The premise of Glenn Beck's rally was "restoring America's honor." So these folks went around asking those who attended when exactly America lost its honor.
Here's my answer: America hasn't lost anything. We are today what we have always been, a nation of people that proclaims a set of very audacious ideals to the rest of the world and only sometimes lives up to them. It isn't any worse today than it was in years past; in fact, it's better -- but only because the forces of progress won previous battles for liberty and equality.
It's well worth a read.
Artie60438
Posts : 9728
Subject: Re: Thoughts on Glen Beck's rally... 8/31/2010, 1:20 pm
I have to disagree with the author on one point. We already lost a part of our honor when the attacks on the proposed Muslim community center in NYC started. If it does not come to fruition because of ignorant bigots,then in effect the terrorists have won because they have caused us to change our principle of freedom of religion,the same principle this nation was founded on.
A large majority,if not all of those attending the Beck rally share responsibility for the above.
UrRight
Posts : 3993
Subject: Re: Thoughts on Glen Beck's rally... 8/31/2010, 4:39 pm
Read Mary Mitchell's column from Sunday's Sun-Times..I disagree respectfully with everyone.
First they accused him (Mary Mitchell) of Beck holding a rally at the Lincoln place on what they considered a slap in the face, cuz it was MLK's b'day.
I don't care what Beck's excuse is, he has a right to hold a rally anytime HE wants, just as the rest of the nation does on any ole' day.
That's why people have rights and freedom of expression.
My take is: Why are black people saying they "own the day" when totally disregarding the message they were suppose to learn from MLK?
"The I DREAM" message to this day, stilll has not penetrated the minds of bigots...to be judged not on the color of skin but the basis of character...whatever". And the FREEDOM PART of his message.
Geeze, I bet he's proud of how that message unfolded from his grave that day.
We in America have a right to demonstrate, hold rallies, speak our words on any day we want.
I'm not condoning I like Beck, but I am not also condoning the Sharpton guy. Both are idiots.
Why is it that Black people have so many organizations, the ACORN, the BLACK HISTORY MONTH CRAP, the oh, so many organizations, and celebrations especially of MLK, that they forgot what he was talking about.
He wanted equal treatment, and I say Beck had a right just as Sharpton do to whatever they wanted to do on any given day.
This is what divides America...not unite. Forget it...no one is more special than the other. We need to unite and quit the B.S.
Read Mary MITCHELL's column, then read the comments, and you'll get a clearer pix of what I am talking about.
It seems everyone thinks the slave days are still here, that we don't bow down enough for the poor 5 generations away from slavery.
You can't move forward looking behind you.
UrRight
Posts : 3993
Subject: Re: Thoughts on Glen Beck's rally... 8/31/2010, 5:00 pm
If Obama would secure the borders like North Korea, we wouldn't have this crap going on.
All these different languages being printed at public aide, all the languages put especially Spanish on a damn drivers' license exam...how do those people know the rules of the road if it is given in English only? They don't do that at the DMV, do they? If so, they are asking for what is the primary problem of America today....allowing idiots in our country so easily.
That's what is dividing our country and bowing down to idiots and followers of Farrakhan. You may not be like him or want to follow him, but the guy gets tax free crap, income, housing, all in the name of the idiot that died years ago...
We need to tax all churches...it's b.s. that we allow them to occupy corner stores (especially in South Chicago) and allow those so-called preachers not to pay taxes...and we need to stop the anchor babies and withdraw from the war.
The war put us in the hole, and the anchor babies, illegals put us further in the hole...and the socialism that everyone thinks they are entitled to without working before they put in the money, working illegally put us in the hole..
WE NEED to close the borders first before we even think of recovering or recouping. We need to start up our own damn Made In The USA, cuz are we that stupid? I'm hot right now...pizzed off at what's so damn logical before our politicians' eyes, that they can't see why or where to start.
Instead of voting for them...I say, take away the campaign money and let them apply for the job like they expect us to. Show the proof you are qualified. Show the diplomas...don't show the damn corporations who donated X amount in return for "favors".
I don't believe any politician anymore.
Scorpion
Posts : 2141
Subject: Re: Thoughts on Glen Beck's rally... 9/1/2010, 11:39 am
Artie60438 wrote:
I have to disagree with the author on one point. We already lost a part of our honor when the attacks on the proposed Muslim community center in NYC started. If it does not come to fruition because of ignorant bigots,then in effect the terrorists have won because they have caused us to change our principle of freedom of religion,the same principle this nation was founded on.
