Limbaugh's opinion is a valid one

If I said that the world was flat and not round, that would not be an opinion, that would be stupidity.

Yet, Rush Limbaugh states a valid opinion and is vilified for it by the PC crowd, and is called "stupid" to boot.

The political talk show host was hired by ESPN as a television sports analyst. In that capacity, he stated that Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Donovan McNabb, who has gotten off to a poor start this year, was "overrated because the media wants to see a black quarterback succeed."

To say "liberal media" is unnecessary. That would be a given.

Okay, you say, so tell me this: just what is a "valid opinion?"

Here is one. The first three songs by the Beatles released in the United States were popular with our youth, but the songs were weak musically and lyrically. The fact that the Beatles improved to the lengths they did could not have been forecast by anyone. To say early on that the Beatles had little to offer and would die a fad's quick death would have been a valid opinion at the time.

There is no question that McNabb is a superb athlete, and a superior quarterback. So far. He has not played long enough in the NFL to form a true or shared opinion. Kurt Warner started out famously. If McNabb had proven himself over the past dozen years, Limbaugh's comments would be those of an idiot, obviously. McNabb, however, has not proven himself one way or another. He would not be the first can't-miss to fizzle.

The media has long searched for the Great White Hope from the heavyweight boxing ranks. There was Jerry Quarry, Ingemar Johansson before that, and Tommy Morrison perhaps the most recent. Moreover, why not search? Why not exaggerate the next white guy who looks like he could go a round or two against a, well, a black?

Only two black quarterbacks have ever led his team to a Super Bowl.

That is reality, not perception. Certainly not opinion.

I would estimate that blacks comprise about 80 percent of total NFL rosters. More than that if you eliminate quarterbacks -- is a pattern forming? -- and kickers. Only nine current NFL quarterbacks, from 32 teams, are black. That is 28 percent. That is an underdog percentage. Who does not root for the underdog?

That is reality, not perception. Certainly not opinion.

To say, as Limbaugh did, that McNabb is overrated and being hyped as the next Great Black Quarterback is a valid opinion. Even if it turns out to be wrong.

To back down and resign, as Limbaugh did, is weak. He had no reason to do so. No good reason, anyway.