Posted on 07/01/2005 5:08:56 PM PDT by writer33
Russell Kirk once wrote, “A conservative is not, by definition, a selfish or a stupid person; instead, he is a person who believes there is something in our life worth saving.”
In the essay, The Essence of Conservatism, Kirk goes on to define conservatism and explain the unique qualities of conservatives; the individualities that mark the distinct differences between American conservatives and the rest.
Those indelible qualities have been incorporated into America’s soul from our Founding Fathers. They sought a Republic as moral, as just and divine as any in the world. They sought an America full of hope and inspiration for all of mankind. And they founded a country bathed in God’s wisdom, dedicated to liberty and based in economic prosperity, setting a shining example for those that choose to follow. In our forefathers’ wisdom, they handed down an America that should be cherished and celebrated with every waking moment.
Conservatives are—by their very essence—the brightest hope of America’s future. They are not ignorant, violent, or racist. They believe in equality for all men and women, yet know that it must not extend to a great experiment; an experiment rooted in socialistic fundamentals. They believe you reap what you sow, defining the difference of abilities. Or as Kirk writes, “The just society requires sound leadership, different rewards for different abilities, and a sense of respect and duty.” It is the sense of respect and duty that leads American conservatives to believe God ordained the inalienable right of freedom to all mankind; that America is a beacon in the darkness.
American conservatives are the very spirit of the greatest country in the world. They are the engine in the American machine, the machine that produced a superpower and helps spread liberty to all men and women. It is their indefatigable nature that provided for surpluses of wealth not found in the “civilized” areas of the world. They are staunch defenders of the U.S. Constitution. They remind all that power should be kept under local control, and that privatizing is an inexorably good quality for the country. They breed a proper system of checks and balances for government, the market and private citizens.
Conservatives believe this nation should lead the world stage in the 21st century—such is one lesson handed down from their forefathers, dating from the Revolutionary War, and leading its way in the War on Terror. They do not believe America should reshape the world, just propagate liberty. They believe, in the words of Thomas Paine, “The world is my country, all mankind are my brethren, and to do good is my religion.” For American conservatives, a society free from tyranny is a healthy society. It is conservatism that will defend the country, protect its citizens and secure a healthy, free economy for their posterity.
The values shared—beginning in 1776—have been passed down from father to son and mother to daughter for generations. Every generation faced its own unique challenges, beginning with the Founding Fathers and the Revolutionary War. Next, came the bloody Civil War, as America struggled against herself, followed by the beginning of socialism in the “New Deal.” American conservatives believe, however, “The Great Society” was the beginning of the downfall of personal responsibility, ushering in an era of social programs to the bane of American taxpayers.
They know that no truly great society can survive by basing its foundation on wealth redistribution. They know the Founding Fathers created the Constitution—the greatest conservative document in World History—establishing a free economy and placing the aspirations of a young country on the individuals that drive it. That generation of Americans carved out the beginnings of the finest nation on Earth. They were difference makers, forging traditions in morality, divine justice and a belief in the rule of law that governs the conduct of the people.
Those traditions have rooted themselves in America, expressing the finest intentions of Kirk’s philosophy on American conservatives: “They understand that men and women are best content when they can feel that they live in a stable world of enduring values. Most conservatives are neither rich nor powerful. But they do, even the most humble of them, derive great benefits from our established Republic. They have liberty, security of person and home, equal protection of the laws, the right to the fruits of their industry, and opportunity to do the best that is in them.”
These values are passed down to ensure the right direction of this Republic. There can be no vitality rooted in liberalism. So the difference makers emerge at the ready, preserving a great society, conservatism, breeding a good culture. These difference makers are exemplified in a man like Rush Limbaugh—a man rejuvenating American conservatism, founding sound principles for the United States and expressing conservative thought to the majority of Americans: conservatives.
Rush Limbaugh follows in the footsteps of giants, such as George Washington, Thomas Paine, and Ronald Reagan, promoting the ideals of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. He broadcasts affectionately trying to steer growing government towards the ideals of the Constitution. He believes that Americans with limited government are better Americans. He believes that Americans shouldn’t murder babies in the womb. He believes that judges shouldn't legislate from the bench. He believes that tax cuts are good for the economy. And finally, he believes safe Americans living free are the best Americans of all.
