Q&A – Well Wishes for Rush & What we can do to help right now
Each day I’ll feature a listener question that’s been submitted by one of these methods.
Email: brianmudd@iheartmedia.com
Twitter: @brianmuddradio
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Today’s entries are among the notes I’ve received on back of the news that Rush Limbaugh has stage 4 lung cancer:
I'm a proud conservative b/c of Rush. I owe so much to that man's passion, love he has for this country. I pray that God does his bidding to bless him, his family and ALL of us as well. We love you Rush!!!! Please get well
God bless and get well soon..luckily he will have the best doctors in the world and he deserves every one of them. The country without Rush would not be what it is today.
Is there anyone in his radio audience who hasn't been touched personally by that kind of news as it applies to family or friends? The impact of same can be fully appreciated. Thoughts and prayers wing his way for a positive outcome from the care about to begin.
Thank you for your statement about Rush Limbaugh this morning. Upon hearing of his health yesterday I was grieved so, I immediately sent out in the mail a Thank You card to him for decades of contribution to keeping our nation from going over the brink. I also shared on Facebook the address and requested people send him get well cards or thank cards or prayers …anything to show their love of the man and what he stands for. He has shown what one voice in the wilderness does have an effect and purpose.He has been “on Loan From God” for decades and I pray God extends the loan for decades more!
Bottom Line: If you heard my tribute to Rush you know I’m struggling with this as well. After having a day to digest the situation and emotions I’ve come to realize a couple of things. Emotionally this news without a doubt carries with it the emotions I’ve felt when receiving similar news about loved ones.It sunk in fully when I woke up in the middle of the night thinking of Rush.As the one listener noted, it’s likely most understand the feeling having faced similar adversity in their family. That’s what this is for many of us. The realization that Rush, on a personal level, is like family to millions of us. It also speaks to his brilliance and unmatched ability to connect with an audience. That type of connection is only possible when it’s real for both people involved. It’s safe to say, and in so many words he did say – that he loves us too. Now for the reality check. What’s at stake.
It’s important that we control what we control. That means praying for Rush and his family. But it also means being there for his show.It’s important that we stay united in support of Rushand his advertisers through this period of adversity. Sadly, there are those who arerooting forthe show and format’s demise and view this asan opportunity to pounce.Certain ad agencies are already asking questionsabout listener levels, what if...?,etc. There are two reasons that Rush and any of usare able to do what we do. Our advertisers and listeners patronizing advertisers. I believe that all of Rush’s extended family would naturally rally around him and his show, but that’s certainly key right now. You’ll recall that every effort to attempt to take out Rush over the years has started with advertisers.It’s important.
There are a myriad of advertisers who’ve been intimidated out of advertising in his show and others over the years. There’s a disclaimer I find to be offensive that’s often-included in advertising orders demanding to be excluded from the “offensive” programming...as though your money isn’t as green as anyone else’s. Anyway, for the advertisers who are there for us, it’s also important to be there for them. And being there for them is being there for Rush.
I believe in God’s plan. I also understand that plan involves lots of adversity. I don’t know how this story ends only that it’ll make sense eventually. That being said we can’t take for granted what’s within our control. Freedom has never been free. From the battlefield to the airwaves it’s important we never take it for granted. Every superpower has fallen throughout human history. That’s not a grim outlook or pessimistic view of things. It’s just reality. Our job is to make sure it doesn’t happen on our watch.