About Glenn Beck’s Extremist Rhetoric

Media • Views: 9,626

Michael A. Cohen has a piece in Politico today about the over-the-top irresponsible extremism and conspiracy theories promulgated by weeping Glenn Beck: Extremist rhetoric won’t rebuild GOP.

Watching Fox News’ new sensation Glenn Beck is not for the faint of heart. It is a disquieting entree into the feverish mind of a conspiracy theorist who believes, among other things, that the government wants to remotely control our thermostats, that the relaxing of the ban on stem cell research — as well as efforts to prevent global warming — is reminiscent of Nazism, that the Federal Emergency Management Agency might be setting up concentration camps [Slightly off here - Beck actually semi-debunked that story. – ed.] and, finally, that the country is on the path to socialism or possibly fascism but definitely some “-ism” that should be avoided.

Yet for all of his conspiracy-addled and occasionally tear-filled declarations, Beck has become the new darling of the conservative right. His show is a regular stomping ground for Republican congressmen and party pooh-bahs like Karl Rove, Sarah Palin and Michael Steele, and his ratings rival those of Fox stalwarts Sean Hannity and Bill O’Reilly. According to The New York Times, Beck has become “one of the most powerful media voices for the nation’s conservative, populist anger.”

Populist agitators such as Beck are nothing new, particularly in times of economic instability — and they aren’t restricted to the right. During the Bush years, liberal anger over the administration’s policies bred bizarre conspiracy theories of its own, like accusations that the Sept. 11 attacks were an inside job.

However, Beck’s paranoid style is seeping into the discourse of conservative politics, which should be of concern to Republicans. The charge that President Barack Obama is a socialist, first raised in the 2008 campaign, has become a de rigueur epithet heard not only on talk radio but in the halls of Congress. Calls by China to consider replacing the dollar as the global reserve currency have been met by bizarre warnings from congressional Republicans that the Obama administration wants to scrap the greenback for a new global currency. Thirty-four House Republicans have even signed on to a constitutional amendment that would prevent this from occurring, though no such proposal is being considered.

He’s right. This turn toward the extreme right on the part of Fox News is troubling, and will achieve nothing in the long run except further marginalization of the GOP—unless people start behaving like adults instead of angry kids throwing tantrums and ranting about conspiracies and revolution.

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632 comments
1 pingjockey  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 4:45:49pm

Ron Paul!

2 zombie  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 4:46:04pm

I'm not very ashamed to admit I've never seen Glenn Beck. Whoever he is.

3 albusteve  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 4:46:11pm

Steele should pounce on Beck and slap him into next month....publically

4 screaming_eagle  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 4:46:22pm

Just give him a bunch of Donuts and he'll shut up.

5 LionofDixon  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 4:46:26pm

Or, maybe he is right about Obama being a Socialist bent on ruining this country as fast as he can......

6 albusteve  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 4:46:35pm

re: #2 zombie

I'm not very ashamed to admit I've never seen Glenn Beck. Whoever he is.

no big deal...

7 Dar ul Harbarian  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 4:46:55pm

Fox is, and has always, fed on sensationalism.

Fox isn't doing anything it hasn't done before. It is just tapping into a vein of public anxiety to feed it's bottom line.

8 Cognito  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 4:47:00pm

Nice to see the swat at Truthers.

9 albusteve  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 4:48:00pm

re: #5 LionofDixon

Or, maybe he is right about Obama being a Socialist bent on ruining this country as fast as he can......

maybe so...but the loonyschtick is his moneymaker....he's a whore regardless of his views

10 The Other Les  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 4:48:30pm

re: #2 zombie

I'm not very ashamed to admit I've never seen Glenn Beck. Whoever he is.

I've heard him on the radio on a local station. I wasn't impressed.

11 Boxy_brown  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 4:48:50pm

I actually made it a point to watch him today to see what the fuss was about or if he would spontaneously combust or turn into a cross dressing tower sniper or Hannibal Lector...

Sadly, he was rather lucid. Just a good day for Glen? Either way... not going on the Tivo...

12 pingjockey  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 4:49:05pm

re: #3 albusteve

I'd pay good money to see that!

13 Sharmuta  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 4:49:06pm

We need less populism, and more (Goldwater) conservatism.

Populists want to fix the roof. The conservative knows it's the foundation that needs attention.

14 LionOfDixon  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 4:49:15pm

re: #9 albusteve

But MSNBC can, without a trace of irony, call Olbermann a journalist?

15 Dar ul Harbarian  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 4:49:17pm

OT

A very good talk on climate change from a member of the IPCC

Climate of Extremes

16 Slumbering Behemoth Stinks  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 4:49:39pm

Clearly, Cohen is an anti-conservative, party dividing RINO!
////

17 lawhawk  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 4:50:04pm

Rebuilding the GOP will start with a return to the basics, and Beck's antics are doing only one thing - driving ratings for Beck and Fox, not helping the GOP in the long haul.

18 Racer X  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 4:50:11pm

Beck is often way over the top, and definitely a drama queen, but he does make valid points on occasion. You just need bullshit filters. Same with any other news source.

19 Charles Johnson  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 4:50:26pm

re: #7 Dar ul Harbarian

Fox is, and has always, fed on sensationalism.

Fox isn't doing anything it hasn't done before. It is just tapping into a vein of public anxiety to feed it's bottom line.

Since the election, I've noticed a very marked shift toward the far right on Fox News.

20 pingjockey  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 4:50:31pm

re: #14 LionOfDixon

PMSBC may call him a journalist...I don't.

21 Sharmuta  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 4:50:35pm

re: #17 lawhawk

Rebuilding the GOP will start with a return to the basics, and Beck's antics are doing only one thing - driving ratings for Beck and Fox, not helping the GOP in the long haul.

It's the foundation, not the roof!

22 researchok  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 4:50:54pm

Sad to say, Glenn Beck prefers exploitation to reasonable and rational argument- which is too bad because he has some ideas worth debating and discussing.

23 albusteve  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 4:50:59pm

re: #14 LionOfDixon

But MSNBC can, without a trace of irony, call Olbermann a journalist?

like is full of irony...I could care less what MSNBC says or does

24 albusteve  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 4:51:29pm

re: #19 Charles

Since the election, I've noticed a very marked shift toward the far right on Fox News.

indeed...the cat is out of the bag now

25 zombie  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 4:51:58pm
finally, that the country is on the path to socialism or possibly fascism but definitely some “-ism” that should be avoided.

What's so controversial about the statement that Obama has set the country on the path to Socialism? Isn't that a universally known fact?

Nationalizing the banks? Socialism.
Starting to nationalize the auto industry? Socialism.
Socialized medicine/nationalized health care? Socialism.
Leftist philosophical opinions? Socialism.
Increasing government spending to massive proportions? Socialism.
Increasing the number of departments and employees in the federal government? Socialism.
Raising taxes at a precitpitous rate? Socialism.
Apologetic backpedaling international diplomacy?

In fact, can anyone tell some indicator of Socialism that Obama is not making progress on?

26 pingjockey  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 4:52:17pm

re: #19 Charles
Yes and it isn't the conservative right. It is the barking mad one issue folks on the extreme right getting air time.

27 screaming_eagle  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 4:52:21pm

re: #14 LionOfDixon

But MSNBC can, without a trace of irony, call Olbermann a journalist?

Funny how many things only cut one way......................

28 Mad Mullah  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 4:52:38pm

If anybody wishes to downding me, then go right ahead, but I fail to see anything that bad with Glenn Beck, and he has no responsibility towards the GOP and neither do I. They do a pretty good job of screwing up all on their own, without any outside help. As I stated in the other thread, I've only watched a couple of his shows, and I found it to be humorous and entertaining. Glenn Beck is a moderate compared to the lunatic left in my opinion.

29 zombie  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 4:53:15pm

re: #19 Charles

Since the election, I've noticed a very marked shift toward the far right on Fox News.

Well, there's your problem right there:

You watch Fox News.

30 Lizard by the Bay  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 4:53:16pm

Remotely controlling our thermostats is no conspiracy theory. The California PUC is seriously looking into it.

