So I sez to the guy, I sez ‘What?’

This is some kind of misquote, right? Because I haven’t heard that particular meme. Even if it was widespread amongst the left (not as far as I can tell, but I don’t reside in an echo chamber), it’s just as incorrect as this attempt to fob this murderer off as a lone wolf.

The only exit question left is “when did the right decide to exit reality?” This strawman garbage has to stop.

If a tree falls in the forest jihadist kills someone, and no one hears it, and the media doesn’t notice, does it make a sound did it happen?profitsbeard

Only if the media can skew it enough to blame it on a Conservative.

God bless this Glenn Beck.

I am now a regular viewer who Tivo’s his show. I think he is the only one on TV taking the long view and not getting wrapped up about whether Michelle should wear sleeves of sleeveless outfits or if Bo should go for two walks or three every morning.

Beck is trying to raise the level of awareness about the themes that are now prevalent in our governments at the federal and state levels. He is discussing the underlying philosophies and their historical precedents (like the Progressive movement in the 20th century that Obama and Hillary profess to take as their foundation).

He is delving deeply in the ACORN situation and demanding that someone in a position of legal authority take ACORN on.

I don’t know what Beck was like before, but I think that right now he is directly on point for what is serious and critical today. To paraphrase an old car company ad:

“Have you listened to Beck, lately?”

I agree completely. The lefty blame game is played both by dupers and duped.

petefrt on June 13, 2009 at 1:00 PM

But the really loathsome ones are the dupers, the ones who know better but perpetuate the lies anyway, the willful liars. In this group, I include leaders of the new (progressive) Dem party, and most of the state-run media.

Beck describes himself as the “rodeo clown” of political punditry.

cruadin on June 13, 2009 at 6:22 AM

A very apt metaphor for at least part of what Beck does so well. He protects our riders from the bull, while they’re dismounted or after they’ve been bucked off. He distracts the bull and provides an alternative target for the bull to chase.

Sometimes his style is a bit silly for my tastes, but his message is usually dynamite. I see him in as a national blessing during troubled times.

Many opinion makers on the left, unlike their followers, know the truth. … But admitting that would poke wholes in the narrative that they want run with. They want to use this tragedy for political gain. … It’s the same mentality that led Rahm to make his “you never want a serious crisis go to waste” comment.

Stickeehands on June 13, 2009 at 8:06 AM

I agree completely. The lefty blame game is played both by dupers and duped.

dcpolwarth on June 13, 2009 at 11:29 AM

Right now I am more worried about our own bought and paid for media. The British need to wake up, Pres. Obama is not their friend.

It was unfair. But he did show Beck in a way that really made him look creepy, comparing him to a news anchor on a programme who goes gradually insane on some 70s movie film. I guess, for all his entertainment value, its easy to dismiss Beck as a clown. And thats not fair – the piece he did on this post was excellent and very insightful. If people ignore his views because of his over the top ways it harms his cause.

Then again, the BBC are hardly likely to give a fair chance to any right wing commentator.

I really think so.

faol on June 12, 2009

Spit-take funny!
Seriously, and I apologize if I’m repeating someone else…
I think part of the effort to blame conservative talkers for the acts of nutjobs is geared toward shaming those talkers into not talking anymore. Of course they are trying to marginalize them and invalidate their opinions, but if they can somehow make them shut up, their victory wll be total. That’s why we need to fear the Fairness Doctrine. It will have the same effect as outlawing the opinions not endorsed by “teh One”.

Is it a simple question of dishonesty, holding people like O’Reilly responsible in order to score cheap points against an enemy whom they secretly believe is blameless? Or does their natural condescension lead them to assume in earnest that right-wingers are essentially stupid, violent, and “easily led,” and therefore putty in the hands of people like Beck?

I think they automatically assume Beck and others are to blame, but the truth won’t stop them from trying to gain political points. Deep down they believe Beck and others are to blame. It’s clear from their initial response. The left has successfully painted prominent figures on the right as caricatures. The reality is that kool aid drinkers on the left cannot see reality beyond those caricatures.

Many opinion makers on the left, unlike their followers, know the truth. They know that the shooter was an anti-FNC and anti-neocon, as well as anti-semitic. But admitting that would poke wholes in the narrative that they want run with. They want to use this tragedy for political gain. They’re just that sick. It’s the same mentality that led Rahm to make his “you never want a serious crisis go to waste” comment.

Don’t get me wrong, Beck can at times be reasonable, and when he is he does a far better job than when he gets over-the-top and mocking.

Does anyone else feel this way, or is it just me?

dcpolwarth on June 13, 2009 at 3:58 AM

Beck describes himself as the “rodeo clown” of political punditry. It’s who he is. I don’t think it diminishes his message at all.

Too often the Left simply attacks the person (i.e. Sarah Palin) rather than refuting the argument or the position with which they disagree. Beck just throws that in their face. He doesn’t care what they say about him, and neither do I. He mocks their insults. He is more effective precisely because he’s not distratcted by the same tired ad hominems that serve to paralyze so many others.

Does anyone else feel this way, or is it just me?

dcpolwarth on June 13, 2009 at 3:58 AM

No, it’s not just you. Lots of people say that.

I’m not one of them, though. I think Beck is great. Does he act a little deranged at times? Sure. It’s all part of his schtick. But you have to look past that and listen to what he says. I think he makes a great case the vast majority of the time.

What do you think of O’Reilly? The Factor is a much more polished show, but as far as content, personally I find myself agreeing with Beck over 90% of the time while I agree with O’reilly about 60 or 70%.

In that clip the guy on the phone seemed that he should be presenting the show, and Glenn Beck was an agitated nut phoning up.

Don’t get me wrong, Beck can at times be reasonable, and when he is he does a far better job than when he gets over-the-top and mocking.

Does anyone else feel this way, or is it just me?

The fact that Krugman, Frank Rich, et al. feel comfortable spitting venom at the right week after week in the NYT and then pointing fingers at FNC for “incitement”

The Old grey lady is just getting old. And getting on my nerves! I canceled my subscription LONG ago.