The hatred from supposedly compassionate and open-minded Hollywoodans is something to behold, isn't it?
After all, just imagine despising a radio talk show host so much that you would suggest, on national television, that he should die of a drug overdose.
Alas, such was the case Friday evening when HBO's Bill Maher actually asked guest P.J. O'Rourke, who was talking about Rush Limbaugh's use of the prescription drug OxyContin (disgusting question after the jump):
Video/audio: Click image to play Flash video. MP3 audio. (Video also available here courtesy our friend Ms Underestimated.)
Why couldn't have he croaked from it instead of Heath Ledger?
Honestly, can you imagine?
MSNBC's David Shuster was suspended on Friday for making insensitive remarks about Chelsea Clinton being "pimped out."
Will Maher even get a slap on the wrist from HBO for this?
Yes, that's a rhetorical question.
Of course, what's really interesting is how just before Maher made this despicable remark, he was actually condemning Republicans for their antipathy towards John McCain:
BILL MAHER, HOST: Why is it, I was asking Amy this, why is it that the Republican establishment, I guess it is, have so much disdain, not just for McCain, but for the other guy who's still in it...Huckabee? They don't like either one of them.
P.J. O'ROURKE, WRITER: Well, I think a couple of things are going on. It's the it's the twilight of the radio loud-mouth, you know? I knew it from the moment the fat guy…
MAHER: …You mean Rush Limbaugh and Sean..?
O'ROURKE: …from the moment the fat guy refused to share his drugs (audience laughter). I was, you know…he never called, he never wrote. I'm ready to party, you know, come on! No, I think it's kind of over for those people. So…
MAHER: Right, you mean the OxyContin that he was on?
O'ROURKE: Yeah, exactly. I mean, that stuff's good!
MAHER: Why couldn't, uh, why couldn't have he croaked from it instead of Heath Ledger? (small audience groans)
O'ROURKE: Yeah, yeah.
Amazing, wouldn't you agree?
First, Maher chastises Republicans for not liking their presidential candidates. Then, he wishes ill of the leading conservative voice in the media.
Physician, heal thyself!
*****Update: Late night slip of the keyboard alert: OxyContin is certainly not an over-the-counter drug. Correction made, and thanks to all who brought it to my attention.
—Noel Sheppard is the Associate Editor of NewsBusters.
Editor at Large
Comments Policy
Amazing how the progressive mind thinks
February 9, 2008 - 01:25 ET by kgAmazing how the progressive mind thinks. Anti-war, pro-abortion, anti-death penality and ill will on those that they disagree with.
God help us!
Without noticing that the quote was from Maher, I thought...
February 9, 2008 - 01:29 ET by Army Brat"That's got to be a quote from Bill Maher"...and I was right. ( Yeah I know it's hard to miss but I managed...) The guy is just WAY too predictable.
Happy Trails...
Oxycontin
February 9, 2008 - 09:15 ET by dpc1212Noel, oxycontin is not an over-the-counter drug.
MORE PHILOSPHY FROM THE PLAYBOY MANSION GROTTO
February 9, 2008 - 11:43 ET by SgthulkaBill Maher is an MSM pundit template:
1. He believes himself to be too cool.
2. He's smarmy.
3. His tools are vitriol and venom, not reason and logic.
4. He's not about formulatting arguments but insulting those he disagrees with.
I happen to believe that he is morphing into Larry King
What a piece of human
February 9, 2008 - 01:25 ET by Gary P JacksonWhat a piece of human debris.
To go and answer your question, no! No one will think Maher's remark is even remotely out of line. So move it along, nothing to see here!
What makes Heath Ledger this walking saint
February 9, 2008 - 01:31 ET by Lame CherryI watched for days as Microsoft kept this Heather Ledger picture up and could not comprehend his appeal as he was a genre driven actor that unless you saw his niche work no one knew who he was.
Bill Maher is of that niche in making him a saint for as World Net Daily stated last year in "raping the Marlboro Man".
That kind of grief and frustration in finally Maher getting back at that John Wayne, James Arness and Clint Eastwood for exposing what a Godless, frightened boy Maher still is IS what is gearing this strange worship for Heath Ledger in "if only a mean Conservative croaked who reminds me what a miserable failure I was" then I could enjoy the degrading of the American icon of the cowboy.......as I'm terrified of horses too.
