Glenn Beck: The end of America is nigh, maybe
posted at 4:18 pm on February 21, 2009 by Allahpundit
Even before watching this, if you’d asked me which media star’s most likely to turn survivalist, move to the mountains, and start doing his show from a lead-lined bunker, there’s no doubt what the answer would have been. There’s something “off” about Beck in a way that’s not true of other chat-show hosts, although that’s not necessarily a criticism: O’Reilly and Hannity can be tiresome in more than small doses but this guy I find watchable even at a stretch. Partly it’s the sheer bravado of the performance, partly it’s the challenge of trying to figure out what’s going on in his head to make him the way he is. As big an audience as he has, I’m surprised it’s not bigger. He’s one of a kind.
I’m giving you all three segments from yesterday’s show; if you’re only up for one, stick with number three. Nothing they’re saying is terribly implausible, frankly — except maybe the idea that in five years NYC will look like Mexico City or Baghdad — but because the tone of Beck’s show is always somewhat febrile, it’s hard to know how seriously to take any of it. Segment two, at least, is very serious indeed. If you’re hungry for dessert afterwards, try his appearance on Fox & Friends yesterday morning to promote this show, in which he talks about his hands shaking and frightens Gretchen into hiding under the couch. Like I say, one of a kind.
Update 2/22: A couple of lefty readers e-mailed to ask if I find any of this crap credible. Answer: No, except for the scenario sketched out in segment two about Iran targeting Saudi oil installations in the event of regional war. That’s why I singled it out as serious. I should have been more careful, though, in saying that nothing here is terribly implausible, which I wrote with the inflation bit at the beginning in mind. Segment three certainly is implausible; when I said it’s the one to watch, it’s because it’s nutty and most emblematic of that “lead-lined bunker” mentality. Apologies if that was ambiguous. I’m not stocking up on canned goods, I promise.
Blowback
Note from Hot Air management: This section is for comments from Hot Air's community of registered readers. Please don't assume that Hot Air management agrees with or otherwise endorses any particular comment just because we let it stand. A reminder: Anyone who fails to comply with our terms of use may lose their posting privilege.
Trackbacks/Pings
Trackback URL
Comments
Comment pages: « Previous 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Next »
This country is polarized worse than it has ever save one time before – the time leading up to the Civil War.
Another civil war IS on the way. This time it will be between the constitutional literalists (i.e. Conservatives) and the constitutional liquidists (Liberals). The Liberals will have control of the government. The Conservatives again will be primarily based in the South. Other enclaves of rebellion will include Alaska – though they will be largely ignored by the Federal government due to problems they’ll be having with the South.
It has already begun – several governors have already expressed a desire to reject the porkulus money – this is very lightweight actions of civil disobedience and it will get worse. But it HAS already begun.
If Obama and the Democrats make one move toward the second amendment – it will be enough to push us over the cliff.
HondaV65 on February 21, 2009 at 11:02 PM
Look out Code pink!
Johan Klaus on February 21, 2009 at 11:12 PM
bring it.
amend2 on February 21, 2009 at 11:12 PM
Obama was crying?
Johan Klaus on February 21, 2009 at 11:17 PM
So rent. The cost of renting is cheaper than owning the exact same house in most if not all parts of the country today. My rent is about 60% of what it would cost to “own” the same house in the same neighborhood. And if I want to move, I give 30 days and away I go instead of trying to sell a house for years.
angryed on February 21, 2009 at 11:18 PM
I just hope that if the crap hits the fan the dorky useful idiot liberals who caused it all from within get it first.
BobUSMC on February 21, 2009 at 11:27 PM
I can’t decide whether Glenn Beck needs a tin foil hat or I need to go buy more guns…. both, perhaps?
BPD on February 21, 2009 at 11:29 PM
Yeah he’s a bit over the top, BUT what’s wrong with being prepared. My side — freedom loving, responsible Americans — those clinging to their guns and religion, well we have the guns and we know how to use them. Hunting is a great way to learn how to hit a moving target. We are stocking up on food and AMMO… I’ve got 1,000 rounds of 223 on the way now with another couple of thousand following within the next few months.
The good thing about gun banning socialists, they have probably don’t own a gun..
crashland on February 21, 2009 at 11:31 PM
…”it’s hard to know how seriously to take any of it.”
Yea, just like I find it hard to believe people who are old enough to be my kid when they try to tell me they know Jack about anything. They may have the gift of gab, but that’s about it.
“You people take your marching orders from a guy that cries on his show?” It takes courage for a man to be in touch with his emotions and be ready to give it all up for the survival of his family, community, country and the Constitution. Perhaps you’re a rock-hard Patton-type who hates men who cry; well, we’ll need ya brother.
Christine on February 21, 2009 at 11:33 PM
Exactly. What happens when it’s not 3,000 people in NYC who die in an attack but 500,000 in NYC and LA? On 9/10/01 anybody predicting the towers falling would have been labeled a nut.
