OPINION:
I began listening to “The Joe Rogan Experience” recently, mostly because of the massive attack on it by the political left. It’s an entertaining show, but why all the anger over it? The answer was clear after listening to Rogan’s podcast.
The podcast consists of people having conversations, some with political overtones, but most as discussions of events. The left is furious that the podcast won’t be under their thumb and they want to censure it. It’s nothing new with the left. Rush Limbaugh exploded on the national scene in the early 1990s as a voice against the Democrats in general and Bill Clinton in particular. He used a new format for talk radio that entertained and informed and let people realize they were not alone in their thoughts and beliefs.
In fact, many of the callers to the show were from the left — and the left lost it. Clinton wanted to shut Limbaugh down by reintroducing a new Fairness Doctrine and the media was in full attack mode. What is happening today to Joe Rogan is no different. The left knows dissent must be crushed. They cheered that Limbaugh’s influence had faded at the end and they would have danced on his grave if they could.
The public, however, does not agree with their ideology. Like the popularity of Limbaugh’s show, the rising support for Rogan reflects resistance. It looks a lot like the left is terrified of Rogan becoming the new Limbaugh.
JAMES BARENDS
Wayne, Pa.
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