So now we have to deal with the S-word? Talk radio mogul Rush Limbaugh dominated the news recently because he referred to a Georgetown University student as a “slut” on his radio show. The law student and birth-control advocate, Sandra Fluke, testified before the House Democratic Steering and Policy Committee during a mock hearing on women’s health and contraception. In her testimony, she explained why she thought the university’s student health-care plan should cover contraceptives. Limbaugh later used the S-word and called Fluke a “prostitute” on his syndicated radio show.

The reaction was immediate and off the charts. Liberals have embraced Fluke and attacked Limbaugh. All the late-night TV hosts have an opinion. Even President Barack Obama has given the event so much thought that he felt it necessary to call Fluke to weigh in. Where was he when Bill Maher called Sarah Palin a bimbo, and few other names far worse than “prostitute” and “slut”?

Although Limbaugh apologized and said his words were “inappropriate” and “uncalled-for,” many think he wasn’t sincere. Advertisers continue to withdraw from his show, and his remarks are being discussed and analyzed. It’s the latest uproar about words. Both powerful and indelible, words have gotten so many famous (and infamous) people in trouble, you would think people would begin to watch what they say, text, tweet or whatever. But they haven’t.

Obviously, Rush was wrong. The words he used were very poorly chosen and insulting. However, Fluke is also wrong. In this case, two wrongs have collided, and the fallout has yet to be determined.

What will become of Rush Limbaugh, now that he said “slut” and “prostitute”? Vote in poll to the right. Must vote to see results.

But that’s not what concerns us. Limbaugh is, after all, a shock jock. The most popular talk radio host in the U.S., Limbaugh is known for his sometimes outrageous rhetoric. It’s what he does. It is why millions listen to his show. We shouldn’t be surprised, and we shouldn’t give it nearly the amount of attention that we have.

As for Fluke, she has the right to make her own decisions about her sexual conduct. She seems typical of many young women in today’s world who feel entitled to a lifestyle many of us may not condone. She doesn’t have the right to ask that other Americans pay for her choices. That’s where she is wrong. That’s what conservatives consider outrageous. Maybe that’s all Limbaugh should have said.

But the real concern is this: Why are we so instantly preoccupied with these kinds of 15-minutes-of-fame moments? Americans are too easily distracted and too quick to focus on the small stuff and forget the major challenges we face nationally and internationally. The still-shaky economy, teetering on a narrow precipice, should be more important. Iran’s dogged pursuit of nuclear weapons and Israel’s possible response might be more pressing. Hundreds of our own have been displaced and killed by tornadoes in the Midwest. These are just a few of the many events that are so much more than some words bandied about. Why aren’t we focused on the hard stuff? Our preoccupation with the latest media hype could cost us dearly, if we aren’t careful. — Pula Davis, for the editorial board.