A caller from Texas once asked Rush Limbaugh what he would say in a commencement speech to college graduates. The radio host answered with wisdom: “the world doesn’t revolve around you yet, and you are not the future leaders of this country yet, just because you’ve graduated.”
Limbaugh went on to explain that he actually has a commencement speech prepared in case he was ever asked to speak, and every once in a while he updates it. That was in 2008, and 12 years later, Limbaugh has still not given a commencement speech anywhere. His draft sits somewhere in his possession, unspoken and undelivered. It ought to be heard, and it needs to be heard for the first time — and maybe the only time — at Hillsdale College in 2021.
Rush Limbaugh is the single most important person in the medium of radio over the last 40 years. Fiery and persuasive, Limbaugh has a weekly audience of 15.5 million listeners, making him the king of radio. Tune into his show, and within five minutes you could gather two things: he is a conservative and he loves Hillsdale College.
The radio personality is a trendsetter who fearlessly calls out tyrannical leaders and big government. He tells the truth and loves the country. Limbaugh supports Hillsdale, and the college uses the famous radio talent for marketing. Look up “Rush Limbaugh-Hillsdale College” and the first thing that pops up is Hillsdale’s “Rush Limbaugh Challenge,” where you can get a free pocket Constitution after taking a quiz about the Supreme Court.
Limbaugh was able to sell $3 million worth of Betsy Ross shirts in retaliation to Nike’s cancelation of their Betsy Ross-flag shoes last summer. He didn’t just sell a lot of t-shirts — he inspired an act of patriotism across the country, and continues to do so. In February, President Trump surprised Limbaugh in his State of the Union speech by awarding him the Medal of Freedom, which goes to someone who has made an exceptional difference in the country.
Also in February, Limbaugh announced to his listeners that he had been diagnosed with lung cancer. The announcement shocked and affected many. Limbaugh stressed that he chose to tell his listeners so that they would not be left wondering when he was suddenly absent for shows due to treatment. This sad news raises the concern of Limbaugh being able to attend Hillsdale’s 2021 commencement, and it increases the urgency to have Limbaugh on campus soon. Yet if there was an issue with Limbaugh attending the celebration, a pre-recorded speech would be an appropriate option. The alternative would still give Limbaugh the chance to give his speech, and be heard.
When Limbaugh talked about his political commencement speech, he described its themes:
“I would tell them how much of a head start they have over quite a few other people because of their education. Their education was for a purpose,” Limbaugh said. “It was to get them into the free market and engage in capitalism and secure the growth of this country because, like their parents, they someday are going to be worried about the future for their kids and they’re not going to improve the future for their kids by joining protest marches or wearing ribbons or putting bumper stickers on the backs of their cars.”
You can hear this monologue as an old recording on YouTube. Let’s have the real thing, live and in person, here at Hillsdale College in May 2021.
Reagan Gensiejewski is a junior studying rhetoric and public address.
