‘I would like a medal for smoking’: Old radio shows haunt Rush Limbaugh after he reveals advanced lung cancer

Speaking to a caller in 2015, Limbaugh said that Americans should thank smokers.

“Earlier you were saying about smoking, that people ought to be thankful that there are smokers, because the money gotten from smoking helps to fund all these child programs and everything?” a caller told Limbaugh. “But that’s like saying I’m glad that there’s bumper accidents because then auto mechanics would still have jobs and it improves the economy.”

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I’m just saying there ought to be a little appreciation shown for them [smokers], instead of having them hated and reviled. I would like a medal for smoking cigars, is what I’m saying.”