Ed Schultz is taking a week off.

A number of feminist groups complained to MSNBC, who broadcasts Ed's television show, about Ed's language Tuesday on his radio show. According to MSNBC's release, Ed volunteered to take a week off without pay, and MSNBC agreed.

The objectionable language? He called Laura Ingraham a right-wing slut, a talk slut, and I can understand why the listeners were upset. It's terribly insulting to actual sluts.

After All

A slut, after all, is simply a woman who is open to accepting and returning affection, even with people she doesn't necessarily know very well. That's not a good description of Laura Ingraham. She broadcasts the talking points of the day, whatever they happen to be, apparently showing no discrimination whatsoever, and she gets paid for doing it. Instead of insulting sluts, Schultz should have used a more appropriate metaphor. Laura Ingraham is more like a cheap talk hooker.

I've known a number of women who have referred to themselves in private as sluts. In general, they've been quite nice women. The world could use more of them.

I don't believe for an instant that Mr. Schultz didn't mean to insult Laura Ingraham with that terminology. His mistake, the one he is apologizing for, is in allowing that terminology to be broadcast. No apology, though, will make anyone believe that he doesn't have a low opinion of friendly women. His mother should be ashamed of him.

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Ed Schultz - Laura Ingraham - slut - talk radio