The Price of Liberty

Just a few minutes ago, listening to radios in the background as I worked on various projects, I listened to Rush Limbaugh announce that he has been diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer.

I know that many (even most) libertarians seem to despise Mr. Limbaugh. But at least I don’t need to explain who he is to any readers of this commentary. Since he went national with syndication in 1988 – incredibly, 31 years ago – he has become a prominent part of the political landscape. Feared, if not respected, by presidents and Supreme Court justices and Congressional potentates. And friends with many. He was a pioneer in his field. No matter what you think of his political position, it is certain that he is what he claims to be: an entertainer on a grand scale.

And despite (or because of) his neo-conservativism, he had done much to balance the field of combat between the Tranzis of the left in this country (and even around the world) and the equally evil “conservatives” of the right.

So, Nathan, you ask, why do you listen to this guy? Well, its fun. I enjoy his sense of humor, the way he promotes himself. He’s over the top in so many ways. And I appreciate his take on things. Do I agree with him? Yes, sometimes. And I harshly and strongly disagree with him on many things as well. Many times he’s way off in right field, but still he says things that make me – and others – think. He is a thorn in the side to politicians of all types.

He has a lot to do with the state of America today – and not necessarily the bad parts. Democrats and Republicans alike have hated (and even feared) him and his voice.

But he has always made it clear that what he did would not last forever. He’s 69 now. His signature bombast of “Talent on loan from God” has always pointed that out, even if all the significance of that phrase was ignored.

Take your pick. You can blame him or praise him for having a large part in making the American (and world) political scene what it is in 2020. In making the media what it is now. He was (and is) the inspiration for the people that millions and millions of Americans listen to, five and even seven days a week: Glen Beck, Sean Hannity, Mark Levin, Michael Savage, Laura Ingraham, and many more. He inspired hundreds of thousands of people to run for political office and to become political activists.

Some because they loved what he said. And some because they hated and despised what he said.

But most important, as his “Talent on loan from God” should help us remember, we are again reminded that life is short. Our time here on earth is ALWAYS limited. We live, we make our mark and build the future. And we die. It is what we do between conception (and birth) and that last breath that is important.

Rush’s illness reminds us that we do not have all the time in the world. That things do change. For the worse or for the better. Even though he “preyed” on government and politics, he also shows that you do NOT have to bow down to government to survive and thrive, and you do not have to be part of government to succeed.

And that the freedom, the liberty God gave and gives us, made it possible for Rush Limbaugh and those like him, to do this and all of the good that he has done.

My family and I join with others in praying for his healing, for those who are caring for him, and for the continued cause of liberty and freedom in these Fifty States and the world. Which I believe, however imperfectly, Mr. Limbaugh has served all these years.