Keeping a stock of food is simply smart, you never know what may happen to cause an interruption in the supply lines to your local grocery stores.
crashland on February 21, 2009 at 11:40 PM
No, unlike libtards, we think for ourselves and take care of ourselves. We don’t look for the government to take care of us. Beck just happens to share my views regarding preparedness and self reliance.
Gun sales being up since the coronation of The One(tm) are a very hopeful sign. Now we just need all of those new gun owners to learn how to shoot…
crashland on February 21, 2009 at 11:51 PM
“Tyranny of Incompetence”
If only it was that simple. I’m sure that’s a lot of it but to be honest I think much of this crisis is manipulated and deliberate.
Yakko77 on February 21, 2009 at 11:55 PM
Beck may be a drama queen, but he’s still fun to watch.
john1schn on February 22, 2009 at 12:27 AM
They are either over 35 or are imports. Haven’t you been reading about the dumbing down of our schools?
jusgottabeme on February 22, 2009 at 12:28 AM
/thread
JustTruth101 on February 22, 2009 at 12:32 AM
I’m all for storing food and supplies (even though I’ve done neither). We own guns, but I want more and LOTS of ammo.
BUT, why aren’t we doing something to stop this impending doom?
I have been saying for months, we’re going to have to take it to the streets. We’re going to have to get out from behind our computers and get ACTIVE. We must get a hold of ourselves and take back our country. It’s crystal-clear to many of us what Obama’s all about so why do we feel this is something we have to endure?
Instead of hunkering down and praying for daylight, why don’t we stand up and DEMAND it?
Oink on February 22, 2009 at 12:45 AM
This is off-topic but have a look at this report
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/northamerica/usa/barackobama/4742126/Barack-Obama-under-fire-for-picking-a-crony-fundraiser-as-his-ambassador-to-Britain.html
It is another one of Obama’s cronies and it is raising eyebrows in the UK about USA/UK relations
maggieo on February 22, 2009 at 12:48 AM
Why do these videos keep stopping and starting? Irritating.
PattyJ on February 22, 2009 at 12:55 AM
Obama…Obama….Obama….. He is the great unifier. We will all be better if we just surrender to his will now and allow him to pay our mortgages, put gas in our cars (or air in our tires if they are low)… and spend all our money on his leftist agenda.
-
Buy lots of ammo and aspirin… You’re gonna need both.
RalphyBoy on February 22, 2009 at 1:08 AM
I’ve been a fan of Glenn Beck since 9/11 and the man says things that other people won’t say. If you know his background and why he believes what he does, you will understand that he is truly, sincerely trying to educate America on the serious issues. Sure, he gets dramatic at times, but he’s been through a lot. He recognizes what he has lost and what he has now. Too many people haven’t truly suffered adversity and take life for granted.
Beck is right more often than he’s wrong. Listen to his words. Watch his willingness to have guests on his show that he totally disagrees with (Blago, Sharpton, etc.) Unlike Olberdouche or Matthews, he allows both sides of a story to be told and asks those that oppose hiom to prove him wrong. Keith and Chris don’t have the brains or balls to do this on a regular basis. In fact, has Olberbutt EVER had an opposing viewpoint on his show?
God Bles Glenn and all that he does.
cannonball on February 22, 2009 at 1:26 AM
wow interesting stuff.
lanesmerge on February 22, 2009 at 1:30 AM
See ‘LA Race Riots’ in Wikipedia. I kid you not. This statement is more true now than then.
Chaz706 on February 22, 2009 at 2:46 AM
Here ya go. My grandkids are going this summer….
The Appleseed Project
Limerick on February 22, 2009 at 2:51 AM
Glenn Beck is, to me, as scary as Barack Obama. We’re talking polar opposites, both exercising their influence by use of scare tactics and talks of unending crises. One is talking of preparing for the dire consequences of the actions of the other, whose actions are causing dire consequences already. A few days ago I sent an e-mail to Sean Hannity in which I alluded to Glenn Beck’s program briefly, and said that his show would crater eventually because his ‘style’ was more oriented to talk radio and was not translating well into video format. He plays to the camera in so many screwball ways, but it just seems that he’s a kid going crazy with his new toys, while making odd and wacky faces to elicit a reaction from an imaginary audience.
Except Glenn’s audience is, apparently, quite real, and larger than they’d anticipated. I can’t imagine why he would be so popular, except that he’s touting civil unrest at God’s behest, or am I misinterpreting his schtick?
IMNSHO, Glenn is hurting the Conservative Movement greatly with his overly dramatic ‘sky is falling’ scenarios and barely restrained frantic calls for others to see the light, on top of injecting God into it all as if He were commanding and leading the charge.
We are a hugely diverse nation. What has made us so successful over these past 200 plus years is our ability gradually evolve, to learn to get along with newcomers and their differing cultures while preserving our Constitutional framework as the foundation for our country’s existence. Right now we have two extremes pulling us apart and causing great animosity and emotional suffering and nervousness, and a seemingly trigger-finger ready restlessness and dissent.
