Patriot Pains: Rush Limbaugh Hospitalized

©2009

Joy Tiz

The hearts of millions of patriots sank last night on the news that talk radio virtuoso, Rush Limbaugh had been rushed to the hospital with chest pains.

Rush’s medical status abruptly took over our evening, as millions of us flipped through the news channels and scanned online sites looking for updates.  It was one of those times at which we recognize how much a person can mean to us.

A friend asked me years ago if I ever watched Rush Limbaugh.  What’s a Rush Limbaugh?

  His TV show came on late at night in San Diego in those days, but it was well worth sacrificing a little sleep.

Here was a guy whose views reflected my own, and the best part was, he was really funny.  When we moved out of the city, my unfortunate then boyfriend got stuck with the arduous task of installing one of those 1970’s style whirly twirly roof top antennas .  You got a little box with a dial to rotate the ghastly thing in hopes of getting better reception.   After grappling with the giant aerial for half of a Saturday, the boyfriend grumbled:  All that for just one guy.

A friend once met Rush at a golf tournament.  He characterized Rush being as gracious as a man can be.  I wasn’t surprised.  He doesn’t describe many other celebs that way.

If Barack Obama had a scintilla of decency, he would make a brief statement wishing Rush well as he remains hospitalized.  Imagine  how President Bush would respond to the sudden illness of a beloved liberal commentator.  Someone like . . . well, give me time.  I’m sure I’ll think of someone. 

But we know the Bushes well enough to be certain that  the former president would have sent public well wishes.

Our prayers are with Rush today.  Ditto heads understand they must soldier on; it’s just a lot more fun when Rush is around.