Rush in Modesto

I come back to Modesto, California after a long absence and find the editorial page of the Bee dominated by comments about Rush Limbaugh. I wonder if this is how the Bee deals with the real problems of the day, how it wants to direct thought and opinion. It is particularly sad, seeing that what is now going on in the States and in the world calls for less of a demonic voice than what passes for wisdom from the oracle of the Right. Angry old white men; I don't see much difference between Rush and the madrassas of Pakistan except that the god is different. The same hate and vitriol spewed out against all who do not think in lock-step with the oracle. There is no room for individual thought or critical thinking, and no respect for consensus, for the vision of the center, or for commonality of thought and desire as it applies to civilization as a whole.

What and where is Modesto, and what does it stand for? These tough economic times are certainly going to hold up a mirror to the heart and soul of this Valley community, to us as individuals, and to the Modesto Bee.