31 Russkilitlover  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 4:53:30pm
The charge that President Barack Obama is a socialist, first raised in the 2008 campaign

Well, honestly! What else do you call his actions since January 20th? If you don't like "socialist" how about "fascist"?

There are a lot of people very angry with the economy and the government's handling of the economy, not to mention the ominous overreach into private enterprise - and with very good reason. I worry that the nuts on the right will damn the whole lot of folks who do not like what Obama is doing and feel powerless to stop it. That doesn't mean that there is not real concern out here.

32 Nevergiveup  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 4:53:34pm

re: #19 Charles

Since the election, I've noticed a very marked shift toward the far right on Fox News.

I guess you always miss Geraldo?

33 pingjockey  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 4:53:37pm

re: #25 zombie

Hell, we aren't on a path to socialism. It's a frakkin' 4 lane freeway.

34 LionOfDixon  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 4:53:44pm

re: #19 Charles

Perhaps it is the fact that the country has now lurched so far to the left under the Messiah, it only appears that Fox is now moving to the right.

35 Killgore Trout  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 4:53:54pm

re: #1 pingjockey

Ron Paul!

Nesara!

36 Charles Johnson  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 4:53:59pm

re: #14 LionOfDixon

But MSNBC can, without a trace of irony, call Olbermann a journalist?

Keith Olbermann sucks.

Glenn Beck sucks.

One does not excuse the other.

37 kynna  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 4:54:11pm
that the relaxing of the ban on stem cell research

There was no ban on stem cell research.

I'm no more a fan of Politico than I am of Beck.

As far as Fox moving right -- ratings, baby. $$$$$$$

38 Russkilitlover  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 4:54:28pm

re: #13 Sharmuta

We need less populism, and more (Goldwater) conservatism.

Populists want to fix the roof. The conservative knows it's the foundation that needs attention.

Conservatives seem to be hiding, of late. Haven't seen one in a looooonnnnng while.

39 pingjockey  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 4:54:36pm

re: #35 Killgore Trout
Heh. Glad I went and checked those nutbars out!

40 Nevergiveup  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 4:54:43pm

I hate Glenn Beck, but on the other hand, I like Beck's Beer?

41 albusteve  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 4:55:01pm

re: #31 Russkilitlover

Well, honestly! What else do you call his actions since January 20th? If you don't like "socialist" how about "fascist"?

There are a lot of people very angry with the economy and the government's handling of the economy, not to mention the ominous overreach into private enterprise - and with very good reason. I worry that the nuts on the right will damn the whole lot of folks who do not like what Obama is doing and feel powerless to stop it. That doesn't mean that there is not real concern out here.

commie works for me....but then sometimes I'm a little extreme about hair splitting

42 pingjockey  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 4:55:13pm

Dinner Y'all. BBIAB.

43 albusteve  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 4:55:32pm

re: #34 LionOfDixon

Perhaps it is the fact that the country has now lurched so far to the left under the Messiah, it only appears that Fox is now moving to the right.

no...it's real

44 Jimash  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 4:55:34pm

re: #25 zombie

This post could easily appear as a Glen Beck rant.
He's on TV and making the best of it. No one could REALLY mistake it for a NEWS show.
I think Shep Smith delivers the news and he is not right wing at all.

45 The Other Les  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 4:55:46pm

You know, I would simply settle for some accurate reporting.

The bad guys practically dehumanize themselves by what they've chosen to believe and how they've chosen to act out their beliefs. All that is needed to be done by the media is to simply observe what the bad guys do and accurately report it.

Instead we get a load of pravdaism from our mainstream media. They only report whatever serves the interest of their ideological brethren and leave the rest of us looking for other sources of news.

You know, I would simply settle for some accurate reporting.

46 Racer X  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 4:55:51pm

re: #36 Charles

Keith Olbermann sucks.

Glenn Beck sucks.

One does not excuse the other.

Perhaps we need a "suck level indicator"? Because there is absolutely a difference in the suck level between these two.

47 grumpy old codger  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 4:56:07pm

Bring back the Lounge!

48 brookly red  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 4:56:07pm

re: #9 albusteve

maybe so...but the loonyschtick is his moneymaker....he's a whore regardless of his views

something to be said bout a good whore now...

49 sbvft contributor  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 4:56:11pm

I used to find Beck's radio show semi enjoyable. This off his meds stuff of late has got to stop though. Doesn't he have any close friends/family that can pull him aside and do an "intervention" of sorts?

50 Opinionated  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 4:56:12pm

History has proved that bad economic and social times invite demagogy.

Is Beck a symptom or an omen?

51 LGoPs  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 4:56:21pm

re: #7 Dar ul Harbarian

Fox is, and has always, fed on sensationalism.

Fox isn't doing anything it hasn't done before. It is just tapping into a vein of public anxiety to feed it's bottom line.

And how does this make Fox different from any other media outlet? I'm not being sarcastic but don't they all try to feed the bottom line? And what should be the alternative?

52 Charles Johnson  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 4:56:30pm

re: #47 grumpy old codger

Bring back the Lounge!

No.

53 David IV of Georgia  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 4:56:44pm

re: #2 zombie

I'm not very ashamed to admit I've never seen Glenn Beck. Whoever he is.

I too have not seen.

Unfortunately for those who wish to use fringe "celebrities" to add numbers and money to their cause, you also run the risk of losing your core. An example of this is the Tea Parties—they sound like a creative way to express dissatisfaction at some of the policies of the current government, but if they continue to get hijacked by conspiracy kooks and nazis normal people, even if they agree with their main theme, will avoid them.

Both the GOP and FoxNews should be careful who they let represent them.

54 Nevergiveup  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 4:56:50pm

re: #50 Opinionated

History has proved that bad economic and social times invite demagogy.

Is Beck a symptom or an omen?

He is a blimp with hair and a mouth

55 LionOfDixon  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 4:56:53pm

re: #36 Charles

Each side may have its braying dogs....but if Beck can get people fired up to go to a tea party or get involved in taking this country back from a dangerous Socialist like Obama, then so much the better. If he appeals to emotions, well....so be it...

56 Sharmuta  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 4:56:58pm

'...that if we take from a man the personal responsibility for caring for his material needs, we take from him also the will and the opportunity to be free."

-Barry Goldwater, The Conscience of a Conservative

57 albusteve  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 4:57:02pm

re: #38 Russkilitlover

Conservatives seem to be hiding, of late. Haven't seen one in a looooonnnnng while.

I told myself two years ago conservatism is dead...I'm not convinced otherwise, as a political ideology

58 kynna  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 4:57:21pm

re: #30 Lizard by the Bay

Remotely controlling our thermostats is no conspiracy theory. The California PUC is seriously looking into it.

They've also been floating the mile tax. There's just about nothing they won't stick their digits into.

59 The Other Les  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 4:57:40pm

re: #25 zombie

In fact, can anyone tell some indicator of Socialism that Obama is not making progress on?


Mass arrests and reeducation camps?

60 [deleted]  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 4:58:03pm
61 [deleted]  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 4:58:19pm
62 Racer X  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 4:58:20pm

Here's the problem: Straight up reporting of facts with little commentary is boring. No one will watch.

Beck does his schtick to get viewers to watch. You can't watch and nod your head and agree with everything he says. Same with Limbaugh - you have to know when he is doing his schtick.

63 Wilderstad  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 4:58:28pm

re: #47 grumpy old codger

Contact me.
Name will be blued shortly.

64 calcajun  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 4:58:40pm

It's business--nothing more. Beck is out to make a buck--and Roger Ailes and Rupert Murdoch are paying better than CNN.

This is marketing. I have a hard time accepting that Beck and Hannity--as well as their ideological counterparts Olberman and Matthews -- believe half their shtick. The danger is the people who swallow what is being fed to them. I know a few folks on both sides of the political spectrum who accept it without reservation. There's a word for these guys--demagogues.

If you give up your responsibility to educate yourself, don't be mad when all you know is crap.

65 irongrampa  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 4:59:02pm

re: #53 David IV of Georgia

From what I've been able to discern, the Tea Party is well aware of the lunatic fringe attempting to hitch a ride on them. We shall see, i s'pose.