A large majority,if not all of those attending the Beck rally share responsibility for the above.
Yeah, well Brayton does touch on this in his piece....
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We today do not honor them while denying equality to gays and lesbians, or while engaging in xenophobic bigotry against Muslims.
Heretic wrote:
It's well worth a read.
Yes it is. This piece was really well written. I was glad to see that Ed pointed out something that has been obvious to me about Beck from the beginning...
Quote :
Glenn Beck isn't going to do a damn thing to help in that effort. He's on the side of regress, not progress. He's a carnival barker on the political midway, selling a product -- fear -- to an eager public. For him, the notion of honor is just a marketing slogan, something flashy with which to fleece the rubes and keep the money flowing.
I don't for a second believe that Beck has any core convictions. There is no question that Beck is a master marketer, but IMHO, that is all that he is...
Artie60438
Posts : 9728
Subject: Re: Thoughts on Glen Beck's rally... 9/1/2010, 1:53 pm
Scorpion wrote:
I was glad to see that Ed pointed out something that has been obvious to me about Beck from the beginning...
Quote :
Glenn Beck isn't going to do a damn thing to help in that effort. He's on the side of regress, not progress. He's a carnival barker on the political midway, selling a product -- fear -- to an eager public. For him, the notion of honor is just a marketing slogan, something flashy with which to fleece the rubes and keep the money flowing.
I don't for a second believe that Beck has any core convictions. There is no question that Beck is a master marketer, but IMHO, that is all that he is...
What's especially despicable is that he fronts for a sleazy precious metals company,"GoldLine"that rips off novice buyers by selling them overpriced gold coins. Several investigations of this company are finally underway. His fear mongering is a perfect segue for a gold selling scam.
Scorpion
Posts : 2141
Subject: Re: Thoughts on Glen Beck's rally... 9/3/2010, 2:09 am
Artie60438 wrote:
What's especially despicable is that he fronts for a sleazy precious metals company,"GoldLine"that rips off novice buyers by selling them overpriced gold coins. Several investigations of this company are finally underway. His fear mongering is a perfect segue for a gold selling scam.
Yeah. Well I read an excellent piece by Bob Cesca about Beck. Here's an excerpt, but I highly recommend reading the whole thing, and checking out the links to Will Bunch's piece which is referenced in the article as well...
Philadelphia Daily News reporter and blogger Will Bunch augments the notion that Glenn Beck is playing a fictional character named "Glenn Beck." A faker. Specifically, Bunch draws together evidence indicating that Beck is nothing more than a morning zoo deejay whose latest money-making stunt is to portray a new kind of televangelist, offering political and religious salvation for profit.
Bunch writes about a Glenn Beck fan named "George from Santa Clarita" who tells the story of how Beck advertiser Goldline hard-sold him into buying $10,000 in Engish gold sovereigns. Before the purchase went through, "George" backed out of the sale -- later discovering that the gold he nearly bought was marked up 40 percent by Goldline. The price of gold would have to increase by at least 40 percent for "George" to break even on his investment. Another Beck fan invested $5000 in Goldline gold, but only actually received $3400 after fees and commissions.
Another Beck sponsor, Solutions from Science, markets something called the Survival Seed Bank -- an ordinary packet of heirloom seeds -- in preparation for what Beck describes as the coming "dark times." Retail price: $149.99. Unknown to Beck's audience is that Bill Heid, the founder of Solutions from Science, previously ran a shady outfit called AVC Marketing. AVC was investigated by the Federal Trade Commission for marketing an obvious snake-oil called the "Himalayan diet breakthrough." The diet consisted of eating goop that allegedly oozed from the cliffs of Nepal. Seriously. Bunch reports that AVC sold $4.9 million of this crap to desperate and gullible Americans before the FTC stepped in, only to discover that most of the profits had vanished. And now, Beck is pitching Heid's Survival Seed Bank.
And his concert last weekend, sponsored in part by Goldline, was ironically named "Restoring Honor." That's rich.
Artie60438
Posts : 9728
Subject: Re: Thoughts on Glen Beck's rally... 9/3/2010, 7:08 am
I found the description of the business to be especially humorous.
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Type of Business: Solar Energy Equipment & Systems Manufacturing & Distribution, Credit & Debt Counseling, Seeds & Bulbs - Wholesale
Apparently after you go broke buying their overpriced crap that no one really needs they offer credit and debt counseling.
