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By: Todd Bartley
News@TalkWilliamsport.com
Some have recently used the phrase “this isn’t a moment, this is a movement” as a feeble attempt at relevance.
Rush Limbaugh, on the day of your passing this “moment” allows us to reflect on the “movement” you started more than 30 years ago.
Rush, we never met in person however I always felt as if I knew you.
How can I say that?
Your broadcasts were appointment listening every weekday no matter where I was living at the time or traveling to that day for work or to broadcast a game.
This may surprise some people; we did not always agree on everything you said.
To your credit, you shared that with your audience for us to think for ourselves and for us to do our own research.
I know, don’t doubt you, you repeatedly told us that too.
Speaking of doubts, even your strongest opponents must give you credit for your generosity. Over the years all of the philanthropy and countless millions raised for Tunnels to Towers and the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.
Rush, what has resonated with me for years is your steadfast commitment to giving a voice to the voiceless.
It is my hope that I can humbly emulate your example on any platform or in any forum I am provided.
To be awarded a Presidential Medal of Freedom during a State of the Union address delivered by then President Trump will go down in history as one of the most memorable moments in my lifetime.
The outburst from the floor of House of Representatives “Thank You Rush” will echo in eternity!
Knowing you were facing a terminal illness, a memorable moment as well was seeing the Speaker of the House remain seated. It was a perfect juxtaposition to your arguments against the left for decades; they say they stand for the afflicted and when it was time to publicly show support of your terminal cancer diagnosis, she remained seated.
Another classic Rush moment, causing an unforced error by the left.
Your daily lessons on the causes of freedom, liberty and the reverence you showed for the Constitution and the Declaration of Independence influenced countless millions of us.
American greatness and the power and might of the american military and mindset of bringing that exceptionalism to bear across the globe for the cause of liberty and freedom are hopefully not lost on people going forward.
It is a message that the left wants to tamp down at every opportunity.
Your commitment to conservatism created a movement that includes the likes of Mark Levin, Sean Hannity, Glenn Beck, Bill Cunningham, Dan Bongino a rising star in Wendy Bell and so many more.
It could be argued, you had a hand in the creation of Fox News with the proof of life on your show of vitality of the conservative movement.
Even more television networks, Newsmax, OAN, Real America’s News and others are following your success.
Rush, in closing, the influence you have had on my career can be summed up this way.
Your willingness to step into the arena of ideas and your impeccably sourced material “stack of stuff” has provided me with the inspiration to go on the air on radio, television, online and on social media with those pillars in place.
Thank you for showing me what it looks like to have grace under fire and still continue to push forward.
Thank you for showing me what dignity and grace look like in the face of a terminal diagnosis.
Your golden EIB (Excellence In Broadcasting) microphone will never be replaced; only aspired to.
Prayers are with Kathryn, your family, the staff and families of the EIB Network and the millions in your audience.
Thank You Rush, for everything!
P.S. If you can send word from Heaven what God said when you greeted each other with the voice he loaned you; we would all like to know.
