes actually not apologizing at all.
Any company that dares to advertize on his hate radio show needs to be isolated and boycotted.
We FINALLY have this fat pig nazi bastard on the run!!!
Evasporque
(2,133 posts)He said what he said and meant it.....that blabber jaw, hate monger needs to be kicked off the air....
marble falls
(56,358 posts)Waaaay too little, waaaaaaaaaaay too late. With a hugely planted 'but' in the middle. So what about your twenty years of 5 day weeks of 3 hr days? The discussion wasn't about redreational sex (though LImpbaugh's 1000 or so stash of Viagra was) it is was about birth control from women's point of view.
AlbertCat
(17,505 posts)Doesn't that make him weak and soft? (and gooey too I suppose)
valerief
(53,235 posts)grahamhgreen
(15,741 posts)lunatica
(53,410 posts)Can't anyone take a joke?
newspeak
(4,847 posts)then, I'd say that limpballs base are vile, cruel, ignorant fekkers. Because if anyone thinks that limpballs is just doing entertainment and "jokes", I've got a bridge to sell you.
es35
(132 posts)YOU'RE REALLY FURIOUS WITH THE FACT THAT YOU HAVE TO CONTINUALLY ASSKISS SOMEONE, RUSH, BUT YOU'RE WAY TO SCARED OF BEING REALLY SMACKED DOWN IF YOU OPENLY SAY WHO IT IS OR EVEN ADMIT IT TO YOURSELF.
WHOSE ASSES ARE YOU BEING FORCED TO KISS, RUSH? IS IT THE BILLIONAIRES WHO CALL THE SHOTS? IS IT THE RELIGIOUS ROYALTY (POPES, BISHOPS, CARDINALS, PRIESTS, RABBIS) WHOSE RINGS AND ASSES YOU HAVE TO KISS AND WHOSE GOD AND SANTA CLAUS YOU HAVE TO PRETEND TO BELIEVE IN? IS IT THE RICH CORPORATIONS WHO ARE PAYING YOUR SALARY?
olddad56
(5,732 posts)CAPHAVOC
(1,138 posts)olddad56
(5,732 posts)TNLib
(1,819 posts)This guy didn't give a rats ass till he started losing sponsors.
I would say his appology is bullshit.
Muirist
(2 posts)We can help him dig, by keeping the facts going. Facts, no need to insult him, let him (and the facts do the fine digging they are).
I could only handle about two minutes of his 'anger' maybe once every five years, so I know as little as possible about him.
So, for those of you who know more, pls start a post/site with his fine quotes (and general facts), I think no more is needed. Those should paint 1000 words.
e.g. the simplicity of topple bush is nice -- quickly no where not to buy.
Also, on the other side, would be nice to know a few facts about the young lady, who in contrast, has some presentable 'human' experiences, we could learn.
Centrik
(26 posts)Why can't you just grow some balls and apologize in a legit manner while on air?
FourScore
(9,704 posts)marias23
(379 posts)An apology is an expression of remorse or guilt over having said or done something that is acknowledged to be hurtful or damaging, and a request for forgiveness.
]I don't think so.
LynneSin
(95,337 posts)else what he did today pretty much is a lame attempt to say 'I did it' without really any one noticing.
ghjtydger
(20 posts)Thrill
(19,178 posts)Sarah Ibarruri
(21,043 posts)What are the advertisers that are still advertising on this pig's show?
kdmorris
(5,649 posts)That's an attempt to say he was right, but he's losing money.
If he's against "paying for these social activities", I wonder how he feels about paying for Viagra.