MEDIA AND CULTURE  
AlterNet / By Alexander Zaitchik
comments_imageCOMMENTS: 207

Is Glenn Beck the Orson Welles of Our Time?

Understanding FOX News' biggest star.
April 27, 2009  |  
 
 
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Fox News host Glenn Beck has done all the necessary spadework to position himself at the center of a brewing and increasingly paranoid right-wing insurgency.

From challenging Democratic Congressman Keith Ellison to prove he isn't working with Al-Qaida, to taking tearful stands against Barack Obama's Democratic Reich, the self-described "rodeo clown" is pushing his televised tirades and skits closer to the angrier, more unhinged fare of his daily talk radio show, now ranked third nationally, where he has been honing his confessional Molotov-throwing shtick for a decade.

Beck is deft at making himself an elusive and slippery target. As media watchdogs and satirists step up their attacks, the host has countered with well-practiced public relations aikido. He has embraced comparisons between himself and Network's Howard Beale, who rode an on-air crack-up to record ratings. On his shows and in print, he has claimed at turns to be "crazy," "borderline schizophrenic," and "just a clown."

But is he really? After all of the Comedy Central satires, the studious cataloging of falsehoods and outrages, and the public back-and-forth about his mental state, the big questions about Beck -- Who the hell is this guy? And is he for real? -- remain largely unanswered and even unasked in any serious way.

Fortunately, Beck has gone far toward answering these questions himself. Between his thousands of hours of TV and radio recordings, his semiannual stage tours, and a surprisingly frank memoir, he has provided enough information to piece together the puzzle of the "real" Glenn Beck.

The first casualty of any study of Beck is the idea that he is cracking up, a la Beale. Mental illness runs in Beck's family -- his mother and brother suffered from depression and committed suicide, and he considered suicide in the mid-'90s -- but Beck is not crazy. His frequent choke-ups are no more the early signs of a looming crack-up than his best-selling-author status portends a National Book Award.

Beck has been fake crying for years. It started on his radio show in Tampa, Fla., where he first turned the confessional mode of the support-circle into fodder for self-denigrating humor and ratings gold. After 10 years, the fake crying is best seen as a corporate brand handle. It differentiates him from tough-guy competitors in a conservative media universe dominated by manly men and manlier women. Even Beck himself is becoming increasingly open about this. The plug for his upcoming "Common Sense" comedy tour describes him as "America's favorite hysterical, fear-mongering, TV and radio crybaby."

Those who take a single drop of Beck's tears seriously need simply watch recordings of his stage shows. As he paces the stage, Beck switches the tear-ducts on and off like a switch, sometimes as many as six times in a single hour. He even chokes himself up for slick, produced segments like the trailer for the stage show based on his best-selling (and ghostwritten) Christmas novel, The Christmas Sweater.

Then there is the memorable Freudian slip Beck dropped on Fox in early February, while recounting the story of a missing girl. "Two years ago, I made the father a promise," Beck says, choking up, "that I would not let this story dry -- er, die …"

Any doubts that Beck is just acting are more deeply buried by examining his turn guest hosting Larry King Live last summer. Watch that clip, and you will see a master tailor of on-air persona at work. He is in full control and almost unrecognizable. 

To understand Beck, you just need to fade out the apocalyptic hysterics and pull back the Patton-size flag. Do that, and staring back at you are three words: Mercury Radio Arts. Therein lies everything you need to know about Fox's new megastar.

Mercury Radio Arts is Beck's production company. It is his pride, his joy, and his multiteat cash cow. The company, whose tag line is "The fusion of entertainment and enlightenment," produces or co-produces his radio and television shows, his live events and his many publishing and digital media projects, all of which promote and expand the Beck brand.

Its full-time staff of 20 is not based in the small-town "Real America" Beck claims to hold so dear, but in the cynical media capital of the world, Manhattan.


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Alexander Zaitchik is a Brooklyn-based freelance journalist and AlterNet contributing writer.
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The High Price of Cheap Theater
[Report this comment]
Posted by: DrBrian on Apr 27, 2009 12:44 AM   
Current rating: 4    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
Who can doubt that this is true not only of Beck, but of his colleagues Limbaugh, Coulter and Savage, politicians like McConnell, Inhofe, Graham, Lieberman and King, and ecclesiastical entrepreneurs like Robertson, Dobson and Hagee.

They probably don't believe half of what they say--no reasonably intelligent person could--but it generates money, power and fame by pandering to the worst in human nature and the most gullible and narrow minded in society.

America pays a high price for this hucksterism, however, as we have seen most clearly during the nightmarish 8 year crime spree known as the Bush Administration, when the values these charlatans espouse were fully integrated into governance.

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» Rather a wimpy pandemic... Posted by: brunowe
» Get your head out of you butt Posted by: SeattlePackedSnowandCollidedCars
» Hold it. Posted by: freelyb

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R.I.P. Real, Investigative Jounalism
[Report this comment]
Posted by: CatDad on Apr 27, 2009 12:56 AM   
Current rating: 5    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
Journalism in the USA is further devolving into Left. vs. Right punditry...where the "journalist" simply spews taking points of their respective side. Newsrooms have been gutted...Investigative journalism is not a money maker and it tends to step on the toes of the rich and powerful of both the Left and Right. Left v. Right pundits can fill the airways with cheap airtime....the likes of Pat Buchanan, Beck...or Rachel Maddow can go on forever.

Certain topics seem to be off limits in the US MSM: The Bush Family's ties to the Royal Saudi Family, Obama and Geithner's ties to Wall Street, AIPAC, or any discussion of health care reform that does not involve the cartel of private health insurance giants...but who cares about such "fluff." The American citizenry deserves 24-7 coverage of more important things: today's tragic missing/exploited child saga and The Craigslist Killer.

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» RE: Hiring a Journalist Posted by: chorton
» To a degree... Posted by: Parcival01
» RE: .I.P. Real, Investigative Jounalism Posted by: Walks-in-Storms
» RE: .I.P. Real, Investigative Jounalism Posted by: Walks-in-Storms

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Who are more dangerous, the frauds or the true believers?
[Report this comment]
Posted by: brunowe on Apr 27, 2009 1:02 AM   
Current rating: 4    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
Sinclair Lewis's novel Elmer Gantry always makes me think of that. Like Beck, Gantry of a womanizing hypocrite who embraced evangelism for the money.

I think that the Rush Limbaughs and Glenn Becks of the world make a bigger splash but that the Jerry Falwells ultimately have a bigger impact. It was true believers like him and, on the anti-tax, anti-goverment side, Howard Jarvis, who provided a big push to the conservative ascendancy of the 80s.

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» RE: This might be a first Posted by: Sister_Lauren

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Family and friends (?)
[Report this comment]
Posted by: reinaldok on Apr 27, 2009 2:09 AM   
Current rating: 4    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
I find that the really saddest part of this BECK debacle is the fact that I and many of us have family and friends (?) who believe that every absurd utterance of this RODEO CLOWN is true, honest to goodness fact and that he is just telling it like it is. Suckers born every day - You BET!!

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» ...and sh*t floats. Posted by: thekidde
» RE: ...and sh*t floats. Posted by: techcafe
» RE:HE'S JUST AN ENTERTAINER Posted by: joeocho88
» And the biggest suckers are? Posted by: LillianB

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My town...
[Report this comment]
Posted by: walldodger1969 on Apr 27, 2009 2:13 AM   
Current rating: 5    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
Pop. 10 grand is now home to a 9/12 organization..It is so sad ,when people become like sheep.

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» RE: And the sheep might be you Posted by: LillianB

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Degenerate
[Report this comment]
Posted by: Perry Logan on Apr 27, 2009 2:44 AM   
Current rating: 4    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
The man is just another right-wing degenerate.

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Glenn Beck's demagoguery is nothing new-look at "A Face in The Crowd"
[Report this comment]
Posted by: Woodpecker on Apr 27, 2009 2:46 AM   
Current rating: 5    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
Speaking as an outsider (a UK citizen), this kind of media demagoguery is nothing knew- rent( or better yet buy) a DVD of the classic film "A Face In The Crowd" whereby the lead character at the end inadvertently speaks frankly about the"boobs" who lap up what he has to say( forgetting that the microphone is still on)!

Terry

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XXX pat
[Report this comment]
Posted by: davy on Apr 27, 2009 3:54 AM   
Current rating: 5    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
You had me at the title. That's more than I want of this guy. As an expat for well over 25 years it is inconceivable to me that America even has a FOX news. What???

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When a DA compiles a case
[Report this comment]
Posted by: weathered on Apr 27, 2009 4:22 AM   
Current rating: 2    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
of civil malefeasance based on the invective/slanderous or misleading statements of a MSM 'gimmick' such as Beck and further attaches liability to both the corporate sponsors and network through a jury trial award. -
WE might see a sliver of integrity in the 4th Estate.
Pull the plug on all MSM/PBS/NPR and see them for exactly what they are;an accomplice to the crimes.

