Posted on 12/07/2005 11:47:00 AM PST by indcons
I have never posted a vanity before and I promise this one will be my last one for some time to come. This vanity is in response to FReepers who suggested that I discuss my experience as a caller on the Rush Limbaugh Show today.
Here is how the unforgettable experience went:
The Screening Process
During the second hour, I called the program's number (800-282-2882) on my cell phone but did not get through immediately. Kept trying redial on my phone for about 5 minues before I got a lucky break (just as the program was going into a commercial). The screener who took the call wanted to know my name and location. He then wanted me to describe my question. Based on my previous experience with C-Span phone call-ins, I provided a brief two-line description of my comment/question.
However, the screener wanted me to describe the comment/question fully; I did so and was then asked a few questions on the topic (to ensure that I wasn't a liberal crank, I guess) by the screener. Once he was satisfied that I was legit, he put me on hold and told me that he would connect me after Rush discussed the WaPo column by Applebaum.
I was on hold for about 15 minutes before I could speak to Rush. In any case, I could hear the program live on the phone; this feature was really useful as it helped me pace my delivery when it was my turn to speak to Rush.
The Actual Call with the Great Man
The following transcript is from memory. Please forgive if I am not 100% accurate.
Rush: I haven't taken too many calls today. Only one so far. So, here is one from Lubbock, TX. Welcome to the program.
indcons (me): Thanks, Rush It is truly a pleasure to talk to you. You are truly an intelligent person who has been blessed with God-given talent. Wish you continued success for now and in the future.
Rush: Thank you...you are a very perceptive person :)
indcons: I am a foreigner in the USA and am surprised by the lack of awareness of the likely failure of our cause in Iraq.
Rush: OK, where are you from?
indcons: India...I have been living here in the USA for a few years now
Rush: How long have you been living here?
indcons: The last six years.
Rush: OK, so you have some idea of what failure can do in Iraq?
Indcons: Yes, I do. Rush, there are 48 countries in the Organization of Islamic Countries. Most are ruled by either despots (like the Saudis) or Islamic theocracies (like Iran)....democracy exists only in a few Islamic countries. When it does, its position is under attack by despots and theocrats.
In my opinion, if we cut and run from Iraq and fail in our mission to bring democracy there, the future of democracy in the entire Islamic world is in jeopardy.
Rush: That's a good point. What do you think the consequences are going to be?
indcons: I think they are too horrifying to even comtemplate.
Rush: So, do you think the Democrats here are aware of the failure of the consequences of democracy?
indcons: No, I don't think they do.
Rush: That's where I think you are mistaken. The Democrats, the liberals, are well aware of the consequences of pulling out of Iraq. They don't care for democracy....for them, it is about socialism. They want to retain their influence here in America by making everybody else follow socialism. And that's why they are called elitists.
indcons: I didn't think of that.
You're right, Rush. I have escaped socialism and have seen its devastating effects first hand. In India, we are still suffering from the consequences of our socialist past.
Rush: People like you have experienced socialism and know what it is like. You are an educated person.
indcons: There is something else, Rush. I am shocked by the reluctance of the liberals to finish the war of liberation that many of them supported initially. It is unfair of democrats and liberals to start criticizing the war whenever there are short-term problems or a couple of bombings. They should understand that support for a war is necesary for long-term national and international success. We should support the war till we achieve victory. We have no other choice.
Rush: The Democrats and liberals have never supported the war. They are only interested in seeing the USA defeated. The democrats' current actions are not surprising. (Rush is discussing this segment now!!).
indcons: The liberals don't care for American exceptionalism or for or our achievements.....
indcons: I agree, Rush. I think the American civilization is the greatesg civilization in history.
Call ends after about 6-8 minutes.
My thoughts
I really very honored to speak to the great man. I was also flattered by his comments on my knowledge of American politics ("You have obviously been keeping touch," Rush said).
I have been a regular listener of his for sometime now and this has been my most memorable experience. I am posting a lot of this memorable conversation from memory so please excuse any inaccuracies; none of them are deliberate.
Congrats.
If you were posting deliberate inaccuracies, we'd have made you go over to Democratic Underground.
I heard your call. You were good.
That was a fine moment and comment by you.
Congrats!!
I heard your call and I think your transcript is mostly right. It was a good call.
Ping to description of my conversation with Rush. This is in response to a few FReepers who suggested that I post this vanity.
Thought some of you who heard this exchange today would be interested in my detailed description.
Thanks for all the positive comments. Certainly appreciate them. :)
I will be grateful if somebody can post the transcript later today. Want to save it for posterity.
Mega kudos...
Yes, I heard you too...at first I thought it was a "prank" call, but the more I listened, the more you made sense...:)
I heard you also. You did an excellent job!
LOL.....no chance of that happenning :)
I recall Rush stated that his "one call" was from a Lib.
You're right...I forgot that detail.
Ditto that! Nice job!
I heard your call too. You were very good.
It was a very good call and you were to the point.
I have 24/7 subscription, so I get to enjoy it again later. I'll bet Rush puts your call on his website!
Didn't hear the call, but based on your transcript, you did a great job! But we should expect no less from a FReeper!
Can't wait to hear it later! Sounds great...you are right on target!
I'll bet this one goes up on his site that is available to all at http://www.rushlimbaugh.com/home/today.guest.html.
If it does, you'll be able to get a copy of the transcript there. Today's show will be up on his site two or three hours after the show ends.
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