The Issue: A campaign by left-wing groups to drive advertisers away from Rush Limbaugh’s radio program.
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Rush Limbaugh has built a vast and growing audience of Americans who strongly agree with conservative values instead of liberal, socialist forms of government (“Gag Order,” Kyle Smith, PostScript, May 12).
It’s certainly fine for his opponents to criticize. That’s free speech.
But suppression by activists or government of his or anyone else’s ability to express their points of view in private or on public airways is the kind of tactic employed by history’s worst tyrants in their rise to power. John W. Fox
Galloway, NJ
This article does a poor job of arguing why consumers who are offended by Limbaugh’s show shouldn’t remind advertisers that actions have consequences.
Like backing a political party or candidate, support is commensurate with aligning beliefs, morals and values. Sure, Limbaugh is protected by the First Amendment, but we are a free-market society, and the bottom line will always trump intolerant speech.
When the very groups he loves to demonize vote in unison, as they did in 2012, it not only highlights a pushback, but signals the inevitability of his party’s demise.
Just remember, you can’t have it both ways. When people are demonized, you shouldn’t expect their support. That includes the indirect benefits associated with advertising dollars.
James Garner
Phoenix, Ariz.
Twenty-five years ago, Limbaugh was one of the few prominent voices of conservatism. He still is. Even with the corrupt media we have now, he is still the boss.
The mainstream media are attached to President Obama’s coattails and haven’t let go. Their hypocrisy is so evident with the Benghazi attack and now the IRS’s harassment of conservative groups. They either stretch the truth or refuse to cover an issue.
Another great example was CNN anchor Candy Crowley moderating one of the presidential debates last year. I need not explain.
No matter what liberals try, Limbaugh will survive and leave at his own leisure.James Stavola
Freehold, NJ
What the left doesn’t understand about Limbaugh is that he would be doing the exact same thing whether he were making $40,000 a year or $40 million.
He is driven to right the wrongs of liberals. To him, money is just a way to keep score.
Crosby Boyd
Sanibel, Fla.