Artie60438
Posts : 9728
Subject: Re: Thoughts on Glen Beck's rally... 9/4/2010, 12:13 pm
We have found the antidote...
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A grassroots campaign has begun to get Stephen Colbert to hold a rally on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial to counter Glenn Beck's recent "Restoring Honor" event. The would-be rally has been dubbed "Restoring Truthiness" and was inspired by a recent post on Reddit, where a young woman wondered if the only way to point out the absurdity of the Tea Party's rally would be if Colbert mirrored it with his own "Colbert Nation."
Now with its own website and Facebook group with over 8,000 members, the call for Colbert to hold a rally is spreading through the Internet like wildfire. Aside from being a satire of Beck's rally, the petition claims the rally is necessary because, "Recently our nation has suffered a truthiness drain."
The website gives a history of the newly founded movement, with links to news stories and a poster for the rally, which proposes the date "10/10/10." The website also states:
"Restoring Truthiness is a true grassroots movement propelled by YOU, the citizens of the internetz. Our goal is simple: Petition Stephen Colbert to hold a Restoring Truthiness Rally for the American people."
Given Colbert's love for his "Nation" and ability to satirize the Right so effectively, this almost seems like something Colbert would have thought of himself. While he is on vacation at the moment, it will be interesting to see if he addresses the petition when he returns to host "The Colbert Report" next week.
Those interested in furthering the movement have been asked to join the Facebook group, spread the word, or email support@colbertrally.com for more information.
Last edited by Artie60438 on 9/4/2010, 12:17 pm; edited 1 time in total (Reason for editing : added link to story)
Heretic
Posts : 3520
Subject: Re: Thoughts on Glen Beck's rally... 9/5/2010, 9:08 am
Hilarious, isn't it? That'll be so funny if he agrees to it. They've been in reruns all week last week... I'll have to watch next week to see if he says something.
Heretic
Posts : 3520
Subject: Re: Thoughts on Glen Beck's rally... 9/8/2010, 8:35 am
An entire movement based on empty headed Palinisms and bumper sticker rhetoric. At least it's entertaining watching the GOP gettin' eaten alive by their own Frankenstein monster.
And if that video wasn't weird enough for you, try reading Victoria Jackson's article over at the WorldNutDaily. These people really do exist in a reality all by themselves.
Heretic
Posts : 3520
Subject: Re: Thoughts on Glen Beck's rally... 9/8/2010, 8:48 am
No direct answer yet, of course. We'll have to wait and see.
Artie60438
Posts : 9728
Subject: Re: Thoughts on Glen Beck's rally... 9/8/2010, 10:44 am
Heretic wrote:
An entire movement based on empty headed Palinisms and bumper sticker rhetoric. At least it's entertaining watching the GOP gettin' eaten alive by their own Frankenstein monster.
I saw that the other night. I managed to get through about 8 minutes of it before I finally had enough. Then I ended up listening to that Sussman guy I posted about in the global warming thread. I must be a glutton for punishment.
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And if that video wasn't weird enough for you, try reading Victoria Jackson's article over at the WorldNutDaily. These people really do exist in a reality all by themselves.
I thought I was reading something from either The Onion or Wonkette.
Artie60438
Posts : 9728
Subject: Re: Thoughts on Glen Beck's rally... 9/8/2010, 10:48 am
Heretic wrote:
No direct answer yet, of course. We'll have to wait and see.
He and Stewart are playing off each other,with Stewart teasing a big announcement he's going to make,and Colbert saying he's waiting for Stewart's announcement. Makes me wonder if they're planning on doing something together.
Artie60438
Posts : 9728
Subject: Re: Thoughts on Glen Beck's rally... 9/8/2010, 5:53 pm
The Daily Show with Jon Stewart is leaving the liberal comforts of its Manhattan studio and filming a week of shows in another, less un-American, city. This time around, the lucky burg is our nation's capitol and its most-fetid swamp: Washington DC!
From Monday, October 25 through Thursday, October 28, "When Grizzlies Attack: The Daily Show Midterm Teapartyganza" will be taped at the Shakespeare Theatre Company’s Sidney Harman Hall and air nightly at 11 pm/ 10 c.
Heretic
Posts : 3520
Subject: Re: Thoughts on Glen Beck's rally... 9/17/2010, 10:03 am
Awesome! A 6 week lead time will give them plenty of time to promote it. Meanwhile wingnut heads are already exploding over this. Here's a couple...
