Limbaugh on federal judge who ordered Abu Ghraib photos released: He "has sided with our enemies of Al Qaeda"

On the September 30 broadcast of his nationally syndicated radio show, Rush Limbaugh attacked U.S. District Judge Alvin K. Hellerstein, who recently ordered the release of dozens more pictures of prisoners being abused at Abu Ghraib prison in Iraq. Limbaugh claimed that Hellerstein "sided with our enemies of Al Qaeda." He continued: "Anything you can to harm and destroy the country, anything you can to be critical of this country, will be permissible on the wacko American left."

On September 29, Hellerstein ordered the release of 74 photographs and three videotapes from Abu Ghraib, which critics have claimed could harm the military's reputation or hinder U.S. efforts in Iraq. Limbaugh has repeatedly made light of the abuse of Iraqi prisoners at Abu Ghraib. On his May 6, 2004, broadcast, he described U.S. guards' mistreatment of Iraqi prisoners as "brilliant," and on August 4, 2004, he claimed the abuse was "sort of like hazing, a fraternity prank. Sort of like that kind of fun."

From the September 30 broadcast of The Rush Limbaugh Show:

LIMBAUGH: Another American judge, U.S. District Judge Alvin K. Hellerstein, has sided with our enemies of Al Qaeda. Pictures of detainee abuse at the Abu Ghraib prison must be released, despite government claims they could damage America's image. Judge Alvin K. Hellerstein said terrorists in Iraq and Afghanistan have proven that they do not need pretexts for their barbarism. The American Civil Liberties Union sought the release of 87 photographs and four videotapes as part of an October 2003 lawsuit.

Anything you can to harm and destroy the country, anything you can to be critical of this country, would be permissible on the wacko American Left.

—A.D.