Somehow we need to smack these extremes upside the head and knock some sense into them, including the Congress, the White House, and the extreme Left and Right segments of our population. There is no sense whatsoever for this type of insanity that is purely reactionary, on both ‘sides’, for so many reasons. We need calmer heads and common sense and reason to be guiding our actions, not pent up rage and some senseless desire to seek revenge for past perceived and/or real wrongs, or to wage a power grab that will span generations.
Am I a lone voice in my concern that we’re heading over a cliff as a result of nets being carelessly cast out over us by the extremists flanking us? I’ve become as conservative as I’d ever imagined, and I find that I agree mostly with Rush Limbaugh in my take on what’s going on in our country and the world. But I also agree with him in that we must use effective -communication-, liberally sprinkled with humor, when trying to convince others that conservatism works. That conservatism was the basis for the foundation laid by the founding fathers via the Constitution and Bill of Rights for what has been the most successful nation on this planet.
We have simply got to stop and reconnect with each other, from all sides of the political, national and international spectrums, and sit down and start communicating again, with respect for our differences, courteously and without the rampant flame wars that seem to errupt and errode positive efforts. Heck, look at Joy Behar and Ann Coulter! What great fun that was to watch two polar opposites actual be able to sit down together for 20 minutes and talk to each other without scratching each others’ eyes out or pulling each others’ hair! They may not have convinced each other of the ‘correctness’ of their positions and/or opinions, but they walked away from that exchange without turning each other into bitter enemies. Classy, and a great example of a beginning for what I’m talking about: Learning to communicate effectively once again with our fellow citizens of the US, in order to work through our differences and get back to enjoying life in this great nation as fellow Americans.
KendraWilder on February 22, 2009 at 3:59 AM
He makes me think of the Art Bell late night show. “Over the top.”
{^_^}
herself on February 22, 2009 at 4:28 AM
Kendra, you sound like the typical LIBERAL!!! Lets talk about it? BWAAAAAABWAAAAAAA
kcinfidel on February 22, 2009 at 4:37 AM
I guess I’ll have to run to San Francisco. No guns there!
/eyeroll
Black Adam on February 22, 2009 at 5:17 AM
Glenn Beck is a breath of fresh air. He’s the only one (whether or not it’s true) who actually comes across as if he gives a damn. Dismiss him if you will, I just happen to agree with a lot of what he says.
MsUnderestimated on February 22, 2009 at 6:27 AM
That anyone is even thinking this way is the result of the diseased politics of Fiscal Liberalism. This is years and years of our government(both Republicans and Democrats)being in violation of the 10th amendment to the constitution, and stealing from the American people through taxation in order to promote the entitlement culture they have created..
As Beck said, there were over 150,000 Americans jailed for speaking out during the fascist Wilson administration….That’s why I laughed everytime I read a lefty on HuffPost say GW was shredding the Constitution, never knowing their “Progressive” movement took care of that leading up to WW1. Ignorance is not bliss….
adamsmith on February 22, 2009 at 6:30 AM
PattyJ, the video is playing faster than your Internet connection is streaming in. It can’t keep up so pauses to wait for more video.
Mr_Magoo on February 22, 2009 at 6:32 AM
Sorry Kendra you’re 180 degrees off. You’ve drunk the Koolaid.
America allowed in immigrants but they had to become Americans to succeed. They were treated like crap until they got enough clout to sway an election or two. Yes, America changed as the Italians and Irish (my family history) were “assimilated” but it was a painful process and I’ve heard all the stories that went with it. Still, my parents turned out 100%, gung-ho, Red, White & Blue.
On the otherhand our civic “leaders” are bending over and letting the foreign immigrants and their cultures change us. An internationalist, elite ruling class is forcing us to scrap traditional American values for an impossible mish-mash of perversion and barbarism.
I too think Rush is Right on the whole. But, when projecting our nations current trajectory I’ve been seeing a similar scenario approaching for a decade. I’m happy as a clam that someone finally is putting it out on the airwaves.
Remember Kendra, Americans are bound by Duty in the Declaration to overthrow any Government that denies us Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness. If it comes to it I would rather die fighting than “evolve”.
Bubba Toolkit
rcl on February 22, 2009 at 6:35 AM
Absolutely Right. As mentioned before some states are preparing to sue the Feds. If this were successful it could turn the ship around. Unfortunately I can’t see Washington not stacking the courts one way or another. The Obama court that hears the suit will more likely eviscerate the 10th Amendment making Glenn’s War Room scenario more likely.
rcl on February 22, 2009 at 6:43 AM
The price we pay for Article 1 is sometimes high. I used to like Glenn Beck. In the past year, either he’s become a shock jock on purpose purely for ratings, or he’s becoming crazed in the mold of Keith Olberman.
Obama, Pelosi and Reid tell us that we’re in a crisis of catastrophic proportions. Glenn Beck is telling us that it’s worse than the great depression. Yet, 93% of the people of this country are working.
It’s not Glenn Beck’s job to warn us of the dire consequences of existing. Thanks Glenn, but we already know the risks. If he, and the politicians in Washington, would just shut the F _ _ k up, our economy would stabilize on its own as it always has in the past 200+ years.
