Meaning: Rush Limbaugh, a conservative political commentator and entertainer, made this statement about former President Barack Obama's declaration on the use of torture by the United States. The quote reflects a critical view of Obama's assertion and implies that the prohibition of torture in the United States has always been in place, rendering Obama's statement as audacious or daring.

In the quote, Limbaugh emphasizes that torture in the United States has always been illegal, implying that Obama's proclamation was unnecessary or even misleading. To understand the context of this quote, it is important to consider the broader political and social landscape in which it was made.

During his presidency, Obama made several significant changes to U.S. policies on national security and counterterrorism, including issuing executive orders related to the treatment of detainees and the use of enhanced interrogation techniques. One of Obama's early executive orders, signed in 2009, explicitly prohibited the use of torture by the United States. This move was seen as a departure from the policies of the preceding administration, which had faced significant criticism for its use of controversial interrogation methods such as waterboarding.

Limbaugh's statement can be interpreted as a critique of Obama's approach to national security and counterterrorism, suggesting that the prohibition of torture was already firmly established in U.S. law and did not require reiteration by the president. It reflects a perspective that questions the necessity and impact of Obama's declaration, while also framing it as an act of audacity or boldness.

It is important to note that the issue of torture and the treatment of detainees has been a subject of significant debate and controversy in the United States, particularly in the aftermath of the 9/11 attacks and the subsequent "war on terror." The use of enhanced interrogation techniques by U.S. authorities, as well as the legal and ethical implications of such practices, has been the focus of intense public scrutiny and legal challenges.

Limbaugh's assertion that torture has always been illegal in the United States also touches on the broader legal and moral dimensions of the issue. The United States is a signatory to international conventions and treaties that prohibit torture, including the United Nations Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment. The legal and moral implications of torture have been the subject of extensive international debate and efforts to establish clear norms and standards for the treatment of detainees and prisoners.

In conclusion, Rush Limbaugh's quote about Obama's declaration on the use of torture by the United States reflects a critical perspective on the issue of national security and the treatment of detainees. It underscores the broader debate and controversy surrounding the prohibition of torture, both in U.S. domestic law and international human rights standards. Understanding the context and implications of such statements is essential for engaging in informed discussions about these complex and contentious issues.