Maher's psychopathies are base and deep, but still have me cocking my eyebrows like Mr. Spoc in being fascinated by the Maher who continues to unfold. It is almost to the point of "If you can't tell me what Maher is, tell me what he isn't".
Bill Maher is not humane........and his saga continues until the stress of life just will become too much and he finds a way to kill himself in some cowardly way like William Holden busting his head in a drunken stupor on a table.
The Christian thing to do is say God bless Bill Maher to be led to repentance. In His Name. Amen
*HIC IACET ARTORIVS REX QVONDAM REXQVE FVTVRVS
What makes Heath Ledger this walking saint?
February 9, 2008 - 11:21 ET by kgTwo words....Brokeback Mountain
But...
February 9, 2008 - 01:32 ET by masslibertarianBut Patrick Kennedy gets rehab?
Oh, right, he's a lib. Never mind.
GIVE HIM A BREAK...
February 9, 2008 - 09:22 ET by danybhoyAt least Patrick did'nt get accused of rape, he did'nt beat a woman to death with 6-iron, he did'nt put his car into the drink while boozed up & leave his passenger to die, he did'nt kill himself & his girlfriend by trying to fly in conditions he was'nt qualified to fly in, he did not make the decision to labotomize a family member, & he did'nt make his money illegally.
It's not because he's a lib, it's because he's a Kennedy.
"Some of us are wise, some of us are otherwise" Mark Levin
I'm rather disappointed in PJ O'Rourke.
February 9, 2008 - 01:52 ET by R D HelmI used to really like PJ, despite his well-known affinity for light beer. The man wrote a few articles for Car and Driver back in their glory days, as well as a lot of other really great stuff.
What he should have done is nailed Maher with a right cross.
Then I would like him again.
None are so hopelessly enslaved as those who falsely believe they are free. -J.W. von Goethe
I agree --
February 9, 2008 - 11:13 ET by dervishO'Rourke's got no room to make fun of people in their "twilight." I have almost every book he's written, and his last couple have been stinkers.
Bill Maher adding yet
February 9, 2008 - 01:34 ET by HumanEventsBill Maher adding yet another beyond venomous statement to his collection. Simply disgusting.
Now, what would happen if it was the other way around, if Rush Limbaugh said it's too bad Bill Maher didn't croak instead? (A rhetorical question as well).
Despicable.
February 9, 2008 - 01:35 ET by bigtimerDespicable.
Now ya'll see why he was
February 9, 2008 - 01:39 ET by The Detroit PopulistNow ya'll see why he was fired. He's an moron. Same dude that said, what he did about the pilots that flew the planes. This is why he's on HBO. Good place for him.
I make Ann Coulter look like a Nun!
Looks like Maher...
February 9, 2008 - 01:58 ET by PrairieSkyhas gone off his meds again!!! This guy is in desperate need of therapy. What a miserable, pathetic person he is...Enough said.
Ever notice ...
February 9, 2008 - 02:16 ET by drillanwrYou never see Bill Maher or Joy Behar in the same place ... at the same time? ... hmmm????
It's like that movie, "Ladyhawke" ... One by day and the other by night, only with a sick and evil twist of stupidity.
I'm just sayin' ...
When you men get home and face an anti-war protestor, look him in the eyes and shake his hand. Then, wink at his girlfriend because she knows she’s dating a pussy… ~ Attributed to General Tommy Franks
Very true. Amazingly
February 9, 2008 - 02:21 ET by HumanEventsVery true. Amazingly though, I did see Bill Maher and Alec Baldwin in the same place and the same time. The audience cheered Baldwin and Maher smiled and said, "See? They still love you." This was a few days after Baldwin ranted how we should all stone Henry Hyde and his family to death. A statement like that is vintage Maher; no wonder he gave his approval.
Amazingly though, I did
February 9, 2008 - 02:29 ET by drillanwrAmazingly though, I did see Bill Maher and Alec Baldwin in the same place and the same time.
