Let’s take a look at Rush’s “apology” first:

For over 20 years, I have illustrated the absurd with absurdity, three hours a day, five days a week. In this instance, I chose the wrong words in my analogy of the situation. I did not mean a personal attack on Ms. Fluke. I think it is absolutely absurd that during these very serious political times, we are discussing personal sexual recreational activities before members of Congress. I personally do not agree that American citizens should pay for these social activities. What happened to personal responsibility and accountability? Where do we draw the line? If this is accepted as the norm, what will follow? Will we be debating if taxpayers should pay for new sneakers for all students that are interested in running to keep fit?In my monologue, I posited that it is not our business whatsoever to know what is going on in anyone’s bedroom nor do I think it is a topic that should reach a Presidential level. My choice of words was not the best, and in the attempt to be humorous, I created a national stir. I sincerely apologize to Ms. Fluke for the insulting word choices.

That. Is. Not. An. Apology.

What that is the classic: Sorry, if you can’t take a joke. I was just being humorous, but you’re too sensitive to have a sense of humor. I was simply making a very important, bigger point, that you’re too stupid to understand.

An apology isn’t an apology if you can fit in the word “but.” Go ahead and add that word after Rush’s first sentence. It fits beautifully.

And the backlash that’s building around this situation has much in common with the Komen fiasco. Attack women, or an institution women love, and face the consequences. 2012 is shaping up to be the year of the woman.

Komen cuts its funding to Planned Parenthood and when there’s a public outcry they simply double down – citing a reason that they don’t apply to any other of their beneficiaries. They held this position as the voices opposing their decision grew louder. They decided they could weather the storm. How did that work out for them? In under a week their brand was destroyed and advertisers fled. And once they started losing their advertisers, and only then, did Komen rethink their position. Too little, too late. I will never give Komen another dime.

And now Rush is using the Komen playbook. And I get why he’s shocked by the reaction to his words. After all, Rush Limbaugh’s show is full of misogynistic rants.

Here’s one of them:

“She comes to me when she wants to be fed. And after I feed her — guess what — she’s off to wherever she wants to be in the house, until the next time she gets hungry. She’s smart enough to know she can’t feed herself. She’s actually a very smart cat. She gets loved. She gets adoration. She gets petted. She gets fed. And she doesn’t have to do anything for it, which is why I say this cat’s taught me more about women, than anything my whole life.” –Rush Limbaugh, on his cat.

So why shouldn’t he expect to get away with calling a young woman a slut when he’s already gotten away with comments like these in the past?

Because, like Komen learned through its attack on Planned Parenthood, contraception is a given in women’s lives. It was settled. If anyone told me a year ago that Republicans would be making contraception part of their platform I would have laughed and said no one would be that stupid. I was wrong.

And now Republicans and Rush are whining about contraception being part of our political discourse. Which takes a lot of nerve since they were the ones who pushed this issue into the national debate. Rick Santorum led the way and Republicans followed. And they’re still following. And every time they open their mouths to mansplain Rush’s comments the hole they’re digging gets deeper.

And now Rush is sorry? Not a chance. The only thing he’s sorry about is losing advertisers – just like Komen. That, and only that, is what triggered his non-apology. Too little, too late.

On the bright side, both Komen and Rush (along with all those nifty transvaginal ultrasound bills) have accomplished what the very important, inside the beltway talking heads drone on and on about – Bipartisanship. Women across party lines are united. See you in November, boys.