Laurie C. wrote:
> but don't
>lie about what a person's said, just to further your own narrow
>political agenda.
Huh??? Do you actually think you have heard every single word this guy
has uttered? It is possible that you decided that you like this guy's
message and can tune out the things you wish he hadn't said. I believe
people when they say they heard things. Accusations of lying are
completely inappropriate. You only undermine your own credibility by
letting these flames fly. I have only seen Limbagh for a few minutes at a
time because I become physically ill when I try. I have never seen any
other talk show host burn politicians in effigy. (Thankfully his TV show
hasn't been on here for a while) He has been scrutinized by at least one
Accuracy in Media organization for blatently stereotyping, being REALLY
inaccurate at best not to mention outright lying for fun and effect. By
his own definition, Limbaugh is an "entertainer", a talk show host - NOT
a serious journalist or intellectual. There are "audience members" on his
TV show who ask scripted questions so he is NEVER challenged by the
facts. He famous for his ad hominem attacks on anyone he disagrees with
rather than for rigorous investigative reporting. He isn't interested in
truth or reality or facts - he's interested in entertaining people by
whipping them into a frenzy.

Dr. Dettwyler has more than established her credibility here. An ad
hominem attack on her is very innappropriate. How do you know what she
has or has not heard? Why would she lie? What is her narrow political
agenda? As for as I know, she is not a politician running for office. In
her opinion, based on what she has heard of this entertainer - he is not
supportive of women or breastfeeding. If you hear something else - fine -
but that does not make her or anyone else a liar. We are here to learn
about - among other things - the social climate which makes breastfeeding
difficult or impossible for many women. Dr. Dettwyler is an
anthropologist who has written about this topic. This is one of her areas
of exprtise and she was adding her opinion and experiences to balance
what she felt was an inaccurate picture (and I completely agree) of Rush
Limbaugh as a benevolent supporter of breastfeeding and women. I can't
stomach the guy, so I go out of my way NOT to listen to him, but I have
listened to several critiques of his style and disregard for accuracy.

Some political commentary is appropriate here because it can serve to
broaden our perspectives and to help us to think critically. The original
discussion centered around questioning the motives and strategies of
formula companies in distributing free samples and breastfeeding
literature. Social support and climate are extremely important in
breastfeeding initiation and duration - possibly more significant than
technical/medical breastfeeding help. Women don't need breastfeeding help
if they never start in the first place because they are given
misinformation and are afraid of the unsupportive social climate in which
they have to breastfeed. Many of us feel that it is important to question
the messages we hear without necessarily insulting the messenger. Rush
Limbaugh is an entertainer who actively intends to make people feel
strongly and invites criticism. It is his bread and butter.  Many of us
get our information from broader sources and question the accuracy and
motivation of Limbaugh's message. You choose to like what you hear and
that is your business - but there ARE other opinions.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Marie Schulte LLLL & MOM
from the computer known as
[log in to unmask] ;-)
Visit the
La Leche League of Madison web page at:
http://www.terracom.net/~mjstoy/
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