OMG! Do you realize the danger of a cataclysmic cosmic explosion that could have taken place causing a massive anti-matter field that would have sucked up everything faster than a black hole? Two empty-headed, overbearing liberal intellectual prigs that size CANNOT occupy the same space at the same time! It's a known law of common sense physics! WOW! We dodged one heck of a bullet there, I tell ya!
When you men get home and face an anti-war protestor, look him in the eyes and shake his hand. Then, wink at his girlfriend because she knows she’s dating a pussy… ~ Attributed to General Tommy Franks
Maher and Behar...
February 9, 2008 - 02:23 ET by PrairieSkyVerrryyy interesting...Also, love the quote by General Franks!!!
OTC
February 9, 2008 - 02:38 ET by VonuRush Limbaugh's use of the over-the-counter drug oxycontin
Its over the counter now? WOW! Then what is Orourke crying about. Just run dow to Rite-aid and pick some up for yourself.
Edit plz. . .
February 9, 2008 - 02:52 ET by tracheostomyNoel. Vonu makes a very important point. I didn't see the actual clip, but "over-the-counter" is a loaded phrase that means "without prescription."
And OxyContin is by prescription only, the last time I checked.
-PJ
"Trake: Your lofty convictions are another blemish on the rump of congregational sectarianism." -Tumbler 5/15/07
In the recent past Bill
February 9, 2008 - 03:35 ET by jcrapes4In the recent past Bill stated a kid did not need to be taught the bible to have good morals. If he actually believes this type of behavior is good morals he truly needs God in the worst way.
Maher's a good example of
February 9, 2008 - 11:15 ET by misterbee241Maher's a good example of somebody NEEDING the Bible to establish morals.
There is none so blind as they that won’t see. Jonathan Swift 1667-1745
PJ et al
February 9, 2008 - 11:07 ET by Noel SheppardPJ et al,
Thanks for the correction. Slip of the keyboard. :-) ns
Oxycontin
February 9, 2008 - 04:24 ET by niner-four-whiskeyOxycontin is most assuredly NOT an over the counter drug. Very, very powerful time release opiate (oxycodone) intended for people in severe pain. It's a Schedule II controlled narcotic.
Rush Limbaugh is very lucky he did not die from his addiction to it.
The Maher and O'Rourke conversation are still very distasteful. But let's keep our facts straight.
Every time this ass opens
February 9, 2008 - 04:28 ET by rbosqueEvery time this ass opens his mouth, crap comes out. Now, I'll give everyone one guess as to what he is full of.
I still eagerly await the
February 9, 2008 - 04:43 ET by Captain RepusI still eagerly await the day this piece of scum gets busted in some back alley on Hollywood Blvd with a couple of ounces of crack and his face full of some pretty 13 year old boy.
I recently cancelled HBO because of worthless crap like Maher causing my tv screen to have a funny odor to it. This pseudo-intellectual immoral moron is so very typical of today's liberal mindset. I cannot imagine how shallow it must feel to contribute nothing whatsoever to society.
Hmm I wonder if I were a
February 9, 2008 - 06:00 ET by USA4freedomHmm I wonder if I were a betting man who would die first ondrugs?
http://bumpshack.com/?p=1353
We already know who has no class, and talent, and HBO ratings are sliding, while Rush continues to grow.
If Rush has no power, why is every person in the MSM talking non stop about it. I cant turn the TV on with out hearing Rush said this or that. The only place Bill Maher is mentioned on conservative blogs.
If he wasn’t such an evil bastard I would almost feel sorryfor him. When you basis of humor is just to run people down that makes you “neither funny or smart,” it just makes you mean.
Ronald Reagan, 1962: I did not leave the Democratic party, the party left me.
Insert: your name, 2008, and the Republican party.
Another great line form the
February 9, 2008 - 06:08 ET by USA4freedomAnother great line form the party that cares about it fellow humans, very much like the Muslins follow us or we hope you die.
Ronald Reagan, 1962: I did not leave the Democratic party, the party left me.
Insert: your name, 2008, and the Republican party.
Liberalism is a disease.
