The Rush Limbaugh Effect

The mere mention of Rush Limbaugh’s name produces a strong effect and never fails to spark controversy with the American public. He began his career in radio as a teenager in 1967 in his hometown of Cape Girardeau, MO. Since that humble beginning he has risen to national prominence as a major voice of conservatives in this country.

Limbaugh is now a conservative political commentator, and an influential opinion leader of the conservative movement in the United States. He is the host of The Rush Limbaugh Show aired throughout the U.S. and is ranked the highest-rated talk radio host in America.

In the 1990s, Rush’s notoriety grew. He became a best selling author with “The Way Things Ought to Be” (1992) and “See, I Told You” (1993). From 1992 to 1996, he also aired a half-hour television talk show.

No matter what your opinion of him may be there’s no denying his success and it’s been said you can’t argue with success. Or can you?

Conservatives hail him almost as a demigod. Liberals attack him at every utterance issuing from his mouth. How can one man inflame the passions of so many? Could it be his subject matter? Growing up most of us learned it was taboo to talk politics or religion in certain surroundings. Either topic is capable of igniting an all-out, knock-down, drag out, “free for all”.

Americans have always been fervently outspoken concerning individual political stances and that’s what Limbaugh brings to the discussion table. He conveys forthright, uncensored talk with a little of his own brand of humor mixed in.

Limbaugh frequently mentions the EIB (Excellence in Broadcasting) network, a mythical construction. Or claims he has “Talent on loan from God”. However, some don’t find him amusing and are dead serious about their political views. Negative comments about the cigar chomping host abound, usually coming from the liberal left. This in itself is alright. All Americans have the right to free speech and can openly express legitimate opposing views.

What isn’t socially acceptable, however, are those who find it difficult to defend their opposing views and stoop to childish name calling and character assassination. Rush is forever being held up to public ridicule concerning his obesity. So, isn’t it true Americans are the most overweight people on the planet?

Another tactic is “He’s a drug addict”! How many Americans are arrested each year due to illegal drugs? We’re you one?

The list of name calling, back biting and sometimes outright fibs is endless. What we need as a nation is constructive commentary and avoid playing “the blame game”. You can love or hate the man, but we need to keep a sense of fairness.

By the way there’s a new invention out called an “on and off switch”. Feel free to use it.