I first listened to Rush in 1991...and discovered Free Republic in 1999 thru his program.
I found Free Republic a bit later, but I remember listening to rush in 1992 or so. I remember around DC local restaurants would create Rush rooms where people could go and eat while listening to the show.
Rush should be on Mt. Rushmore!!!
My liberal brother-in-law mentioned Rush in a conversation in the late 80s. The first weekday after that I found Rush on the radio and have listened to him ever since.
He was a brilliant communicator and thinker.