RUSH: You know, folks, I was just reminded of something. I’ve always thought August 1st was the anniversary date of this program — and it actually is. But it isn’t in a way because July 4th 1988 was actually my first show on the New York affiliate, and this program didn’t start until a month later. But it was all connected, and so July 4th of 1988 — which, the 30th anniversary would be tomorrow. Remember, Snerdley, what happened on that date?
There was an Iranian (or maybe it was Iraqi) jet that had crashed, and the rumors were the United States had shot down, and rescue efforts were underway. But somebody just said to me, “You know, you keep saying August 1st, but you started in New York on July 4th.” And that’s absolutely right. And then this person said, “It was so long ago.” It’s like it’s so long ago, it almost didn’t happen. You know, it’s that long. But, to me, it’s yesterday.
I remember events from all 30 of these years, and it doesn’t seem like long ago to me. There are elements of it that seem like it was just yesterday. Of course, I do it, so I’m a little bit more conscious of or connected to it than most. But it’s also undeniable that 30 years is a long time. I mean, just as a period, whether you’re doing the same thing for those 30 years or just 30 years go by. But in one way it doesn’t even seem like 30 years.
Well, it never does. It never seems like 30 years. Most of it seems like the memories — individual memories I have — are so complete, are so crystal clear, the things I do remember. I’m sure there is lots of stuff that I don’t remember. The things that I do are so crystal clear, they could have happened yesterday. And when this friend sends me the note “that was so long ago,” almost like it was so long ago, it doesn’t matter, that’s how long ago it was.
Anyway, back to the phones.
Eugene, Oregon. This is Thomas. It’s great to have you with us, sir. How are you doing?
CALLER: (Russian greeting), Comrade Limbaugh. Rush, I gotta tell you. I am so honored to be on the phone with you, but I must say I just wanted to thank you for shaping my political views. I was driving across the Dumbarton Bridge back in ’89, maybe ’90, when the Iraq war broke out or our Desert Shield and —
RUSH: You actually mean the Kuwait war. That’s where we got Saddam Hussein thrown out of Kuwait is what he’s talking about here.
CALLER: Yeah. I was so scared, ’cause I was a young man, I had my first kid, and I was searching for answers, and I was going through the radio stations, and, boom! There you were. Right on the middle of the bridge I’m listening to you explain what was going on, and it made me so calm. It just cooled my heart.
RUSH: Well, how about that. That’s great.
CALLER: No, it was awesome, and I’ve been a listener ever since.
RUSH: That was back in Oregon? That bridge is in Oregon?
CALLER: No, no, no, no, no. Dumbarton Bridge. I was in the Bay Area at the time.
RUSH: Bay Area.
CALLER: Over in San Francisco, driving from Newark to Palo Alto if you know the area.
RUSH: Oh, okay.
CALLER: But, oh, my God. I tell you, Rush, you sold me. And from that time then, I have just been an avid listener. You cool so many people’s thoughts about the chaos that’s going on right now. You are so smooth with every delivery that you have, every commentary, every insight of what’s going on.
RUSH: Well, I appreciate that. We try not to panic here, Thomas. There’s no reason to panic, as I mentioned in the previous half hour. I’ve always promised people, “I’ll tell you when it’s time to panic.” People have asked me over the years. But it’s not time. In fact, we’re moving away from what we would consider the territory or time to panic. But I really appreciate it. I’m continually blown away when I hear from people who remember what they were doing when they first heard this program.
I can see him out there. He’s driving across the bridge, he’s destitute, he’s alone, he’s got the war in Iraq starting, he’s got a kid just born, doesn’t know what’s gonna happen. And this voice… He’s scanning all the radio stations, maybe even had the scan button on, just looking for anything, and my voice stops him, and he’s been with us ever since. That’s great. I’m extremely complimented and flattered. I appreciate it very much, and you’re great to mention it.