Update: Jane Hamsher Firedoglake - Take Rush Off Armed Forces Radio Network

Rush Limbaugh accused U.S. soldiers and veterans who question the occupation of Iraq of being phony soldiers.

I was outrages as were many. I wanted the Senate to condemn Rush Limbaugh for his hateful words much as the Senate condemned MoveOn. I thought there was about as much chance of that happening as Republicans actually balancing a budget.

But much to my surprise Democrats are speaking out against Rush Limbaugh forcefully.

Harkin: ‘Maybe Limbaugh was high on drugs again

Today on the Senate floor, Sen. Tom Harkin (D-IA) condemned Rush Limbaugh’s “phony soldiers” comment, saying that the radio host makes these “provocative things to make more money.” He then offered another possible explanation for Limbaugh’s “over-the-line” remarks:

HARKIN: I’ll just close, Mr. President, by noting that in August, seven soldiers published an op-ed in the New York Times criticizing the current strategy in Iraq. Tragically, two of those soldiers were subsequently killed in action, making the ultimate sacrifice for their country.

I can only assume by Mr. Limbaugh’s definition that they too were “phony soldiers.” Now what’s most despicable is that Mr. Limbaugh says these provocative things to make more money. So he castigates our soldiers, this makes more news, more people tune in, he makes more money.

Well, I don’t know. Maybe he was just high on his drugs again. I don’t know whether he was or not. If so, he ought to let us know. But that shouldn’t be an excuse.

Think Progress has video

Reid On Senate Floor: Republicans Who Criticized MoveOn Must Condemn Rush ‘With Equal Fervor’

During his show last Wednesday, Rush Limbaugh was engaged in one of his typical rants.

This rant was unremarkable and indistinguishable from his usual drivel, which has been steadily losing listeners for years — until he crossed that line by calling our men and women in uniform who oppose the war in Iraq “phony soldiers.”

This comment was so beyond the pale of decency that it cannot be left alone.

And yet, he followed it up with denials and an attack on Congressman Jack Murtha, a 37-year active member of the Marine Corps.

M. President, we have been debating the Iraq war here in the Senate and throughout the country for not months, but years.

There are good, patriotic Americans who favor the war — and good, patriotic Americans who oppose President Bush’s handling of it.

Neither party holds a patent on patriotism.

I know all my Republican colleagues would agree with that.

Yet Rush Limbaugh took it upon himself to attack the courage and character of those fighting and dying for him and for all of us.

Rush Limbaugh got himself a deferment from serving when he was a young man.

He never served in uniform.

He never saw in person the extreme difficulty of maintaining peace in a foreign country engaged in civil war.

Ye he thinks that his opinion on the war is worth more than those who are on the frontlines.

And what’s worse — Limbaugh’s show is broadcast on Armed Forces Radio —

– Which means that thousands of troops overseas and veterans here at home were forced to hear this attack on their patriotism.

Rush Limbaugh owes the men and women of our Armed Forces an apology.

On Friday, many Democrats joined me in drafting a letter to the Chief Executive Officer of Clear Channel, Mark Mays that we will send out this week. […]

I can’t help but wonder how my Republican colleagues would have reacted if the tables were turned — if a well-known Democratic radio personality had used the same insulting line of attack against troops who support the war.

The letter I read will be available on the Senate floor for the entire day. My colleagues on both sides of the aisle will have every chance to add their names to it, and I encourage all of us to do so.

If we take the Republican side at their word that last week’s vote on another controversial statement related to the war was truly about patriotism, not politics, then I have no doubt that they will stand with us against Limbaugh’s comments with equal fervor.

I am confident we will see Republicans join with us in overwhelming numbers. Anything less would betray a double standard that has no place in the United States Senate.

I ask my colleagues, Democrat and Republican alike, to join together against this irresponsible, hateful, and unpatriotic attack — by calling upon Rush Limbaugh to give our troops the apology they deserve.

Think Progress Has Video

Foiled Goil at Big Brass Blog has an excellent round up of quotes and links. Including:

Mark Udall to introduce resolution to condemn Rush

Congressman Mark Udall: On Monday I will introduce a resolution honoring all Americans serving in the Armed Forces and condemning this unwarranted attack on the integrity and professionalism of those in the Armed Forces who choose to exercise their constitutional right to express their opinions regarding U.S. military action in Iraq.