Limbaugh: Not Too High to Fall

I worry about Rush. No, truly. Like Larry "Lonesome" Rhodes, the anti-hero of the classic film, A Face in the Crowd, Rush is an everyman symbol who has begun to take himself seriously. In the case of Lonesome Rhodes, it leads to personal tragedy, as he is heard expressing his contempt for his idiotic and adoring radio audience. They sensibly desert him, and he is left lost, alone, and ranting.

Whether Rush truly loves or hates his Ditto-heads, he has begun to take himself terribly seriously. This may lead to personal tragedy--maybe even drug or food abuse issues. It will certainly lead his intimidated party further into the margins. Three Republican leaders have criticized him and were each sent for a quick session at re-education camp. They then threw themselves on their swords in abject humility for daring to find even the smallest flaw in the icon of the ideological right the All-Mighty El Rushbaugh.

Watching him at the Conservative Political Action Conference was a treat. He clearly loves what he does. He thrives on the adoration. He gleefully slaughters, carves up and serves his starving minions a diet of red meat. He never retreats or apologizes but advances fearlessly into the deepest mud on the sodden plain. Comedian or demagogue? Ideologue or idiot? He enjoys his time strutting and fretting upon the right side of the stage of American politics. Enjoy Rush. But take care. Those whom the gods would destroy they first raise up--and you are high enough and big enough to make a terrible splat.
©2009 Jonathan Dobrer
www.Dobrer.org