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"God Helps those who help themselves" aka 'God's will'???
[Report this comment]
Posted by: Purple Girl on Apr 27, 2009 4:26 AM   
Current rating: 5    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
Another misnomer purported by the religious right to justify their prejudice and apathetic doctrine.
In this twisted philosophy, God has pre determined your lot in life. He has either 'blessed' you or is punishing you. So if you are rich and powerful- God has granted you those rights and priviledges. If you are poor and impotent, then you are 'paying penance' for past evil deeds.
So if you are the 'blessed' it would be working against 'God' to provide aid or assistance to the 'Damned'- You would be working against 'God's Will'.. How convenient.
Obviously this plays well in the Elite 'Vaticans'of the Evangelical Mega churches- Guilt Free Greed and Arrogance. Not to mention it is a pre cursor/ Pre approval to the 'Judgement Day' Delusion.
Evangelicals have the fine art of Cherry Picking the Bible down as well as Cheney etal did with Intell.
Heres the parts that blows the shit out of their self serving ideology- Jesus went to the Lepers, He toppled the tables of trade in the Temple,He created enough Bread, Fish and wine to share with the multitudes.
He did not consider leprosy a 'wrath' from God. He did not value wealth over reverence and he basicaly held a rather 'socialistic' idea about 'redistribution of Wealth' (resources).
Beck may find this hysterical now, may be riding this gravey train to the end. But if he has any faith in the immortal soul, he could find himself performing his Schtick in hell. I'm not saying there is or theres not, nor that that would be his epilogue- Far too high above my pay grade and level of knowledge.
On a more earthly note, Beck is playing with fire the 'Armegeddonists' are hell bent with suicidal and homocidal tendencies. They don't just wait and wish for 'End of Days' they see it as their mission to hasten it by any means possible.Apparently THEY'VE Decided they are the 'chosen' generation and God is a bit of a slacker, so they will be 'Helping' Him. As for those who expound the "I'm Blessed and You're Screwed" philosophy,It lends itself very well to their refusal to repay a debt to older generations, who supported them and invest in future generations- aka tax cut mantra. So if the planet, the economy and the society is a shit hole by the time their descendants are handed the torch, then it must be their own fault.Guilt Free Greed and apathy.'God didn't see fit to provide for you- sucks to be you'. so Beck is condoning this self serving behavior, enabling those who want to 'get it while they can'. History from a Hindsight perspective- It won't be kind to those like Beck if the place is a living Hell.

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» call it.... Posted by: Cory.Goodman
» Chamillionaire had a song for this Posted by: SeattlePackedSnowandCollidedCars

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didn't he hear?
[Report this comment]
Posted by: Cory.Goodman on Apr 27, 2009 4:26 AM   
Current rating: 5    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
"Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to squeeze through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to get into the kingdom of God."

I guess he forgot about this? Sometimes I wish there was a little truth to Christianity. I'd love to see him cry as he is turned away from the pearly gates.

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No one ever lost money
[Report this comment]
Posted by: NYmediator on Apr 27, 2009 4:40 AM   
Current rating: 4    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
Underestimating the intelligence of Americans. And Beck is pabulum for morons. You have to genuinely nuts to listen to the show. Being an idiot is a given.

But make no mistake about it - the right wing shows are getting their armed idiot drones ready for civil insurrection. And I meet people in my little town on an almost daily basis who are itching for blood.

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» christian jihadists Posted by: rob-bot
» RE: No one ever lost money Posted by: skydog

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Leave out the Family
[Report this comment]
Posted by: skins44 on Apr 27, 2009 4:53 AM   
Current rating: 4    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
No one in a million years will ever confuse me for a fan of Beck, but your article turns to nothing by high grade slime when you attack his family by bringing up their history of mental illness - This has no place and shows terribly for Alter.Net

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» RE: Leave out the Family Posted by: Sister_Lauren
» the right always attacks families Posted by: NYmediator
» the right always attacks families Posted by: NYmediator
» Too right, Sis. Posted by: thekidde
» RE: Leave out the Family Posted by: viewsights
» Sorry Posted by: LeaderofMen
» RE: Leave out the Family Posted by: Walks-in-Storms
» RE: Leave out the Family Posted by: techcafe
» RE: Leave out the Family Posted by: skydog

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and the difference is?
[Report this comment]
Posted by: cedarriver on Apr 27, 2009 4:55 AM   
Current rating: 2    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
Catdad said it in his post. Goodbye to investigative journalism. Beck is no more evil than those on the left spewing out their version of vision.

The left needs to be less jealous and alarmed. After all, Obama is in the White House. The Limbaughs and Becks will not alter that a bit.

I am a bit curious, though, as to the omission that Beck has been equally brutal to Bush. If you are going to profess to be telling the truth about Beck, don't fall into the partisan trap you rail against.

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» Big difference Posted by: NYmediator
» RE: I agree Posted by: Sister_Lauren

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Not worried about the commentator...
[Report this comment]
Posted by: northerner on Apr 27, 2009 5:06 AM   
Current rating: 5    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
...with 300 million people in the US, there's bound to be a few like Beck. You know, same as serial killers, cannibals, etc.

But I am worried that he has a show, and a couple of million viewers (from the Huffington Post):

Top 10 Cable News Programs, Q1 2009 (by total viewers)
1. The O'Reilly Factor: 3,438,000 total viewers
2. Hannity: 2,579,000 total viewers
3. Glenn Beck: 2,271,000 total viewers
4. Special Report with Bret Baier: 2,092,000 total viewers
5. On the Record with Greta Van Susteren: 1,977,000 total viewers
6. The FOX Report with Shepard Smith: 1,927,000 total viewers
7. The O'Reilly Factor (repeat): 1,457,000 total viewers
8. America's Newsroom: 1,445,000 total viewers
9. Your World with Neil Cavuto: 1,428,000 total viewers
10. Countdown with Keith Olbermann: 1,327,000 total viewers

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» Remember this though Posted by: NYmediator
» True, but... Posted by: Parcival01

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The rightwingers needed a young one to continue their incessant hatred So Glen Beck was the chosen.
[Report this comment]
Posted by: JenniferBedingfield on Apr 27, 2009 5:06 AM   
Current rating: 4    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
The media will always have such figures out there. These articles would be better tailored to dealing with ways to win against their madness rather than giving partisan cries. If the Democrats can't quit caving in to those rightwingers, then they have no right to complain about them. And don't give me crap talk about the need to move to the "center". It's just another way of saying "Democrats need to move to the right or they'll lose." Well? Most of the time they lost for moving to the right. Glenn Beck is only a symptom.

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» RE: Glenn Beck is only a symptom Posted by: Sister_Lauren
» Be friends with whom? Posted by: chorton

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Obama and the Democrats are reaching out and this is how the Right thanks them?
[Report this comment]
Posted by: Ranjit Kumar on Apr 27, 2009 5:39 AM   
Current rating: 4    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
I wonder how wacky they'd be if the Democrats were even tougher minded progressives than they are now? Perhaps then the Right would find itself forced to beg for mercy, no?

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Torture Used to Link Saddam With 9/11
[Report this comment]
Posted by: Sister_Lauren on Apr 27, 2009 5:44 AM   
Current rating: 2    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
From one of my very favorite sites, Truthout, Torture Used to Link Saddam With 9/11

The Torture Statute punishes conduct, or conspiracy to engage in conduct, specifically intended to inflict severe physical or mental pain or suffering. "Severe mental pain or suffering" means the prolonged mental harm caused by or resulting from either the intentional infliction or threatened infliction of severe physical pain or suffering, or from the threat of imminent death. [My bold.]

This is where it gets tricky for me. Last week was the second time I felt under threat of imminent death (or intentional infliction of severe pain and suffering) at school.

Both times from a teacher's aid who had already shown signs of disliking me while the teacher was absent the room.

My radar may be on hyper alert, but setting me up is NOT funny.

I try to go to these people with full disclosure, so I really wonder if they realize the gravity of the situation. I kind of doubt the TA would commit acts of torture if she really realized that is what it is. Or would she?

It is all about religion. They think some people deserve to be tortured.

They laugh about it too. I haven't heard anyone talk about that yet, but I bet it is true. Not only do they torture you, but they laugh at you while they are doing it.

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» Yes, get help. Posted by: Beck

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On Air Crying
[Report this comment]
Posted by: LeaderofMen on Apr 27, 2009 5:56 AM   
Current rating: 5    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
Beck's behavior is called 'psychopathic'.

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» RE: On Air Crying Posted by: VZEQICVA
» RE: On Air Crying Posted by: lightmind

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In defense, not of Glen Beck, but of truth . . .
[Report this comment]
Posted by: Walks-in-Storms on Apr 27, 2009 6:21 AM   
Current rating: 4    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
I am frequently - more often than not - this guy's critic. More, I simply detest FoxNews and people like Sean Hannity, Ann Coulter, and the like. But for those interested in forensics, in proof of fact, and discourse generally, read this article and the thread concerning it while examining it for logical integrity. You will find to little of merit for anything but name-calling and spleen-venting otherwise that the entire exercise is a waste of time and computer screen space.

