Replies

RE: The Green Bay Teacher. From the blog of a Radio personality at Rush's Green Bay Affiliate:

1/20/09

4:01 PM, The "speech" Rush Limbaugh, etc...

Barack Obama was sworn in today as the 44th president of the United States. First, reaction to the speech. It's being reported President Obama wrote this himself (most of his speeches to this point have been penned by David Axelrod). I would argue both the writing and delivery were flat. Yes, there was talk of how hard-working Americans are what make America great. But Obama wasn't his usual oratorical self and it sounded more like a campaign speech than an inauguration speech. In fact, Obama still seems to be in campaign mode.

Rush Limbaugh: Rush chose to provide commentary during Obama's speech. I don't agree with that call. I also don't agree with the emails and calls I've received saying Rush's language was "offensive, hateful and bigoted."

Edison Middle School, I am told, used our station's audio for provide the speech to a student assembly of 1200. I am told Rush's comments made children cry, I was skeptical, and told the teacher who e-mailed me I found it hard to believe. Her response to my question was equally difficult to believe:

Dear Jerry, You have got to be kidding...Black African American students who have been waiting for hundreds of years to hear their strains for equality answered have only heard loud and clear the voice of a true bigot belittle this "DREAM"... in front of the world!

So, how exactly do middle-school aged children wait "hundreds of years" for anything? As I emailed her in response, this sounds a lot more like SHE was upset than her students were. By late afternoon it was pretty clear that the school was recruiting people to call and email. I, in fact, have let Premiere Radio Networks know I disagree with Rush's decision to do this. I do think it disrespected the office. The notion it was racists, offensive or hateful, I just don't see.