Rush Limbaugh declared himself  "America's Real Anchorman."

For the millions of listeners to his radio show, he was. His monologues gave us our daily talking points. He was the Captain of our team helping shape how we thought about things but always adding "he was just validating what we already thought."

He built a radio audience and a political grassroots movement through creative antics like holding a bake sale in Colorado so a listener to his show could buy the Limbaugh Letter. He did it all in an effort to contrast and mock the Clinton administration's having used school children to help pay down the national debt.

His radio show spread across the fruited plain like a prairie fire. 600 radio stations strong! Not bad for a kid from Cape Girardo, Missouri. 

In 1993 Rush would get inducted into the Radio Hall of Fame and then go on to receive four Marconi Awards for 

"Radio Personality of the Year."

Through an abundance of God given human agency, Rush became "the most listened to talk show host in the Country" and changed the radio industry forever.

I began listening to Rush's radio show in 1992. In 1996 I reached out to the Limbaugh Letter as a freelance illustrator. My first assignment came in December of that year. It was a promotional illustration to be used in the 1997 January issue of the newsletter.

In one year I became the "Official Limbaugh Letter Cover Illustrator." It was a fun, monthly assignment that would go on for another 6 years.

Listening to Rush on the radio while painting the next cover for his newsletter was pretty cool. With no pun intended, 

it was a "Rush!"

Tongue in cheek, as I reflect back on my 70 Limbaugh Letter covers, I feel in a small way I contributed my part in

"The Vast Right Wing Conspiracy." 

Finally, it is one of the hardest things to except that Rush is gone and that he is not with us, sharing in President Trump's comeback.

Where we find ourselves today is in a very large part, due to all the steadfast, courageous efforts of Rush Limbaugh's unique American voice! His place in the Pantheon of American Patriots is assured.

Isaac Newton wrote "If I see farther, it's because I'm standing on the shoulders of giants."

We stand on your shoulders Rush, America thanks you.

Mega Dittos Rush Limbaugh, Mega Dittos