Replacements
If you heard Rush Limbaugh last Wednesday, on his last program of the year, you would have heard him express sincere and emotional thanks to the audience. It’s traditional for him to say such things on the program before Christmas, but this year obviously had special meaning given the health issues he’s facing.
A number of you have emailed or called, asking if we should read something more into his comments…fear that it might be a final farewell. First, we know nothing more than what Rush has shared on the air, and I’m inclined to believe he found it the appropriate way to express his thoughts at a special time of year, with no other meaning beyond that.
Others of you ask “who will replace Rush?” Believe me, that’s been a topic inside radio stations for years, every time his contract would be coming up. Because we’ve all known that health issues aside, someday there will be a world without Rush on the radio.
You’re questions now, though, are focused more on more than curiosity…it’s because of your concern that should his voice be silenced, who will be there to pick up the mantle?
May I suggest the answer to the question is…you. Not literally, not behind a microphone. But if his 32 years behind the golden EIB microphone have meant anything, it’s that the audience has studied its lessons from the Limbaugh Institute and are now able to take action themselves, whether individually or in groups.
In other words, as he himself suggested last week, if the movement doesn’t carry on, then he’s wasted his time.
I hope we have Rush’s wisdom, counsel, and company for a long time to come. But since no one can ever replace Rush…it’s up to everyone who has been inspired, entertained, and educated by him to pick up the slack. No better legacy than that.
