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 reproductive rights activist, Sandra Fluke, testified before the House Democratic Steering and Policy Committee 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 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, and there's probably good reason for that. Advertisers withdrew from his show, which is their right.

It's the latest furor about words. Both powerful and indelible, words have gotten so many people in trouble you would think people would begin to watch what they say, text, tweet or whatever. But they haven't.

Rush was wrong. The words he used were insulting and shallow — at best.

Fluke was also wrong in her position. In this case, two wrongs have collided, and the fallout has yet to be determined.

That's not what's of pressing concern, though. Limbaugh is, after all, the most popular talk radio host in the U.S. and 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 this kerfuffle doesn't deserve nearly the amount of attention that it has received.

As for Fluke, she has the right to make her own decisions about her sexual conduct. She doesn't have the right to expect that other Americans — or even private insurers, for that matter — unwillingly pay for her choices.

That's where she is wrong. That's what conservatives consider outrageous. That's all Limbaugh should have said, but he stirs the pot for a living — remember?

A genuine 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. A lot of things should.

Our preoccupation with the latest media hype will cost us dearly, if we aren't careful.

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