From: jdough@sinkhole.unf.edu (Joseph Dougherty)
Newsgroups: alt.rush-limbaugh,alt.sex,alt.fan.rush-limbaugh,alt.politics.correct,alt.politics.equality,alt.politics.homosexuality
Subject: Re: A newcomer to RL has some questions
Date: 23 Jan 93 01:15:54 GMT
Organization: University of North Florida, Jacksonville





>>
Some questions, which I'm sure the "dittoheads" can provide
me answers to.  I try not to listen to Russ myself, since
I do not find his kind of humor to be entertaining or even
conducive to my getting any work done during the day.  I
must point out as a disclaimer that I consider myself to
be conservative.
>>
 
        If you're conservative, you might want to give his program 
more of a chance. One or two listenings just won't do it, and even he 
directs new listeners to give the show a few weeks. I find that 
keeping his show on while I'm at work makes the mundane move quicker.
 
>>
1. What does Russ think about the collectivization of farms?
   Bush was in favor of farm subsidies, which sounds like a
   liberal idea to me.  Do people think that there should be
   a free market in agricultural products?
>>
 
        Note before I begin...his name is "Rush..." I noticed you 
corrected this later on, but wanted you to be aware of this.
        I recall him taking a call from a dairy farmer some months ago
regarding this topic. It doesn't come up too often, but I believe he 
expressed belief in the free market regarding farmers. I don't recall 
it ever coming up (why don't you write him at Compuserve...I can't 
guarantee he'll respond, but you'll never know if you don't try. His 
CIS number is 70277,2502).
 
 
2. I did overhear on Russ' show the claim that TV stations
   were trying to suppress his ideas by having his show on
   in the wee hours.  If the intent is to suppress Russ, why
   don't they just not air his show at all?  Does anybody
   think that the schedule of TV stations is based on their
   desire to make the most money?  Suppose station managers
   believe that Russ' show would bring them the most
   advertising dollars if it were run during the night,
   due to their study of the demongraphics of late-night TV
   viewers, &c.  Is there any reason to believe that this
   is not a simple case of the free market at work?
 
     It *is* just that. In fact, last week on his TV show, he trotted
out some articles from recent TV trade magazines, showing that his 
program is one of the hottest things in television, period. Station
managers were surveyed over what the best syndication purchase they 
made in 1992 was, and his show tied with the syndicated "Roseanne" 
reruns.
        In the late night time slot (10:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m.), his 
show is the *third* most watched, following only "Nightline" and Jay 
Leno. Arsenio is a few decimal points behind in 4th, Letterman is 
fifth, Whoppi is trailing far behind. There is no doubt about the 
popularity of his show, and the numbers prove it.
        His complaint was not about when the show was aired...his 
company knew going in that they were going to get odd time slots (many
stations repeat the show during mid-day hours as well as late at 
night). His complaint was with the fact that no station in the 
Washington D.C. area will pick up the show. His people have studied 
the situation and he has come to the conclusion (logically, I 
believe) that the only thing keeping his show off the air in D.C. is
politics...that no station manager who values staying "in" with the 
current administration will chance carrying the show, due to fear of 
ostracization. The decision is *not* a business-related decision. The 
show is a flat-out hit in every market that carries it, so the 
motivation for not doing so must lie elsewhere.
        If you gave the show a chance, you would know this. He's 
discussed this many times on radio and TV.
 
 
3. Why is Rush so negative about America?  In the few times
   I have had the misfortune to hear his show, I have
   heard nothing but naysaying and negativism.  Is this
   just sour grapes on the part of the right wing?
 
        Negative about America? Francis, you're so wrong on this, you 
just wouldn't believe it. There isn't a personality in the media today
who's more pro-America than Limbaugh. He constantly berates those who
put the country, its people, and its potential down. This is such a 
fundamental part of his appeal, that by just asking the question, I
can tell you simply have never given him more than a cursory hearing.
        You also need to understand that his naysaying is nearly 
always directed at liberals...that's one of the main thrusts of his 
show. And he's going to go after Clinton and Co. even harder now that
"our" guys aren't in charge any more (not that we were when Bush was 
there anyway...heh).
        If you want to understand his feelings about the country, I'll
quite him from his book:
        "...I believe...that the USA is the greatest nation, not 
because Americans are inherently superior but because its government
was founded on principles which seek to allow maximum individual 
achievement."
        If, as you claim, you are a conservative, I'm certain you can 
agree with this sentiment.
 
4. Where can I find examples of this so-called "liberal"
   press?  I recall that most of the major media not only
   gushed over Ronald Reagan, but practically boiled Jimmy
   Carter in oil, so I cannot say they are liberal.
 
        "Gushed" over Reagan? The press hated Reagan, especially after
he left office, and they took it out even worse on Bush. Carter got it
bad from the press because he was an outsider and a lousy leader...a 
nice guy, but a lousy leader.
        As for "where" the liberal press is...it's in the New York 
Times, the Washington Post, the L.A. Times, Newsday (one of the *most*
liberal in America...just read the editorial page), Time, Newsweek, 
USA Today, all three networks, CNN,...jeez, do I have to go on?
 
5. Either the 1980's were really terrible and it was the
   fault of Congress or the 1980's were really great because
   of Reagan.  I have heard both claims made on Rush's show.
   Who is responsible for the economy, the President or
   Congress?
 
        The President presents a budget. The Congress then acts on it,
or pushes its own version through. As far as the 80's, I believe 
Limbaugh's attitude is that the 80's were great economically, despite
what you read in the press about "the worst economy in 50 years" (this
is a Bill Clinton quote...he was elected because people believed that 
lie). The *fact* is that from 1983 through 1990 (prior to the 1990 Tax
bill), we experienced the greatest economic recovery since WWII. 
Nearly everybody improved their station in life during this period. 
These facts can be found in a great book called "The Seven Fat Years" 
by Robert Bartley.
        Ultimately, however, the Congress handles the purse. And 
pretty badly.
 
        In closing , let me say that Limbaugh's approach isn't 
everyone's cup of tea, no matter what your ideological views happen to
be. I personally thought he was nuts the first few times I heard him. 
However, I've grown accustomed to his act (which is what all the 
bragging and self-backslapping he does really is) and become more in 
tune with his approach to the "message," which I believe reflects the 
views of a large segment of the population. His message is no more 
"radical" than the liberal views of his radio counterparts...listen to
Larry King expound nightly, after his guests have gone home. What you 
get from him is stilted "mea culpa" of liberal disdain for anyone 
(including himself) who's achieved more material possessions than the 
average guy. I hear enough whining from Clinton and Company about the 
wretched condition of the country...I don't need some radio 
personality giving me more of the same.
        Fortunately, I have Limbaugh to turn to. His message is 
positive, funny, and probing. Even on the rare occasion when I don't 
agree with him, at least his comments force me to give more than 
superficial thought to a situation.
        I wish you'd give him a bit of a chance. You might just become
a convert...though we won't criticize you if you don't!
 
Cheers,
 
Joe Dougherty
jdough@unf6.cis.unf.edu
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