why IS it ok for Maher to say hideous things about women

[Major Nikon]

199. I think there's a big difference between the two events

First of all there's no question that Maher is a misogynist. His comments were rebuked by NOW as they should have been. He should have apologized and didn't. He did double down on those statements. His explanation of those statements was pathetic. There's no question what he did was wrong, but it's not on the level of what Rush did. Maher said those things about a politician and a public figure. As such a person who takes extreme positions she should expect some of those comments regardless of whether they are right or wrong. She makes damn good money doing what she does and is well compensated for those troubles. Sarah Fluke is none of those things. She's a law student and a self described women's activist. Let's say Rush called Hillary Clinton a slut or a cunt. Certainly it would be just as wrong as what Maher did, but it wouldn't be on the same level as his statements about Sarah Fluke, and wouldn't have generated the same level of controversy.