Talk radio pioneer Rush Limbaugh has passed away due to complications from lung cancer. The recent Presidential Medal of Freedom recipient was 70 years old. His wife Kathryn made the announcement Wednesday on Rush's radio program.

"It is with profound sadness I must share with you directly that our beloved Rush, my wonderful husband, passed away this morning due to complications from lung cancer."

It's really simple. If you are reading this blog post on this website, thank Rush Limbaugh. Even if you've never turned on AM radio before. If you consume conservative media in any form, if you've read a book by a conservative author, or if you turn to right-leaning media as an alternative to one-sided biased crap from the mainstream media, thank Rush Limbaugh. He's the only reason any of us have jobs. When conservatives first started to use the internet as an entertainment medium, they were doing their version of the Rush Limbaugh show. Even if they weren't influenced by him directly, they were influenced by someone who was. Rush Limbaugh is the reason we have alternative media. Period. If you still need proof of his influence, go take a look at the unhinged, vile hatred from leftists I'm sure is filling up Twitter right now.

On behalf of everyone at Louder with Crowder, our heartfelt prayers go out to Kathryn, the Limbaugh family, and his legions of fans.

Godspeed, Rush, and mega dittos.

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