HumbleGunner, let me see if I can explain this a bit better than my fellow Freepers have.
Rush knows that if he attends the Tea Parties, it will look like he wants them to be just about him. People will say “Oh, these are Rush’s tea parties, that villain is their source.” That creates a way politicians who don’t like our message can make excuses - if Rush is involved, it’s all about him, not a spontaneous uprising of ordinary people.
If he stays away, they are an independent grassroots movement that is NOT just about him. Ironically enough, without his attendance to be a giant lightning rod, it’s more clear that the movement is from the grassroots, and not the ACORNS either.
He is clearly a big supporter of the movement, but wants to be clear that he is not the movement; ordinary average people are.
He certainly was not staying away as an expression of snobbishness or disdain. He is obviously an admirer of the movement and a lot of his show has helped promote it.
Hope that helps.
D
Well said.