Liberty conservatives were dealt a major blow when news of famed conservative radio host Rush Limbaugh passing away on February 17, 2021 spread nationwide.
Limbaugh was an inspiration for many liberty conservatives and was one of the most vocal voices of conservatism for multiple decades. His impact will likely never be replicated.
Often forgotten is Limbaugh’s praise of former Congressman Ron Paul’s budget plan during his 2012 presidential run.
When a caller asked Rush about the fiscal crisis that was approaching at the time and which presidential candidate was capable of addressing it, Limbaugh bluntly responded “You’re not going to believe my answer. Ron Paul has a good idea.”
Paul’s “Restore America Now” budget plan featured $1 trillion in spending cuts. Among those cuts included several agency cuts where the Environmental Protection Agency would have its budget cut by 30%, the Food and Drug Administration by 40%, and foreign aid would be completely scrapped. On top of that, welfare programs would be block-granted from the states and be taken off the mandatory spending column of the federal budget.
The federal jobs sector would be scaled down by 10% as well. Limbaugh described Paul’s proposals as “conservative” ideas that grassroots commentators like Limbaugh have long pushed for.
In contrast to many Republican politicians, Limbaugh at least had some principles. While Limbaugh was not always as consistent as Dr. Paul, he was at least willing to go against the grain. While he was alive, a case could be made that Limbaugh was a yellow traveler for many liberty conservative causes.
Sadly, his journey ended on February 17, 2021. This is one void that very few can fill.
May he rest in peace.