Boldly he pronounces the lies of liberalism and asserting daily doses of truth. With resounding conviction, he echoes the sentiments of the Founding Fathers, evoking the wrath of those who oppose him. His passion forces him to carry the torch of liberty and justice, inflicting backlash, lies, and corruption at his doorstep. The compassionate liberals, those that believe in fair play and equal justice, will do almost anything to berate him.
Mildly he sits and passes on his message, his passion, his views, his legacy. A legacy of truth, justice, and the conservative American way. He hands his gift down day after day, show after show. He will live as one of the greatest men in conservative history correct 98.5 percent of the time. There are few men in history that has received the same award as President Ronald Reagan. There are fewer men that could go on day after day under the scrutiny he faces. And there are only a handful of men that could keep themselves reserved while suffering the onslaught of the visceral hatred of “compassionate liberals.”
Would America have survived the liberal assault without him? Thank God we never had to find out. He prevailed, cutting the heart of socialism out of this country. And he did it very simply, by endorsing a conservative agenda, an agenda that propagated liberty—spreading like a wildfire through the “New Media.” The fire grew until the mainstream media was brought to its knees.
The man responsible was Rush Hudson Limbaugh III. His passion and greatness all began in 1984, in a radio station in Sacramento, California, as he single-handedly began to dismantle the liberal media, proving that conservative thought is the predominant philosophy in America. The work ethic, values and principles—those values actually held by the majority of the American people—had finally been validated in a broadcast, a huge voice on the “Golden EIB Microphone.” If history is kind—and it will be through God’s grace—it will not just judge Rush Limbaugh as a great man, but judge him as a man responsible for breaking the grasp of socialism on America. It will judge him as a man that helped found the new truth.
Rush is fond of saying, “Conservatism works. Every time it’s tried.” And conservatives are here to thank Rush for his greatness. They’re here to thank him for The Way Things Ought to Be and See I Told You So. Conservatives are here to thank him for keeping them sane during the Clinton administration, for battling liberalism, socialism and tyranny. They’re here on the Fourth of July weekend to celebrate America’s freedom, it’s military, the Founding Fathers and for The Rush Limbaugh Show, The Limbaugh Letter and for the Rush Limbaugh Television Show.
Rush Limbaugh held Ronald Reagan “as one of the greatest presidents of all time and certainly in his lifetime.” It is with blessed assurance that Ronald Reagan is looking down on the Fourth of July weekend—a weekend that represents the liberties that Rush Limbaugh propagates—raising his glass and smiling at Rush Limbaugh, one of the greatest Americans in the twenty-first century.
I love Tony. He nailed the D-Congressman who was applauding Clinton for getting Ginsburg through, when that (unfortunate) credit went to the GOP who didn't BLOCK it. The poor chap couldn't see the hypocrisy of Clinton getting his pick through, as his party blocks everyone of Bush's picks. Last night he intelligently took on a Cosby basher and again today, Planned Parenthood. He's smooth.
Excellent piece Chris. Thank you. HAPPY 4th.
Rush is the man. I never miss his show if I can help it.
Well, I'd have to say you're worth the read! *HUGS!*
Yep, he's doing great tonight too (when O'Reilly isn't on). LOL!
Rush can drive me nuts with his self-promoting self-agrandizement, but I gotta hand it to the guy - he's always been there, like the ugly, happy chick cheerleader that made the squad as a freshman.
Great pic!
Rush is a great American...and a great gift.
Rush is a great American...and a great gift.
You're welcome. No problem at all.
"Rush is a great American...and a great gift."
Amen! Right on the mark.
Mega-dittoes.
IMHO Rush is one of the greatest American's alive today. He is like family to me.
I just wished it were true.
Well written essay, Chris, and a fitting tribute to one of the greatest Americans. Rush is a national treasure and has been a source of encouragement and truth for millions of Americans. God bless you, Rush!
I beg to differ...he is NOT a mouthpiece for the administration, he has FAR more respect for the Constitution...I'm a big fan as you can tell from my adopted name, but all bias aside, you are just plain wrong.
Why do I get the feeling of 'deja vu' when I read this?
As that operatic soprano sings: "God Bless you, Rush Limbaugh"!
This is a wonderful tribute to Rush. Thanks for printing it!
(Rush -- if you are reading this, would you play the tape of that soprano a little more often, please. I love it!! Beautiful aria --- true words!)
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