We’ll survive and prosper again despite the likes of the socialists in Washington and Glenn “Chicken Little” Beck.
orlandocajun on February 22, 2009 at 7:05 AM
I just don’t understand how conservatives can be bugged by flamboyant drag queen when no one is more emotional, over the top and fragile than Glenn Beck. Yes he has a large audience, however, like Rush he is polarizing and there just aren’t enough Beck heads to win an election. But DO keep weeping, stocking up on ammo and declaring you’re “ready to fight” all day. The rest of us will be going to our jobs and rolling our eyes at the idiots wearing cammo to work.
DeathToMediaHacks on February 22, 2009 at 8:28 AM
95% taxes? I mean….does anyone take this seriously? How on earth will Obama get 95% tax rates through? Gangs in control, motorcycle marauders? OMG, this is AMAZINGLY stupid.
DeathToMediaHacks on February 22, 2009 at 8:31 AM
Yes you are misinterpreting it. Haven’t you been paying attention? Haven’t you been watching Peter Schiff? Gerald Celente? Max Keiser? All are smart men who have been following the economic trends and have predicted all this. Glenn just happens to be the only one in talk radio with the courage to speak out. Hannity, Levin, Limbaugh all still think this is just a normal economic downturn, yet they don’t realize they themselves have contributed to the feeling of disenfranchisement because they were cheerleaders for President Bush for years while he sold us out to expanded government, foreign debt, and printed money near the end. We are in trouble, please wake up.
True_King on February 22, 2009 at 8:31 AM
Once again you show your ignorance. The top marginal tax rate in the 1950s was 91% in the US. It was 95% in the UK.
Now you were saying…
PS: Do you know who lowered that rate from 91%? Why none other than John Kennedy, a president who would be considered far right by today’s Democrats.
PPS: OMG, like LOL, like that is like so totally cool like you know. Seriously, are you 14?
angryed on February 22, 2009 at 8:36 AM
Beck annoys the shit out of me. The m&m’s thing is childish.
LtE126 on February 22, 2009 at 8:40 AM
I saw this show and it scared the crap out of me. I dont think its an unlikely scenario either. Give Obama and the Dems a few more years in power and it becomes very likely to happen.
I like Glenn Beck and I’m liking his new show more than Hannity. He had a graphic once showing how our spending has increased since the Depression(scary); a pic of the octomom as an octopus, with a baby’s face at the end of each tentacles and a song entitled “Where in the world is Chris Dodds’ mortgage papers”(funny).
During the show, he kept reminding viewing that this was only what “could” happen..now what would.
becki51758 on February 22, 2009 at 8:44 AM
Wow, you are drinking the government koolaid. You do realize that during the Clinton administration the “discouraged worker” category was eliminated when determining unemployment figures. If you don’t know this simple change then I don’t know why your criticizing others. It’s best not to make a fool of yourself if all you know how to do is recite bad government data.
If you use depression era methods to determine unemployment its over 10%.
True_King on February 22, 2009 at 8:44 AM
And so congress and Obama are going to go to the American people and say “in 1950 we had 90% taxes, so lets do it again!” That will completely work. This is what’s so dangerous and stupid about these “what it” scenarios, they ignore the impossibility of one aspect of the scenario and then they apply “logical analysis” to the rest. I agree if the tax rate went to 90% that would cause major social unrest. But it will NEVER happen. The segment isn’t about how we get to 90% or IF we get to 90%. Stupid, dangerous. Like, seriously.
DeathToMediaHacks on February 22, 2009 at 8:55 AM
Well it’s more like 92% if you want to get technical.
But that number might as well say 920%, it would be as meaningless. Only employees are counted in this number. So someone who last year was self employed and made $100K but now has no income is not included as “unemployed”.
During the 1930s unemployment was around 20%. People like you would have been writing letters to the editor asking what’s the big deal…80% are working, so stop trying to scare people.
angryed on February 22, 2009 at 8:56 AM
Sorry dipstick . . . this projection is far from “stupid” and is well within the realm of future possibilities.
rplat on February 22, 2009 at 8:58 AM
Hucketer, give it up.
You said “95% taxes? I mean….does anyone take this seriously? OMG, this is AMAZINGLY stupid.”
You are implying that the notion of 95% is beyond the imaginable. It is not. If there was a 90%+ tax rate 50 years ago, it can and will happen again. History always repeats itself. Only the ignorant pretend it is different this time around.
angryed on February 22, 2009 at 8:59 AM
Low bandwidth along the way somewhere or your computer has something its processing in the background perhaps unbeknownst to you. Hope that helps.
johnnyU on February 22, 2009 at 9:03 AM
If Hucketer and Ed lived in 1922 and had a discussion:
Ed: One day the government will tell me what size toilet I have to install in my house. And there will be an entire bureaucracy called the EPA that will set standards as to how much water I can use per flush.
Huckster: You’re crazy, that will never happen.
Ed: One day the government will confiscate 12.4% of my income and pour it into a Ponzi scheme called Social Security which will go bankrupt before I have a chance to get a dime out.
Hucketer: You’re crazy, that will never happen.
Ed: One day a black man named Hussein will be president.
