Is Rush a Conservative or a Salesman?

The New Jersey Star-Ledger ^ | 8 Oct 03 | Paul Mulshine

[sbw123]

Any day now I expect to hear a big, on-air confession from Rush Limbaugh concerning those allegations that he abused prescription drugs. But I fear he will be confessing to the wrong sin.

The confession I expect to hear will be along the lines of, "Yes, I am a drug abuser." What I'd prefer to hear is, "No, I'm not a conservative."

[sbw123]

This raises some interesting points about the nature of Rush's "conservatism." Take note of the Howard Stern comments. He seems to be more inline with what conservatism is supposed to be about.

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[Pete]

It would not surprise me to learn that a Libertarian would not consider Rush Limbaugh to be a Conservative. No slam on Libertarians. It just doesn't surprise me.

[I still care]

I love Rush. Right now, he is shining the light of day on DU. Like cockroaches, they look pretty ugly in the sunlight.

[conserv13]

Is Rush conservative or salesman?

Both

[jaime1959]

Good article. I'm a regular Stern listener on my morning drive. He's pretty much a libertarian, which philosophy parallels conservatism in many areas and is consistant, for the most part, with the outlook of our Founding Dads. Plus, he's always good for a laugh on the way to work.

[GulliverSwift]

Howard Stern is no conservative. He's much more of an entertainer than Rush is. His entire show is about getting attention to him and getting people to talk about him, especially in the past few years. Also, Howard is very anti-elitist, just look at all the pranks he encourages his fans to play on TV hosts and others.

And this guy has it wrong about radio hosts selling stuff. That's been going on for decades before conservative talk radio became popular. While I often find such ads irritating, they are also a way for companies and individuals to show their support for a conservative talker.

[ModelBreaker]

This article is far too deep and, thus, misses the obvious point in its fervor to take shots at 'entertainers' and use the discussion as a springboard for its anti-WOD message.

What we have learned is that Rush may be human. That is, there may be a difference between what he truly believes and what he does.

I find no disconnect at all between believing that some drugs should be illegal and having a problem with drugs. It is possible, nay, common, for people to believe something and not be able to conform their actions to those beliefs. EG, do you think lying is good? Have you ever lied? If that doesn't apply to you, then there are many others to whom it does.

I have worked with recovering alcoholics and addicts. To a man, they believe that drug use is one of the worst things that ever happened to them. Yet many are unable to conform their actions to their beliefs.

In fact, I suspect that amongst recovered drug addicts--who seen first hand what drugs do--you would find a good deal of support for the WOD.

[GulliverSwift]

I also don't think that Rush has said anything negative about "abuse" of prescription drug laws. It makes more sense to not place such a big emphasis on stopping people from using more of the stuff than their doctor feels like prescribing. Especially considering the fact that all of these drugs are legal.

On the harder drugs, I can see the wod argument being more somewhat more effective.

(I hope this doesn't turn into another pot thread.)

[I still care]

Thanks for an excellent post.

[GulliverSwift]

You make some good points there. The article is quite a hodgepodge.

[ppaul]

Take note of the Howard Stern comments.

No thanks.

[Ferret Fawcet]

I don't listen to Stern but I would be interested to know how his show is funded, if not by advertising...?

I suspect that the author of this article has never bothered to listen to more than a few minutes of Rush's show. I would guess that for Paul, the lack of fart jokes and smut leaves something to be desired.

As for me, if Stern would omit the adolescent trash routine I might be more inclined to listen- I'm told that he does have some good ideas, but I'm not willing to wade through the filth to hear them.

[arjay]

This is not an argument about whether or not Rush is a real conservative. It is an argument about whether or not Rush approves of legalizing drugs.

The author is upset because Rush is not a libertarian.

Rush is the epitome of conservatism. He has risen from nothing to the top of his profession. Yes, he is a salesman. What is wrong with that?

The writer would have us believe that selling products is a liberal trait. Selling products is what enables Rush to be on the air and do what he does. That is true for all the other conservative broadcasters as well.

The writer is hung up on his own agenda and is full of nonsense.

[Osage Orange]

I've learned much from Rush Limbaugh.....and for that I will always be grateful.

Besides that....why can't a person be a salesman and a conservative...? Ummmmmmmmm....?????Fwiw-

[logic101.net]

First off, Rush IS a Conservative. Is he also a salesman? Heck yes; how do you think he got to be #1?

As far as Stern being entertaining though? I think not. I really tried to watch his show - I sat through 2 of them, back to back. I alternated between bored, disgusted, and ticked off. The last 2 were a direct result of the flesh shots; which he got - but were blurred to the viewers. Either do it or don't; but I have no interest in seeing Howard Stern get a show that I can't see. What is in that for me?

As far as him being a conservative; how would anyone know? His show is almost entirely about him getting titty shows that we can't see!

How this guy got any traction is beyond me. I think it must be alot of repressed males who wish they had the guts and freedom to be real men. If any Stern fans read this and get upset; I am sorry but I can find no other reason for your watching or listening to that show. If you really want to get a sex show, there is plenty of porn on the internet, and there you will be able to see the ladies!

Mark A Sity
http://www.logic101.net/

[arjay]

I absolutely refuse to listen to Howard Stern. I despise his filth and so called humor.

[7beuties]

I think you nailed it! well said.

[macamadamia]

He isn't, in fact, raising points about the "nature" of Rush's conservatism. He's making a fatuous argument that Rush is NOT a conservative because he hasn't favored the Buckley/ Friedman position on drugs. It all comes down to this? What about the possibility that people will espouse nine conservative views, but anomalously espouse something that is not conservative? Does that disqualify them? Apparently, if you don't accept this author's position you're a "yahoo in the hinterlands" or a "snake-oil salesman."

[Ferret Fawcet]

Coming from this fella, I'll wear the title of "yahoo" with pride.