Yael T. Abouhalkah is all excited to let the readers of the Kansas City Star know that he's found another Republican politician that has had to grovel at the feet of Rush Limbaugh, apologizing to the radio giant for a slight cast his way. And to "prove" it Abouhalkah used a press release from the Democratic National Campaign Committee that said so. Yeah, nice unbiased source there, Abouhalkah.

Seriously, does Abouhalkah imagine that a Democrat Party press release is an unbiased source about what is happening between a Republican lawmaker and Rush Limbaugh? No wonder newspapers are falling on such tough times. If Abouhalkah is any indication, the definition of common words aren't even any longer understood in the Star's newsroom. Words like "source," "unbiased," "legitimate," and "veracity" seem to be foreign to the folks at the Star. With such a failure to understand the very basics of journalism, its no wonder readers are abandoning newspapers in droves.

So the story is that Representative Todd Tiahrt was asked by the KCStar Editorial Board whether or not he thought that Rush Limbaugh was the "de facto leader of the GOP." The Star reported that Tiahrt said, "no, no, he's just an entertainer."

Apparently, a few days after the KCStar report was published, Tiahrt's office issued a clarification of the comment in a Wichita Eagle blog.

"The congressman believes Rush is a great leader of the conservative movement in America -- not a party leader responsible for election losses. Nothing the congressman said diminished the role Rush has played and continues to play in the conservative movement."

OK, such as it is, it is less an "apology," less any groveling at the feet of Limbaugh, than it is a more careful statement of where the Congressman feels Limbaugh fits into the scheme of things. Maybe it can be perceived as a backtrack of sorts, but it certainly isn't any real apology.

But, as far as Abouhalkah is concerned this must be some sort of abject apology on Tiahrt's behalf. It is "Limbaugh winning again" and another Republican Congressman "backtrackingg" to prostrating himself at Limbaugh's feet. And what proof does Abouhalkah offer to prove his point? Why a press release from the DNCC, of course.

On Tuesday afternoon, the Democratic National Campaign Committee released a statement, which began with this headline and first paragraph:

Tiahrt to Leader Limbaugh: I’m sorry!

Add Congressman Todd Tiahrt to the list of spineless Republicans who can’t stand up to their party’s leader – Rush Limbaugh. Just days after claiming Rush is “just an entertainer,” Congressman Tiahrt is now singing a different tune. Fearful of Leader Limbaugh’s retribution, Congressman Tiahrt’s office quickly issued an apology praising Limbaugh stating 'The Congressman believes Rush is a great leader.'

Just like the Republicans that have come before him to grovel for Rush Limbaugh’s forgiveness, Congressman Tiahrt proved once again that Limbaugh is the de facto leader of the Republican Party,” said Gabby Adler, the Midwestern Regional Press Secretary for the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee. “Instead of standing up for the people of Kansas to fight for them during this economic crisis, Congressman Tiahrt has made it clear that he would prefer to take his orders from Rush Limbaugh.

See, it must be true. The Democratic Party SAYS so!

Seriously, if the KCStar is going to have the Democratic National Campaign Committee write its news for it, why does the Star even need employees like Yael T. Abouhalkah? So, I have some cost savings advice for the Star. Cut out that costly middle man, fire Yael T. Abouhalkah, and have the Democratic Party just write your copy straight away!

See, I'm saving money for the Old Media as we speak. I should charge for this timely economic advice, that's what!

Don't thank me now, KCStar. You'll be thanking me later.

(Photo of Limbaugh: Lighthouse Patriot Journal)