66 Charles Johnson  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 4:59:03pm

re: #25 zombie

The point is that there are responsible ways to debate that point, and then there's what Glenn Beck does. For example, sitting in front of a huge screen showing clips from Nazi Germany interspersed with clips of Barack Obama is just plain nuts.

67 Jimash  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 4:59:03pm

re: #59 The Other Les

I googled Obama reeducation camps.
It's a hit

68 albusteve  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 4:59:04pm

re: #55 LionOfDixon

Each side may have its braying dogs....but if Beck can get people fired up to go to a tea party or get involved in taking this country back from a dangerous Socialist like Obama, then so much the better. If he appeals to emotions, well....so be it...

he's disingenuous....a monger who manipulates and hate being manipulated, don't you?

69 calcajun  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 4:59:13pm

re: #29 zombie

Well, there's your problem right there:

You watch Fox News.

No news (CBS, NBC, ABC, CNN, Fox, etc.) is good news.

70 sbvft contributor  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 4:59:29pm

zombie's right and laid it out. Obama's policies are socialist. Period. End of story.

71 Killgore Trout  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 4:59:31pm

re: #60 taxfreekiller

Tea Party!

72 Boxy_brown  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 4:59:36pm

re: #53 David IV of Georgia


Both the GOP and FoxNews should be careful who they let represent them.

I think it's more of a matter of the GOP being careful who the the opposition is claiming represents them... Culter, Limbaugh, Malkin, Beck... They haven't been elected to anything but the Democrats are using them as a scarecrow to rally their own base.

73 Nevergiveup  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 5:00:06pm

Report: Congressional Ethics Board Launches Probe Into Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr.
The Office of Congressional Ethics voted late last month to conduct a 'preliminary review' of actions surrounding U.S. Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr.'s bid to be appointed to Obama's Senate seat, the Chicago Sun-Times reports.

[Link: www.foxnews.com...]

Like father Like son.

74 Sharmuta  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 5:00:21pm

What's worse- the populists are saying ignore the foundation, it's the roof that's the problem and it's like their solution is to burn it. It will take the entire house down, but people are bringing gasoline instead of water.

75 Racer X  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 5:00:21pm

There are times when I find Mark Levin hard to listen to.

Thats his schtick.

76 Spare O'Lake  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 5:00:22pm

re: #25 zombie

What's so controversial about the statement that Obama has set the country on the path to Socialism? Isn't that a universally known fact?

Nationalizing the banks? Socialism.
Starting to nationalize the auto industry? Socialism.
Socialized medicine/nationalized health care? Socialism.
Leftist philosophical opinions? Socialism.
Increasing government spending to massive proportions? Socialism.
Increasing the number of departments and employees in the federal government? Socialism.
Raising taxes at a precitpitous rate? Socialism.
Apologetic backpedaling international diplomacy?

In fact, can anyone tell some indicator of Socialism that Obama is not making progress on?

I was with you until your last point (Apologetic backpedaling international diplomacy), and couldn't help noticing that you intentionally or unintentionally did not characterize this Obama policy as "Socialism".
Obama's moves toward dismantling the American empire (such as it is) is certainly not a socialist policy.
Just the opposite, in fact.
So you actually answered your own question.

77 calcajun  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 5:00:51pm

re: #25 zombie

What's so controversial about the statement that Obama has set the country on the path to Socialism? Isn't that a universally known fact?

Nationalizing the banks? Socialism.
Starting to nationalize the auto industry? Socialism.
Socialized medicine/nationalized health care? Socialism.
Leftist philosophical opinions? Socialism.
Increasing government spending to massive proportions? Socialism.
Increasing the number of departments and employees in the federal government? Socialism.
Raising taxes at a precitpitous rate? Socialism.
Apologetic backpedaling international diplomacy?

In fact, can anyone tell some indicator of Socialism that Obama is not making progress on?

Car repair!

78 zombie  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 5:00:51pm
that the relaxing of the ban on stem cell research — as well as efforts to prevent global warming — is reminiscent of Nazism,

There was never a ban on stem cell research. There was simply a policy of not giving any federal funding to studies which used cells from freshly "harvested" aborted embryos. Any study could continue its merry way without federal funding, if they so desired. Or they could use one of the existing stem cell lines.

Yes, this put a crimp in the funding of certain studies, but it was not done flippantly: many bio-ethicists agreed with the policy. (I didn't agree with Bush's policy, but that's just me. I don't fault Bush for having reservations about misuse of aborted embryos.)

If Cohen is going to criticize someone about specific details, it's good to attend to the details in his own statement.

79 nyc redneck  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 5:00:57pm

he is so weird, i have wondered if he is a leftist plant.
i have never seen his t.v.show but i have listened to his radio show a few times.
and i am struck by how insincere his voice sounds.
there is a phoniness to his delivery that i really can't believe he means the
stuff he says.

80 Emerald  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 5:01:12pm

This is a business decision made by Fox, pure and simple. It's also a stupid one. The National Enquirer's weekly circulation tops most major newspapers. It doesn't mean it's a more reliable news source - okay, that's debatable - just a more popular one. Fox is raking in viewers, for now, but it's going to hurt their long-term credibility.

81 LionOfDixon  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 5:01:17pm

re: #68 albusteve

How do you know he's disingenuous? Maybe he actually believes what he's saying. And let's not even talk about fear-mongering...which has been the liberal's stock-in-trade for just about ever.....

82 Sharmuta  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 5:01:26pm

re: #79 nyc redneck

he is so weird, i have wondered if he is a leftist plant.
i have never seen his t.v.show but i have listened to his radio show a few times.
and i am struck by how insincere his voice sounds.
there is a phoniness to his delivery that i really can't believe he means the
stuff he says.

I think fox is nothing but mobys.

83 brookly red  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 5:01:42pm

re: #59 The Other Les

Mass arrests and reeducation camps?

/patience, patience...

84 Lizard by the Bay  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 5:01:49pm

re: #76 Spare O'Lake

Obama's moves toward dismantling the American empire (such as it is) is certainly not a socialist policy.

Oh brother.

85 paradox42  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 5:02:32pm

re: #55 LionOfDixon

Each side may have its braying dogs....but if Beck can get people fired up to go to a tea party or get involved in taking this country back from a dangerous Socialist like Obama, then so much the better. If he appeals to emotions, well....so be it...

Many of the people he fires up are far more dangerous than Obama.

Do you want people like Tim McVeigh, Eric Rudolph, or Ted Kazinsky on your side? That's the demographic this conspiracy crap appeals to.

86 Dar ul Harbarian  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 5:02:41pm

re: #19 Charles

Since the election, I've noticed a very marked shift toward the far right on Fox News.

That is true. The sensation of the season is right wing fear. I think they are just attempting to capitalize on it. It is just like Michael Jackson or Lacy Peterson. That is why I haven't watched Fox News for quite a while.

Unfortunately, this exploitation can have real world consequences for the nation's politics.

87 The Other Les  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 5:02:43pm

re: #66 Charles

The point is that there are responsible ways to debate that point, and then there's what Glenn Beck does. For example, sitting in front of a huge screen showing clips from Nazi Germany interspersed with clips of Barack Obama is just plain nuts.

So a poster of The Big Zero with the caption, "Ein volk, Ein Reich, Ein Null" (One People, One State, One Zero), would be right out?

88 Ming  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 5:02:54pm

Charles is correct: Republicans have plenty to contribute to our nation, but over-the-top, us-versus-them rhetoric does no one any good. I'm not sure who is crazier: Maxine Waters (D) or Michelle Bachmann (R). Unfortunately, they're both members of Congress! If Democrats and Republicans can't disagree and friends, and work towards areas of agreement, the country may be in trouble. Oh wait a minute, that's already happened.

89 lawhawk  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 5:03:02pm

re: #18 Racer X

Beck is often way over the top, and definitely a drama queen, but he does make valid points on occasion. You just need bullshit filters. Same with any other news source.

