Seriously. He may have set up a cookie cutter "seminary" in his own image to indoctrinate a generation of political acolytes, but prior to jumping on the "let's turn the Baptist Church into a Republican PAC" movement in the '70s (which, btw, was born the same place you and I were) his only claim to fame was that his father used to be a Democratic Congressman. Let me repeat: Pat Robertson is not the son of a respected clergyman who turned to politics, he's the son of a former politician who turned to religion. You could go blind looking for his seminary degrees; he may found seminaries, but he's never attended one. So why don't we all stop kidding around about what's really going on here? It began as a political act and it's ending as one, and religion is only relevant in terms of the marketing (which, as I recall, was not a primary consideration in Christs earthly ministry. )

Limbaugh's just that much worse; he's the shock jock of political broadcasting, and I'm not sure how much relevance even the politics has at this point. This kind of controversy is good for ratings, and Limbaugh knows that's how he sells ad time and books. Best way to put an end to that is to stop feeding the beast, but much as when people decry the quality of American prime time TV, it's not going to change because, despite all the complaints, 90% of the most vocal critics count the things they're criticizing among their guilty pleasures. Cuts both ways, too; frankly, I'm glad he's off free TV because I no longer have the urge to tune in, be exasperated and get all self-righteous about it.

All of that said, while it may not be kicking a Haitian when he's down, that last is exactly what Olbermann is doing with his editorial; he knows how the game is played, too: Limbaugh is good for his ratings as well, especially if Olbermann uses lots of incendiary language to condemn him. Then it's the gift that keeps on giving for both of them.

Again, best way to put an end to it is to focus political debates on substance and policy rather than soundbites and quick fixes (and blame laying) but don't hold your breath. It may be the best way, but it's a lot more challenging; you actually have to do your homework and have something of your own to offer rather than simply tearing down the other guy. Addition by subtraction is easier to do and more fun for most people to watch, which is why the two major parties can get away with offering variations on a scheme.