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I just read that Cowardly Central is holding a rally at the Mall just before the elections. I'm impressed that Colbert and Stewart have emerged from under their desks after that dreadful Islamic scare in Times Square. But we need some "agents provocateurs" in the crowd to record the proceedings and perhaps have some fun.
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Note to my friends in Oathkeepers: take lots of pictures of participants, get license plate numbers and (when possible) IDs. The people who will attend this are at the forefront of the Islamo-leftist revolution that is destroying our country. The bedwetters Stewart and Colbert are giving us a tremendous intel opportunity that will be very useful in the future.
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First of all, who is managing the cleanup, considering the kind of crowd that Stewart and Colbert will draw? Have they alerted the local hospitals to provide HazMat support to help reduce the danger of infection from all those loose bodily fluids, bloodied hypodermic needles, scattered and tattered porn, ick, ick, at al?
Wow, you actually had to go the frickin' freepers for a reaction? That's pretty weak. Hopefully some more prominent right wingers take the bait as the day of the "rally" approaches. It wil be interesting to see how big a splash this causes. I guess we'll find out.
paul87920
Posts : 875
Subject: Re: Thoughts on Glen Beck's rally... 9/17/2010, 4:10 pm
Beck sure thinks highly of himself...
What I want to know is why this wasn't jumped all over? Michelle Obama was basically cast as a pariah by the conservatives for saying she was "finally proud of her country". So why is Beck allowed to suggest that America needs it's honor restored? It's disgraceful that he's allowed to suggest that we've lost our honor.
Artie60438
Posts : 9728
Subject: Re: Thoughts on Glen Beck's rally... 9/17/2010, 6:46 pm
Wow, you actually had to go the frickin' freepers for a reaction? That's pretty weak. Hopefully some more prominent right wingers take the bait as the day of the "rally" approaches.
When instant stupid reactions are needed,FreeRepublic is the place to go.
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It wil be interesting to see how big a splash this causes. I guess we'll find out.
MSNBC is already behind it big time. Chris Mathews had piece on it today and suggested they cover it wall to wall.Lawrence O'Donnel and another pundit whose name I forget said they would be attending. Keith Olbermann is going to go hog wild with this too,I'm sure.
Artie60438
Posts : 9728
Subject: Re: Thoughts on Glen Beck's rally... 9/17/2010, 6:50 pm
paul87920 wrote:
Beck sure thinks highly of himself...
What I want to know is why this wasn't jumped all over? Michelle Obama was basically cast as a pariah by the conservatives for saying she was "finally proud of her country". So why is Beck allowed to suggest that America needs it's honor restored? It's disgraceful that he's allowed to suggest that we've lost our honor.
GW Bush campaigned on "restoring honor and dignity to the White House"and ended up in the WH for 8 yrs.
Artie60438
Posts : 9728
Subject: Re: Thoughts on Glen Beck's rally... 10/11/2010, 9:20 pm
In a jailhouse confession, a California man has admitted it was Fox News host Glenn Beck who inspired him to plot the assassination of employees of the ACLU and the Tides Foundation. Byron Williams made national headlines in July, when he was arrested after he opened fire on California Highway Patrol officers. The shootout occurred as Williams was driving to the headquarters of the Tides Foundation headquarters in San Francisco. Earlier today, the media watchdog group MediaMatters released audio from a jailhouse interview in which Williams talks about Beck’s influence.
Byron Williams: "I would have never started watching Fox News if it wasn’t for the fact that Beck was on there. And it was the things that he did, it was the things he exposed, that blew my mind. I said, 'Well, nobody does this.' ...Beck will never say anything about a conspiracy, will never advocate violence. He’ll never do anything of this nature. But he’ll give you every ounce of evidence that you could possibly need. Go look at all the stuff that you’ll find. I would suggest you go back and see, try to find the videos about –– all the June videos."
That was Byron Williams being interviewed by freelance journalist John Hamilton. According to MediaMatters, in the eighteen months before the shooting, Beck used his Fox News show to attack the Tides Foundation twenty-nine times, claiming that the small foundation is part of a secret George Soros-funded plot to infiltrate and gain control of big businesses and to indoctrinate the youth of America. Even after the shooting Beck continued to threaten Tides.
Glenn Beck: "I’m just going to throw this message out for the people at the Tides Foundation: I’m coming for you. Oh, I’m coming for you. Well, no, not in a—not—Glenn Beck making threats? No, mm-mm. Nope, I’m just going to reverse all the things that you have done, all the things that you have done. The tide is about to change."