It was sometime in the middle of May about twelve years ago; a warm summer breeze blew in my open window as I sat leaning out of it on the second floor of the house, directly above my grandmother who sat in her rocking chair on the patio below. A cold class of sweet tea sweated slightly in my hands. The radio was tuned to AM 750 and Rush Limbaugh’s rich voice was filling the air. This is only one of many cherished memories I save of the famed talk-radio host Rush Limbaugh who passed away this past Wednesday, February 17th after 33 years on the radio. Rush continued to do his show even up until the final days of his battle with lung cancer; if it were ever said someone had a calling, Rush was certainly following his. Rush had such a profound impact on my life and the lives of millions of people across the United States. His willingness to stand up for conservative principles, even in the face of massive opposition from establishment media and other opponents, is nothing short of inspiring. Rush spoke for the part of America belittled and forgotten by cultural and political elites. He single handedly shaped and influenced the political beliefs of multiple generations of Americans. To say that Rush’s career fits right into the definition of the intersection between media and politics would be an understatement; Rush’s show was the intersection of media and politics for something like 20 million weekly listeners across his syndicated radio show. So much so, for example, that the newly elected 1994 Republican controlled House of Representatives made Rush Limbaugh an honorary member of their caucus as they felt he had such a profound impact on the success of the Republican party in the election.
Rush’s conviction to stand up for what he believed in all while entertaining millions with his humor and wit will forever establish him as the “greatest of all time” as his wife Kathryn put it in her remarks after his passing. Rush regularly said he was having “more fun than a human being should be allowed to have” during his introductions as his show returned from break; I can say that he certainly was. Rush taught me to be endlessly curious, and inspired me to stand up for the principles I believe in. I will miss his three hours of radio, his booming voice, his energy, his positivity, his humor, and his unique take on the state of American politics and culture.
Rush always maintained he was gifted with “talent on loan from God.” I’m sure he is thrilled he finally gets to return that talent to the one who granted it to him.
Rest in Peace, Rush. You will be dearly missed.
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Fantastically written article on Rush. I will always remember him keeping me sane on long work days sitting in Atlanta traffic. He left fighting for what he believed in and loved, this country. I have many great memories from his shows that I will never forget. Miss you Rush, glad you are finally healed!
ReplyDeleteThis is such a wonderful piece!!!! Well done!!!! 👏👏👏👏💕
ReplyDeleteWell done Joseph. It was from the heart and I couldn't agree more. For decades Rush was a voice of reason in a world slipping deeper into liberal insanity. His practical solutions were based on the facts not feelings and our nation would be in a much better place if more folks would have listened. He enlightened millions to the truth about the direction this country was headed by pulling back the vail on lies and half truths told by those in power and political pundits they controlled. The world awaits the next generation of conservative voices to challenge emesis of nonsense flowing from the liberal puppets on the evening news. R.I.P. Rush...you will be missed.
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