A Different Opinion About Rush

I find myself in a difficult position, I have to defend Rush Limbaugh. Seriously, is this what the world has come too? To understand why I have come to this I have to explain.
What Rush said about Miss Sandra Fluke was reprehensible. Despite protestations, it was not about a poor choice of words. Yes, the words were insulting by any measure, but their meaning was even worse. Calling a young woman who uses birth control a “slut” is disgusting by any standard. It ISN'T the words that makes this bad, it is the MEANING. By asking that her insurance premiums pay for birth control (similar to the way that health insurance pays for Viagra) she gets labeled as a prostitute is beyond disgusting. Let's get this straight, the words aren't the issue, it is the meaning behind these words. Shame on Mitt Romney for saying: "not the language I would have used."
To make it more clear, The ability of women to control their reproduction has been one of the single most important developments of modern western civilization and one of the primary differentiators of “woman as property” and “women as people.” It would be easy, as an atheist, to get in to a diatribe about women and middle-eastern religions, but I'll avoid it for the moment. Suffice to say it is a moralistic and judgmental attack made by a deeply flawed person who is a convicted drug abuser and noted misogynist and hypocrite, yes, Rush Limbaugh.
Please understand that I hate EVERYTHING that Rush says. I see nothing in him as a person that I find redeeming. If I knew him personally, I can't imagine any context where I would not be repulsed by his very being. I don't like him.
The reason why I do not rejoice in his current situation is my belief in the “Bill of Rights” and specifically, the 1st amendment. I hate what Mr. Limbaugh has to say, but it is my duty to fight for his right to say it. Sadly, that puts me in a dilemma, condemn Limbaugh for his views or defend his rights.
In a moment of clarity, I realize that there is no conflict. There is a great quote: “The solution to 'Hate Speech' is more free speech.” I can say that Rush is a reprehensible human being and still defend him. Well, not actually defend him, his rights. What he said was wrong and he should be ashamed of himself, but I can't let that silence his voice unless I am OK with other controversial voices being equally silenced.