Rush Limbaugh reveals he has advanced lung cancer and nasty death wishes pour in on social media
Conservative radio host Rush Limbaugh on Monday, February 3, broke the news of his advanced lung cancer on air and told listeners that he was taking some time off to seek the best treatment for himself. But news of the 69-year-old’s ailment saw a series of nasty tweets flying in besides some kind ones from his followers and well-wishers.
Among those who targeted Limbaugh were those who celebrated his cancer diagnosis while others pointed out his earlier controversial beliefs about the American health care system. The tweets criticizing the Republican kingmaker varied in their tones. Actor Jon Cryer, for instance, said: “I hope Rush Limbaugh gets the best medical treatment and recovers quickly. And I hope that while he is doing it he thinks about why he doesn't think poor people deserve the same thing.”
Comedian Nick Jack Pappas said: “I’m so sorry for lung cancer, no deserves. I wish him the best medical care he's worked on denying to others.”
But people like Tariq Nasheed, a film producer, was ruthless. He said in a tweet: “Rush Limbaugh has spend decades spewing dangerous anti-Black racism. Now he has cancer... I know we shouldn't celebrate one's misfortunes... but #PartyOverHere.”
Comedian Johnny McNulty said in a tweet that it is not cool to joke about Limbaugh having cancer since one might “jinx” it. Writer Jon Taylor did not hide his strong feelings against Limbaugh and even wished that the common Americans had a chance to kick his corpse once he is dead.
“Rush Limbaugh is, without a doubt, one of the most hateful, awful people of the last century, and one who had one of the most negative impacts possible on this country. It's only fitting that this cancer upon the world should be stricken by it. If this kills Rush, then give him a state funeral so that every willing American can have a chance to pay their respects by kicking his corpse as hard as they can,” he added.
Other critics took the opportunity to slam Limbaugh for making hate-filled speeches often, including bigotry and blatant racism. Limbaugh told his audience that he will take some days off to undergo more medical tests and decide on the treatment he would take. He informed that the diagnosis was carried out by two medical institutions late last month after he experienced his only symptom so far -- shortness of breath.
Limbaugh’s announcement about his personal health came at a time when the nation is highly charged up over the impeachment trial of Trump which is nearing the end. Limbaugh, who started his first national radio show in 1988 in New York, has been a dominant voice of the US’ right-wing politics and inspired the likes of Sean Hannity, Glenn Beck and others.
Limbaugh, who is known to be close to Trump and has been seen playing golf with him on a number of occasions, was praised by former president Ronald Reagan once. The late Republican president wrote a letter that Limbaugh read on the air in December 1992 and which cemented his reputation among the conservatives. Even Reagan wrote saying Limbaugh had become the No.1 voice for conservatism in the US.