February 9, 2008 - 08:29 ET by 10ksnookerRush=Maher
February 9, 2008 - 08:30 ET by funkdomeDon't you guys understand that Rush and Maher are the same thing, just on different sides of the political spectrum.
I personally find Maher more distasteful because I don't share any of his political views, but lets not kid ourselves. Strident partisans are strident partisans, even if we agree with them most of the time.
Err, no, actually. You are
February 9, 2008 - 09:13 ET by Jack BauerErr, no, actually. You are 100% incorrect, in my opinion.
Rush Limbaugh spends 15 hours every week live expanding on a complete political philosophy. You don't have to agree or disagree with his monumental and continuing defining of the conservative movement to see that.
He offers both an intellectual and a populist underpinning to conservatives, so people can come to the movement from different levels.
Bill Maher is a hit and run nihilist, who can only denigrate and mock. That's his only shtick. Really. If he was any shallower he'd be a dry river bed in Arizona.
So they are both "partisan" -- so what? What does that even mean. That they support their own political outlook?
So that makes them equal intellectually? I don't think so.
They most assuredly do NOT
February 9, 2008 - 10:13 ET by motherbeltThey most assuredly do NOT do the same thing. Rush does political commentary, with some humor and satire thrown in. Maher is a comedian, who uses his "humor" to belittle those he disagrees with, who sometimes are politicians.
And as far as I know, Rush has NEVER said that he wished someone had died. If he has, I'm sure MediaMatters or some such site has catalogued it, so please produce the quote.
And it can't be as a satire of what some liberal said.
Anybody know where we can
February 9, 2008 - 08:58 ET by bretzysdudeAnybody know where we can find a lot of heroin that would be too much for one person, a syringe, and some rope for tying up, so that we can attack Maher?
Pathetic
February 9, 2008 - 09:26 ET by sentforth5In Va. I shattered my shoulder on a construction site; I fell from a ladder. After my surgery I was on pain meds for almost two months.
I just about cried when the Dr. took me off 'em, that is just the nature of the drug...
Rush had back surgery and I'm sure that is how he began taking these meds. It doesn't take long to become dependent on them, but they help end the severe pain.
I doubt Rush was simply out to party on them, so in Maher's world I guess anyone who has suffered an ailment requiring opiates during rehabilitation frankly should die.
Sorry, Bill- I'm still here...you -sshole.
And I still remember
February 9, 2008 - 09:59 ET by Cape Conservativewatching Joe Scarborough on his night show after he had back problems and was on pain meds. He would offer some comments for the show from his home in Florida while recuperating and one evening he was high as a kite and went on and on about what a great feeling his pain reliever was giving him - something like 'you gotta try this' - bigggg grin. This happened many years ago and I have never forgotten his conduct. I was embarrassed for him! Funny - it appears MSNBC has had no problem with keeping him on their payroll.
As you said, sentforth5, it's the nature of the meds. Be aware!
Different addictions
February 9, 2008 - 10:40 ET by HypocriteHaterI have a lot more sympathy for someone, regardless of political ideology, who becomes addicted to a legal pain killer as a result of an injury or surgery, rather than someone addicted to an illegal substance such as heroin just because their life sucks or their partying got out of control.
ditto, HH...that was
February 9, 2008 - 11:16 ET by motherbeltditto, HH...that was discussed at the time when Rush made his addiction public.
There is a world of difference between using drugs for kicks, and becoming addicted as a result of medical treatment.
And for the ones who "party" with drugs, they become addicted long before their partying gets out of control. In fact, I would say that the addiction is WHY their partying gets out of control.
Hollywood deaths used to come in three's
February 9, 2008 - 10:19 ET by kdizzydazeWhat the hell happened. I counted at least 5 deaths (2 to overdoses) in the last two weeks. And with the way Britney is going and having seen Jeff Conway on the new Dr. Drew show about rehab, I am thinking we might crack seven before Valentine's day.
FYI, Rush had bad back pain and got addicted to an over the counter prescription drug. Ledger, got addicted to "cocktails" of over the counter and illegal drugs. Oh yeah, and they were taking them for two very different reasons. Maher is a horses ass. He is a smug little man that if he walked through the real world he would fine people don't like him much. Even the people that may agree with him.