Ah, that's the rub... he's an entertainer first, just like Rush, Hannity, Levin, and all the rest of the talk show circuit and tv personalities. Occasionally they provide news. Sometimes they provide interesting analysis, but they're most often putting out their opinions.

Their success is derived from their entertainment factor. The more entertaining they are, and perhaps the wilder their opinions, the bigger the audience and ratings (and the paycheck at the end of the day).

That's not a knock against them; it's just recognizing them for what they are and what they do. I happen to listen to Levin all the time and find him to be interesting and insightful, but sometimes his schtick gets in the way of the message. Your mileage can and will vary.

90 Slumbering Behemoth Stinks  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 5:03:02pm
91 kynna  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 5:03:03pm

re: #75 Racer X

There are times when I find Mark Levin hard to listen to.

Thats his schtick.

He can be a bit harsh. And his voice is grating. But, his books are excellent and well researched. Can't go wrong with 'Men in Black' or 'Liberty and Tyranny'.

92 Nevergiveup  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 5:03:18pm

re: #85 paradox42

Many of the people he fires up are far more dangerous than Obama.

Do you want people like Tim McVeigh, Eric Rudolph, or Ted Kazinsky on your side? That's the demographic this conspiracy crap appeals to.

Well I'd rather have them to my side than behind me?
/

93 albusteve  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 5:03:21pm

re: #81 LionOfDixon

How do you know he's disingenuous? Maybe he actually believes what he's saying. And let's not even talk about fear-mongering...which has been the liberal's stock-in-trade for just about ever.....

it's NOT about liberals and it's NOT comparative...watch him and judge for yourself

94 ArmyWife  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 5:03:23pm

I do believe the Obama administration is sending us toward socialism. I believe the Obama administration wants that to be poo-pooed as silliness because the cold hard truth won't sit well with certain segments of their base.

I also believe the Obama administration is doing whatever they can to ruin the country - in part by their sheer ineptness, and in part with premeditated determination.

I also think the Republican party is so desperate for their own "Messiah" figure that they are jumping on board with anyone who maybe quite possibly could fill the role only to discover they've hitched their wagon to a Cindy Sheehan personality. This will have deleterious effects on the party if they don't pull their heads out of their fourth point of contact and be the grownups this country desperately needs right now.

95 Phocid  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 5:03:31pm

Beck dramatizes his views--this is what makes him look loony, but the views themselves aren't that crazy, as Zombie point out. We don't know where Obama is going with this country and because he's a very opaque person we have to speculate. Considering the humongous budget proposals and the grotesque porkulous bill it is not crazy to speculate that he wants a great deal more control of banking and industry than any president in history and that kind of control is exactly what comprises fascist/socialist economics. Guys like Beck are showmen not intellectuals, but at least give him credit for debunking the conspiracy theorists of both right and left.

96 irongrampa  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 5:03:34pm

re: #47 grumpy old codger

Heya. Long time--I trust all is good with you?

97 [deleted]  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 5:03:48pm
98 LionOfDixon  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 5:04:02pm

I'm sure we can all find somebody on tv who is disagreeable. I find Butch Maddow reprehensible...but not as much as Olbermann. I find Chris Matthews a pompous bore. So what....different strokes for different folks. Beck is hitting a chord though....

99 Capitalist Tool  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 5:04:06pm

re: #36 Charles

Keith Olbermann sucks.

Glenn Beck sucks.

One does not excuse the other.

Any reason you left out my personal fave- Chris Matthews?
/

100 Photon Cowboy  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 5:04:11pm

I hate to see Fox turn into the mirror image of CNN.Everything is the exact opposite of the others view point. Larry King on one side and Glen Beck on the other. I don't feel comfortable believing either news source. But then of course neither one of these guy reports the news,They just state their opinion and promote their vision of how I should lead my life.

101 zombie  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 5:04:21pm

re: #59 The Other Les

Mass arrests and reeducation camps?

I think what we're talkin' 'bout here is the "soft Socialism" of Sweden and similar countries. Sweden never had mass arrests, and yet they set up a fully socialist economy.

I don't think Obama will move on to the Chavez-esque "hard Socialism" until his second term.

102 Bloodnok  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 5:04:22pm

re: #82 Sharmuta

I think fox is nothing but mobys.

I agree.

103 paradox42  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 5:04:25pm

re: #92 Nevergiveup

Well I'd rather have them to my side than behind me?
/

I prefer to have them underneath me. 6 feet underneath me.

104 Slumbering Behemoth Stinks  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 5:04:38pm

re: #81 LionOfDixon

"They do it too" is not a valid argument. Didn't work in the schoolyard, doesn't work in politics.

105 screaming_eagle  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 5:04:41pm

re: #80 Emerald

This is a business decision made by Fox, pure and simple. It's also a stupid one. The National Enquirer's weekly circulation tops most major newspapers. It doesn't mean it's a more reliable news source - okay, that's debatable - just a more popular one. Fox is raking in viewers, for now, but it's going to hurt their long-term credibility.

I'm not gonna argue that point, but I wanna ask- Is CNN credible?

106 jantjepietje  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 5:04:42pm

re: #25 zombie

What's so controversial about the statement that Obama has set the country on the path to Socialism? Isn't that a universally known fact?

Nationalizing the banks? Socialism.
Starting to nationalize the auto industry? Socialism.
Socialized medicine/nationalized health care? Socialism.

Sorry to tell you but Bush did both of those and to say this is socialism is nonsense only if the government is planning to permanently take over witch is in now way the case.

One more thing the ease with witch Americans throw the word socialist around astounds me. This is not an attack on you personally but on general discourse in America. The word socialism is just too strong to use so lightly if you want to see a real socialist country try and visit Venezuela it's really not comparable with the US.

107 itellu3times  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 5:04:42pm

I've never seen more than 30 seconds of Beck, I cannot watch the Fox News Channel because there are too many ads, and very little of the content is very well done in any case, even if I agree with it. Beck sounds like he's doing everything that LGF tries not to do, and how much can I be missing there? I'll stipulate agreement with the overall direction of this thread.

So, instead, I'd like to ask for any Latin-competent lizards, how does one say in Latin: "I know something". Thanx.

108 Boxy_brown  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 5:04:46pm

re: #76 Spare O'Lake


Obama's moves toward dismantling the American empire (such as it is) is certainly not a socialist policy.
Just the opposite, in fact.

Socialism is government control of production/distribution, Obama opposes American exceptionalism and sovereignty. his actions are consistent with both ideas.

109 jimzinsocal  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 5:05:09pm

Im not into the Beck deal at all.
He reminds me of that Chuck Colson [spelling] guy
that was on the radio. Too out there for me.
But? The guy was wasted at CNN.
If he gets ratings at FOX? Doesnt mean he represents Fox anymore than House does.

110 Capitalist Tool  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 5:05:12pm

re: #101 zombie

I think what we're talkin' 'bout here is the "soft Socialism" of Sweden and similar countries. Sweden never had mass arrests, and yet they set up a fully socialist economy.

I don't think Obama will move on to the Chavez-esque "hard Socialism" until his second term.

You and your talent for understatement...

111 jantjepietje  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 5:05:33pm

re: #100 Photon Cowboy

Larry King has points of view?

112 brookly red  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 5:05:37pm

re: #67 Jimash

I googled Obama reeducation camps.
It's a hit

Anyone who still thinks that this is not happening, is in denial. This is not a drill.

113 Nevergiveup  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 5:05:39pm

"RUDY" is on AMC if any one wants to watch it for the 1000th time like me. For those who don't know in a Universe a long time ago there was a football team from ND that was good--Pre Charlie Weiss days.

114 jhrhv  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 5:05:50pm

The insanity and drama on Fox lately has got me watching a lot less TV news then before which wasn't much. I still say the best thing about TV is that it makes a decent light you don't have to get up to turn on.

115 The Other Les  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 5:05:54pm

re: #79 nyc redneck

he is so weird, i have wondered if he is a leftist plant.
i have never seen his t.v.show but i have listened to his radio show a few times.
and i am struck by how insincere his voice sounds.
there is a phoniness to his delivery that i really can't believe he means the
stuff he says.

