It’s hard to believe that it’s been almost three years since Rush Hudson Limbaugh III left the earth. A lot has happened since then – a lot that he would have been able to explain to us, complain about, criticize, play songs about and laugh with us about.
When big or crazy things happen in politics, I always wonder, “What would Rush think?” or “What would Rush say about that?”
Rush died from complications of lung cancer on February 17, 2021 at the age of 70. He was born on January 12, 1951 and he would have been 73 years ago today.
I always remember how much he would complain about his staff making a big deal about his birthday – but I think he really appreciated the gesture. He was not perfect. He had his flaws. But in his heart, it was clear that he really loved his family and friends, his staff and his audience. If you go back and listen to his last broadcast on the air you will hear that.
And he had a lot of fun doing his show. You could always hear that too.
When Rush died, his wife Kathryn told us about it personally on his show. On a Wednesday a little bit after noon, she said to us, “I, like you, very much wish Rush was behind this golden microphone right now, welcoming you to another exceptional three hours of broadcasting. For over 32 years, Rush has cherished you, his loyal audience, and always looked forward to every single show. It is with profound sadness I must share with you directly that our beloved Rush, my wonderful husband, passed away this morning due to complications from lung cancer.”
But I am here today to talk about his life, not his death. The birth of Rush Hudson Limbaugh changed many of our lives – and for the better.
I certainly wouldn’t be doing what I am doing without him. Rush was the first “talk show guy” I ever listened to. That led me to Mark Levin, Sean Hannity, Bill O’Reilly, Fox News… and of course, Steve Gruber.
When September 11th happened, I started to pay attention to politics for the first time and luckily, Rush was there. I had a lot of catching up to do. He was full of wit and wisdom, facts and passion, questions and answers… it was three hours of learning every day and I was happy to be his student.
Rush was larger than life, a gem, El Rushbo, Maha Rushie, The Mayor of Realville…a trailblazer. The Democrats had been in the “game” of politics for a long time and Rush was able to get the rest of us on the field with him to fight the common enemy: the Democrats.
Since “our” side (Republicans and RINOs) didn’t have any kind of strategy to win the game (and still don’t), Rush was there to educate us, get us trained, and give us a strategy for victory.
He helped us ferret out the opposing team’s trick plays and got us playing offense, not just defense.
And Rush did all of it with a great sense of humor. I think what I liked most about Rush was his eternal optimism, his sense of humor and his ability to point out the absurdity of things. Of course, it wasn’t too hard to point out the absurdity of the Democrats. That was usually done just by playing a sound bite using their own words.
As YOUR present on Rush’s birthday, I will leave you with three things…. The first is a link to his “undeniable truths of life.”
I think my favorites for today are…
#12: Freedom is God given.
#20: There is a God.
#21: Abortion is wrong.
My second gift to you today is a link to the Rush Limbaugh Show’s theme song. How I have missed hearing that every day, knowing that exciting things would follow.
My third gift to you is a link to Bo Snerdly’s Rush Hour radio show. Snerdley (aka James Golden), was Rush’s call screener, producer, engineer, employee and friend. Snerdley is on the air every weekday from 4:00 to 5:00 pm EST on 77WABC in NYC – or you can listen to him on his podcast app or on the website linked above.
As we mark Rush’s birthday for another year, even though he’s not here to blow out any candles, let’s celebrate with the same joy and spirit that he brought into our lives – because some flames never truly go out. His legacy endures.
MORE NEWS: Hammering Out Safety Measures: Home Depot Fortifies Defenses Against Illegal Alien Problems
Happy Birthday, Rush.
Join the Discussion
COMMENTS POLICY: We have no tolerance for messages of violence, racism, vulgarity, obscenity or other such discourteous behavior. Thank you for contributing to a respectful and useful online dialogue.