Limbaugh gets off easy again

Rush Limbaugh, who was detained at the Palm Beach airport for possession of a prescription drug without a prescription, will not face charges.

Charges could have nullified the conservative radio host's plea agreement in a "doctor shopping" case.

Limbaugh, 55, was detained for more than three hours at Palm Beach International Airport on June 26 after he returned on his private plane from a vacation in the Dominican Republic.

The state attorney's office said the medication was prescribed by Limbaugh's cardiologist, Dr. Steven Schnur, to Limbaugh's psychologist and addiction counselor, Steve Strumwasser. Strumwasser then provided the Viagra to Limbaugh, said state attorney spokesman Mike Edmondson.

Strumwasser told authorities he "agreed to have his name on the label in an effort to avoid potentially embarrassing publicity for the suspect," according to the state attorney's office filing. "Thus, the medication contained in the subject pill bottle was legitimately prescribed to the suspect by his physician."

It is generally not illegal under Florida law for a physician to prescribe medication in a third party's name if all parties are aware and the doctor documents it correctly, Edmondson said.

It is generally not illegal under Florida law for a physician to prescribe medication in a third party's name if all parties are aware and the doctor documents it correctly,

But, what if the offender is currently under a plea agreement for a drug-related offense? That question goes unasked in the AP story.

In typical right wing fashion, Limbaugh claims that all of his drug-related legal problems are politically motivated. As big a target as he imagines himself to be, however, it cannot be denied that his celebrity status, along with his wealth, is precisely what allows him to skate on charges that would land a less-privileged citizen in court, if not in jail.

I don't know what favors they think they're doing Limbaugh. He is an OD just looking for a place to happen.

Rush Limbaugh is an untreated drug addict. He has no more respect for the law than any other junkie. The man flew to another country in possession of prescription drugs without a prescription while he was under a drug-related plea agreement. That is classic risk-taking behavior. Anybody who thinks he is not still using is a fool. The man is going to kill himself. The people who keep helping him avoid responsibility for his actions are making it possible.