RUSH: Let’s go to Bridget. Creedmoor, North Carolina, I’m glad you called. Great to have you on the program. Hi.
CALLER: Hi, Rush. I’m really honored to talk to you.
RUSH: Thank you very much. I appreciate that.
CALLER: I’m 17 years old. I’m definitely a Rush Baby. I’ve listened to you with my mom and dad since before I can remember, and you’ve definitely helped shaping how I perceive the world, and you basically taught me how to think. Well, not like indoctrination, but how to have critical thinking skills.
RUSH: I appreciate you saying that.
CALLER: I remember asking my mom about censorship one day after you’d mentioned how censorship was killing the country. I was like eight years old or something.
RUSH: Wow.
CALLER: It was just really intense to have a discussion like that at eight years old and then later in life, in high school, to be able to discuss it on a very intelligent level.
RUSH: That’s amazing. Eight years old and you’re discussing censorship with your folks?
CALLER: Yes.
RUSH: Amazing.
CALLER: I’m actually leaving for basic training with the National Guard tomorrow. So I was excited to get to talk to you before I left.
RUSH: Wait, wait, wait, wait — hold it a minute. You said you’re 17.
CALLER: Yes. My parents signed a permission form basically stating that I could join the military back in January, and I’ve been training ever since to leave for basic training. I’m going to Fort Sill.
RUSH: You’re going to Fort Sill for basic training for the National Guard?
CALLER: Yes.
RUSH: At age 17.
CALLER: Yes.
RUSH: God bless you. You’re incredible.
CALLER: Thank you.
CALLER: I decided I wanted to join the military shortly after joining Junior ROTC in high school, my freshman year.
RUSH: Junior ROTC. Boy, your parents must be as proud of you as they can be.
CALLER: My mom looks like she’s about to burst.
RUSH: I’m not surprised. I’d be about to burst, too, if I was your parent.
CALLER: Thank you.
RUSH: Bridget, thank you so much for the call. I can’t tell you what it means to me when people like you call and tell me things like that. And Bridget, let me tell you something, you are definitely special. Don’t listen to these teachers that tell you you’re the same. (laughing) You are definitely special. There is no question about it. Thanks so much, Bridget, I appreciate it. I really do. Wow. 17 years old, National Guard, basic training, discussing censorship with her parents at eight years old. She thinks it’s me, but it’s actually her parents. It’s actually her parents. They’ve gotta be proud of her.