It is a common human trait to confuse the message with the messenger and so infuse the messenger with the virtue or lack of it, which they perceive to be in the message. Hence, John Wayne was believed to be courageous because of his movie characters. Trial lawyers are perceived to be wicked because of the perceived guilt of their clients, even though the attorney himself might have acquitted himself quite honorably.
On the other hand the message is often highly valued because the messenger is revered. Mao and the Cultural Revolution come to mind.
Is the Gospel of Christ less real if brought to you by Elmer Gantry? Or more valid if you hear it from Mother Theresa?
So, Rush is what he is, a great entertainer, a broadcasting phenomenon who revolutionized the medium, a brilliant satirist, and a popularizer of the conservative cause who reshaped the political landscape. But he is not a moral icon, a man of letters, a great athlete, a success in his personal life, or a role model.
To believe that the validity of the conservative message depends on his moral rectitude is about as smart as buying a Buick because Tiger Woods endorses it, or buying a three wood because he can hit it. Nor should one believe that Rush is necessarily a noble person because he articulates a conservative philosophy. Some people might do well to concede the possibility that in private Al Franken, politics aside, might be far more charming than Rush Limbaugh.
Franken has been quoted as saying that a 12 step program will require Limbaugh to be rigorously honest and this means, if he is to recover from his addiction, that he cannot maintain his political views. This betrays Franken's myopia and illustrates how a little knowledge can be dangerous. I know of nothing of Limbaugh's opinions or of his broadcasting modus operandi which suggests that Limbaugh is dishonest. Indeed, the contrary is true because he operates from the record and exposes with satire the absurdity of the liberal posture. He has operates out of conviction while on the air.
I wish Rush well and want his voice back on the radio advancing my cause but I do not believe he can get me to heaven.
Just shows what a dolt he is. Those like Franken who do not understand and therefore hate conservatism are being marginalized.
Then again, he might be less charming than a warthog with amoebic dysentery.