A Tribute to the Doctor of Democracy

Rush Limbaugh, a/k/a the “Doctor of Democracy, Truth Detector, Maha Rushie, Harmless Little Fuzz Ball, All Around Good Guy, and Mayor of Realville,” was gifted with “Talent on loan from God,” which he disseminated to his audience with “half his brain tied behind his back just to make it fair.” 

There is a passage in Proverbs that reads “We lead our lives by what we get; we live our lives by what we give.” Rush Limbaugh’s success allowed him to get much out of life; wealth, fame, adoration, and yes, a few enemies, but it is what he has given that is a true testament to that success as a host, entertainer, but more significant than anything else, as the measure of the man. Rush was a pioneer, a gallant soul, a philanthropist, generous, noble of heart, and whose magnanimity, and beneficence, have made for the betterment of the American people.

Rush was a patriot, a staunch believer in the Founding Fathers, the Constitution, the Judeo-Christian ethic, and traditional American values and principles. He was a defender of the dignity and sanctity of life, especially of the unborn. It has been said that Rush was the genesis of a movement and that he brought life back to AM radio and paved the way for the conservative perspective to act as a counterbalance to the left-leaning network news reporting, and eventually cable news outlets. Fox News, until recently, was a product of this conservative movement that Rush Limbaugh began. He was a kingmaker and is being given credit, in part, for the success of Newt Gingrich’s Contract on America in1994.

Last year, 2020, was a difficult time for most, and I can include myself in that group. But there was one shining light in all of the chaos and the trials and tribulations we have had to endure - it was Rush Limbaugh. For three hours a day, he made life easier to confront. His courage, fortitude, and perseverance, and in the end in the face of an extreme life-threatening illness and a fatal prognosis, he was an example for all of us: the weary, downtrodden, and disheartened Americans who tuned into his show each day.

When attending classes at “The Institute for Advanced Conservative Studies” that was broadcast over the Excellence In Broadcasting (EIB) network, I would often hear callers telling the host how he inspired them and is part of their lives. For the trucker on a long haul, there was always this guy sitting next to him in the passenger seat, even though it was only a voice; and for the homemaker, as she went about her daily activities from room to room being sure there was always a radio on within earshot so as to not miss a word from the mouth of the brash, bold, and tell-it-like-it-is El Rushbow; and the mother on her way to pick up the kids from school, he made the trip and the drudgery easier to deal with. He made them, as he did all of his listeners, think, laugh - the parodies were hilarious - and as his time neared its end, cry.

Some of the naysayers have questioned and disputed whether Rush Limbaugh was the most recognized, important, and listened to talk show host in America. They would mention other names, but it was all a façade, a feeble attempt to reduce him in stature. What they could not challenge, however, was the fact that no other talk show host had the effect and impressed so many in and out of the public eye with his commentary and knowledge of the facts. Presidents, journalists, cable and network news, even on the floors of congress, the name Limbaugh was spoken, both positively and at times negatively.

Whatever the future holds in store, there will be an emptiness in the lives of many. The radio won’t seem as inviting, expectations a little less certain; but then Rush would tell his listeners to buck up, stay strong, and have faith in themselves, family, America, and always trust in God.

When the soft voice of Mrs. Limbaugh came over the radio on that sad and sullen day, we all knew that the good Doctor of Democracy had lost the battle and had left us, shed his mortal coil, and moved on beyond the “Fruited Plain.” I said a silent prayer, and a thought occurred to me. As the flame slowly died, and the last vestige of the embers of his life faded, Rush heard a voice speak and call out his name. It was strong and powerful, and yet consoling and calm, it spoke and gave life back to his very soul, and brought him peace and joy. And then the voice spoke again, and said: “Rush, my son, that talent I loaned you, I want it back, bring it home to Me.”