Good men live, lead, and die. In life, they have great impact. They see what others do not, apply energy to help us get there. Some have great impact after death. There was only one Rush Limbaugh – his impact will cast light far into the future. Here is why.
Much has been said about this pioneer of conservative talk radio, who died last week at 70, after an exemplary battle with an inexorable foe, stage four lung cancer. Call it another example of Rush’s willingness to engage “the good fight,” maybe his best.
At the end, his faith was stronger, his resolve reconfirmed, his iron will gone steel, his kind heart bigger, humor sustaining, and humility on his sleeve.
Anyone who listened, whether for 30 years or three hours, knows what they heard, how different he was from others in temperament, tone, authenticity, and effect. But to put it in words, maybe for recall later, Rush taught lessons on multiple levels, not just about politics and policy.
First, he taught truth matters. Search for it, find it, declare it, do not step away from it, help others see it.
Second, listen, because people will mold the truth you found, help you see it through their eyes, refine it, expand it, confirm it, hearten you as you hearten them.
Third, truth is not invented but found, like natural law, human yearning for liberty, rights we all recognize – speech, worship, assembly, self-defense, self-determination. These are God-given, not manmade. Governments cannot impair them without moral hazard; everyone has them. That is why government must be limited, so God-given rights will not be.
Fourth, trust your instincts, do not be bamboozled by what you are told – because that is what individuality requires, trusting what you know to be right, your common sense, the voice of your conscience, true north in the storm. And every life is beset by storms; his was too. Hearing loss, managing pain, unanticipated addiction, senseless persecution, defamation, grief, gratuitous insults, being misunderstood. Still, he shared what he saw, felt, learned in battle – and at calm.
Fifth, take what you know and what you believe seriously, but not so much yourself. Keep perspective, remember and confess your foibles, even if others hold you in high esteem. Humor is not just about lightening the mood or entertainment, although it does lighten, lift and entertain.
It is about realty, remembering we are all laughable, that we must know how to laugh at ourselves, and become comfortable with others laughing along. Self-deprecating good humor, a quality Rush much admired in Reagan, he also possessed in barrels. It takes you farther than anger, lowers a foes’ defenses, spurs reflection, makes every conversation more agreeable, even memorable.
One remembers Kipling’s poem “If.” Stanzas describe Rush: “If you can keep your head when all about you are losing theirs and blaming it on you; if you can trust yourself when all men doubt you, but make allowance for their doubting too; if you can wait and not be tired by waiting, or being lied about don’t deal in lies; or being hated, don’t give way to hating, and yet don’t look too good nor talk too wise …”
And this: “If you can meet with Triumph and Disaster, and treat those two impostors just the same; if you can bear to hear the truth you’ve spoken twisted by knaves to make a trap for fools; or watch the things you gave your life to broken, and stoop and build ’em up with worn-out tools … If you can force your heart and nerve and sinew to serve your turn long after they are gone, and so hold on when there is nothing in you except the Will which says to them: ‘Hold on!’ …”
So, Kipling’s poem is long, sentiments tight, but application to Rush just right. Rush was Kipling’s quintessential “man” – 130 years after Kipling wrote, another light that shines.
Sixth, Rush taught – treat others with respect, up to the point where they begin disrespecting and degrading others. When they forfeit the respect with which you treated them, do not let their actions affect your mood, just point out the obvious counter example, and have mercy.
Seventh, be kind in ways that matter, especially to people who need much, ask little, and do not expect your kindness. Empathy costs nothing but returns much. The best charity is unpublicized.
Eighth, give credit for ideas from others, even if you are an engine. Again, it costs nothing, is honest, reinforces idea creation; people are more grateful for thanks than you are for the idea.
Ninth, for what comes your way, be grateful. From adversity we learn about ourselves, what pluck we have; from good fortune we learn deeper gratitude; from challenge strength, from disappointment resilience. All push us higher, broadening our perspective, deepening gratitude.
