It’s late, and maybe I can actually write a short post. I’m going to give it a shot. I didn’t want to write anything tonight. I’m a school teacher and when grades are due, pretty much everything else stops until you get them done. Well, grades are due, I’m almost done with them (I’ll finish tomorrow evening) and it’s time for bed – except I’ve got to comment about Rush Limbaugh. I got to the point many years ago where I couldn’t stand to listen to this blowhard for more than a few seconds before I had to change the channel. To me, the fact that he’s still on the air (notwithstanding that he supposedly makes a hundred million dollars a year for spewing his venim) is a good reason why this country is in the state it’s in. I look forward to the day when people start calling or writing his sponsors to inform them they won’t use their products as long as they sponsor Rush. This guy epitomizes everything that is wrong with this nation. And I’m sorry to say that some of my friends listen to the guy, and – just like reasonable people can’t talk to Rush – I can’t even talk to my friends about this. Limbaugh is such a greedy, divisive, racist, thug – how can good people even find him entertaining?

I’m saying this to frame tonight’s thoughts based on something I heard while riding around in my car listening to the radio today. From several sources I heard that Rush was quoted as saying – regarding President Obama’s Stimulus package – “I hope he fails.” Now, I didn’t hear it directly out of his mouth with my own ears, but the number of different people I heard quoting him leads me to believe he said it. Rush has somehow been elevated to the “top” of the conservative movement – I guess because the movement is virtually bankrupt when it comes to leaders. I can tell you that until they cleanse themselves of this – I can’t think of a word that I would feel comfortable using on this website – I’ll just say BAD person – the Republicans are on their way to becoming nothing more than part of future history books. OUR NATION IS IN A STATE OF CRISIS THAT IS UNPRECEDENTED AND HE’S WISHING FOR THE PRESIDENT TO FAIL!!! To me, I’ve always considered him a traitor to the common good, but today I’m just feeling he’s a traitor! How can he wish the President’s policy will fail at a time like this.

And, what about his listeners? The next thing I need to find out is are they going along with this? Dear God, I hope not. I guess the reality is that not a single Republican voted for the stimulus package in the House of Representatives last week, so maybe it is the Republican position that they want this plan to fail. Are they going to continue to pretend that their supply side economics along with their adventurous foreign policy didn’t cause this mess? Do they really think we will buy the idea that EVEN MORE TAX CUTS will solve the problem largely created by excessive tax cuts? Do they really believe we can survive as a nation without a strong federal government? I guess they feel that if Obama succeeds it will be a long time until they get their greedy selves back into the White House! So much for McCain’s campaign slogan; “Country First.” I’m calling this absurd because I can’t think of a more descriptive term right at the moment. Make that absurd in bold type and capital letters!!!

I also heard that a republican member of the house said the truth about Limbaugh – called him out on his divisiveness – and was raked over the coals by the powers that be in the Republican party. Now that is even more absurd. Is Limbaugh really the spokesperson for their party? You’ve got to be kidding me if that is true. The other day, on Keith Olbermans’ show I saw a little snipit where Limbaugh evidently was pushing for Sarah Palin as the next Presidential candiate for the Republicans. As ridiculous as that sounds to me, I actually hope he gets his way. But, I have to say that the thought that Rush Limbaugh could be the leader of any political party – and for that party to have any traction whatsoever – is mind boggling to me, especially in a country that is supposed to have an educated electorate. I guess, if this is true, it tells us as Americans (and me as a teacher) the reality as to how educated our electorate is. I’m sure Sarah Palin is a nice person – but Presidential material? YOU’VE REALLY GOT TO BE KIDDING ME! I would certainly have a lot to write about.

Now that my post is obviously not going to be very short, I just have to say that I was angered at first and then just disgusted that at this point in time we would be having people in places where they can influence the unwitting – calling for the failure of something this important. If we were ever going to pull together as a nation, we need to do it now. Personally, I don’t like everything about the proposed stimulus package – BUT I DEFINITELY HOPE IT SUCCEEDS. Wouldn’t it be nice if true conservatives joined in the debate in a rational manner and tried to influence the legislation to insure its success? I always considered myself a conservative. But starting with Reagan, then GHW Bush, and especially with GW Bush, I felt no connection whatsoever. (I didn’t feel much of a connection with Clinton either, but he did balance the budget – which, to me, is high on the conservative mantra) I do believe the Democrats to be spineless – but now would be a good time for them to stand up and show some guts. Call this for what it is – these vile words coming from the mouth of one of the most vile people in our country – take this guy on for a change. Challenge those who listen to him about the very thing they challenged me when I pointed out the fallacy of invading Iraq and letting Osama bin Laden “off the hook.” Challenge their patriotism. If this stimulus package fails, we all fail. Now, if you have hundred’s of millions stashed somewhere, as does Limbaugh I suppose, you’ll get by just fine. But yesterday I spent the first part of the day feeding and providing warm clothing and toiletries for homeless people in Portland, Oregon. I am thankful that I’m not in that situation, but many are, and many more are headed that way – In the name of decency; We need to pull together as a nation and try to ensure that Obama doesn’t fail!