A man once called "a national treasure" by President George W. Bush, conservative radio talk show host Rush Hudson Limbaugh III (1951-) was born on this day in Cape Girardeau, Missouri.

"Even though being right is a habit with me, I still get jazzed when I am right," he once said.

Rarely modest and always outspoken, Limbaugh observed, "Liberalism is predicated on pessimism. There is no such thing as an optimistic liberal, just like there's no such thing as a happy journalist."

(Don't panic; that's just another outrageous Rush-isms.) Whether targeting "the liberal elite" or "feminazis," the articulate Limbaugh has made us listen, laugh, and think since launching his radio program in the late 1980s.

According to the Washington Post (2009), Limbaugh's "Broadcast Excellence," can be heard three-hours daily on 600 stations in America and 400 stations via the Armed Forces Radio Network. Millions of "Dittohead" listeners have made him the highest paid in radio syndication. In July 2008, he signed a record $400 million, eight-year contract.

"Really think hard about what you want to do," the "Dr. of Democracy" advised. "Because when you're doing what you want to do is probably when you'll be doing your best. And pray it's not a hobby so they'll pay you for it."

In 2001, the controversial dynamo shocked the world when he announced that he was going deaf because of an autoimmune inner-ear disease. A subsequent ear implant partially restored his hearing.

He remained gracious and upbeat about the experience: "I was just constantly thankful ... for the era in which I was born because that is what has made this all possible. That and the freedom we all have as Americans to invent and create and explore all these medical marvels."

Keep marching, true to your beliefs.