You know that saying -- you can't keep a good woman down. That's what I thought when I heard Georgetown student Sandra Fluke's response to Rush Limbaugh's gross and desperate tantrum yesterday. She didn't exactly say "women no longer bow to bullies like you" -- but that was definitely the spirit of her response.
Sandra was the face of dignity when MSNBC's Ed Schultz interviewed her for her reaction to Limbaugh's creepy attack. Her message was clear: Women will not be silenced by bullies like Limbaugh. Period. If anything, this is a call for us to speak out more. And the way Fluke delivered this message makes us all feel stronger.
Here's what Fluke said when Ed asked her for her response.
I guess my reaction is the reaction a lot of women have when they’ve been called these names. Initially you’re stunned but then, very quickly, you’re outraged because this is, historically, the kind of language that is used to silence women, especially women who stand up and say that these are their reproductive health care needs and this is what they need. And what’s been amazing to me today is the outpouring of support. Everyone from members of Congress to Georgetown faculty to so many women who’ve contacted me, and I think it’s clear from what they’ve said that they’re not going to be silenced by this.
But really, you have to see the video to get her non-screaming, totally rational, clear-eyed delivery. I would have been yelling, "YOU WANT A PIECE OF ME? YOU WANT A PIECE OF ME, RUSH? COME AND GET IT MOTHERFU---" and then they would have cut to a commercial. So well done, Sandra. You represent women well.
Seriously, though, the voice of calm intelligence in the face of vulgar hate -- Fluke's response is inspiring for its calm but strong determination. And she's right. Women are not going to let a loudmouth clown or a crew of reactionary politicians keep us down. Thank you, Sandra Fluke, for saying it for us all. We will NOT be silenced.
What do you think of Sandra Fluke's response to Limbaugh's attack?
Image via Mediaite