He used to work for CNN, which was one reason I never took him seriously.

Look at the guy signing the paycheck.

116 tgibson1962  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 5:05:57pm

"Michael A. Cohen is a senior research fellow at the New America Foundation "

You might want to find out what the "New America Foundation" is, what they believe, who their donors are, what they propose, etc. before you take their opinion on what Republicans should do too seriously. Unless, of course, you think Fareed Zakaria is a reliable source of advice for the GOP.

117 LionOfDixon  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 5:06:13pm

re: #93 albusteve

I have seen him....I understand the melodrama. But it doesn't make him wrong. This is somewhat akin to faulting Paul Revere because he yelled instead of informing in a hushed, pear-shaped tone that the British were indeed coming.

Seems people have a problem with his style, but very little of his substance has been rebuked.

118 Nevergiveup  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 5:06:24pm

re: #103 paradox42

I prefer to have them underneath me. 6 feet underneath me.

OK I like your position better

119 zombie  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 5:06:28pm

re: #66 Charles

The point is that there are responsible ways to debate that point, and then there's what Glenn Beck does. For example, sitting in front of a huge screen showing clips from Nazi Germany interspersed with clips of Barack Obama is just plain nuts.

That does sound nuts.

To honest, I've been skipping reading the Glenn Beck-themed posts this week, due to a limited time schedule -- I've got to pick and choose my LGF topics! So I think I've missed a lot of his misdeeds, whatever they were.

120 Wilderstad  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 5:06:38pm

re: #47 grumpy old codger

Bring back the Lounge!

Glad to see you're well. Haven't spoken since you've moved. Everything is good with you?

121 The Other Les  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 5:06:47pm

re: #80 Emerald

This is a business decision made by Fox, pure and simple. It's also a stupid one. The National Enquirer's weekly circulation tops most major newspapers. It doesn't mean it's a more reliable news source - okay, that's debatable - just a more popular one. Fox is raking in viewers, for now, but it's going to hurt their long-term credibility.

Having Geraldo Rivera on staff hurt their credibility.

122 Ojoe  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 5:06:50pm

This is the kiss of death for the GOP —

Yet for all of his conspiracy-addled and occasionally tear-filled declarations, Beck has become the new darling of the conservative right. His show is a regular stomping ground for Republican congressmen and party pooh-bahs like Karl Rove, Sarah Palin and Michael Steele, and his ratings rival those of Fox stalwarts Sean Hannity and Bill O’Reilly. According to The New York Times, Beck has become “one of the most powerful media voices for the nation’s conservative, populist anger.”

Time for a new party of the center.

I've had it with almost all the regular politicians, of either major party.
I feel taken for a fool by them all.

123 unrealizedviewpoint  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 5:06:55pm

re: #94 ArmyWife

It sure would be nice if some republican leader would emerge. Hello, anyone out there?

124 stevieray  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 5:06:56pm

I don't trust anyone who thinks that:


"Over the years, the GOP scored political benefit by playing on the resentments and fears of voters,"

The desire for a small federal government and personal responsibility are not based on "resentments and fears". This guy sounds like Main Stream Media Man... he actually seems to believe that a large and intrusive government would be a good thing if only we could make it a bit more humane and effective.

125 reine.de.tout  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 5:06:59pm

re: #53 David IV of Georgia

I too have not seen.

Unfortunately for those who wish to use fringe "celebrities" to add numbers and money to their cause, you also run the risk of losing your core. An example of this is the Tea Parties—they sound like a creative way to express dissatisfaction at some of the policies of the current government, but if they continue to get hijacked by conspiracy kooks and nazis normal people, even if they agree with their main theme, will avoid them.

Both the GOP and FoxNews should be careful who they let represent them.

They aren't "getting hijacked".

They are actively seeking other groups to "associate with" in an attempt, I'm sure, to get large numbers of people at these events. And they are not very discriminating about which groups they associate with.

If my eyes and ears tell me that there will be no nasty groups there (vs. perhaps groups that are simply kooky), I plan to attend the local one on April 15, for the purpose of lending my presence to support their theme of "Repeal the Pork, Cut Taxes".

But that will be the only one I attend.

126 Sharmuta  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 5:07:06pm

American politics needs less populists and more Statesmen.

This goes for both parties

127 Racer X  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 5:07:22pm

We tried going to the center - McCain could not have been any more smack dab in the middle of the road. He was beaten soundly. By a radical leftist. With radical terrorists as friends. And a radical preacher as his teacher.

Still want to stay in the middle? Its boring in the middle. No one wants middle.

128 summergurl  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 5:07:27pm

re: #80 Emerald

This is a business decision made by Fox, pure and simple. It's also a stupid one. The National Enquirer's weekly circulation tops most major newspapers. It doesn't mean it's a more reliable news source - okay, that's debatable - just a more popular one. Fox is raking in viewers, for now, but it's going to hurt their long-term credibility.

Remember John Edward's mistress and child? The MSM wouldn't touch the story and the Enquirer is the one that spilled the beans. Beck may be a loon, but every so often he scores a home run. He's crazy enough to not self-monitor, (can't think of the right word - damn that Sudafed), his speech.

129 Boxy_brown  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 5:07:31pm

re: #122 Ojoe

yeah yeah... whigs...

130 The Other Les  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 5:07:32pm

re: #83 brookly red

/patience, patience...

I know.

(Still waiting for the other jackboot to drop.)

131 brookly red  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 5:07:38pm

re: #85 paradox42

Many of the people he fires up are far more dangerous than Obama.

Do you want people like Tim McVeigh, Eric Rudolph, or Ted Kazinsky on your side? That's the demographic this conspiracy crap appeals to.

far more dangerous that Obama? that is a trick to get me banned right?

132 Charles Johnson  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 5:07:52pm

re: #116 tgibson1962

"Michael A. Cohen is a senior research fellow at the New America Foundation "

You might want to find out what the "New America Foundation" is, what they believe, who their donors are, what they propose, etc. before you take their opinion on what Republicans should do too seriously. Unless, of course, you think Fareed Zakaria is a reliable source of advice for the GOP.

Who cares? He's absolutely correct about Glenn Beck. Beck is a kook, and the more the GOP is identified with kooks, the more they'll continue to lose elections.

133 LionOfDixon  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 5:08:01pm

re: #104 Slumbering Behemoth

It is valid here....as people will always blame Fox for being conservative, and then pay no mind to Katie Couric or the rest of the liberal MSM. Hell, at least Fox is its own being...yet one of the 3 major msm networks owns MSNBC!

134 The Other Les  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 5:08:18pm

re: #85 paradox42

Many of the people he fires up are far more dangerous than Obama.

Do you want people like Tim McVeigh, Eric Rudolph, or Ted Kazinsky on your side? That's the demographic this conspiracy crap appeals to.

No.

135 unrealizedviewpoint  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 5:08:20pm

re: #114 jhrhv

The insanity and drama on Fox lately has got me watching a lot less TV news then before which wasn't much. I still say the best thing about TV is that it makes a decent light you don't have to get up to turn on.

My FOX has been cut to O'Reilly only, and even that I fast forward through half.

136 Sharmuta  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 5:08:24pm

re: #106 jantjepietje

Sorry to tell you but Bush did both of those and to say this is socialism is nonsense only if the government is planning to permanently take over witch is in now way the case.

One more thing the ease with witch Americans throw the word socialist around astounds me. This is not an attack on you personally but on general discourse in America. The word socialism is just too strong to use so lightly if you want to see a real socialist country try and visit Venezuela it's really not comparable with the US.

I think until the conservatives confront the socialist republicans, the gop will continue to lose elections.

137 Ojoe  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 5:08:51pm

re: #129 Boxy_brown

Hey I didn't say it this time though!

LOL

138 Capitalist Tool  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 5:09:03pm

re: #136 Sharmuta

I think until the conservatives confront the socialist republicans, the gop will continue to lose elections.

You get the Gold Star for this thread.

139 unrealizedviewpoint  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 5:09:07pm

re: #127 Racer X

We tried going to the center - McCain could not have been any more smack dab in the middle of the road. He was beaten soundly. By a radical leftist. With radical terrorists as friends. And a radical preacher as his teacher.