And you will have seen both the state of U.S. political debate and the reasons we are a nation in such precipitous decline. Expletive deleted.

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This comment has been removed from the site due to non-compliance with AlterNet's community policies.

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Glenn Beck: Fraud, Jerk, *sshole
[Report this comment]
Posted by: sausage on Apr 27, 2009 7:21 AM   
Current rating: 5    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
Yep, Glenn Beck is all of the above but he does know one truth: your average reactionary, right-winger American can not distinguish fantasy from reality.

I mean, really now, when Republican politicians reference the Kiefer Sutherland Fox Broadcast Company television show 24 as a reason to legitimize torture--ooooo..."the ticking timebomb" scenario--as an interrogation method in the "war on terror," reasonable people should question their sanity. Unfortunately in the mainstream media these days reasonable people are few and far between.

Anecdotally, another indication that your average Rush Limbaugh-listener, Ted Nugent-fan or light-in-the-loafers-homo hater is out of touch with reality is a email that made the rounds a couple of years ago, the subject line reading something like "My Heroes Have Always Been Cowboys" (apologies to Willie Nelson.) Anyway it linked to a Web site that played the Willie Nelson song and showed a long list of dead B-grade movie and television Western actors. I noticed that Western actor Audie Murphy, a Medal of Honor winner, was conspicuously missing from this list. I emailed the Web site to point out the glaring omission, noting out that Audie Murphy was indeed a decorated hero of World War II, while all the others were merely celluloid cowboys. I was told to mind my own business in so many words.

But Beck knows fully well, his target audience believes: John Wayne single-handedly won World War II; Dirty Harry Callahan's a real San Francisco cop; werewolves and vampires really walk among us; Sylvia Brown can really talk to the dead; guardian angles hover over us; "illegal" aliens are taking good jobs (dishwasher, hotel/motel maid, meat packing plant worker, agricultural laborer) from Americans; and George W. Bush protected the United States from further terrorist attacks after 9/11 by invading Iraq.

As a Mormon-convert Beck, of necessity and perhaps conviction, has to buy into some pretty silly concepts himself (like Jesus appearing at Arrowhead Stadium to anoint Independence, MO the "new" Jerusalem) but the rest he knows is pure hokum.

Glenn Beck is not the wacko here. His audience is.

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Robert Tilton-esque
[Report this comment]
Posted by: snax on Apr 27, 2009 7:38 AM   
Current rating: 4    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
While many of us can see the disingenuous crying sessions for what they are, and very much like the over the top behavior of Rev. Robert Tilton, the sad thing is that there are millions who do not. Millions of people are suckered in by their antics, so much so as to believe every word they say.

So whether beck is crazy or not is irrelevant. It's the people who believe this greedy nutbar you have to worry about.

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as the other Beck sang: "I'm a loser, baby!"
[Report this comment]
Posted by: Gabba_Gabba_Hey on Apr 27, 2009 8:12 AM   
Current rating: Not yet rated    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
I like the other Beck.

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I WAS ONE OF THE PEOPLE WHO URGED GLEN TO GET HIS TV SHOW
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Posted by: joeocho88 on Apr 27, 2009 8:20 AM   
Current rating: 1    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
When I first heard his radio show on San Antonio radio WOAI-AM, I remember laughing and thinking "This Guy is Going Places!" He was syndicated and I ENJOYED what he had to say.

So I went to his webpage and I took a look and he is eye candy and I thought "He has a hell of a future in TV."

Rush Limbaugh has more substance but looks like a bloated barfly who has had one too many alcoholic adult beverages and one too many fine cigars. So his TV Show went nowhere.

Glen is doing what Rush could not do, great radio AND great TV.

I bombarded Glen's people with e-mails urging him to go on TV that he has the elusive quality of looks plus talent which Rush does not have and O'Riley and those other guys barely have. Beck also has charisma that sparkles on air.

I don't find him threatening at all.

YOU HAVE A LOT MORE TO WORRY ABOUT FROM RUSH LIMBAUGH, DICK CHENEY, BILL CLINTON, GEORGE H.W. BUSH, HILARY CLINTON and JANET NAPOLITANO than GLENN BECK. And the paranoid people you don't see in the Pentagon and shadow government of the military- industrial profiteers whose personal hero is Adolf Hitler!

GLEN IS JUST AN ENTERTAINER. PERIOD.

I WATCH HIS SHOW AND I SEE IT FOR WHAT IT IS: A SATIRE OF NUTS & KOOKS.

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» RE: A Question Posted by: joeocho88
» RE: I KNOW what makes money Posted by: joeocho88
» RE: I KNOW what makes money Posted by: techcafe
» Rubbish. Posted by: Parcival01
» RE: BULLSHIT! Posted by: skydog

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Ignore them and they will go
[Report this comment]
Posted by: reidhaus on Apr 27, 2009 8:30 AM   
Current rating: 4    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
Instead of writing about and talking about right-wing nut jobs, let's just collectively ignore them. Why give them any more publicity? They make my brain hurt and I'd rather be thinking plesant thoughts.

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This is not 1984, you can change the station
[Report this comment]
Posted by: SeattlePackedSnowandCollidedCars on Apr 27, 2009 9:03 AM   
Current rating: 2    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
Chamillionaire had a song for this

"They see me rollin
They hatin
Patrolling they tryin to catch me ridin dirty
Tryin to catch me ridin dirty"

until Glen Beck is taking food off your table or money out your pocket all this hatin is just that: silly.

Dude is killing the game when it comes to rating however all the AlterNet can do is be: snarky about his family no see. Is there any shame on the left?

If you dont like the guy that is one thing however to just dig this deep into a radio/TV show host. This guy was a blip on the screen till he went to Fox. Then you guys wonder why shows like Rachel Maddow is low in ratings because normal everyday people is not invested in hate, they want solutions to all the things that are going on right now. Bad form to say the least.

p.s. I like coming down here because the AlterNet crowd (most of you) don't play kissie face with the administration and this is a democracy (still I hope) so there must be a seat for you at the table, there also must be a seat at the table for me as well

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Hmmmmmmm!
[Report this comment]
Posted by: Don't Panic on Apr 27, 2009 9:14 AM   
Current rating: 4    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
I think it is time that we stop spending so much time analyzing the Glenn Becks of the world and the Limbaughs dn the O'reillys.......just stop it....we are feeding the frenzy.....we are the ones that are setting these people up as right wing heros.......not them.....you know Jesus never said he was the king of the jews someone else did...if you believe all that .....as long as we keep feeding these pigs with our commentary they are winning.....we have to ignore them......just ignore them.....as long as we keep commenting on them like they have anything important to say......which they don't....they never have had and never will have any substance whatsoever.....then they will continue to feed.....so stop it people..........we are as bad as they are as ignorant as they are....we need to stop lowering ourselves to the level of fear and hate they espouse so effusely......concern ourselves with the needs of the people.......like jobs and health care and stopping war and the prison industrial complex and no education and rebuilding our infrastructure and the spiritual mental and emotional health of our nation and our people........all of them.....

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» ignore them Posted by: techcafe
» False! Posted by: Parcival01

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Check out this Glenn Beck cartoon
[Report this comment]
Posted by: ggoldman on Apr 27, 2009 9:30 AM   
Current rating: 3    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
http://current.com/
items/89942213_the-
glenn-beck-apocalypse.htm

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MEDIA A-TYPICAL FRAUD
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Posted by: ak47blog on Apr 27, 2009 9:31 AM   
Current rating: 4    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
Mr, Beck is living off the fumes of the entire mainstream media distortion, distraction, subterfuge, and counter intuitive mentality mindset. Make no mistake these guys and gals are at the top of the great success extremely high income set perpetuating in all their subject authored books and TV headlines the myth of soaring with the eagles in the blue sky of YES I CAN DO AMERICAN INVINCIBILITY. Reading between the lines of all media distractions the reality for these same frauds is crawling in the back alleys of NO CAN DO IMPOTENCE.

http://21stcenturyreversepyramid.blogspot.com/

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A Microcosm of the Right
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Posted by: kk33deg on Apr 27, 2009 10:08 AM   
Current rating: 4    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
Glen Beck: a rich,greedy cynic and a master manipulator. His followers: gullible morons who were brought up ignorant and who work hard to stay that way. This is the way that pretty much all reactionary movements operate.

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What is with Florida?
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Posted by: Ellie1 on Apr 27, 2009 10:36 AM   
Current rating: 4    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
Does Florida attract a-holes or are a-holes attracted to Florida? I think we should let Texas secede, but with the stipulation that they take Florida with them.

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» RE: What is with Florida? Posted by: techcafe
» RE: FLORIDA IS OK WITH ME! Posted by: joeocho88
» WHY are you always YELLING!!!? Posted by: Fencerider
» SO IDIOTS WILL PAY ATTENTION Posted by: joeocho88
» I BET IT DOESN'T WORK Posted by: Beck
» RE: What is with Florida? Posted by: fantasypoliticsusa

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parrotuya
[Report this comment]
Posted by: parrotuya on Apr 27, 2009 2:12 PM   
Current rating: 4    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
Would it not be great if pandemics and poor economies were to destroy these right-wing-nuts? A world without their hate would indeed be a better world!

