It would suck to have a last name like “Giant Flaming Asshole,” wouldn’t it? This poor woman knows the burden of carrying such a moniker: Her cousin is Rush Limbaugh, and they share a last name that he has made synonymous with “bombastic racist douche-nozzle.” That’s gotta hurt.
She says he’s not such a bad guy, though, despite his politics. She gets occasional, all-expenses-paid luxury vacations courtesy of “Cousin Rusty.” She says he’s a fun guy at holiday parties and a patient, considerate relative when it comes to visiting children -- even those threatening to destroy expensive furniture.
The people in the Salon comments section are hammering Ms. Limbaugh pretty hard, accusing her of being an apologist for her asshole cousin or seeking to capitalize on his fame.
Meh. I take her at her word that she doesn’t share his views, and I think it’s natural enough to make excuses for jackass family members. Ms. Limbaugh puts it well:
“I'm sure you have a grandpa or uncle out there who complains about the "queers" and the people who speak "Mexican" ruining his neighborhood. I don't like that, but I bet you're OK.”Well, she’s got me there. I have many relatives who express troglodyte views that make Rush Limbaugh sound like Al Franken in comparison. Luckily, they don’t spew their hateful nonsense for millions of listeners or wield enough power to make elected officials in a major political party grovel before them like servile toadies.
The world would be a scarier place if they did. And millions might come to curse the name of Cracker. Oh wait…
[Cross-posted at Rumproast]
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