Rush Limbaugh thinks Donavan McNabb is overrated as an NFL quarterback.

Rush also believes the media is dominated by left-leaning liberals who are, by their very nature, shall we say, extra sensitive towards social issues.  This prevailing characteristic, thinks Limbaugh, is so strong that it precipitates their thinking.  Broadcasters just might have hidden agendas even if they are not aware of it.

Rush believes this entrenched characteristic skews the media’s perception of African-American athletes, such as McNabb.

Let’s go with Rush for a moment.  Is it possible that the Left has become so self-centered that they have become preferential to minorities?  Is it possible they are racially biased, unable to fairly evaluate an African-American athlete out of fear of violating their own code of ethics?  Are they able to discern and separate deep-rooted liberal ideology from professional and accurate news reporting?

I don't know.

But moreover, if someone merely asks the above questions, or believes them affirmatively, should we automatically conclude he/she is a racist?

I think not.  But by observing the reaction from Rush Limbaugh’s recent statements, one might assume the answer is “yes”.

Rush said, "I think what we've had here is a little social concern in the NFL. The media has been very desirous that a black quarterback do well.” 

Clearly Rush indicts the media for advancing a socially liberal posture.  He thinks the media is liberal to the point of activism or bias.  He may be wrong here.  But the eruptive response ironically seems to propel his statements as the truth.  The reaction has been something like, “What does Rush mean by this?  He must be a racist!!  RACIST!  RACIST!  RACIST!!!!  Rush should be FIRED!!”

Let’s review some of the statements made immediately following the controversy:

• “Mr. Limbaugh should be fired immediately”, said presidential candidate Wesley Clark.
• Warren Moon said, “And if he doesn't come with the apology, then I think he should be fired …”
• Reverend Al Sharpton said, “I'm going to call for ESPN to terminate Rush Limbaugh …”
• The NAACP also condemned Limbaugh's remarks, calling them "bigoted and ignorant."

Apparently there is no room for diverse opinions regarding race related issues.  Liberals own the market of sensitivity and surely don't like it when someone butts-in on one of their issues.  While liberals clamor over the values of diversity, they also try to dictate the terms of engagement.  You'd better watch your step!

Liberals also seem to think they have an iron clad grip on what constitutes racism and what doesn’t. Apparently Rush’s indictment on the media simply didn’t make it through their filter, and this sent them off.

This reminds me of fascism, where there's just no room those who don’t fall in line.

The pro-liberal bias that Rush suggests does seem apparent.  Paula Zahn of CNN, for example, framed the segment as a free speech issue, as if the racist component was not even in question; “Is he guilty of spewing racist thoughts or just practicing free speech?”  The message she sends is clear, “Rush said some racially offensive things.  Tune in and find out!!”

We’ve seen this before.  Remember Trent Lott?  His off-the-cuff comments didn’t make it through the liberal-filter either.  It cost him his job.

Finally, I must ask myself, was Rush being insensitive?  Perhaps he was, but maybe not towards African-Americans.  If Rush owes an apology perhaps it should be to Donovan McNabb.  McNabb doesn’t deserve to have his on-field performance skewed from the prism of race.

But then, maybe that was Rush’s point.