Great American

We lost a great American yesterday. It wasn't unexpected, but it was heartbreaking just the same. Rush Limbaugh, beloved conservative radio talk-show host, succumbed to lung cancer just 4 months after announcing it to his cherished listeners. And we were cherished; he made sure we knew that fact throughout his illness. But in truth, we always knew it. He always made us feel that way. In truth, it actually felt not only like we knew him personally, but even more, like we were family. In a way, we were.

True to his nature Rush fought his last battle diligently. He promised us he would show up to work, whenever he felt well enough and he did. He fought hard, just as we all knew he would - ever the optimist and bright disposition. 

Needless to say, I am heartbroken at the outcome. Millions were praying. I was one of those. I often found myself wondering what in the heck will we do without Rush. I can't think how many times over the 32 years of his broadcast that I said, "Turn on Rush!" And, "I wonder what Rush will say about that."

There has been a lot of talk about his death in social media yesterday and today. It didn't take long before it got ugly. I saw some of that ugliness yesterday, but it was rampant today...less than 24 hours after his death. This is what prompted me to write about him today - always a believer that "history belongs to those who write". And I am one, like Rush, with a continual desire and commitment to be a defender of truth. I had also seen the below meme about the contributions Rush has made to our society. I just wanted to say "ditto" to that meme; so below are my morning musings about some of Rush Limbaugh's contributions to our society.

Rush was the conservative voice when mainstream media went left. As Mark Levin said last night, "He was preaching the case for America," at a time we needed it most. He taught us how to fight the battle (that's figuratively - we have to explain that now) and not give up on our nation. He saved AM radio, while making us laugh every day. His show was on hundreds of stations, daily, with 15 million listeners. He created "talk radio". I was one of those that often said, "I wonder what Rush will say about this." It's true - he was fearless and criticism rolled off his back. He wasn't talking to those who criticized, anyway.

He came from a Godly upbringing, with a dad that taught him about politics and encouraged discussion. I remember hearing in an interview, Rush and his brother, David, talk about their childhood. It sounded very much like my own. They talked politics, so did we.

Rush made his salvation sure. I do not know exactly when that happened, but he made it public in the last months of his life.

I knew he was a generous man, giving to and promoting various organizations. But yesterday, I learned some wonderful facts about his generosity that had previously been committed to silence, with people deciding at his death it was now ok to share.

He bought several track chairs for veterans and he gave over 3 million dollars to Tunnels for Towers - an organization that builds homes for wounded veterans and first responders. He supported Freedom Alliance who help wounded vets rehabilitate. John Rich shared a story yesterday, where he was sworn to secrecy, but now felt he could tell us Rush had donated 100,000 dollars to St. Jude while helping John in a telethon. Laura Ingraham told of a time Rush left a $2000.00 tip when the two of them had had dinner. The people that worked for him stayed with him...some for his entire 30+ year career, because they were treated so well. I am sure there are countless other stories. It was his habit in life, not the exception.

I have felt like this before...deep sadness at the death of someone I didn't really know. And that was at the death of Andrew Breitbart, as well as Atonin Scalia. Warriors all.

Today, I see attacks throughout media. People just can't let someone die, anymore. I think it would roll off Rush's back. He wasn't talking to those people anyway. But that isn't "the way things ought to be".

No one will replace him.

Please enjoy the below interview with Mr. James Golden, AKA Mr. Bo Snerdley - Rush's longtime producer and friend. A very moving tribute.

THE MARKET PLACE

Soft musical notes

that catch a ride on the wind

mingle with laughter

that drops and rolls back up again.

A drizzle of rain

but no one seems to care,

and secondary to nothing

are the smells that fill the air.

They all blend together:

Bakeries, flowers, fish, the sea

and that woman’s perfume,

is not offensive to me.

Sweet, fresh hyacinth

beckons me to stop.

As I am lured inside of

an old fashioned coffee shop.

Shouting and joking of merchants

make the people laugh.

Others in their booths

are anxious to sell their craft.

I warm myself with cappuccino,

and pause to reflect a bit

about all the types of people,

I see from where I sit.

Here poverty blends with wealth

and no one’s out of place.

Skid row bums, hippies left over

and so I search each face.

Each one has a purpose.

They all have a destiny.

Some have chains that bind them;

Some are gloriously free.

Some know where they are going…

Some, quite simply do not.

I know the Key to their freedom

and the price for which they’re bought.

The wind is blowing their direction.

The knock is upon the door.

Which ones will open up

a Great Salvation to explore?

One’s wealth is unimportant

As are one’s battered clothes,

His talents they are displaying

Their heart is what He knows.

His love displayed throughout creation,

Man bought at a very high cost.

This is His Market Place;

His purchase is the lost.

A seagull calls from a piling begging

My thoughts return once again

To all that is before me

To the market place of men.

I look out upon the ocean

and it occurs to me

He controlled it with a whisper,

And He still whispers to set us free.

*Copyright   ©1983