DOWn, baby, DOWn!

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Stupid is as stupid does...
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Posted by: bluebama II on Apr 27, 2009 2:49 PM   
Current rating: 4    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
Beck is the hood ornament for half of this country, dumber than a flatbed of spam. Is it any wonder 1.3 million Iraqis are dead to privatize their precious, precious oil and half this country thinks we're doing those Darkies a favor. It is beyond scary. Beck is AOL TIME WARNER, CNN. This is no news agency. Real journalism has been clubbed unconscious by corporate ownership so Americans will be stupid enough to do, oh say, kill their own kids for Iraqi oil contracts after 19 Saudis attacked us, some of whom we trained to kill Russians in 79. Forrest said stupid is as stupid does. Half of this nation is braindead. Call today, the crap Beck is feeding you has done irrepairable damage to your cerebral corteces resulting in fits of rage, delusions of adequacy, murdering Iraqis for oil, fits of rag, uncontrollable weight gain, fits of rage. Call the law offices of Bob Oildead now. Call 1-800-BRAINDEAD. Social deviants are kneeling nearby. Call. There's not a second to lose or YOU could be the NEXT GLENN BECK. Call. Your brains are rotten way down yonder in the Land of Cotton. Killin and drillin for your betterment. God Bless Halliburton and defenseless oil reserves. Never compare Beck to a rodeo clown. Rodeo clowns save lives. Radio clowns murder kids to suck the oil from their dead daddy's eyes for Jesus and the American Way. Half of us are lying, child bombing oil thieves, just in case you haven't noticed!!

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Bingo!
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Posted by: Parcival01 on Apr 27, 2009 3:47 PM   
Current rating: 5    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
While I'm always entertained by Keith Olbermann especially when he calls Beck the "worst person in the world,"--remember once when he suggested that Beck "see a doctor"?--I've always argued that Beck isn't insane. Rather he knows his audience! In other words, like the other right wing pundits, Wiener, Limbaugh, o'leilly, Hannity, Coulter, et al, he's a harlot!

In the book verson of "Outfoxed," the fine film about Faux "news," the authors pointed out to bill o'lielly that it's only a matter of time before someone comes up with a more outrageous product--act--than o'lielly. I think that's Beck. The writer of this article may have hit the nail on the head. Beck can weep, and people take him seriously! He can write childish "Christmas" fairy tales, and people purchase them, and purport to read them in their Amazon.com non-reviews.

And I know of what I speak, as my inlaws watch kiddies like Beck and the others. My father in law lives, breathes, and defecates on abortion, so Faux is what he loves most, and Beck to him is an analyst!

Anyway, as I say, Beck understands his audience. He may have been a shock jock if the market were as lucrative, or he may have been a liberal commentator. But for now there's more money in Faux, so Glennie's laughing all the way to the bank.

But, Glenn, if you happen to be reading this, if I ever see you on the street, your life is in danger. Not only are you a harlot, but you're a completely dishonest and dishonorable one. But, well, you know, I'll never even fit into the crowds with who you socialize.

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» RE: Bingo! Posted by: apennachio

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What do Glen Beck
[Report this comment]
Posted by: willymack on Apr 27, 2009 3:52 PM   
Current rating: 5    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
TV evangelists, and megachurch charlatans have in common? The same brain-dead, tea bagging, homicidal morons, that's who. Someone elsewhere in the comments asked who's more dangerous, the blowhards or the morons. My answer is you can't have one without the other.

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lies all
[Report this comment]
Posted by: wint on Apr 27, 2009 7:06 PM   
Current rating: 5    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
I had the misfortune to have to listen to Mr. Beck at a client's house the other day. He had a right winger on in the garage and a right winger on in the basement and I was working in the kitchen and had Mr. Beck to myself. Some posted that they thought that bringing in his family was hitting below the belt. No way the way he lies about everything and drives the lunnie fringe to distraction. People in my home town (IQ 40 tops) love him and believe everyword he says. That is endangering everyone and his family is no better. Lenin said if you tell a lie often enough people believe it and he was right. The lies the lies the lies and no shame because God said it was okay? I missed that in my Bible I guess. I thought it was to help your fellow man instead of screw him. Guess I was wrong.

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» RE: lies all Posted by: apennachio

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The High Price of Cheap Theater?? Hmm. check this
[Report this comment]
Posted by: SamFox on Apr 27, 2009 9:28 PM   
Current rating: 1    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
link.

http://tinyurl.com/dcxxu4

You all decide if the price is too high & if there is more than one theater.

SamFox

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Can O worms time! :-)
[Report this comment]
Posted by: SamFox on Apr 27, 2009 10:44 PM   
Current rating: 1    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
Hey. Cheap theater is it? How about another actor in a different part of the show. IF Mr. Obama IS only playing the part of a US citizen that is. Maybe he isn't. We just don't know for sure.

If our new Prez is really a US citizen, why does he not show the documentation to prove it?
Why the crew of lawyers to keep the subject mum?

ALL he has to do is show us the proof. I do not mean the certificate of live birth posted on the net either. That was not a legal document of the same standing as a BC. I don't think a COLB is a legal document at all. I wanna see the real thing so I can tell every one "Yup, there it is! Now shut up about it!!"

Start here-

http://tinyurl.com/cvj4l4

http://tinyurl.com/comtdn

The plot thickens in our theater:-)

http://www.newswithviews.com/Devvy/kidd408.htm

http://tinyurl.com/cejynm

There were also Q's about McLame, but he is not in the White House so he is moot. I'd have welcomed an investigation on JMcC with relish! & onions. :-) on a sesame seed...

SamFox

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This comment has been removed from the site due to non-compliance with AlterNet's community policies.
» RE: BECK Posted by: techcafe
» RE: BECK Posted by: apennachio
» RE: BECK IS JUST AN ENTERTAINER Posted by: joeocho88

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SAVY !!!??? Colbert is savy, Beck is but a cheap harlot demagogue
[Report this comment]
Posted by: TFYQA on Apr 28, 2009 5:55 AM   
Current rating: Not yet rated    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
Repugs are soooo dumb...how dumb ?
Colbert Study: Conservatives Don't Know He's Joking
linked text

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"Sowing Seeds of Discontent"
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Posted by: Lilly on Apr 30, 2009 6:02 AM   
Current rating: Not yet rated    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
I tuned in to Glenn Beck one day the week before the tea parties and just after he had been much discussed online for attacking Obama. On that day, Beck appeared to have been muzzled a bit, perhaps by sponsor reps or FOX high-ups, as he seemed to be going out of his way not to say anything too egregious about the President. But what was most telling was that a couple of times when he seemed to skirt the issue of criticizing Obama, he quickly said, "Now I'm not talking about Obama!". Then, twice, he used the phrase "sowing seeds of discontent". The first time was in the context of the US sending covert agents into a teetering nation "to sow seeds of discontent" so that when that nation falls, it (hopefully) will fall in a pro-American direction. A minute later, Beck used the identical phrase again. I thought he was telling us something.

When my little brother was three we visited my grandmother's house where the only bathroom was on the second floor. He quickly figured out that when he was playing outdoors and was eager to get back to his play, he could save time by running through the kitchen door and peeing in the kitchen sink rather than going all the way upstairs to the bathroom. Much yelling, screaming, threat of punishment ensued. One day we walked into the kitchen to find him standing there hastily rearranging his clothing and greeting us with the words "I didn't go to the bathroom in the sink!". I thought of this when Beck made his repeated reference to "sowing seeds of discontent". That was what was on his mind. I think that's how he sees his role---as one who agitates, foments, instigates, gets the populace riled up. Then surely he mutters to himself the last two lines of Marc Antony's funeral speech from "Julius Caesar"---

"Now let it work. Mischief, thou art afoot,
Take what course thou wilt!"

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"Discourse and Debate in the U.S., a Study."
[Report this comment]
Posted by: Walks-in-Storms on Apr 30, 2009 9:34 AM   
Current rating: Not yet rated    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
That will be the title of the thesis I am writing, and it is the result of a five year study or discourse and debate both here on the Internet and on the electronic media, radio and television.

I not only have participated as I do here on a wide range of "talk" forums, I have repeatedly been thrown off one after the other - some as many as three times. What is most significant about that fact is the further fact that in no instance have I resorted to any of the ad hominem attack, vituperation, scurrility, insult or any of the like so characteristic of today's "debate."

Neither have I, ever, lowered the conversation by hurling the vapid and ubiquitous charges of "racist," "sexist," or the "politically-correct" like.

In every instance, in point of demonstrable fact, I have insisted upon logical process, sought to lower the level of heated nastiness, and endeavored to cast the proverbial "oil upon the waters." I have, moreover, demonstrated again and again that illogical assertion and personal attack prove utterly nothing - except the character of the user.

