I thought the GOP's determination to make a campaign issue about contraception was pretty weird in itself, but it took a truly reprehensible turn when Rush Limbaugh suggested that a college student was a "slut" because she testified before Congress about the importance of covering contraception, especially for women who might need it for reasons that had nothing to do with birth control.

The woman, Sandra Fluke, issued a statement in response to Rush's declaration that she was a slut:

I thank the thousands of women and men, including members of Congress, Georgetown University students and faculty, and total strangers of all political stripes across the country who have offered kind words and support following recent egregious personal attacks.

We are fortunate to live in a democracy where everyone is entitled to their own opinions regarding legitimate policy differences. Unfortunately, numerous commentators have gone far beyond the acceptable bounds of civil discourse.

No woman deserves to be disrespected in this manner. This language is an attack on all women, and has been used throughout history to silence our voices.

The millions of American women who have and will continue to speak out in support of women's health care and access to contraception prove that we will not be silenced.

Rush responded with his demand that women tape themselves having sex and post the videos online so others could watch them.

In case you want to hear Rush's original comments on Fluke's testimony.