Is Rush Limbaugh the Republican Party's Michael Moore?

Both men are polarizing influences, and embody political extremes. However, at such a turbulent point in American history, I don't think either gentleman has much to offer beyond the ability to stir an already roiling pot in order to make headlines. That Rush Limbaugh is being touted by some, as the "voice of the Republican party" makes clear that the Grand Old Party is having an identity crisis. This is only natural, given the last eight years, and the outcome of the last election. Believe me, at my age, I have seen this happen over and over with both the G.O.P. and the Dems. It's like watching someone have a mid-life crisis - it isn't pretty, and it's embarrassing to witness.

The real point is this: We cannot remain, a nation divided. We need strong Republican leadership and we need strong Democratic leadership, because we need both of those views. We need each other, folks. I have every confidence, the G.O.P. will "find itself" again. They have to. We won't, as a nation, make it without them any more than we will survive without the Democrats. What we don't need are divisive voices, ridiculous power struggles and undue attention being given to portly blowhards. No matter how entertaining or "truthful" you, the consumer, find them to be. We need, as one nation, to regain a sense of decorum and civil discourse. The grandstanding antics of talk radio voices, or the drama created by documentary filmakers may be entertaining, but it's nothing more than distraction.

That our leaders are being sucked into this entertainment vortex is more than a little disturbing.

Theresa Greenleaf of NY 6:00PM March 09, 2009