And finally – what Rush did every day on the radio and what made him a force and a success, until his last moment with us – give all you have, because the only thing you take with you … is what you give away. And on that note, Rush has treasure waiting, because he gave it all away, left it all on the field, taught with all his heart, will be missed like no other. Our mission is to keep applying those lessons tirelessly, as he would do, would wish, and did. There was only one Rush, but his light lives.
As a young man I drank from the “Union” trough. For many years I was a union voter, a one issue voter. I started listening to Rush during Bill Clintons first term because an apprentice I worked with turned on his radio. “I remember thinking – “What a blow hard!” It wasn’t too long till I was convinced this pompous radio personality knew what he was talking about, he backed up his speech with facts.
Beginning with Bill Clinton’s second term I have not voted for any liberal politicians. They will be passing out cold drinks in hades the next time I vote for a liberal. Thanks for opening this country boy’s eyes, Rush.
He will be surely missed by me. Rush educated me, made me laugh and spoke the truth. He reminded me of my late father. I will miss him just as much.
To honor Rush:
Limbaugh Award for CPAC
EIB Media Inc
Golden Microphone Productions Inc
Limbaugh Ins for Media Leadership
Limbaugh Scholarship
Hwy, Blvd, St, Ave, Rd, Frwy, Ct, Circle
Rush Reads magazine
Limbaugh PAC: for values only, aid candidates
Add yours
What can any of us say that really explains the feelings of loss. I can’t think of anyone more important to freedom and liberty. A man who cared for ALL Americans
I remember my husband loved listening to Rush on the radio. He has since passed as well, but I will never forget how he always appreciated what Rush would say, and heartily agreed with him. Thank you, Mr. Charles, for the fine tribute.
May he richly R.I.P. !
I saw a tribute to President Trump on OAN by Harrison Hill that was video of Trump to the reading of IF by Kipling. It sure applies to Rush as well. Never heard the poem before but it is meaningful.
❤
Well written.
Rush had many qualities and used them to make a radio program above all others. He, indeed, will be missed. There will never be an Rush Limbaugh.
We will never be able to replace Rush. He will be badly missed. The best tribute to give him is for all of us to step up and fight the evil that is taking over our precious America. I grew up listening to Rush, my kids have grown up listening to him and now my grand-kids are listening to him. We have a government right now that has one agenda – destroy America and make a communist country. WE NEED TO FIGHT BACK HARD.
thank you for sharing. many of us still in shock-cannot believe the golden mike has gone dim,
irreplaceable.The great one. I miss him and cry all the time. Hard to believe he is no longer here.
The thing that upsets me is that liberals listen to mental pygmies who spout lies about Rush and the liberals believe them and are intransigent about believing what they have heard even though they probably did not listen to the man himself. And you cannot budge them from their prejudices about Rush. Yet they call us cultists. It’s all so disgusting.
And that holds true not only about Rush, but about Trump, about communism, about America, about all of their wrong headed opinions.
And liberals believe insults are an argument and the last word.
I am so tired of liberals, so very impatient with them.
Where is John Galt’s Valley?
Hope his legacy lives on too many extreme left wing cuckoos out there. Michael Savage the other conservative proponent.
He so inspired. He left me with a stronger faith in GOD. he taught me that ” WE ARE ON LOAN FROM GOD”. His famous saying. Be blessed that we all are on loan, and be thankful, daily. He taught us to be grateful, kind, and thankful to our Faith, our Families, Friends, and our enemies will become tolerable. He taught me to be peaceful, strong in faith and perseverance, thankful, kind, courteous, peaceful, and more loving. We could not have a better mentor.
Exposed the hate and evil that others are touting. Darkness hates the light. I look forward to more light-bearers in our increasingly dark world.
A great tribute to a great man. He articulated the truth and brought enlightenment to many who listened to his wit and wisdom.
A beautiful tribute. Rush is enjoying the fruits of his labor.
Beautiful tribute, AMAC! Rush was all of that and more. He knew our history and taught the intent of the founders. We owe it to our posterity to keep fighting to keep our Republic.