In each instance, I not only supported both sides of political, religious, and ideological arguments, I carefully esculated my objections to the personal attack, vituperation, insult, and the like to the degree of offering exemplary, while far subdued in comparison, rebuttal in kind.

It was I, nevertheless, who was in each instance being mentioned here thrown off the site.

My study suggests a number of things, not the least of which is that none of the providers of "opinion" space is interested in real debate. Their purpose is the same as that of today's "news" media, that of popularity among certain groups. It is entertainment in the form of "venting," and few participants have any interest in anything but what they, themselves, say. Others participate solely to hear the point of view they support repeated again, and again, and again (some sort of psychological re-inforcement, I suppose).

It is also clear that participants in "debate" like that of AlterNet detest logical, scientific, or mathematical proof. One such person - here on AlterNet, matter of fact - protested angrily that "Logic has no place in debate." Well, now - what does?

It has also become clear that certain ideological topics are sancrosanct where any logically, scientifically, or statistically contradictory evidence is concerned. All matters of feminist interest, for instance may not be contradicted, and expulsion is dependent exactly upon degree of logical and rational effectiveness. Prove a point, you are history where the site is concerned.

It is further interesting where feminist and certain other liberal viewpoints are concerned that reply in kind results with absolute certainty in deletion or expulsion. Feminists, for instance, may attack their antagonist by means of derogatory allusion to sexual prowess - but no retaliation of that sort is tolerated.

An interesting instance of that was a woman who called herself "Eyes wide Open." When eyes loosed on me one of the most scurrilous personal attacks of the many to which I have been subjected, I suggested that were I to refer to her as "thighs wide open" I wondered what would happen. In needn't have "wondered" - I was expelled forthwith from Truthout (where I continue under another sobriquet and guise - this one liberal rather than my customary moderate).

I believe scholarly periodicals, even history, will find my study interesting, and I will publish it soon. I have, incidentally, forwarded to each of more than two dozen sites of the kind to which I refer here a copy of this letter. No one has responded.

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The High Price of Cheap Theater
[Report this comment]
Posted by: DrBrian on Apr 27, 2009 12:44 AM   
Current rating: 4    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
Who can doubt that this is true not only of Beck, but of his colleagues Limbaugh, Coulter and Savage, politicians like McConnell, Inhofe, Graham, Lieberman and King, and ecclesiastical entrepreneurs like Robertson, Dobson and Hagee.

They probably don't believe half of what they say--no reasonably intelligent person could--but it generates money, power and fame by pandering to the worst in human nature and the most gullible and narrow minded in society.

America pays a high price for this hucksterism, however, as we have seen most clearly during the nightmarish 8 year crime spree known as the Bush Administration, when the values these charlatans espouse were fully integrated into governance.

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» Rather a wimpy pandemic... Posted by: brunowe
» Get your head out of you butt Posted by: SeattlePackedSnowandCollidedCars
» Hold it. Posted by: freelyb

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R.I.P. Real, Investigative Jounalism
[Report this comment]
Posted by: CatDad on Apr 27, 2009 12:56 AM   
Current rating: 5    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
Journalism in the USA is further devolving into Left. vs. Right punditry...where the "journalist" simply spews taking points of their respective side. Newsrooms have been gutted...Investigative journalism is not a money maker and it tends to step on the toes of the rich and powerful of both the Left and Right. Left v. Right pundits can fill the airways with cheap airtime....the likes of Pat Buchanan, Beck...or Rachel Maddow can go on forever.

Certain topics seem to be off limits in the US MSM: The Bush Family's ties to the Royal Saudi Family, Obama and Geithner's ties to Wall Street, AIPAC, or any discussion of health care reform that does not involve the cartel of private health insurance giants...but who cares about such "fluff." The American citizenry deserves 24-7 coverage of more important things: today's tragic missing/exploited child saga and The Craigslist Killer.

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» RE: Hiring a Journalist Posted by: chorton
» To a degree... Posted by: Parcival01
» RE: .I.P. Real, Investigative Jounalism Posted by: Walks-in-Storms
» RE: .I.P. Real, Investigative Jounalism Posted by: Walks-in-Storms

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Who are more dangerous, the frauds or the true believers?
[Report this comment]
Posted by: brunowe on Apr 27, 2009 1:02 AM   
Current rating: 4    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
Sinclair Lewis's novel Elmer Gantry always makes me think of that. Like Beck, Gantry of a womanizing hypocrite who embraced evangelism for the money.

I think that the Rush Limbaughs and Glenn Becks of the world make a bigger splash but that the Jerry Falwells ultimately have a bigger impact. It was true believers like him and, on the anti-tax, anti-goverment side, Howard Jarvis, who provided a big push to the conservative ascendancy of the 80s.

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» RE: This might be a first Posted by: Sister_Lauren

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Family and friends (?)
[Report this comment]
Posted by: reinaldok on Apr 27, 2009 2:09 AM   
Current rating: 4    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
I find that the really saddest part of this BECK debacle is the fact that I and many of us have family and friends (?) who believe that every absurd utterance of this RODEO CLOWN is true, honest to goodness fact and that he is just telling it like it is. Suckers born every day - You BET!!

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» ...and sh*t floats. Posted by: thekidde
» RE: ...and sh*t floats. Posted by: techcafe
» RE:HE'S JUST AN ENTERTAINER Posted by: joeocho88
» And the biggest suckers are? Posted by: LillianB

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My town...
[Report this comment]
Posted by: walldodger1969 on Apr 27, 2009 2:13 AM   
Current rating: 5    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
Pop. 10 grand is now home to a 9/12 organization..It is so sad ,when people become like sheep.

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» RE: And the sheep might be you Posted by: LillianB

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Degenerate
[Report this comment]
Posted by: Perry Logan on Apr 27, 2009 2:44 AM   
Current rating: 4    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
The man is just another right-wing degenerate.

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Glenn Beck's demagoguery is nothing new-look at "A Face in The Crowd"
[Report this comment]
Posted by: Woodpecker on Apr 27, 2009 2:46 AM   
Current rating: 5    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
Speaking as an outsider (a UK citizen), this kind of media demagoguery is nothing knew- rent( or better yet buy) a DVD of the classic film "A Face In The Crowd" whereby the lead character at the end inadvertently speaks frankly about the"boobs" who lap up what he has to say( forgetting that the microphone is still on)!

Terry

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XXX pat
[Report this comment]
Posted by: davy on Apr 27, 2009 3:54 AM   
Current rating: 5    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
You had me at the title. That's more than I want of this guy. As an expat for well over 25 years it is inconceivable to me that America even has a FOX news. What???

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When a DA compiles a case
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Posted by: weathered on Apr 27, 2009 4:22 AM   
Current rating: 2    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
of civil malefeasance based on the invective/slanderous or misleading statements of a MSM 'gimmick' such as Beck and further attaches liability to both the corporate sponsors and network through a jury trial award. -
WE might see a sliver of integrity in the 4th Estate.
Pull the plug on all MSM/PBS/NPR and see them for exactly what they are;an accomplice to the crimes.

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"God Helps those who help themselves" aka 'God's will'???
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Posted by: Purple Girl on Apr 27, 2009 4:26 AM   
Current rating: 5    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
Another misnomer purported by the religious right to justify their prejudice and apathetic doctrine.
In this twisted philosophy, God has pre determined your lot in life. He has either 'blessed' you or is punishing you. So if you are rich and powerful- God has granted you those rights and priviledges. If you are poor and impotent, then you are 'paying penance' for past evil deeds.
So if you are the 'blessed' it would be working against 'God' to provide aid or assistance to the 'Damned'- You would be working against 'God's Will'.. How convenient.
Obviously this plays well in the Elite 'Vaticans'of the Evangelical Mega churches- Guilt Free Greed and Arrogance. Not to mention it is a pre cursor/ Pre approval to the 'Judgement Day' Delusion.
Evangelicals have the fine art of Cherry Picking the Bible down as well as Cheney etal did with Intell.
Heres the parts that blows the shit out of their self serving ideology- Jesus went to the Lepers, He toppled the tables of trade in the Temple,He created enough Bread, Fish and wine to share with the multitudes.
He did not consider leprosy a 'wrath' from God. He did not value wealth over reverence and he basicaly held a rather 'socialistic' idea about 'redistribution of Wealth' (resources).
Beck may find this hysterical now, may be riding this gravey train to the end. But if he has any faith in the immortal soul, he could find himself performing his Schtick in hell. I'm not saying there is or theres not, nor that that would be his epilogue- Far too high above my pay grade and level of knowledge.
On a more earthly note, Beck is playing with fire the 'Armegeddonists' are hell bent with suicidal and homocidal tendencies. They don't just wait and wish for 'End of Days' they see it as their mission to hasten it by any means possible.Apparently THEY'VE Decided they are the 'chosen' generation and God is a bit of a slacker, so they will be 'Helping' Him. As for those who expound the "I'm Blessed and You're Screwed" philosophy,It lends itself very well to their refusal to repay a debt to older generations, who supported them and invest in future generations- aka tax cut mantra. So if the planet, the economy and the society is a shit hole by the time their descendants are handed the torch, then it must be their own fault.Guilt Free Greed and apathy.'God didn't see fit to provide for you- sucks to be you'. so Beck is condoning this self serving behavior, enabling those who want to 'get it while they can'. History from a Hindsight perspective- It won't be kind to those like Beck if the place is a living Hell.

