OPINION:
On the morning of Feb. 3, 2020, Rush gathered the highly overrated staff in the EIB Southern Command to tell us about his diagnosis of advanced lung cancer. He broke the news to his audience that afternoon.
The next morning, while still in shock, I got a call from my friend Sean Hannity. He told me to make sure I watched then-President Donald Trump’s State of the Union address that night. “It’s going to be special,” he said.
That evening I watched my friend Rush seated in the halls of Congress between his wife, Kathryn, and the first lady, Melania Trump. The president praised Limbaugh and announced he would be awarded the Medal of Freedom, the highest civilian honor in the country. I could see the surprised look on Limbaugh’s face because the award is usually presented in a White House ceremony.
In the days that followed, accolades poured in, as did the hysteria from the left. I thought to myself, only Mr. Trump could give Limbaugh the highest civilian honor in America and make sure almost every nationally-elected Democrat attended the ceremony.
MAGA dittos
In June 2021, I had the honor of interviewing Mr. Trump on my WABC radio show and asked what he thought Limbaugh’s legacy would be. “More than anything else, freedom and courage. You know, he had guts. And that’s what made him successful, Bo. You know that better than anybody.”
I then asked Mr. Trump about awarding Limbaugh the Medal of Freedom. “That was a great evening, and I’ve never seen anything like it. One side was going crazy in a positive way, and the other side was dead silent. But you know what, you looked at the eyes of the other side — they knew he deserved it.”
In my book, “Rush on the Radio,” I’ve never wanted to portray Limbaugh as some kind of demigod. He was a man, in many respects, like any other man. But here is where he was different from most: He was willing to stand and take the arrows the left launched because he dared to speak political truth. I don’t know whether I have the kind of courage to suffer what Rush went through. But I’m finding out daily, as I’ve now stepped back to the other side of the glass to host my own radio show.
Rush’s legacy
I won’t attempt to define Limbaugh’s legacy. But I will offer some thoughts for consideration on the sorrowful one-year anniversary of his transition. First and foremost, he loved his audience, and his audience loved him.
Limbaugh was also a leader who explained, defined and evangelized conservatism as a winning political ideology. In so doing, he attracted millions who agreed that the conservative ideology reflected their values and beliefs.
As we remember Limbaugh and the program, let’s consider his words: “Nostalgia for me is never negative. It’s always positive. When I think about the past and remember things and people that I’ve met and meant a lot to me, it’s always positive, always uplifting. Never is any of it negative, never is there any anguish about it.”
Our Legacy
Looking ahead, the question is, what is our role in honoring Limbaugh’s legacy? If you permit me, I suggest we take what we’ve learned about our great country and put it into action in our local communities and spheres of influence. Our action does not have to be “big.” If you consider your efforts too small to make a difference, consider the combined, positive influence of millions of listeners.
If you’ve never sent an email to an elected leader, send one — keeping in mind that conservatives offer solutions that help people and solve problems. If you’ve never been to a school board meeting, attend one. The same goes for local and state government meetings. Ask questions. Meet your neighbors. Support those who hold your values. Show love and respect for those who hold different views.
Lastly, pursue your dreams and passions. What would have happened to Limbaugh’s talent if he didn’t pay attention to — and follow — his love for a certain enterprise? His, and mine, were radio. What’s your passion?
What would have happened to Limbaugh’s dream if he had quit after being fired for the first time? How about after being fired the seventh time? What can you accomplish if you won’t give up? What would have happened to our nation if Limbaugh didn’t speak up—and keep speaking up? Will you speak up?
Talent, on loan
“What I have is simply on loan, created by God, and it will be recalled at some point—because we’re all going home someday.” — Limbaugh.
We can do extraordinary things with our lives. Maybe not on a massive stage with millions of people watching, reading, and listening. Maybe those extraordinary things are a thousand “little” kindnesses and positive contributions that nobody but you — and those you help — will ever know about.
• James Golden, under the pseudonym “Bo Snerdley,” was with “The Rush Limbaugh Show” for almost 30 years, serving as a call screener, “official program observer” and producer with guest hosts. He speaks and consults on media, broadcasting and political action. James is the author of “Rush on the Radio” and radio host with WABC-AM. You can find more about him at JamesGolden.com.
Please read our comment policy before commenting.