Of all the 2020 headlines that will end up in history books, this one’s at least a likely contender: “Americans should adapt to the coronavirus like pioneers who turned to cannibalism.”
That’s from right-wing commentator (and, disgracefully, Medal of Freedom recipient) Rush Limbaugh, who made that argument on yesterday’s show:
This isn’t who we are, folks, this cowering and fearful and almost giving up in the face of this enemy, COVID-19. We’ve not ever done anything like this before. So much of the way we are dealing with this is unprecedented — and it’s un-American.
That would be more motivational if Limbaugh wasn’t defending the Trump administration for leading the way into the abyss. The issue isn’t that we’re giving up. It’s that we can’t fight a virus with grit and tenacity. It requires listening to epidemiologists. It requires sacrifice. It requires being prepared with medical equipment. Republicans have refused to do those things at the levels we need to.
And then, somehow, Limbaugh turned to cannibalism. As one does.
You’ve heard of the Donner Party? Maybe some of you haven’t. The Donner Party, the Donner family and a bunch of travelers trying to get to California over the Sierra Nevada mountain range. They made the mistake of trying to make the trip in the middle of winter. We’re talking the Lake Tahoe region. They get to the peak. It was so bad that they had to turn to cannibalism to survive. That’s what’s noteworthy about the Donner Party. If you read the diaries written by the leaders of the Donner Party, the only reference to how cold it was, was one sentence: “It was a particularly tough winter.”
It’s just what was. They didn’t complain about it, because there was nothing they could do. They had to adapt. This is what’s missing. There seems to be no concept of adaptation. There seems to be no understanding in the Millennial generation that we can adapt to this, and that we’re going to have to.
So… moral of the story is we should “adapt” to a life-threatening virus just like a family that resorted to cannibalism. Very inspiring.
Twitter users, as usual, did not disappoint in sharing their appreciation for this dose of positive thinking:
I hate to tell @RushLimbaughEIB this, but if we’re endorsing cannibalism, I’m taking that as permission that we can start with him. Anyone want to join me for a big dinner of Limbaugh steaks?
— Vic Moore (@Vic_Moore901) July 14, 2020
So cannibalism is the best plan that we have available to us? First Jones now Rush. Call me crazy, but I think wearing a mask might be worth a shot before we start looking for wines to pair with sautéed neighbors.
— Jason Clark (@jasontclark) July 14, 2020
The donner party got lost because their leader didn’t know what he was doing, and looking for a shortcut that didn’t exist. If that’s not an apt comparison I don’t know what is. Also they failed miserably and had to be rescued.
— Thomas Gabel (@tomcgabel) July 14, 2020
So we should not complain and adapt…seems like the non maskers are the one's complaining and not adapting. Cant close bars Rush? Why not? You JUST said we can adapt. But not to a closed bar or wearing a mask? Most have adapted. Your listeners haven't
— mr man (@gogogadgethead2) July 14, 2020
Wear your masks. Unlike the Donner Party, we don’t need to resort to eating each other if we have enough common sense to take some basic precautions.
