Pubdate: Tue, 09 May 2006 Source: Ledger, The (FL) Copyright: 2006 The Ledger Contact: http://www.theledger.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/795 Author: Robert C. Cotton RUSH LIMBAUGH GETS OFF EASY I nearly choked on my coffee when I read April 29 in the Local & State section that the rich get to have their way yet again. I am referring to Rush Limbaugh ["Pundit Reaches Deal on Fraud," page B1]. If you like him or can't stand him, I'm sure that the sentiment is still there. He commits a crime and, after three months of investigation, admits that he broke the law. Now, if you are an ordinary person, such as myself, and are barely getting by, and were to do what Rush has admitted, you'd be in jail for a long time. Not Rush, no, no, no! He turned himself in, was photographed, fingerprinted, and, one hour later, paid $3,000 and got away. The judge, because of the high-dollar lawyers, gave him a pass, a slap on the wrist and said: Just don't do it again. Now go away son, you bother me. Seems that what has been prevalent in the justice system is still alive and well. Be an ordinary citizen, commit a crime and you will have a stigma of being a criminal. Be a celebrity or rich (or both in this case), and you can do anything and the justice system will look the other way. I thought that justice was equality for all. Apparently, only if you aren't rich. Seems that he bought his way out, just like all other rich people. Robert C. Cotton Lakeland - --- MAP posted-by: Beth Wehrman