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» call it.... Posted by: Cory.Goodman
» Chamillionaire had a song for this Posted by: SeattlePackedSnowandCollidedCars

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didn't he hear?
[Report this comment]
Posted by: Cory.Goodman on Apr 27, 2009 4:26 AM   
Current rating: 5    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
"Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to squeeze through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to get into the kingdom of God."

I guess he forgot about this? Sometimes I wish there was a little truth to Christianity. I'd love to see him cry as he is turned away from the pearly gates.

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No one ever lost money
[Report this comment]
Posted by: NYmediator on Apr 27, 2009 4:40 AM   
Current rating: 4    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
Underestimating the intelligence of Americans. And Beck is pabulum for morons. You have to genuinely nuts to listen to the show. Being an idiot is a given.

But make no mistake about it - the right wing shows are getting their armed idiot drones ready for civil insurrection. And I meet people in my little town on an almost daily basis who are itching for blood.

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» christian jihadists Posted by: rob-bot
» RE: No one ever lost money Posted by: skydog

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Leave out the Family
[Report this comment]
Posted by: skins44 on Apr 27, 2009 4:53 AM   
Current rating: 4    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
No one in a million years will ever confuse me for a fan of Beck, but your article turns to nothing by high grade slime when you attack his family by bringing up their history of mental illness - This has no place and shows terribly for Alter.Net

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» RE: Leave out the Family Posted by: Sister_Lauren
» the right always attacks families Posted by: NYmediator
» the right always attacks families Posted by: NYmediator
» Too right, Sis. Posted by: thekidde
» RE: Leave out the Family Posted by: viewsights
» Sorry Posted by: LeaderofMen
» RE: Leave out the Family Posted by: Walks-in-Storms
» RE: Leave out the Family Posted by: techcafe
» RE: Leave out the Family Posted by: skydog

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and the difference is?
[Report this comment]
Posted by: cedarriver on Apr 27, 2009 4:55 AM   
Current rating: 2    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
Catdad said it in his post. Goodbye to investigative journalism. Beck is no more evil than those on the left spewing out their version of vision.

The left needs to be less jealous and alarmed. After all, Obama is in the White House. The Limbaughs and Becks will not alter that a bit.

I am a bit curious, though, as to the omission that Beck has been equally brutal to Bush. If you are going to profess to be telling the truth about Beck, don't fall into the partisan trap you rail against.

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» Big difference Posted by: NYmediator
» RE: I agree Posted by: Sister_Lauren

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Not worried about the commentator...
[Report this comment]
Posted by: northerner on Apr 27, 2009 5:06 AM   
Current rating: 5    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
...with 300 million people in the US, there's bound to be a few like Beck. You know, same as serial killers, cannibals, etc.

But I am worried that he has a show, and a couple of million viewers (from the Huffington Post):

Top 10 Cable News Programs, Q1 2009 (by total viewers)
1. The O'Reilly Factor: 3,438,000 total viewers
2. Hannity: 2,579,000 total viewers
3. Glenn Beck: 2,271,000 total viewers
4. Special Report with Bret Baier: 2,092,000 total viewers
5. On the Record with Greta Van Susteren: 1,977,000 total viewers
6. The FOX Report with Shepard Smith: 1,927,000 total viewers
7. The O'Reilly Factor (repeat): 1,457,000 total viewers
8. America's Newsroom: 1,445,000 total viewers
9. Your World with Neil Cavuto: 1,428,000 total viewers
10. Countdown with Keith Olbermann: 1,327,000 total viewers

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» Remember this though Posted by: NYmediator
» True, but... Posted by: Parcival01

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The rightwingers needed a young one to continue their incessant hatred So Glen Beck was the chosen.
[Report this comment]
Posted by: JenniferBedingfield on Apr 27, 2009 5:06 AM   
Current rating: 4    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
The media will always have such figures out there. These articles would be better tailored to dealing with ways to win against their madness rather than giving partisan cries. If the Democrats can't quit caving in to those rightwingers, then they have no right to complain about them. And don't give me crap talk about the need to move to the "center". It's just another way of saying "Democrats need to move to the right or they'll lose." Well? Most of the time they lost for moving to the right. Glenn Beck is only a symptom.

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» RE: Glenn Beck is only a symptom Posted by: Sister_Lauren
» Be friends with whom? Posted by: chorton

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Obama and the Democrats are reaching out and this is how the Right thanks them?
[Report this comment]
Posted by: Ranjit Kumar on Apr 27, 2009 5:39 AM   
Current rating: 4    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
I wonder how wacky they'd be if the Democrats were even tougher minded progressives than they are now? Perhaps then the Right would find itself forced to beg for mercy, no?

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Torture Used to Link Saddam With 9/11
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Posted by: Sister_Lauren on Apr 27, 2009 5:44 AM   
Current rating: 2    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
From one of my very favorite sites, Truthout, Torture Used to Link Saddam With 9/11

The Torture Statute punishes conduct, or conspiracy to engage in conduct, specifically intended to inflict severe physical or mental pain or suffering. "Severe mental pain or suffering" means the prolonged mental harm caused by or resulting from either the intentional infliction or threatened infliction of severe physical pain or suffering, or from the threat of imminent death. [My bold.]

This is where it gets tricky for me. Last week was the second time I felt under threat of imminent death (or intentional infliction of severe pain and suffering) at school.

Both times from a teacher's aid who had already shown signs of disliking me while the teacher was absent the room.

My radar may be on hyper alert, but setting me up is NOT funny.

I try to go to these people with full disclosure, so I really wonder if they realize the gravity of the situation. I kind of doubt the TA would commit acts of torture if she really realized that is what it is. Or would she?

It is all about religion. They think some people deserve to be tortured.

They laugh about it too. I haven't heard anyone talk about that yet, but I bet it is true. Not only do they torture you, but they laugh at you while they are doing it.

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» Yes, get help. Posted by: Beck

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On Air Crying
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Posted by: LeaderofMen on Apr 27, 2009 5:56 AM   
Current rating: 5    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
Beck's behavior is called 'psychopathic'.

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» RE: On Air Crying Posted by: VZEQICVA
» RE: On Air Crying Posted by: lightmind

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In defense, not of Glen Beck, but of truth . . .
[Report this comment]
Posted by: Walks-in-Storms on Apr 27, 2009 6:21 AM   
Current rating: 4    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
I am frequently - more often than not - this guy's critic. More, I simply detest FoxNews and people like Sean Hannity, Ann Coulter, and the like. But for those interested in forensics, in proof of fact, and discourse generally, read this article and the thread concerning it while examining it for logical integrity. You will find to little of merit for anything but name-calling and spleen-venting otherwise that the entire exercise is a waste of time and computer screen space.

And you will have seen both the state of U.S. political debate and the reasons we are a nation in such precipitous decline. Expletive deleted.

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This comment has been removed from the site due to non-compliance with AlterNet's community policies.

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Glenn Beck: Fraud, Jerk, *sshole
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Posted by: sausage on Apr 27, 2009 7:21 AM   
Current rating: 5    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
Yep, Glenn Beck is all of the above but he does know one truth: your average reactionary, right-winger American can not distinguish fantasy from reality.

I mean, really now, when Republican politicians reference the Kiefer Sutherland Fox Broadcast Company television show 24 as a reason to legitimize torture--ooooo..."the ticking timebomb" scenario--as an interrogation method in the "war on terror," reasonable people should question their sanity. Unfortunately in the mainstream media these days reasonable people are few and far between.

Anecdotally, another indication that your average Rush Limbaugh-listener, Ted Nugent-fan or light-in-the-loafers-homo hater is out of touch with reality is a email that made the rounds a couple of years ago, the subject line reading something like "My Heroes Have Always Been Cowboys" (apologies to Willie Nelson.) Anyway it linked to a Web site that played the Willie Nelson song and showed a long list of dead B-grade movie and television Western actors. I noticed that Western actor Audie Murphy, a Medal of Honor winner, was conspicuously missing from this list. I emailed the Web site to point out the glaring omission, noting out that Audie Murphy was indeed a decorated hero of World War II, while all the others were merely celluloid cowboys. I was told to mind my own business in so many words.

But Beck knows fully well, his target audience believes: John Wayne single-handedly won World War II; Dirty Harry Callahan's a real San Francisco cop; werewolves and vampires really walk among us; Sylvia Brown can really talk to the dead; guardian angles hover over us; "illegal" aliens are taking good jobs (dishwasher, hotel/motel maid, meat packing plant worker, agricultural laborer) from Americans; and George W. Bush protected the United States from further terrorist attacks after 9/11 by invading Iraq.

