The Washington Post’s website today offers its own examination of conscience for conservative Catholics. Anthony Stevens-Arroyo writes of Rush Limbaugh:

But it is virtually impossible to separate his justifiable commentary from his objectionable verbal bullying by racism, sexism, homophobia, fear mongering and downright lies. Worse still is the encouragement to violence that is often implicit in statements like, “Who will rid us of this president (Obama)?” . . .
So, it is not a sin to listen to Rush: it is only sinful to be a “dittohead” and believe in lies or contribute to the climate of hate by repeating his provocative commentary.

First we were told that to criticize is un-American; now it’s an incitement to violence?

Actual hate speech is obviously not Christian, but Mr. Stevens-Arroyo is selective in his listening of Rush — who, in remarks that do not make headlines, defends human rights and Christian values as a matter of routine — and in his attention to political commentary in general. Has he any spiritual advice for Keith Olbermann viewers?