Still want to stay in the middle? Its boring in the middle. No one wants middle.

I like end cuts.

140 The Other Les  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 5:09:28pm

re: #94 ArmyWife

We doan need no stinkin messiah!

141 Sharmuta  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 5:09:43pm

My Smurf hut for a Goldwater conservative!

142 ArmyWife  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 5:10:03pm

re: #106 jantjepietje

yet. Please note the word is being bandied about on Dem and lefty websites as "not such a bad thing". That isn't by accident. And no, right now it's not permanent - but the things being put in to place are darn close to making Obama's party permanent, though the face and name of the leader may change. Think Medvedev and Putin.

143 albusteve  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 5:10:07pm

this money making entertainment racket has invaded American politics to the point where many people consider Beck and others a legitimate voice to reinforce their point of view....so be it...it will lead to total avoidance and intellectual neglect on the part of the voters....these are the people the hated MSM that put BO in power and I don't like it....people like Beck will make droolers out the last of the voters that might otherwise do some goddamned homework otherwise....ignorance is the problem with America and Beck promotes it in a backhanded way...I hate the MSM and FOX and all the rest of them that play me for their stooge

144 calcajun  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 5:10:11pm

re: #83 brookly red

/patience, patience...

PJ O'Rourke wrote, flippantly, that Hitler, had he been polite about it, could have gotten away with the Holocaust--words to the affect that had he used limos rather than boxcars, no one would have minded as much. There's a grain of truth, there. If we are treated nicely, civilly, respectfully, we could be led straight toward the "rotating knives" without blinking (Oh, they would not do that to US...)

The next time, there won't be mass deportations or internment camps. They won't need them--you'll have your house as your prison. As far as re-education goes, remember that in "1984" the TV watched you. You can sit in your living room and be indoctrinated. If you refuse, good luck buying food or gas. Just sit and wait for a visit from CPS to take your kids out of your house or the police to take your guns as you're a hostile person. No, the next time will be far more subtle--but equally as chilling and deadly. Just submit and all will be fine. It's for your own good that we're doing this.

145 Emerald  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 5:10:26pm

re: #97 buzzsawmonkey

Why would they care about credibility? They are an entertainment medium. If Beck plays the "conservative bozo" role he will bring in two demographics--the bozos who believe him, and the people who will tune in to chuckle at what a chucklehead he is. Two demographics for the price of one, merely by playing the over the top buffoon.

Because Obama won't be in office forever, and the revitalized fringe that's foaming at the mouth now won't be so foamy when he's gone. In the meantime, Fox drives away moderates. They're trading short-term gains for long-term viewership.

146 irongrampa  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 5:10:28pm

re: #141 Sharmuta

How about Sarah Palin for close enough?

147 summergurl  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 5:10:35pm

Come to think of it.. Fox hasn't been proclaining "Fair and Balanced" as much as they used to.

Maybe I have just missed it.

148 Patriot  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 5:10:53pm

To say that Glenn Beck is somehow contributing to the "marginalization of the GOP" follows the same train of logical thought that leads to 'Rush is the new head of the Republican Party.'

These are people who get paid based on their ratings. They will, and in a free market should, do what increases their ratings. Whether we like it or not, these folks 'mirror' their audiences in that they provide what the listener/viewer wants to hear. Regarding Mr. Beck, our concern should be that a growing(?) number of people seem to need a "ranting about conspiracies and revolution" as a release from reality.

Regarding the GOP, if the 'void' there is so great that we're afraid a talk show host might be filling it, then maybe we should be recognizing the problem as the GOP rather than the talk show host.

149 ArmyWife  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 5:11:14pm

re: #127 Racer X

We DON'T need middle. We need back to the basics of what our party stood for - we need an updated version of Ronald Reagan.

150 Boxy_brown  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 5:11:30pm

re: #146 irongrampa

How about Sarah Palin for close enough?

Levi Johnson is getting ready for his closeup...

151 Soona'  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 5:11:46pm

re: #106 jantjepietje

Sorry to tell you but Bush did both of those and to say this is socialism is nonsense only if the government is planning to permanently take over witch is in now way the case.

One more thing the ease with witch Americans throw the word socialist around astounds me. This is not an attack on you personally but on general discourse in America. The word socialism is just too strong to use so lightly if you want to see a real socialist country try and visit Venezuela it's really not comparable with the US.

But it's getting there and fast. Socialism is socialism. Just like Zombie is pointing out.

152 Nevergiveup  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 5:11:56pm

U.S. giving Palestinian security forces top-level training

[Link: www.haaretz.com...]

What could possibly go wrong?

153 Emerald  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 5:12:00pm

re: #105 screaming_eagle

I'm not gonna argue that point, but I wanna ask- Is CNN credible?

Depends on who you ask. I don't think so, but they still get a few eyeballs.

154 Racer X  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 5:12:06pm

re: #132 Charles

Who cares? He's absolutely correct about Glenn Beck. Beck is a kook, and the more the GOP is identified with kooks, the more they'll continue to lose elections.

Selective guilt by association?

155 [deleted]  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 5:12:16pm
156 Dar ul Harbarian  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 5:12:26pm

re: #149 ArmyWife

We DON'T need middle. We need back to the basics of what our party stood for - we need an updated version of Ronald Reagan.

My guess is that in about three years the country will be aching for one.

157 Sharmuta  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 5:12:45pm

re: #146 irongrampa

How about Sarah Palin for close enough?

*sigh* I question the electability of women after the disgusting cultural display of misogyny I witnessed last fall.

158 jcm  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 5:12:47pm

I'm an extremist.

Let's get that out of the way.

Extreme in my belief in / support of / and loyalty to:

LIFE!
LIBERTY!
PROPERTY & THE PURSUIT OF HAPPINESS!

Just as the founders used reason, logic and rational thinking to arrive at the extreme proposition that the individual was sovereign.

To advocate for this position one must be lucid, calm but passionate.

Going off the deep end is not helpful in the long run. It only attracts loons, nuts and whackjobs which discredit the fundamental proposition.

159 Charles Johnson  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 5:13:08pm

re: #148 Patriot

To say that Glenn Beck is somehow contributing to the "marginalization of the GOP" follows the same train of logical thought that leads to 'Rush is the new head of the Republican Party.'

I disagree. When all the top figures of the GOP, including Michael Steele, are willing to lend their credibility to a weeping, ranting nutjob like Beck, there's a problem.

160 Boxy_brown  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 5:13:22pm

re: #149 ArmyWife


We DON'T need middle. We need back to the basics of what our party stood for - we need an updated version of Ronald Reagan.

Reagan got the middle.

161 Emerald  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 5:13:41pm

re: #128 summergurl

Remember John Edward's mistress and child? The MSM wouldn't touch the story and the Enquirer is the one that spilled the beans. Beck may be a loon, but every so often he scores a home run. He's crazy enough to not self-monitor, (can't think of the right word - damn that Sudafed), his speech.

I'm not sure if he actually believes in half of what he presents. I think he's an entertainer, and he knows what his audience wants.

162 paradox42  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 5:13:41pm

re: #131 brookly red

far more dangerous that Obama? that is a trick to get me banned right?

I said many, not all.

I think terrorists, be they foreign or domestic, are definitely more dangerous than the POTUS. All three of those psychopathic creatures were terrorists and mass murderers.

163 Ojoe  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 5:13:47pm

re: #149 ArmyWife

Hopefully what you describe is still the middle.

164 Soona'  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 5:13:53pm

re: #127 Racer X

We tried going to the center - McCain could not have been any more smack dab in the middle of the road. He was beaten soundly. By a radical leftist. With radical terrorists as friends. And a radical preacher as his teacher.

Still want to stay in the middle? Its boring in the middle. No one wants middle.

Thank you.

165 ArchangelMichael  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 5:14:06pm

re: #25 zombie

That was one part of this article I did not agree with. Calling Obama and his policies socialist is not a paranoid conspiracy theory to be put on the same loonie shelf with troofers. It's not the same thing as calling him a secret Muslim Malcom X lovechild who was born in Kenya and Indonesia at the same time and wants the UN to put Gestapo troops in your neighborhood yesterday to make sure you are recycling.