Beautiful tribute to an extraordinary man. His life and legacy are a blessing to all of us. RIP dear Rush. Though I only knew him from his golden voice, my eyes swell with tears when remembering this great, larger-than-life human being.
Wonderful tribute and great advice for all to follow.
I sensed this before Rush passed. He had a God given gift of telling it like it was…not like some people wished it was, but like it was.
Rush raised (and personally donated) millions to the surviving members of first-responder and US military personnel families. Meanwhile the ##tches at The View and other Hollywood trash slander him while they have done NOTHING for our brave man and women who serve!!
Rush was so much like Trump: unique and unaffected by a bunch of naysayers who couldn’t find their rear ends with both hands!!
God speed and rest well, good and faithful servant.
Rush was a great man, and a very compassionate person. He could relate to listeners from many levels. I know of two liberals who found the light after listening to Rush. All of the hate mongers who trashed Rush after his passing have no character or just have cold hearts. Perhaps they are jealous of what Rush had. He will go down in history as a generous person who was loved by many millions of people.
Rush was a good man and loved our military and police and what is best for America // I will remember him when he received the Medal of Freedom from Trump at the State of the Union address// I will also remember the scuz ball Pelosi ripping up the paperwork from that same address and along with Biden who hates our military//hates our police and wants what is worst for America//Hopefully by 2022 we can fire Pelosi and Biden will destroy himself””””””””
I remember first hearing Rush Limbaugh on WOWO Radio in Fort Wayne, Indiana about 30 years ago. I thought: Wow! This is my kind of radio talk show host.
After my first true conservative mentor – Bob Lott – passed away, I was looking for a voice to replace him. My friend had brought me from not knowing what conservatism was to crossing over and starting my journey toward a true understanding of the American Dream.
Rush filled the vacant spot in my life that Bob left.
I listened to Rush every day, and continued to research the conservative and biblical principles he espoused to shape my worldview. I wanted to be able to give answers to those who reject and do not understand our nation’s founding principles.
I was a true and dedicated student of the “Limbaugh Institute for Advanced Conservative Studies.” I made several unsuccessful attempts to reach him on the show by being a lucky caller. I never got through. Speaking to him just once was on my bucket list. But I did meet James “Bo Snerdley” Golden twice – unaware each time that he was Rush’s call screener and loyal advisor.
Rush was a remarkable person who loved everyone. He even tried to reach out to those who hated him. He never gave up on goodness or downplayed the goodness in our souls. He was always optimistic.
He knew how to “break it down to us.” Rush made it plain and simple, and had fun doing it.
He reached out to every age group, and always dwelt on subject matter addressing our concerns. He was not afraid to call out progressives, or even conservative politicians, for promoting bad ideas.
Rush was a very humble man. He liked to joke about having “talent on loan from God.” And he would say that he would happily confront his liberal critics with half of his brain tied behind his back.
Yet there were people with a visceral hated for Rush. Even though he was often lied about and slandered, he held up the conservative banner without shame. He didn’t allow hatred to conquer his good will or the message of how freedom and liberty are available to all Americans.
I even remember purchasing some of the products he endorsed, like the iced tea. It was good stuff!
Rush had a passion for helping our children and giving them the tools to help them understand the story of America and our nation’s unique place in the world. His books will forever be cherished by those who read them.
Off the air, he was involved in helping many charities and causes. He was outspoken about the role of those who serve in the military. I am one veteran who appreciated his admiration for our troops.
I was brought to tears when First Lady Melania Trump draped the Presidential Medal of Freedom around his neck during the 2020 State Of The Union Address. Rush was a deserving recipient of that award, and he accepted it with an endearing mix of humility and pride.
Rush often talked about knowing God. He wasn’t ashamed to talk about how his mother raised him to respect the Bible and Christianity. I believe that he found peace with God through Jesus Christ.
Although Rush is now gone, his memory, work and words will live on in the hearts of people like me. We will miss him, and we will never forget him or the role that he played in advancing conservatism. May God continue to bless his family.
I urge each and every person that knew him to continue to live up to his legacy. By doing so, we can continue to promote his life-long work and keep his memory and words alive in our hearts and in the lives of others for years to come.
