No matter your religious or political views, Ms. Fluke was entitled to appear as any U.S. citizen should be to voice her opinions regarding women's health care.
Unfortunately, Ms. Fluke became the object of verbal abuse rendered by an unbounded vitriolic flow from Rush Limbaugh, radio talk show host. His words were so strong and hurtful to women in general that they will not be repeated here.
Several of Limbaugh's advertisers immediately began pulling their support for his program. Limbaugh decided an apology was in order, one which to my ears sounded self-serving and which Ms. Fluke rejected.
As a victim of verbal abuse in my childhood, I wanted to speak out here about the impact of any form of verbal abuse -- marital, parental, educational, religious, and I could go on. In my situation, I experienced parental verbal abuse in the words my mother used to control me. Yes, it was painful, and yes, it scarred me. But the scars are hidden from clear sight -- no one knows they are there but me.
And like Rush Limbaugh, each time my mother's words seared my soul and left me feeling smaller than small she came with hugs and kisses and apologies. Over and over again. I soon learned not to believe her apologies as they were so disingenuous, like Limbaugh's to Ms. Fluke. I decided I'd rather keep the scars.
“It has been said, 'time heals all wounds.' I do not agree.
The wounds remain. In time, the mind, protecting its sanity, covers
them with scar tissue and the pain lessens. But it is never gone.”
― Rose Kennedy
The wounds remain. In time, the mind, protecting its sanity, covers
them with scar tissue and the pain lessens. But it is never gone.”
― Rose Kennedy
As a former victim of verbal abuse I echo your sentiments, Sherrey. Thank you for saying what many of us are thinking.
ReplyDeleteLinda, I needed your comment -- I worried as I wrote and published this post. Yet, something was pulling at me to do this. Thanks for being my affirmation that I did as I was supposed to do.
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