On the very day I was rushed to the hospital, heart attack
and all, the man who transformed AM radio, creating a
new industry within an existing industry, while making
not just fans but friends among millions of people who
never met him face-to-face but rather over the airwaves,
drawn to him by his distinctive voice and magnetizing
persona --- passed away, losing his battle with lung cancer.
Rush Limbaugh, aged 70, was, and is, the Father of
Conservative talk radio as we have come to know it,
bringing it up from a handful of local and regional
markets to a single national market with a vast audience
to match.
El Rushbo, as he was referred to by his legion of fans,
leaves a legacy of sharp, crisp news analysis from a
conservative point of view along with friendship,
warmth, and fine humor. Rush, a humble man at
his core, had a huge role in conservative politics
and conservatism itself, and could instantly strengthen
a cause and give heft to an argument. Rush even captured
the attention of the man referred to as the Godfather
of American Conservatism and the founder of National
Review, William F. Buckley Jr. They also formed a
friendship which lasted right up to Buckley's passing
in 2008.
He was also a generous man; many of Rush's acts of
generosity he kept quiet so as to shun the publicity
he would have received, taking his secret benevolence
with him upon leaving this world. And he fought the
Big C with tenacity, toughness, and courage.
Your mournful Peasant never had the opportunity to
meet Rush in person, but had listened frequently to
his radio show and watched his television show in
the '90s, coming to know him as a source of not
only information of importance to conservatives but
a bringer of good cheer, especially when times
were tough for those of us on the right. His show
is still on, hosted by past guest hosts and interspersed
with taped segments of Rush's commentary; a grand
and unique tribute to a great radio show host.
It eases the pain of the loss.
Rush, you used to say on your show that we your
friends and fans meant more to you than you ever
will to us; but you have always meant much more,
so much more to me than I ever will to you.
You gave me hope, positivity, and inspiration.
These things (especially the third one) led me to
publish this blog, which I have been so doing
for the nearly twelve years. If I could reach and
influence one tenth of the people whom you did
with my PWAP, I will go to my final reward
happy and proud! Thanks Rush for everything!
Requiescat in Pace.
MEM
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