Great article making a very cogent point. I know a number of people that live very conservative lives, go to church regularly, pay their bills, normally vote Republican, are solid members of the community and can’t stand the ranting of the Limbaughs and Hannitys of the world. I listened to many of the speeches at CPAC and I can tell you Limbaugh’s was one of the most light weight of the group. Limbaugh and many of his imitators sell a very limited, simplistic, low rent version of conservatism. One where you don’t have to think just believe and agree. Pick up your pitchfork and torch and storm the castle. I understand that He has his place in the entertainment end of the conservative spectrum much like a Bill Maher on the liberal side. However, it would be wonderful to actually have some enlightened conservative discussion on TV or radio once and awhile. A conversation amongst thoughtful people who would lay out the conservative message and how it can best address the problems facing the country in an in-depth intellectual way.
Personally I have a hard time taking a multi-millionare talking head who lives in a gated community and flies around in a private jet seriously when he rants about issues like unemployment, foreclosures and everyday pocketbook issues. Actually after listening to Limbaugh since 1990 I can tell you that in the last few years the quality of his show has devolved immensely as has the intelligence of his callers as a whole. Whether he understand it or not I have come to believe that he has become a great tool of the Left.
Flame away.
I'm not a big fan of Rush myself, but I think he does a lot of good for the conservative cause. While his address at CPAC may not have met your intellectual standards, it was very motivational. He laid down the gauntlet. That needed to be done.
Your comments about Rush's lifestyle and concern for the little guy sound like Democratic class envy. I'm not saying you are guilty of that, just that your comments give that impression.
For my part, I'm a firm believer in the American dream. And for me the American dream includes humble beginnings and entrepreneurial success. Small businessmen are my heroes because they provide the jobs that give people a chance to work and advance their lives. --I am certain Rush understands that point.
I guess my point here is that Rush serves an important purpose. He articulates the conservative view in a clear and entertaining way. Part of the design of his radio format is to allow listeners to join him for 20 minutes at a time (often in the car bewteen stops) and come away with a message.
He is an entertainer with a message. He is not an intellectual with a radio show.