May Rush rest in peace.
Sincerely,
Emery W. McClendon
Beautiful sentiments about a great man!
What a marvelous article about a great man! At one point in my life I listened to Rush Limbaugh daily. He had a good sense of humor. One time he said that he could not win the presidency because he had very little hair!! I think he would have made a great president. He said things as they were, without apology. His knowledge about politics and politicians was amazing! RIP, Rush Limbaugh.
I enjoyed the article also. A beautiful tribute indeed. His light does in fact live on.
“Talent on loan from God”, Rush fought the good fight, I’m sure he was ready! He can rest in peace, his work here on earth was done. We will miss him!
Heartfelt.
Our Lord and Savior took him home BUT his spirit of truth and freedom will have to be reinforced by those of us he left behind who are believers! God bless the time the LORD allowed him with us!
Thank you so much for your article. I have read so many tributes to Rush, but yours is the best. You captured the essence of who he was. I am going to read Kiplings poem again with Rush in mind. Nothing greater can be said of a life than to be welcomed into God’s eternal kingdom hearing the Lord say, “Well done good and faithful servant.” I think Rush heard those words!
Rush kept many of us sane. When the Clinton’s were in office, and it seemed every other week there was a new scandal. He always let us know what was true and what was false. I will never forget when Bill said I did not have sex with the women. From that point on I knew that the Dem’s could not be believed. Rush was an honest man and a very caring man. A lot of people didn’t know- how much he gave to the needy. Every year he had a radiothon for children with cancer. He has donated more than most any liberal alive. All through the Obama years in the White House, he would tell his audience what was coming next. Now we have Obama back we need a strong conservative to carry on the voice of Rush. Rush never talked about hate he talked about new ideas and logic. God will Bless all. His memory will live forever.
Peace to his family , thank full he shared his life . Now the Americans he taught and who listened need to step up and continue on . Much better article then Uncle Joe , nutty Nancy forming a 911 committee there are thousands of these life’s stories that need to be told to reach out to the people that yearn for freedom !
Rush was a true patriot, he lived , defended, and with all he had in him loved America. May God rest his soul. Rush Limbaugh I am glad you were a citizen of my Country !!!!!
What a beautiful and accurate way to give tribute to Rush. He was an amazing human being and I will miss him as will many others. God bless you and rest in peace, Rush.
I stumbled upon Rush 30 years ago driving in northern VT and became a fan almost immediately. He was a great copilot all these years in NE. I am bothered by all the D hate expressed in his passing which is completely unearned. If you really listened to him, his honesty and integrity shined. He will never be replaced!
You described Rush so well and what examples he gave us for our journey forward. Thank you!
Rest In peace to the Truth Detector
Will miss Rush, turned to him when had question about some current issue and he always clarified….rest in peace we all love you ..30 year radio friend…
He will surely be missed. So sorry for his loss.
Amen!
So well said. A truly wonderful and honorable tribute to the one of a kind “Truth Detector”. You could not listen to Rush without knowing he was a true Patriot, and historian that loved America and it’s people. He will be sorely missed, RIP our Rush.
Well said. Thank you and keep the faith.
A wonderful tribute to a wonderful man! Rush knew there were people out there who hated him but he forged on. Why? bc Rush was a great Patriot and his information about the left, was right on! He was an avid reader and did not say things unless he studied or read it, unlike the liberals who just spewed ridiculousness. Will miss you Rush and we Patriots will carry on your message of not letting anyone turn this country into a trash heap! That’s what Rush fought for- our constitution
Love this tribute to Rush. Thank you. He was absolutely wonderful and is sorely missed.
It would be most fitting if Rush Limbaugh is selected to be AMAC’s 2021 Man of the Year.
I listened to Rush from the beginning and even saw him in Fort Collins, Co at Dan’s Bake Sale. We admired him greatly and will miss him. Hope to see him in heaven one day. God Bless all his family and friends and give them comfort.
He changed so many lives! He’s in heaven with so many conservatives so he will reign on.