As a Mormon-convert Beck, of necessity and perhaps conviction, has to buy into some pretty silly concepts himself (like Jesus appearing at Arrowhead Stadium to anoint Independence, MO the "new" Jerusalem) but the rest he knows is pure hokum.

Glenn Beck is not the wacko here. His audience is.

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Robert Tilton-esque
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Posted by: snax on Apr 27, 2009 7:38 AM   
Current rating: 4    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
While many of us can see the disingenuous crying sessions for what they are, and very much like the over the top behavior of Rev. Robert Tilton, the sad thing is that there are millions who do not. Millions of people are suckered in by their antics, so much so as to believe every word they say.

So whether beck is crazy or not is irrelevant. It's the people who believe this greedy nutbar you have to worry about.

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as the other Beck sang: "I'm a loser, baby!"
[Report this comment]
Posted by: Gabba_Gabba_Hey on Apr 27, 2009 8:12 AM   
Current rating: Not yet rated    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
I like the other Beck.

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I WAS ONE OF THE PEOPLE WHO URGED GLEN TO GET HIS TV SHOW
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Posted by: joeocho88 on Apr 27, 2009 8:20 AM   
Current rating: 1    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
When I first heard his radio show on San Antonio radio WOAI-AM, I remember laughing and thinking "This Guy is Going Places!" He was syndicated and I ENJOYED what he had to say.

So I went to his webpage and I took a look and he is eye candy and I thought "He has a hell of a future in TV."

Rush Limbaugh has more substance but looks like a bloated barfly who has had one too many alcoholic adult beverages and one too many fine cigars. So his TV Show went nowhere.

Glen is doing what Rush could not do, great radio AND great TV.

I bombarded Glen's people with e-mails urging him to go on TV that he has the elusive quality of looks plus talent which Rush does not have and O'Riley and those other guys barely have. Beck also has charisma that sparkles on air.

I don't find him threatening at all.

YOU HAVE A LOT MORE TO WORRY ABOUT FROM RUSH LIMBAUGH, DICK CHENEY, BILL CLINTON, GEORGE H.W. BUSH, HILARY CLINTON and JANET NAPOLITANO than GLENN BECK. And the paranoid people you don't see in the Pentagon and shadow government of the military- industrial profiteers whose personal hero is Adolf Hitler!

GLEN IS JUST AN ENTERTAINER. PERIOD.

I WATCH HIS SHOW AND I SEE IT FOR WHAT IT IS: A SATIRE OF NUTS & KOOKS.

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» RE: A Question Posted by: joeocho88
» RE: I KNOW what makes money Posted by: joeocho88
» RE: I KNOW what makes money Posted by: techcafe
» Rubbish. Posted by: Parcival01
» RE: BULLSHIT! Posted by: skydog

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Ignore them and they will go
[Report this comment]
Posted by: reidhaus on Apr 27, 2009 8:30 AM   
Current rating: 4    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
Instead of writing about and talking about right-wing nut jobs, let's just collectively ignore them. Why give them any more publicity? They make my brain hurt and I'd rather be thinking plesant thoughts.

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This is not 1984, you can change the station
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Posted by: SeattlePackedSnowandCollidedCars on Apr 27, 2009 9:03 AM   
Current rating: 2    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
Chamillionaire had a song for this

"They see me rollin
They hatin
Patrolling they tryin to catch me ridin dirty
Tryin to catch me ridin dirty"

until Glen Beck is taking food off your table or money out your pocket all this hatin is just that: silly.

Dude is killing the game when it comes to rating however all the AlterNet can do is be: snarky about his family no see. Is there any shame on the left?

If you dont like the guy that is one thing however to just dig this deep into a radio/TV show host. This guy was a blip on the screen till he went to Fox. Then you guys wonder why shows like Rachel Maddow is low in ratings because normal everyday people is not invested in hate, they want solutions to all the things that are going on right now. Bad form to say the least.

p.s. I like coming down here because the AlterNet crowd (most of you) don't play kissie face with the administration and this is a democracy (still I hope) so there must be a seat for you at the table, there also must be a seat at the table for me as well

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Hmmmmmmm!
[Report this comment]
Posted by: Don't Panic on Apr 27, 2009 9:14 AM   
Current rating: 4    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
I think it is time that we stop spending so much time analyzing the Glenn Becks of the world and the Limbaughs dn the O'reillys.......just stop it....we are feeding the frenzy.....we are the ones that are setting these people up as right wing heros.......not them.....you know Jesus never said he was the king of the jews someone else did...if you believe all that .....as long as we keep feeding these pigs with our commentary they are winning.....we have to ignore them......just ignore them.....as long as we keep commenting on them like they have anything important to say......which they don't....they never have had and never will have any substance whatsoever.....then they will continue to feed.....so stop it people..........we are as bad as they are as ignorant as they are....we need to stop lowering ourselves to the level of fear and hate they espouse so effusely......concern ourselves with the needs of the people.......like jobs and health care and stopping war and the prison industrial complex and no education and rebuilding our infrastructure and the spiritual mental and emotional health of our nation and our people........all of them.....

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» ignore them Posted by: techcafe
» False! Posted by: Parcival01

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Check out this Glenn Beck cartoon
[Report this comment]
Posted by: ggoldman on Apr 27, 2009 9:30 AM   
Current rating: 3    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
http://current.com/
items/89942213_the-
glenn-beck-apocalypse.htm

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MEDIA A-TYPICAL FRAUD
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Posted by: ak47blog on Apr 27, 2009 9:31 AM   
Current rating: 4    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
Mr, Beck is living off the fumes of the entire mainstream media distortion, distraction, subterfuge, and counter intuitive mentality mindset. Make no mistake these guys and gals are at the top of the great success extremely high income set perpetuating in all their subject authored books and TV headlines the myth of soaring with the eagles in the blue sky of YES I CAN DO AMERICAN INVINCIBILITY. Reading between the lines of all media distractions the reality for these same frauds is crawling in the back alleys of NO CAN DO IMPOTENCE.

http://21stcenturyreversepyramid.blogspot.com/

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A Microcosm of the Right
[Report this comment]
Posted by: kk33deg on Apr 27, 2009 10:08 AM   
Current rating: 4    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
Glen Beck: a rich,greedy cynic and a master manipulator. His followers: gullible morons who were brought up ignorant and who work hard to stay that way. This is the way that pretty much all reactionary movements operate.

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What is with Florida?
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Posted by: Ellie1 on Apr 27, 2009 10:36 AM   
Current rating: 4    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
Does Florida attract a-holes or are a-holes attracted to Florida? I think we should let Texas secede, but with the stipulation that they take Florida with them.

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» RE: What is with Florida? Posted by: techcafe
» RE: FLORIDA IS OK WITH ME! Posted by: joeocho88
» WHY are you always YELLING!!!? Posted by: Fencerider
» SO IDIOTS WILL PAY ATTENTION Posted by: joeocho88
» I BET IT DOESN'T WORK Posted by: Beck
» RE: What is with Florida? Posted by: fantasypoliticsusa

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parrotuya
[Report this comment]
Posted by: parrotuya on Apr 27, 2009 2:12 PM   
Current rating: 4    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
Would it not be great if pandemics and poor economies were to destroy these right-wing-nuts? A world without their hate would indeed be a better world!

DOWn, baby, DOWn!

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Stupid is as stupid does...
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Posted by: bluebama II on Apr 27, 2009 2:49 PM   
Current rating: 4    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
Beck is the hood ornament for half of this country, dumber than a flatbed of spam. Is it any wonder 1.3 million Iraqis are dead to privatize their precious, precious oil and half this country thinks we're doing those Darkies a favor. It is beyond scary. Beck is AOL TIME WARNER, CNN. This is no news agency. Real journalism has been clubbed unconscious by corporate ownership so Americans will be stupid enough to do, oh say, kill their own kids for Iraqi oil contracts after 19 Saudis attacked us, some of whom we trained to kill Russians in 79. Forrest said stupid is as stupid does. Half of this nation is braindead. Call today, the crap Beck is feeding you has done irrepairable damage to your cerebral corteces resulting in fits of rage, delusions of adequacy, murdering Iraqis for oil, fits of rag, uncontrollable weight gain, fits of rage. Call the law offices of Bob Oildead now. Call 1-800-BRAINDEAD. Social deviants are kneeling nearby. Call. There's not a second to lose or YOU could be the NEXT GLENN BECK. Call. Your brains are rotten way down yonder in the Land of Cotton. Killin and drillin for your betterment. God Bless Halliburton and defenseless oil reserves. Never compare Beck to a rodeo clown. Rodeo clowns save lives. Radio clowns murder kids to suck the oil from their dead daddy's eyes for Jesus and the American Way. Half of us are lying, child bombing oil thieves, just in case you haven't noticed!!

