There was a devious, Machiavellian air surrounding the Real ID Act, even when it was just a bill. It was furtively tacked on to an emergency appropriations bill for defense and Hurricane Katrina relief to ensure its unopposed passage through the House. It was almost universally overlooked when it was signed into law on May 11, 2005, and few have taken notice as its implementation draws near. The bill is scheduled to become effective on that date in 2008.
Radio is an unlikely springboard to widespread political influence in modern America. As our favorite source of banter, fast-spoken traffic and weather reports, and advice for our love lives, radio is not often a shaper of the political landscape. Most of the political activity in our country takes place on television, in writing, or in person. The influence of radio hosts is almost always local and minor. Thus, one would expect to find an ambitious man of ideas like Rush Limbaugh debating on CNN Crossfire, writing editorials, or lecturing at a university. Rush, however, has defied the limitations of radio and has risen to prominence with his political commentary on “The Rush Limbaugh Show.” He now broadcasts to over 20 million listeners weekly and has become a household name nationwide. The success of Rush hinges on his effective use of the radio to deliver conservative ideology.
