I am feeling a little sorry for Rush Limbaugh.  After I saw his broadcast following President Obama’s sweeping victory, I wanted to help him understand.  So, here is my open letter to Rush:

Dear Rush,

I never thought I would say this, but, Rush, I felt so sorry for you when I saw clips of your broadcast just after President Obama’s sweeping re-election victory.  You sounded so pathetically confused that I feel compelled to respond.

Rush, you were mystified that the Republicans did not get credit for the minority speakers it presented at its national convention.  Sadly, it is not about credit.  Don’t get me wrong.  It is good that you all showcased minorities at your convention.  The problem is that it was a show.

Here’s the thing, Rush, “credit” for thinking of and including minorities in a showcase event such as a national convention is something members of the majority extend to each other for doing something they know is right.  It was the right thing to do and you did it.  Congratulations!

But, Rush, do not confuse “credit” with “credibility.”  I know, I know.  They do sound alike, don’t they?  But they are different.  “Credibility,” in this case, is something members of a minority extend to each other.  The problem, Rush, is that your showcased minority speakers utterly lack credibility with the members of their respective minorities.

Your policies do not support our lives.  As a woman, I know your absolute stand on no legal abortions and a complete elimination of affirmative action initiatives are not good for me.  No matter how many women or African Americans or Hispanics speak at your convention, we can see that your policies are just not good for us.

I also know that your “winner take all” and “no holds barred” strategies are not good for me.  When I have a Republican representing my district, I have no representation.  My views will never be considered in their decision making.  When you say, “Everyone knows government does not create jobs,” I do not want you in any office.  I want someone who believes that government policies can and do support (or not support) job creation.

Let me ask you something, Rush.  If Romney had been elected and he really did want to build all those additional ships for the navy, who would be building them?  Would that government spending not have created jobs in the United States or would you have sent those jobs to China?  Rush, can you see how that works?

Clearly, government can and does create jobs.  Some of us, a lot of us apparently, prefer that those jobs (and the money to pay for them) go to highway improvements, education, construction, etc.

Rush, I have to admit, it was amusing to watch you struggle with the difference between “credit” and “credibility.”  It would be much more fun if I could see even a sliver of possibility that you might, at some point, get it.  That would be like watching a butterfly emerge from its chrysalis.

Unfortunately, over the last month, I have not seen any sign of dawning awareness so I am only a little embarrassed for you.  Only a little.  All I can tell you, Rush, is this.  It’s about credibility.  Not credit.  You are looking at the wrong thing.

Best of luck, Rush.