Huckster: You’re crazy, that will never happen.
Ed: One day a man will land on the moon.
Huckter: Like that is OMG, totally silly.
angryed on February 22, 2009 at 9:04 AM
Obama’s father wanted 100% tax rate in Kenya. The ACORN (nut) doesn’t fall far from the tree!!
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1998112/posts
katy on February 22, 2009 at 9:07 AM
Cool so I guess when crazy Black Panthers predict the re-enslavement of African Americans and you say “can you prove that is likely” and they say “history repeats” you’ll be like “cool, makes sense, be sure to stock up on ammo so we don’t re-enslave you.” Or would you roll your eyes and recognize that such a thing is extremely unlikely. This is what conspiracy theorists do, no doubt you’re also a truther/Obama Birther.
DeathToMediaHacks on February 22, 2009 at 9:08 AM
Obama SR..
3. Obama advocated dramatically increasing taxation on “the rich” even up to the 100% level, arguing that, “there is no limit to taxation if the benefits derived from public services by society measure up to the cost in taxation which they have to pay” (p. 30) and that, “Theoretically, there is nothing that can stop the government from taxing 100% of income so long as the people get benefits from the government commensurate with their income which is taxed.” (p. 31)
katy on February 22, 2009 at 9:13 AM
This is based on what source?
DeathToMediaHacks on February 22, 2009 at 9:17 AM
Death go to the link 3 posts up. THEN YOU HAVE TO READ IT. ;)
katy on February 22, 2009 at 9:19 AM
Old Country Boy suggested:
,
Add Caliphate to that list. An all-too-plausible “doomsday scenario” postulating what could happen if and when the Islamics succeed in taking over Europe and succeed in launching more terror attacks on the U.S.
Also check out this interview with Kratman.
SgtSchultz on February 22, 2009 at 9:21 AM
Oh OK, for a second there I thought you were saying President Obama had said that. And we certainly know that a father who didn’t raise Obama has total control over his ideology.
/Sarc
DeathToMediaHacks on February 22, 2009 at 9:23 AM
Beck could very well be wrong.
Beck could very well be correct.
In light of a 50-50 odds more canned soup in the closet, more ammo in the can, and a little more planning-just-in-case thinking isn’t that much of a burden.
If it happens that Beck is correct people like Benny S. need not apply for shelter here.
Yoop on February 22, 2009 at 9:23 AM
i like him until…he talks about his crazy principles, god, and how to save statist america..other than that, he’s good
Libertarian Joseph on February 22, 2009 at 9:24 AM
Well, I posted on another thread about my experience in Walmart yesterday. To recap, the store was full, I mean full of free-mortgage recipients, chatting it up in the isles, having a grand ole time as if the world has turned to heaven now, and here we were among shelves full of nothing but product from China, and grabbing groceries from cartons which were being torn through. I wasn’t necessarily shopping for groceries there but did see a few things of interest which I did get which were nonperishable for a rainy day and with a few travel items I needed.
I have mixed feelings on some of this in seeing it from the free-mortgage recipients perspective, perhaps it is heaven now for them. The thing is, I don’t want to lower my living standard to that. I am an achiever, a worker and thinker. I do have issue with the fact I work to have what I have, and others who don’t try as hard get it handed to them on a platter. I consider tolerating traffic everyday, putting up with office politics, competing with co-workers for raises and soforth, to be part of the work, and not just the projects I accomplish or the continued learning required to stay on top of my game or what all it took to get where I am over a long working life thus far.
To be in the Walmart though was a snapshot of our present situation sampled in a single building. China product was everywhere, folks walking in old clothing and Cadillacs were all in the parking lot. The United States of China comes to mind, in that with Hillary overseas, she may as well bring a plane full of leadership with her back to the States and just hand it over. America is on its knees in a way and I believe we are vulnerable. Its a bit worrisome.
I am also sitting awaiting a video from OBL oon how the world is being brought down. Its intersting we’re not seeing anything from any of his bunch lately.
eh… just needed to vent that.
johnnyU on February 22, 2009 at 9:25 AM
Cool lay out the scenario where a tax increase to 90% makes it out of this congress.
DeathToMediaHacks on February 22, 2009 at 9:26 AM
You talked to these individuals and determined they had free mortgages? You easdropped on their conversations and heard them talking about getting a free mortgage..you followed them home and went through their mail. How do you even know this?
DeathToMediaHacks on February 22, 2009 at 9:27 AM
This country is polarized worse than it has ever save one time before – the time leading up to the Civil War.HondaV65 on February 21, 2009 at 11:02 PM
Thank you, well put. The irony, the battle is over Taxation without representation, slavery (the government is placing U.S. in), and rule of a King (President Obama)all rolled into one.
Finally, the technicalities of starting the war are turned around. The Constitution (that all politicians swear to protect and uphold) requires 2/3 of those elected by States to approve war, while 2/3 of the States (who sent Representatives the Congress) are willing fight to death to maintain our freedoms.
The solution is not a military one but, one of personal responsibility.
