Rush Limbaugh's classic re-telling of Thanksgiving story retains poignant significance

When top conservative radio host Rush Limbaugh died in February 2021 at age 70, the world lost an iconic figure whose take on politics and culture was like no other.

It's worth remembering his retelling of the first Thanksgiving -- repeated almost yearly on his show -- because it can ground conservatives and put a purpose in their celebration.

Limbaugh pointed out that history says the first Thanksgiving proved that socialism didn't work and belongs on the ash heap of history.

Sponsors of the Mayflower trip had decreed that all the profits from the expedition be put in a "bank" and that each Pilgrim would get an equal share. This system disincentivized hard work within the community because no matter how hard anyone worked, they would only get the same amount of output -- their share.

When leaders in the community realized people were only doing the bare minimum, they quickly scrapped the system and let each person's family keep what they were able to work and grow to obtain. This led to most people working hard and to a much fairer system.

The story was quintessential Limbaugh, and it proved his point more than anything else could about the uselessness of socialism and the value of capitalism.