Limbaugh

February 24, 2021

We are all taught to not speak ill of the dead, but, in Rush Limbaugh’s case, I will make an exception because he spent his career maligning people, who he disagreed with. He disparaged them in the most heinous of terms. In a Springfield Republican op-ed, Cal Thomas says we need to understand the people he appealed to. Donald Trump awarded him the Presidential Medal of Freedom, and Gov. Ron DeSantis of Florida ordered flags to be flown at half mast. However, Rush Limbaugh did more damage to the United States than any other media figure short of Roger Ailes. Ultimately, he gave us Donald Trump.

Limbaugh, like Trump, was an entertainer and a rank opportunist. He didn’t criticize. He insulted and ridiculed. He didn’t question the biases of his listeners, he amplified them. He called President Obama a “magic negro.” He made fun of gays. He coined the term “feminazi.” He referred to the NBA as the “Thug Basketball Association.” He called a law student a “slut” and a “prostitute.” He mocked Chinese. He referred to Chelsea Clinton as a “dog.” He said, “Indians have casinos, what’s to complain about?” Finally, he denied the results of the Presidential election. There is lots more, but I think the point is made. He is not to be honored. He is to be reviled. He did not give voice to the “silent majority.” He gave it license.