Oh, it looks like Rush Limbaugh- champion of personal responsibility and not relying on coddling bits of socialism like subsidized birth control- doesn’t like it so much when he himself is called upon to swallow even the most basic slightly unpleasant medicine.

See, Rush, it kinda works like this- in this great country of ours, we have freedom of speech. Do you know what that means? That means that we, as citizens, can speak freely (even in critique of the government), and as long as we don’t libel, slander, incite riots or shout out “Justin Bieber is in the lobby!” during a crowded showing of The Lorax, we’re protected from governmental oppression of that speech. The flipside of that is when we act like total douchecanoes, people are free to regard us as douchecanoes, and even organize other people to strategically not patronize business that support our douchey platforms with sponsor dollars.

The dramatic irony inherent in Rush’s being hoisted on his own petard in slandering Sandra Fluke for her supposed irresponsibility in “expecting taxpayers” to “pay for her sex” only to be forced to reap the natural consequences of his own actions is hilarious and sad. And the Limbaugh show must be in pretty dire straights, as its spokesman Brian Glicklich released a pathetically desperate attempt at damage control in a statement smearing Media Matters and alleging a “war on expression” simply because Rush is losing advertisers because of his own hateful words.

In the missive (posted on Politico) Glicklich strikes out at Media Matters and David Brock, basically citing a vast left-wing conspiracy to hurt Rush and further invalidating any apologies offered by the controversial host for calling women who use birth control “sluts” and “prostitutes.” Glicklich foams:

“[Media Matters’] David Brock is so outraged at Rush Limbaugh’s words of three weeks ago that he started organizing a protest — almost 3 years ago… It was planned ahead and activated at the first moment Brock could manipulate a media frenzy. Make no mistake, Brock’s “marketplace of ideas” offers only one brand: Brand Brock. All others will be forced off the shelves with intimidation and lies.”

And how fortuitous for Brock that Limbaugh happened to make a whole bunch of offensive and inaccurate statements that provoked outrage across America- he must be one powerful dude to make everyone all at once decide to give Rush the heave-ho once and for all. I don’t suppose any of that has anything to do with Limbaugh’s own choices, do they, Mr. Glicklich?

“By putting small business in the crosshairs of their war on expression, Media Matters is causing real harm. They are hurting these businesses, their employees and their families. As a business owner, imagine waking up one morning and being assaulted by hundreds of coordinated attacks from operatives who never were or will be your customers… Media Matters says you can’t talk to that audience anymore. And when these businesses shrink, because they’ve lost access to half their customers; when they lay off employees or even shut down, whom will Media Matters blame? Probably not themselves.”

That is so true! Middle class families don’t need jobs and affordable healthcare, they need people to stop interfering with advertising on the Rush Limbaugh show. Duh. If you only listened to Rush Limbaugh, you would know that freedom to be one of Rush’s sponsors is a core American right and without it, little kids don’t get to eat dinner. Heartless.

You can read Rush Limbaugh’s spokesman’s entire defense here– do you think it’s fair that people chose not to support the radio host after he crossed yet another line, or is Rush being bullied by the left?