I am dismayed and quite frankly confused over the vitriol and hatred directed by liberals toward Rush. Look, I understand that Rush is not everyone’s cup of tea, that many prefer to listen to other stuff, but a little respect for Rush is in order. So, before you judge, before you unleash your unfounded and venomous anger on me, allow me to offer a defense for Rush. Listen for once in your lives. It’s the least you supposedly open minded “liberals” can do. And maybe, just maybe, I’ll change your narrow little minds.

Let me start with the raw statistics: Rush has, as of this writing, 24 gold records, 13 platinum records three of which went multi-platinum. This places Rush only behind The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, and Aerosmith in terms of consecutive gold or platinum albums.

Not bad company huh? Not bad for a band consistently denied a place in the Rock and Roll “Hall of Fame” (side note: I refuse to acknowledge any R&R hall of fame that does not recognize the awsomeness of Neil Peart. Anyway…).

Rush’s longevity and their willingness to evolve and experiment is admirable, and even if you don’t necessarily dig their music, you all should at least respect them as artists before you all go off on your tirades.

One of the most oft repeated criticisms I hear is the fact that Rush used Randian objectivism as the basis for some of their songs, most notably 1976’s 2112. Well, fuck you. If I lose “friends” because of this, so be it; 2112 kicks some mofo ass, you! It stands as one of the most coherent and intelligent concept albums of all time, rivaled only by maybe Julian Cope’s “Peggy Suicide.” Forget about the naive Randian mutterings about the threat of collectivism; the story is about rock and roll saving the world! Dare I say that’s something we can all get behind? I thought so.

Now, drummer/lyricist Neil Peart himself has said that too much has been made of his brief fling with Randian thought. These guys have written thoughtful and intelligent songs on a number of topics, especially the hypocrisy of religion. Songs like “Freewill” all of “Farewell to Kings” (fuckin’ "Cygnus X"! hells yeah!), and, most recently, “The Way the Wind Blows” all decry sheep-like mentality, and celebrate independent thought and forward thinking people.

Certainly that should make you liberal Rush haters happy, but nooooo. You can only bitch about “his” weight.

First of all, yes, Alex Leifson has gained some weight over the years, crimmany, he’s like 55! And secondly, I hate it when idiots refer to a band as him. NEWSFLASH dummies! Pink Floyd was the name of the band! Molly Hatchet is NOT the singer’s name, it’s also the name of the band! Jeez, Rush doesn’t even sound like the proper name of a person! How stupid can some people be!?

Finally, how can you liberal weenies deny the pure musicianship of Rush? Geddy Lee is one of the preeminent bassists in Rock history. Leifson is consistently one of the most innovative and adventuresome guitarists. And then there’s Peart. Neil Peart is a god on the drums. Period.  Even jazz musicians give him props. I dare you to listen to “The Rhythm Method” and not bow down before the awesome power that is PEART!

Rush is one of the most influential power trios in Rock history. The hatred and ignorance you all show toward Rush unfounded at best. I’ll bet you supposedly liberal coc…

****(shouting from the other room)***

(to my wife): Uh, you mean they’re all talking about Rush Limbaugh? Oh. Hmmm.

****(Confused for a second. Composes self)****

(to liberals): Well, yeah man, fuck that guy. He’s a douche.