He is actively pursuing leftist socialist policies. He has a government answer to every problem. That is socialism. This is a fact. Simply because he's not trying to raise taxes to 90%, does not mean he's not a socialist (I've heard this from liberals "taxes were higher under soandso so Obama cant be a socialist").

166 screaming_eagle  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 5:14:16pm

re: #136 Sharmuta

I think until the conservatives confront the socialist republicans, the gop will continue to lose elections.

Can't up-ding that enough.

167 Ojoe  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 5:14:18pm

re: #159 Charles

It is a big problem.

168 tgibson1962  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 5:14:25pm

re: #132 Charles

So associations, and policy positions don't matter? Thanks for clearing that up.

169 zombie  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 5:14:28pm

Speaking of socialism...

I'm wading through doing my taxes at the moment, and I seem to remember there being some hubbub last year (or was it early this year?) about something to be called a "stimulus payment" or something along those lines. A while back, some LGFers were discussing how much they were scheduled to get, and I asked how they knew how much they were going to get, and they said they had gotten some kind of notice from the government. When I said I never got a notice, they said I must have tossed it out unwittingly or something, because everybody got a notice. And they assured me that there was a 100% chance I was going to get a check eventually too.

Well, looking through my paperwork just now, I see that i still never have gotten a check, or a notice, or anything. (And yes, I am a full-fledged taxpayer, not a dependant or an inmate or a minor or whatever.) Are they supposed to have arrived yet? Has anyone else gotten one?

I suspect, as usual, I have fallen through the cracks. I think the fact that I have never been contacted by the federal government even once in my entire life leads me to conclude that they don't know I exist. They happily accept my 1040 form and payment (as far as I know), but that is the extent of my relationship with the government -- mailing in my taxes once per year. Never once have I ever heard back from them on any topic, ever.

And frankly, I prefer it this way. I'd gladly trade money for privacy.

170 Slumbering Behemoth Stinks  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 5:14:33pm

re: #133 LionOfDixon

Sorry, "They do it too" is not a valid argument. It is a childish excuse.

171 Photon Cowboy  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 5:14:40pm

re: #111 jantjepietje


Larry King has points of view?

Sure he does ! It's just that he has money and thinks he knows so much more than the rest of us he stopped thinking logically years ago. It's what happens when you become a Libtard.

172 TheHistorian  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 5:15:03pm

"Barack Obama is a decent Man You Don't Have To Be Afraid Of" .. John McCain, Oct 10, 2008. We already heard it.

What the author doesn't understand is that the Republican party has marched Leftward for 100 years. The Republicans of 100 years ago would not approve of Medicare, welfare, or even mortgage refinancing, much less a central bank. All of this has been a creation of the left. Now it is accepted, so the guys on the right of 100 years ago are made to sound like fruitcakes because they do not subscribe to the "conventional wisdom".

The last election proved that Republicans cannot win by being "Democrats Light". They will win by offering new and better ideas. And guys like Beck are offering new ideas. Too bad the author thinks it will cost us the Republican party.

173 Boxy_brown  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 5:15:03pm

re: #159 Charles

I disagree. When all the top figures of the GOP, including Michael Steele, are willing to lend their credibility to a weeping, ranting nutjob like Beck, there's a problem.

Is it safe enough to call Michael Steele a mistake yet?

174 Charles Johnson  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 5:15:07pm

re: #168 tgibson1962

So associations, and policy positions don't matter? Thanks for clearing that up.

Not if he's making valid points, and he is.

175 brookly red  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 5:15:10pm

re: #152 Nevergiveup

U.S. giving Palestinian security forces top-level training

[Link: www.haaretz.com...]

What could possibly go wrong?

/training? oh, must be for the census... gotta make sure jews are properly counted you know.

176 Lizard by the Bay  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 5:15:34pm

re: #157 Sharmuta

*sigh* I question the electability of women after the disgusting cultural display of misogyny I witnessed last fall.

Thank goodness Margaret Thatcher wasn't an American politician, for her sake.

177 Sharmuta  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 5:15:47pm

re: #149 ArmyWife

We DON'T need middle. We need back to the basics of what our party stood for - we need an updated version of Ronald Reagan.

I'm going to disagree, but here's why. The left wanted a political messiah, and they elected one. We do not need to follow in their footsteps and look for our own. What we need to do is return to the ideology that inspired Reagan- conservatism. When the candidate comes along that upholds that ideology, we'll know we have a winner not because of them, but because of what they uphold.

178 jhrhv  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 5:16:07pm

re: #135 unrealizedviewpoint

I've got O'Reilly on now they are talking about the BOW incident. Are there any "news" channels that do news anymore or is it all just popular BS?

179 Patriot  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 5:16:13pm

re: #159 Charles

You're making my point.

Don't blame Beck for "all the top figures of the GOP, including Michael Steele." Beck is The Entertainer, just like Rush.

Blame the politicians.

Let's focus on the problem, not the symptom...

180 Nevergiveup  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 5:16:32pm

North Korea insists it launched a satellite

[Link: www.jpost.com...]

"This is satellite," Pak insisted. "Everyone can distinguish satellite with a missile. It's not a missile. I know most of the countries they understand, and they now recognize it was not missile."

And I slept with all the Sports Illustrated models. Yeah that's the ticket.

181 Racer X  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 5:16:46pm

re: #170 Slumbering Behemoth

Sorry, "They do it too" is not a valid argument. It is a childish excuse.

Bow?

182 irongrampa  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 5:17:03pm

re: #157 Sharmuta

Granted. I wonder, though, if that applies in toto?
Not everyone is,imho.

183 Charles Johnson  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 5:17:13pm

re: #172 TheHistorian

When last seen at LGF, you were promoting this wacked out creationist website:

[Link: creationdefense.org...]

Featuring this wonderful account of dinosaurs on Noah's Ark:

[Link: creationdefense.org...]

Why am I not surprised that you like Glenn Beck?

184 Soona'  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 5:17:19pm

re: #158 jcm

I'm an extremist.

Let's get that out of the way.

Extreme in my belief in / support of / and loyalty to:

LIFE!
LIBERTY!
PROPERTY & THE PURSUIT OF HAPPINESS!

Just as the founders used reason, logic and rational thinking to arrive at the extreme proposition that the individual was sovereign.

To advocate for this position one must be lucid, calm but passionate.

Going off the deep end is not helpful in the long run. It only attracts loons, nuts and whackjobs which discredit the fundamental proposition.

So you can say without a doubt, that there were no loons, nuts, and wackjobs in 1776. No loons, nuts, and wackjobs in the Continental Army?

185 ArmyWife  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 5:17:30pm

re: #150 Boxy_brown

I so hope I won't be judged on the behaviors of my daughter's boyfriends. Sarah Palin's daughter made an incredibly poor choice. So many families have been faced with the same thing - we are losing great people because they've got imperfections. We ALL have imperfections - we are human. I think we should be judging reactions to whatever trouble was incurred (I'm not talking murder here, either, I'm talking the things we've all faced in one way or another). What would have been better? Sarah and Todd Palin telling Bristol she is out on the street? Or being sorely disappointed in her behavior, but still loving her daughter and supporting her during a very rough time?

186 jcm  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 5:17:37pm

re: #159 Charles

I disagree. When all the top figures of the GOP, including Michael Steele, are willing to lend their credibility to a weeping, ranting nutjob like Beck, there's a problem.

The Whig party blew apart up in the late 1850's to allow the new Republican party to step into the vacuum.

Maybe it's time to blew the (R)s apart and form a conservative / libertarian / classical liberal party.

187 brookly red  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 5:17:49pm

re: #162 paradox42

I said many, not all.

I think terrorists, be they foreign or domestic, are definitely more dangerous than the POTUS. All three of those psychopathic creatures were terrorists and mass murderers.

oh so disarming & giving funds to our enemies won't result in more deaths?

188 The Other Les  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 5:17:55pm

re: #176 Lizard by the Bay

Thank goodness Margaret Thatcher wasn't an American politician, for her sake.

