Conservative radio host Rush Limbaugh received the Presidential Medal of Freedom last night at the State of the Union Address. "It is awarded by the President... to individuals who have made exceptional contributions to the security of national interests of America, to world peace. or... other significant... endeavors," according to whitehouse.gov.
Who is deserving of the medal is entirely up to the President of the United States. Recipients of the medal will, in most cases, be debated by people for as long as the medal is awarded. In the case of someone as polarizing as Rush Limbaugh, more people will debate it and the debate will be longer.
Did Limbaugh deserve this honor? No. He has not contributed to the interests of America; Only Conservatism. He has not promoted world peace. He has spent his time extolling the greatness of the Political Right and poling fun at the Left. His gimmicks include giving nicknames to liberal politicians (Shifty Schiff) and TV networks (PMSNBC) and labelling the liberal media as "The Drive-by Media".
Under the medal's description, Limbaugh would fall under the "other significant endeavors" portion. The man has been successful and has been able to capitalize on the feelings and passions of a political base. But to award someone who has made a living by mocking another base and trumpeting his own virtues and "wisdom" leaves a lot of questions. At the same time, it leaves little wonder why we as a nation are so divided and polarized.
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