The WND NewsCenter has provided MHProNews the following reflection on the anniversary of the passage of talk radio legend Rush Limbaugh and the recent death of author P.J. O’Rourke. MHProNews previously honored the death of Limbaugh at this link below.
As to O’Rourke, per GoodReads: “In the tradition of his contemporary classic Parliament of Whores, renowned political humorist P. J. O’Rourke is back with Eat the Rich, in which he takes on the global economy. P. J. O’Rourke leads us on a hysterical whirlwind world tour from the “good capitalism” of Wall Street to the “bad socialism” of Cuba in search of the answer to an age-old question: “Why do some places prosper and thrive, while others just suck?” With stops in Albania, Sweden, Hong Kong, Moscow, and Tanzania, O’Rourke takes a look at the complexities of economics with a big dose of the incomparable wit that has made him one of today’s most refreshing commentators.
Now updated with new material from the O’Rourke, fifteen years after the original publication of his riotous first take.
“O’Rourke has done the unthinkable: he’s made money funny.”– Forbes FYI
“[O’Rourke is] witty, smart and–though he hides it under a tough coat of cynicism–a fine reporter . . . Delightful.”– New York Times Book Review.”
Against the backdrop, here is Simpson’s commentary provided by WND with permission.
Commentary
THE BABE IN THE BUNKER
In honor of 2 gems: Rush Limbaugh and P.J. O’Rourke
Exclusive: Barbara Simpson expresses sorrow over pair of men who both died of same disease
By Barbara Simpson – Published February 18, 2022 at 7:07 pm
I don’t know about you, but it seems as though every week, another of the people who have been a part of my life in one way or another – dies. The media are filled with their obituaries.
These aren’t people I knew personally but who have been a part of my life because of their professions – writers, actors, comedians, politicians. They are people who are known through the media because of their work, and over the years, I have enjoyed and loved their work.
As happens with people like that, fans like me often feel we ‘know them personally,” and when we learn that they have passed, it feels like a personal loss.
It’s happening a lot lately; perhaps it’s just a matter of age – theirs and mine! But it’s still depressing and often makes me feel as though I’m losing a part of my life, but at least I have the memories.
It happened again this week. As I scanned the news on the internet, I saw that author and humorist P.J. O’Rourke had died. He was 74. I hadn’t thought about him in ages, assuming, as we often do, that he was living his life somewhere and all was well. Well, it wasn’t. He had lung cancer, and it took him. The news shook me. I felt as though I’d lost a friend – and in a way, I had.
Why? Because during the ’60’s and ’70’s I became a fan, having read most of his books (he wrote 20), which were irreverent, sarcastic and to-the-point as he skewered the duplicity of politics. They were also funny in their mockery of politicians and government.
In fact, after I read the obituary, I went to my library and saw that I own 11 of P.J.’s books! I’d read them all plus others I got from the library. To say I’m a fan is putting it mildly. The titles speak for themselves. “Parliament of Whores” explains the government, and his description of the political conventions is priceless! “Holidays in Hell” reveals the hot spots of war he covered. “Give War A Chance” speaks for itself!
O’Rourke’s career spanned covering foreign wars for radio and print, as well as being editor-in-chief of National Lampoon, writing for Rolling Stone, appearing on NPR as well as “60-Minutes” and his freelance writing for many other publications.
He was acerbic and sarcastic – never hesitating to skewer the pompous in government and politics. Associated Press said he “refashioned the irreverence and ‘Gonzo’ journalism of the 1960’s counterculture into a distinctive brand of conservative and libertarian commentary.”
The death of O’Rourke reminded me of another loss I felt deeply – that of Rush Limbaugh. He died a year ago Thursday, Feb. 17.
He was 70 and also died of lung cancer.
When Rush died, he had the largest radio audience of anyone – 15.5 million listeners a week – culminating 32 years in radio virtually all as No. 1! While others are trying to replace him, no one has really succeeded, and I doubt anyone will. He had a special talent to reach listeners with his sarcasm, wit and smarts. Whether you liked his politics or not, his talent could not be denied. The ratings showed that.
I first heard Rush when he was hired by KFBK radio in Sacramento, California, in 1984. He went from there to New York to his syndicated show, and it was history from there. I was a fan from the beginning, and I never wavered as he moved to greater success.
His program was carried on the ABC stations in San Francisco, which also aired my talk program. I was an avid listener to Rush, though I never had the opportunity to meet him in person. But that didn’t matter. As with people like that, we feel we know them as we listen to them in our cars, homes and offices.
I had the same feeling of loss when Rush died as I felt when hearing about P.J. It was like losing a friend. We had spent so much time together via the radio – learning things, sharing information, perspective, laughs and sometimes tears.
I’ll not forget this week. I’ve lost two people who expanded my vision of the world and sprinkled it with laughs. You can’t replace that. You can only try to remember and read their books to refresh your memory.
I’ve been lucky to have them in my life, and that pleases me.
Thank you, Rush. Thank you, P.J.
What worries me is – who’s next? ##
Additional MHProNews Reflections
The short answer to the last question is anyone’s guess. But part of the reason for sharing her reflections is because working for one’s legacy can be beneficial regardless of the profession. Several of manufactured housing’s pioneers and other groundbreakers have died in the past year or so. That pattern is guaranteed to continue.
The future is something worth planning for, and that is predicated on making the best possible decisions in the present and daily.
Additionally, there are voices across the left-right divide that challenge sober minds to think.
They may do so with wit, sarcasm, or an array of other intellectual methods. Our society needs to be less focused on ‘groupthink’ than it is on a thirst for truth, true justice, and what was long dubbed the American Way of equal justice for all under law. ###
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By L.A. “Tony” Kovach – for MHProNews.com.
Tony earned a journalism scholarship and earned numerous awards in history and in manufactured housing.
For example, he earned the prestigious Lottinville Award in history from the University of Oklahoma, where he studied history and business management. He’s a managing member and co-founder of LifeStyle Factory Homes, LLC, the parent company to MHProNews, and MHLivingNews.com.
This article reflects the LLC’s and/or the writer’s position, and may or may not reflect the views of sponsors or supporters.
Connect on LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/latonykovach
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