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Bingo!
[Report this comment]
Posted by: Parcival01 on Apr 27, 2009 3:47 PM   
Current rating: 5    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
While I'm always entertained by Keith Olbermann especially when he calls Beck the "worst person in the world,"--remember once when he suggested that Beck "see a doctor"?--I've always argued that Beck isn't insane. Rather he knows his audience! In other words, like the other right wing pundits, Wiener, Limbaugh, o'leilly, Hannity, Coulter, et al, he's a harlot!

In the book verson of "Outfoxed," the fine film about Faux "news," the authors pointed out to bill o'lielly that it's only a matter of time before someone comes up with a more outrageous product--act--than o'lielly. I think that's Beck. The writer of this article may have hit the nail on the head. Beck can weep, and people take him seriously! He can write childish "Christmas" fairy tales, and people purchase them, and purport to read them in their Amazon.com non-reviews.

And I know of what I speak, as my inlaws watch kiddies like Beck and the others. My father in law lives, breathes, and defecates on abortion, so Faux is what he loves most, and Beck to him is an analyst!

Anyway, as I say, Beck understands his audience. He may have been a shock jock if the market were as lucrative, or he may have been a liberal commentator. But for now there's more money in Faux, so Glennie's laughing all the way to the bank.

But, Glenn, if you happen to be reading this, if I ever see you on the street, your life is in danger. Not only are you a harlot, but you're a completely dishonest and dishonorable one. But, well, you know, I'll never even fit into the crowds with who you socialize.

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» RE: Bingo! Posted by: apennachio

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What do Glen Beck
[Report this comment]
Posted by: willymack on Apr 27, 2009 3:52 PM   
Current rating: 5    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
TV evangelists, and megachurch charlatans have in common? The same brain-dead, tea bagging, homicidal morons, that's who. Someone elsewhere in the comments asked who's more dangerous, the blowhards or the morons. My answer is you can't have one without the other.

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lies all
[Report this comment]
Posted by: wint on Apr 27, 2009 7:06 PM   
Current rating: 5    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
I had the misfortune to have to listen to Mr. Beck at a client's house the other day. He had a right winger on in the garage and a right winger on in the basement and I was working in the kitchen and had Mr. Beck to myself. Some posted that they thought that bringing in his family was hitting below the belt. No way the way he lies about everything and drives the lunnie fringe to distraction. People in my home town (IQ 40 tops) love him and believe everyword he says. That is endangering everyone and his family is no better. Lenin said if you tell a lie often enough people believe it and he was right. The lies the lies the lies and no shame because God said it was okay? I missed that in my Bible I guess. I thought it was to help your fellow man instead of screw him. Guess I was wrong.

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» RE: lies all Posted by: apennachio

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The High Price of Cheap Theater?? Hmm. check this
[Report this comment]
Posted by: SamFox on Apr 27, 2009 9:28 PM   
Current rating: 1    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
link.

http://tinyurl.com/dcxxu4

You all decide if the price is too high & if there is more than one theater.

SamFox

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Can O worms time! :-)
[Report this comment]
Posted by: SamFox on Apr 27, 2009 10:44 PM   
Current rating: 1    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
Hey. Cheap theater is it? How about another actor in a different part of the show. IF Mr. Obama IS only playing the part of a US citizen that is. Maybe he isn't. We just don't know for sure.

If our new Prez is really a US citizen, why does he not show the documentation to prove it?
Why the crew of lawyers to keep the subject mum?

ALL he has to do is show us the proof. I do not mean the certificate of live birth posted on the net either. That was not a legal document of the same standing as a BC. I don't think a COLB is a legal document at all. I wanna see the real thing so I can tell every one "Yup, there it is! Now shut up about it!!"

Start here-

http://tinyurl.com/cvj4l4

http://tinyurl.com/comtdn

The plot thickens in our theater:-)

http://www.newswithviews.com/Devvy/kidd408.htm

http://tinyurl.com/cejynm

There were also Q's about McLame, but he is not in the White House so he is moot. I'd have welcomed an investigation on JMcC with relish! & onions. :-) on a sesame seed...

SamFox

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» RE: BECK Posted by: techcafe
» RE: BECK Posted by: apennachio
» RE: BECK IS JUST AN ENTERTAINER Posted by: joeocho88

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SAVY !!!??? Colbert is savy, Beck is but a cheap harlot demagogue
[Report this comment]
Posted by: TFYQA on Apr 28, 2009 5:55 AM   
Current rating: Not yet rated    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
Repugs are soooo dumb...how dumb ?
Colbert Study: Conservatives Don't Know He's Joking
linked text

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"Sowing Seeds of Discontent"
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Posted by: Lilly on Apr 30, 2009 6:02 AM   
Current rating: Not yet rated    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
I tuned in to Glenn Beck one day the week before the tea parties and just after he had been much discussed online for attacking Obama. On that day, Beck appeared to have been muzzled a bit, perhaps by sponsor reps or FOX high-ups, as he seemed to be going out of his way not to say anything too egregious about the President. But what was most telling was that a couple of times when he seemed to skirt the issue of criticizing Obama, he quickly said, "Now I'm not talking about Obama!". Then, twice, he used the phrase "sowing seeds of discontent". The first time was in the context of the US sending covert agents into a teetering nation "to sow seeds of discontent" so that when that nation falls, it (hopefully) will fall in a pro-American direction. A minute later, Beck used the identical phrase again. I thought he was telling us something.

When my little brother was three we visited my grandmother's house where the only bathroom was on the second floor. He quickly figured out that when he was playing outdoors and was eager to get back to his play, he could save time by running through the kitchen door and peeing in the kitchen sink rather than going all the way upstairs to the bathroom. Much yelling, screaming, threat of punishment ensued. One day we walked into the kitchen to find him standing there hastily rearranging his clothing and greeting us with the words "I didn't go to the bathroom in the sink!". I thought of this when Beck made his repeated reference to "sowing seeds of discontent". That was what was on his mind. I think that's how he sees his role---as one who agitates, foments, instigates, gets the populace riled up. Then surely he mutters to himself the last two lines of Marc Antony's funeral speech from "Julius Caesar"---

"Now let it work. Mischief, thou art afoot,
Take what course thou wilt!"

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"Discourse and Debate in the U.S., a Study."
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Posted by: Walks-in-Storms on Apr 30, 2009 9:34 AM   
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That will be the title of the thesis I am writing, and it is the result of a five year study or discourse and debate both here on the Internet and on the electronic media, radio and television.

I not only have participated as I do here on a wide range of "talk" forums, I have repeatedly been thrown off one after the other - some as many as three times. What is most significant about that fact is the further fact that in no instance have I resorted to any of the ad hominem attack, vituperation, scurrility, insult or any of the like so characteristic of today's "debate."

Neither have I, ever, lowered the conversation by hurling the vapid and ubiquitous charges of "racist," "sexist," or the "politically-correct" like.

In every instance, in point of demonstrable fact, I have insisted upon logical process, sought to lower the level of heated nastiness, and endeavored to cast the proverbial "oil upon the waters." I have, moreover, demonstrated again and again that illogical assertion and personal attack prove utterly nothing - except the character of the user.

In each instance, I not only supported both sides of political, religious, and ideological arguments, I carefully esculated my objections to the personal attack, vituperation, insult, and the like to the degree of offering exemplary, while far subdued in comparison, rebuttal in kind.

It was I, nevertheless, who was in each instance being mentioned here thrown off the site.

My study suggests a number of things, not the least of which is that none of the providers of "opinion" space is interested in real debate. Their purpose is the same as that of today's "news" media, that of popularity among certain groups. It is entertainment in the form of "venting," and few participants have any interest in anything but what they, themselves, say. Others participate solely to hear the point of view they support repeated again, and again, and again (some sort of psychological re-inforcement, I suppose).

It is also clear that participants in "debate" like that of AlterNet detest logical, scientific, or mathematical proof. One such person - here on AlterNet, matter of fact - protested angrily that "Logic has no place in debate." Well, now - what does?

It has also become clear that certain ideological topics are sancrosanct where any logically, scientifically, or statistically contradictory evidence is concerned. All matters of feminist interest, for instance may not be contradicted, and expulsion is dependent exactly upon degree of logical and rational effectiveness. Prove a point, you are history where the site is concerned.

It is further interesting where feminist and certain other liberal viewpoints are concerned that reply in kind results with absolute certainty in deletion or expulsion. Feminists, for instance, may attack their antagonist by means of derogatory allusion to sexual prowess - but no retaliation of that sort is tolerated.

An interesting instance of that was a woman who called herself "Eyes wide Open." When eyes loosed on me one of the most scurrilous personal attacks of the many to which I have been subjected, I suggested that were I to refer to her as "thighs wide open" I wondered what would happen. In needn't have "wondered" - I was expelled forthwith from Truthout (where I continue under another sobriquet and guise - this one liberal rather than my customary moderate).

I believe scholarly periodicals, even history, will find my study interesting, and I will publish it soon. I have, incidentally, forwarded to each of more than two dozen sites of the kind to which I refer here a copy of this letter. No one has responded.

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