MSGTAS on February 22, 2009 at 9:32 AM
1. You didn’t get to vote in this election? Oh wait, you did and you lost. The fight for “taxation without representation” wasn’t a fight for your side always winning. It was a fight for the Democratic process. By claiming the current situation = your disfranchisement you’re actually arguing that the only way your rights are exercised is if YOUR party is in control. That’s anti-Democratic. And also…stupid.
2. Slavery? Yeah you’re being enslaved by the government. Call me when you can show me the whip marks. Over the top derangement.
3. The rule of a King? Obama was elected President and hasn’t done one single thing that any other President doesn’t have the right to do. He pushed for a piece of legislation, he used the bully pulpit and he signed some executive orders. And he’s a KING now? LOL do you understand how our democracy works? I feel like the GOP has decided that basic facts of elections and government are totalitarianism now.
DeathToMediaHacks on February 22, 2009 at 9:39 AM
And you’ll be doing what exactly?
DeathToMediaHacks on February 22, 2009 at 9:46 AM
Good argument against democracy.
Democracy is two wolves and a lamb voting on what to have for dinner. ~ Benjamin Franklin
On my check stubs. On my freedoms to do what I want to do. Look at the laws
Obama was elected dictator for 4 years
Libertarian Joseph on February 22, 2009 at 9:47 AM
Ah OK you’re just anti-representative democracy, gotcha.
DeathToMediaHacks on February 22, 2009 at 9:49 AM
15 years ago while living in Vegas a person belonging to a possible nutball group tried to interest me in their program, which suggested that their armed citizen militia was the only Constitutionally legal armed force in America. I don’t mention their name here, as it might stir up all kinds of bad, but there are nutsos out there who would find confirmation in this dialogue Glen hosted.
Doug on February 22, 2009 at 9:50 AM
At which college do you teach?
Johan Klaus on February 22, 2009 at 9:53 AM
Wrong. We don’t live in a democracy. We live in a representative republic. When Nancy Pelosi can write a trillion dollar bill, push it through congress and shove it up our collective asses and expect me to pay for it without any republican input, I’m being disenfranchised.
It’s really that simple. The only people who are franchised by this are those who live in her district because she certainly doesn’t represent me!
pullingmyhairout on February 22, 2009 at 9:56 AM
Why are you stalking me man, what’s the address of YOUR employer. Jeez…
DeathToMediaHacks on February 22, 2009 at 9:56 AM
So I was disfranchised everytime Congress approved war funding for wars that I didn’t support? Just want to make sure you’re being consistent here.
DeathToMediaHacks on February 22, 2009 at 9:57 AM
No one is stalking you . I just ask a simple question. The next thing that you know, you will be implying that I am a racist.
Johan Klaus on February 22, 2009 at 9:59 AM
1. Salary caps.
2. Forced union membership
3. Excessive taxation without representation – can you name something that the government does not tax?
4. Nanny State laws that practically tell you how to blow your frickin’ nose.
Maybe not whips and chains, but slavery nonetheless.
pullingmyhairout on February 22, 2009 at 9:59 AM
If that war funding went through the regular channels that a bill should go through and your representatives had the opportunity to give their input and add their amendments, then no, you were not disenfranchised.
pullingmyhairout on February 22, 2009 at 10:02 AM
You also don’t know what a representative republic is. The reason we are a “representative republic” is reflected in our use of the electoral college rather than the popular vote to choose our Presidents. It also reflects the checks and balances between the branches of government and things like the filibuster in the Senate which prevent the majority from ruling with tyranny. Just because your party isn’t in the majority doesn’t mean your disfranchsied you idiot. The GOP still have their own bully pulpit, they still have access to the media and they still have the ability to filibuster (even if they weren’t succesful in their attempt). But just saying “representative republic” doesn’t mean you get to control legislation when you’ve lost an election. That, at least, was your side’s argument when you were in power.
DeathToMediaHacks on February 22, 2009 at 10:02 AM
Do a little reading up on how Hastert ran things in the House when he was speaker. Dems were regularly shut out of conference between the House and the Senate. I doubt you were up in arms about it.
DeathToMediaHacks on February 22, 2009 at 10:04 AM
KendraWilder,
Here’s a MAJOR difference between Obama and Beck. Beck backs up every single story and opinion with substantive facts, news references, and interviews with people on BOTH sides of the issues. One of the ways he starts his interviews is by first presenting his data, then asking his guest “am I wrong?” or “tell me what I’m missing.”
Obama uses distortion, lies (yes, LIES), and a bully pulpit to mislead America. He doesn’t offer the chance for opposing viewpoints or counterpoint, his handlers are blindlyt partisan hacks that live only to deliver their truly partisan message, and it is working.
If you have a beef with something Beck is saying, can you be specific here and point it out? I seriously doubt you can, which makes all of your arguments moot.
cannonball on February 22, 2009 at 10:06 AM
I know exactly why we are a representative republic. I am certainly not an idiot and won’t banter with you if you become offensive. I didn’t stoop so low as to call you names and I would like for you to at least give me the same respect.
pullingmyhairout on February 22, 2009 at 10:07 AM
Are you on CRACK. Where is the fact and news references to back up the “what if there;s 90% taxes scenario.” There’s not a single shred of evidence ANYWHERE that Obama would pursue such a policy. It’s 100% fear mongering and lies on Beck’s fault. Meanwhile all Obama does is REPEAT the economic news produced by the business media about layoffs and he’s “misleading.” LOL How DARE Obama read a newspaper aloud! He’s ruining the country by not lying about economic data!
