The blogs have been fairly reserved about the plight of the Big Fat Liar himself, Rush Limbaugh, who apparently had an appointment in Samara yesterday.

Maybe there’s a sense that we shouldn’t kick a man when he’s down, and maybe all the facts aren’t in yet. The one thing that does seem certain is that a colossus has fallen. Not a colossus in terms of greatness or leadership, but certainly as a symbol, perhaps the symbol of today’s avaricious, mean-spirited, racist and closed-minded Republican. He’s finished.

I used to keep a tally of his lies and outrages. Back in 1995 I wrote a lengthy essay about him that got featured in my local newspaper, all about how he was intentionally and insidiously misleading his listeners, telling them outrageous untruths that a minimal grasp of history could demolish.

I went to his Web site a minute ago and read the pathetic, legalese-infused message that’s been stuck at the top:

“I am unaware of any investigation by any authorities involving me. No government representative has contacted me directly or indirectly. If my assistance is required in the future, I will, of course, cooperate fully.”

Of course.

Yeah, it’s sad to watch anyone implode, but I can’t help but feel it couldn’t have happened to a nicer guy. There’s a hint of poetic justice as well; what could be more at odds with Rush’s reactionary, compassion-less conservatism than drug addiction, a total loss of self-control — so ironic for a man who always stressed rugged individualism and making your own choices….

Rush is a topic especially close to my heart, and I suspect I’ll have a lot more to say about this as the story evolves.