For the first time I felt
February 9, 2008 - 11:11 ET by misterbee241For the first time I felt sorry for Britany was when after she escaped the psyche ward the leaches had her car stopped in the street and surrounded it taking pictures. It was like a pack of hyenas circling a dying wildebeest. I really, really wanted to see her get out of the car with a 9mm and bust a few caps. Her life is a train wreck. She doesnt need any help from them.
There is none so blind as they that won’t see. Jonathan Swift 1667-1745
Maher and O'Rourke
February 9, 2008 - 10:26 ET by Cool ArrowBoth of them seem pretty well acquainted with Oxycontin, don't they?
♣ a seal
I thought O'Rourke was a
February 9, 2008 - 11:08 ET by misterbee241I thought O'Rourke was a good guy. Guess I was wrong.
There is none so blind as they that won’t see. Jonathan Swift 1667-1745
He is. His "yeah yeah," at
February 9, 2008 - 12:34 ET by Hero SquadHe is. His "yeah yeah," at the end seems like it was done in the, "OK, now you've gone too far" tone. He may not be a fan of talk radio, but I imagine a lot of solid conservative/libertarian types aren't.
Still my favorite writer. "Republican Party Reptile" and "Holidays in Hell" are classics!
*****
"People only insist that a debate stop when they are afraid of what might be learned if it continues." - George Will
Every time you think Maher
February 9, 2008 - 11:56 ET by SMGalbraithEvery time you think Maher has hit absolute rock bottom and simply can't get lower, he digs a new and deeper crawl space to live in.
Was that Jonah Goldberg?
February 9, 2008 - 12:29 ET by SyriusIt looked as if Bill had a very conservative group surrounding him.
Did anyone speak up after the comments were made? It's only a partial
clip...
Come on ya gotta love PJ for quotes, absolute gems, like these:
America wasn't founded so that we could all be better. America was founded so we could all be anything we damned well pleased.
Anyway, no drug, not even alcohol, causes the
fundamental ills of society. If we're looking for the source of our
troubles, we shouldn't test people for drugs, we should test them for
stupidity, ignorance, greed and love of power.
Making fun of born-again Christians is like hunting dairy cows with a high powered rifle and scope.
The Democrats are the party that says government
will make you smarter, taller, richer, and remove the crabgrass on your
lawn. The Republicans are the party that says government doesn't work
and then they get elected and prove it.
I like Rush when he's on the meds, he's too uptight when he's off of them.
Cheers,
Syrius
Why dont these liberal
February 9, 2008 - 23:53 ET by R68AndrewWhy dont these liberal left-wing creeps just shut up?
Black humor or outright meaness?
February 10, 2008 - 08:52 ET by Charles B. SimpsonMaher is either taking a stab at dark humor or he could actually be serious about Rush's dying from an overdose. I believe Maher is an evil and spiteful Grade A coward. Not very funny, either. Why does anyone care(besides family and friends)about Heath Ledger dying from an overdose? Drug abusers die by the hundreds every week. Why all the publicity about Mr. Ledger? Maher could care less about the actors death. He is just using the hysteria surrounding it to make a lame-ass joke. If Bill Maher died tomorrow, I would have no feeling one way or the other. If Rush died, I would feel a loss. I am a Dittohead and I do not wish for Maher to die, but his show should.
Education Bill Style
February 10, 2008 - 09:09 ET by ShaftBigScoreIf your political education comes from watching Bill Maher, you need OxyContin.
I favor the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and it must be enforced at gunpoint if necessary. President Ronald Reagan
In response to whether or
February 10, 2008 - 18:51 ET by lirby225In response to whether or not he will get a slap on the wrist from HBO; I think he certainly should but when you consider the network he probably won't. MSNBC probably is going to take senstive remarks more seriously than HBO based on their goal of being a credible news outlet.
Liberal Insanity
February 10, 2008 - 23:23 ET by Edward CropperBill Maher is a certified zero. He is a non entity outside of his very very small group of fellow retards. He has to say outrageous things because if he did not he would have been forgotten years ago. He virtually is a forgotten man any how.
I am disappointed in O'Rourke he showed a real lack of intesticle fortitude.