DeathToMediaHacks on February 22, 2009 at 10:08 AM
I apologize for insinuating you didn’t know what a representative republic was. But the way you used it in your post didn’t actually reflect an understanding of what defines the U.S. government as a “representative republic.” Now if you don’t have an answer to my argument you can just admit it instead of whining.
DeathToMediaHacks on February 22, 2009 at 10:10 AM
What is your facination with crack?
Johan Klaus on February 22, 2009 at 10:12 AM
Why do you want to know where I work? It’s a little creepy…
DeathToMediaHacks on February 22, 2009 at 10:13 AM
What is your fascinatoin with me? You literally follow me around random threads and pester me with questions about which university I teach at. Dude…
DeathToMediaHacks on February 22, 2009 at 10:14 AM
And which argument is that? That just because Hastert shut out democrats that it’s alright for Pelosi to do the same? That’s not an argument, especially since she said she’d have the most ethical congress evah.
He did it first! No, she did. He did! She did!
Congress needs to grow up.
pullingmyhairout on February 22, 2009 at 10:16 AM
DeathToMediaHacks,
Thanks for providing your opinions here. Unlike KOS, opposing viewpoints are welcome at HotAir.
1) Yes, my side lost this election, but it was hardly a fair election. Care to talk about Obama’s hundreds of millions raised via unethical, untraceable credit card transcations (that the media has never talked about)? Care to talk about how the media treats Obama like E! treats Brad Pitt, giving America only one side of the story? This election was purchased, not won.
2) I’ll show you my whip marks when black america shows me theirs. There’s not a person alive today that was a slave or owned slaves. Politically, slavery is being controlled by your leaders. Obama is a radical socialist that is using the pen to change America without the need for input from the people. You may not understand why we went to war, but we did and for all intents and purposes we have won. (we would have won years earlier if our troops were allowed to fight the way they were trained instead of worring about political correctness). And, Obama must be pissing you off now since he is increasing troop levels. Give peace a chance? Hell no… not these days.
3) As far as government rule goes, Obama has control of the entire legislative branch and is unwilling to consider feedback from the other aisle. He is not listening, he is waiting for his turn to legislate. When he willingly listens to and considers Republican legislation, he is a king, not a president. He is about to unfairly tax the rich, the same rich that are already paying most of the taxes in America. He is also rewarding bad behavior by giving money to the slouches in America that are hurting this country with their apathy.
cannonball on February 22, 2009 at 10:17 AM
I think he’s gone. The post is almost 12 hours old, but I can answer: It WON’T be simply calling up a congress critter to talk to an exasperated assistant to voice protest. It will be a massive operation of boots on the ground and the most far-reaching political agitation/marketing campaign this country’s probably seen (second only to the egghead in chief’s presidential run).
Truthfully, I don’t think the Left save for a few loons has the nuts (no pun intended) to pursue this so we may not have to worry. We’ve been very clear, and very loud that heads are gonna roll if they insist on pursuing this blatant overreach of free-speech violation.
RepubChica on February 22, 2009 at 10:19 AM
I just ask if you were a college profesor. You know, to get a perspective of from where you are coming.
Johan Klaus on February 22, 2009 at 10:19 AM
Not that it’s right, but at the time was the country in the throes of the worst financial crisis in our lifetime, a time that required true partisan collaboration? Pelosi and Reid are punch-drunk power hungry bastards that care only about keeping their jobs, not saving America.
cannonball on February 22, 2009 at 10:19 AM
If it will make you feel better, I didn’t feel franchised when Bush was president and the republicans controlled congress either. Frankly, everyone in Washington is only after what’s good for them.
pullingmyhairout on February 22, 2009 at 10:19 AM
Occasionally, I will find Glenn Beck over the top with his assertions, but for the most part he has the facts to back up his ideas. When you extrapolate most, if not all of Obama’s policies to their logical conclusions, they are truly frightening. If you add his utter and obvious inability to lead in foreign affairs it becomes a recipe for catasrophic disaster. A crisis if you will. Better to be mentally prepared for what is likely to happen, and be genuinly thankful if it doesn’t.
anniekc on February 22, 2009 at 10:21 AM
Are you ashamed of being a professor?
Johan Klaus on February 22, 2009 at 10:22 AM
Given the shallowness of his arguments, I don’t think he is very well educated at all. I would be surprised if he is any more than a paid hack.
Damn…I just described our current batch of educators, didn’t I? Sorry…carry on.
genso on February 22, 2009 at 10:22 AM
We can’t drill, many of our mines are shuttered, and our populace is NOT well educated by any measure. And never mind the massive trade and financial imbalances…
Dark-Star on February 22, 2009 at 10:23 AM
I’m not whining. I’m pissed. I’m pissed that we work very hard to be in that top bracket of wage earners only to see our hard earned dollars go to people who make poor life decisions – buy houses they can’t afford, have babies they can’t afford, get into debt up to their eyeballs and basically learn how to milk the system to squeeze out every extra penny of government assistance.
There are many more things I’m pissed about, but I’m not in the mood to type a dissertation.
pullingmyhairout on February 22, 2009 at 10:27 AM
Well for one, making assertions that are not backed with fact.
Johan Klaus on February 22, 2009 at 10:28 AM
I believe what Beck has to say is essentially correct. It’s just the way he says it, sometimes. When he begins to whine, he sounds too weak for me and I can’t take it.
sara in va on February 22, 2009 at 10:29 AM
Hey, you sound just like my younger brother…the family socialist
NY Conservative on February 22, 2009 at 10:31 AM
FNC ran this last night. It was riveting. Beck was so passionate he could barely stay in his seat. That man’s heart is red, white and blue. The genuine article.
I found the “bubba effect” talk to be the most interesting. Me thinks the Man fears Bubba and Bubba just needs a good opportunity to assert His power and kick elitist ass.
RepubChica on February 22, 2009 at 10:33 AM
Me thinks that DeathToMediaHacks has left the room.
Johan Klaus on February 22, 2009 at 10:35 AM
If you’ve ever argued that the Democrats are “elitist” then you’re being totally hypocritical here. Dems made the argument that Bush “fooled” or “scared” Americans into voting for him in 2004 and your side howled that these claims were “elitist.” That Americans could weight the two candidates and decide which issues they cared about, and since security seemed to be the top issue, they voted for Bush. I’m not a Dem and I hated John Kerry and I knew he would lose because his campaign was stupid. How is it that 4 years ago Americans were “smart” enough to decide a candidate but now they’ve been “fooled” by the media. In particular when the subject of Obama’s “adoring” media coverage was a constant part of the debate. It was a centerpiece of McCain campaign complaints on EVERY network, including Fox, the highest rated network in cable news. No, sorry, this election was lost fair and square by the GOP.
As for the fundraising, if this was something that was legit why didn’t McCain and the GOP push that story everytime they were on television instead of Bill Ayers? Seems to me if there was obvious evidence of malfeasance it would be in their interest to raise it. It would be an attack that was a hell of a lot easier to make than the tenuous Bill Ayers stuff. These people aren’t that stupid, they went with the attacks they had. Clearly the fundraising wasn’t one of them. And frankly, I did think it was too easy for me to make my online donations, for the record.
I love your logic.
1. Accuse the other side of slavery
2. Other side says, you’re not slaves.
3. Claim that black people aren’t slaves too!
LOL, whatever.
Examples please? And can you actually give examples that can’t be reduced to “I didn’t agree with what the people in power did.” Not agreeing with our leaders doesn’t mean we’re “enslaved” by them. You see the word “slavery” has an actual meaning and a history. It’s a little insulting that you’re characterizing being in the political minority as slavery, it’s just…not.
I’ve seen no evidence that Obama is a radical socialist. I happen to KNOW radical socialists and they are not happy with Obama right now. Do you know anyone who idenifies as a “radical socialist.” Have you ever read Marx? I honestly don’t think you know what these words mean…
My point wasn’t to argue whether the war was a good thing or not. My point was to demonstrate that just because I didn’t agree with funding the war with my tax dollars doesn’t mean I was “disfranchised.” It means my side lost a set of elections and I had to deal with the consequences and get ready for the next set of elections. Just like your side had to. You know what’s so funny is that the 2004 election was a perfect example of how wildly negative, anti-something campaigns just do not work. All this teeth gnashing and wailing and calling Obama a socialist sure feels good, but it’s not a message that will resonate with Americans, just like the “anti-Bush” message didn’t resonate in 2004.
So you thought that Bush was a king, not a President when he had both legislative houses too? I’m honestly trying to find SOME logical consistency in your “arguments” it’s just really, really hard to do it.
DeathToMediaHacks on February 22, 2009 at 10:36 AM
I personally believe the country his headed to civil war and have thought so for years. Once the non producers outnumber the working people, they will continue to vote these Marxists into power who will confiscate our hard earned money and property by the point of a gun. It’s reaching that tipping point soon when the messiah’s new “tax credits” ie, welfare checks to people who do no pay taxes. Once they get a taste of more free money, all bets are off.
RobertJ78704 on February 22, 2009 at 10:39 AM
William Ayers…..
Johan Klaus on February 22, 2009 at 10:43 AM
“Tyranny of Incompetence”
If only it was that simple. I’m sure that’s a lot of it but to be honest I think much of this crisis is manipulated and deliberate.
Yakko77 on February 21, 2009 at 11:55 PM
*
CORRECT! I’m not a conspiracy guy, but I’m not blind, either. This is a highly-organized mission with many moving parts. MSM is giving them cover.
marklmail on February 22, 2009 at 10:43 AM
Comment pages: « Previous 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Next »