If I recall correctly, the British Press is generally further to the left than the American MSM. She was being mocked on Monty Python's Flying Circus fer cryin' out loud.

189 [deleted]  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 5:18:31pm
190 Emerald  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 5:18:56pm

re: #121 The Other Les

Having Geraldo Rivera on staff hurt their credibility.

I can honestly say I haven't a friggin' clue why they hired him. It's hard to believe anyone watches Geraldo except to mock him. He's certainly not a great journalist.

I still remember his big "Al Capone's vault" story, and my dad saying before it started that all they would find is trash. Seems that pre-automobile age, buildings used to tunnel under the roads to increase their basement storage, but the weight of asphalt and motor vehicles caused them to collapse, so they all got filled in with trash. If Geraldo had done five minutes worth of research, or talked to someone old enough to remember the time, he'd have known the answer. But he also wouldn't have gotten a prime-time special.

191 Ojoe  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 5:19:20pm

The middle may be boring, but it is there that practical solutions will be found, and from them our country will derive strength and happiness.

It is worth the boredom to get them.

192 Charles Johnson  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 5:19:21pm

First meltdown of the thread -- and I predicted this one coming in the last thread.

193 Sharmuta  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 5:19:21pm

re: #182 irongrampa

Granted. I wonder, though, if that applies in toto?
Not everyone is,imho.

Of course not everyone displayed misogyny, but it was the overall cultural acceptance and promoting (in certain circles) that really disturbed me. What have we really done since the election to confront remaining elements of sexism in this society?

(For the record, I think America's come a long way, but let that not blind us to the remainder of the work left to be done on this issue.)

194 BingoBunny  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 5:19:34pm

I didn't see the left suffer all that much by the raving loons who called Bush=Hitler, that wiretaps were the closest thing possible to gas chambers.. that OBU Grabass was the policy of the Generals, defense department, Bush Chaney, the Justice department, big business, oil companies.. et al , that France should get the oil and America the boot.
It seems Americans are so ill-educated and uninformed on world issues and defense in general that only a clown like Beck can get them to listen over their IPod's for 5 min. I cheer him on.. maybe a few brain cells will be active the next time American's vote.. or we can all expect "this time we get our checks" voters.

195 Boxy_brown  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 5:19:36pm

re: #185 ArmyWife

I so hope I won't be judged on the behaviors of my daughter's boyfriends.

It would be unfair, wouldn't it?

What would have been better? Sarah and Todd Palin telling Bristol she is out on the street? Or being sorely disappointed in her behavior, but still loving her daughter and supporting her during a very rough time?

196 Mostly sane, most of the time.  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 5:19:48pm

I've been staying out of this discussion because I don't have a television, and I can count on one hand the number of Beck monologues I have heard. I didn't dislike the ones I heard, but I also know I haven't heard enough to make a judgment.

On the other hand, he is going to make John Huntsman Jr. and Mitt Romney look very rational and sane.

Coincidence? I think not.

(I'm kidding about the conspiracy. I'm a Mormon myself, another reason I stayed out of the discussion--I couldn't be dispassionate.)

197 Walter L. Newton  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 5:19:52pm

re: #148 Patriot

To say that Glenn Beck is somehow contributing to the "marginalization of the GOP" follows the same train of logical thought that leads to 'Rush is the new head of the Republican Party.'

These are people who get paid based on their ratings. They will, and in a free market should, do what increases their ratings. Whether we like it or not, these folks 'mirror' their audiences in that they provide what the listener/viewer wants to hear. Regarding Mr. Beck, our concern should be that a growing(?) number of people seem to need a "ranting about conspiracies and revolution" as a release from reality.

Regarding the GOP, if the 'void' there is so great that we're afraid a talk show host might be filling it, then maybe we should be recognizing the problem as the GOP rather than the talk show host.

I think Charles, this blog and the people who comment here have done a very good job at recognizing the whole problem, the GOP, the people who talk for them, politician, news person and entertainer.

The big problem is it is getting hard to tell the three apart. We have American Idolized everything we do. It's reality this, reality that, mom has 8 babies, it's entertainment, it's news and it's all about her politics.

And it's not going to stop. As long as a politician see a camera as a way to stroke his or her ego, as long as a news person like Beck can use the camera as his therapy and as long as the common person can use the camera for their 15 minutes of fame, it's only going to get worst.

Take it from someone who is in the business, for a long time.

198 Capitalist Tool  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 5:20:29pm

re: #183 Charles

When last seen at LGF, you were promoting this wacked out creationist website:

[Link: creationdefense.org...]

Featuring this wonderful account of dinosaurs on Noah's Ark:

[Link: creationdefense.org...]

Why am I not surprised that you like Glenn Beck?

Anyone who doesn't think that some earlier form of people were around during the Dino years couldn't possibly be expected to understand how the Bilderbergers are really a bunch of 12 - ft. Lizards

199 Slumbering Behemoth Stinks  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 5:20:45pm

re: #181 Racer X

Pink with sparkles, please.

200 Charles Johnson  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 5:20:59pm

re: #191 Ojoe

The middle may be boring, but it is there that practical solutions will be found, and from them our country will derive strength and happiness.

It is worth the boredom to get them.

I don't think the middle is "boring" at all, and I don't think that's the reason for Beck's popularity. Being reasonable and thoughtful takes a little more work, though, and Beck is offering easy solutions and scapegoats for people who don't want to be bothered doing that work.

201 albusteve  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 5:21:27pm

re: #186 jcm

The Whig party blew apart up in the late 1850's to allow the new Republican party to step into the vacuum.

Maybe it's time to blew the (R)s apart and form a conservative / libertarian / classical liberal party.

there is nothing so wrong with the GOP that powereful drugs, hypnotism and some therapy can't fix

202 jantjepietje  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 5:21:35pm

re: #136 Sharmuta

You can't blame bush for saving the banks it was his only option and it was the right thing to do. Saving the auto industry was a very bad idea though.

203 Charles Johnson  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 5:22:25pm

re: #201 albusteve

there is nothing so wrong with the GOP that powereful drugs, hypnotism and some therapy can't fix

Not to mention a clean windshield, powerful gasoline, and a shoeshine.

204 Boxy_brown  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 5:22:31pm

re: #195 Boxy_brown

It would be unfair, wouldn't it?


What would have been better? Sarah and Todd Palin telling Bristol she is out on the street? Or being sorely disappointed in her behavior, but still loving her daughter and supporting her during a very rough time?


I would go with the "still loving her daughter and supporting her during a very rough time" course of action.

The problem is that people are already working to bury her with whatever they can and that has to be taken into consideration, fair or not.

205 stevieray  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 5:22:43pm

re: #174 Charles

Not if he's making valid points, and he is.

I agree with you there. Too often people dismiss the message 'cause they don't like the messenger... or, more accurately, a position or two the messenger has stated.

206 [deleted]  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 5:22:56pm
207 Capitalist Tool  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 5:22:59pm

re: #201 albusteve

Do you think we could throw in a few drum circles?

208 Patriot  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 5:23:13pm

re: #197 Walter L. Newton

BINGO!

209 Emerald  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 5:23:45pm

re: #155 buzzsawmonkey

They will have plenty of time to change formats when and as needed. In the meantime, all corporations have gone to the short-term gain over long-term strategy mode, for years. It's as unfortunate as it is pervasive.


It's also poor policy, and eventually companies have to realize long-term stability offers better returns.

As for reformatting, I'm not so sure of that. It's hard to get an audience back once it's gone. Television and newspapers are finding it very hard to get new viewers/readers, and they're losing more of the old ones. It's not like they can have a new advertising promo: "Fox News: Now with less crazy rhetoric!"

210 Ojoe  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 5:23:51pm

re: #200 Charles

Yes, it is plain old fashioned work to come up with solutions and put them into effect.

Thank you for this blog, it is obviously the result of a lot of thought and work.


BBL

211 jcm  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 5:23:54pm

re: #184 Soona'

So you can say without a doubt, that there were no loons, nuts, and wackjobs in 1776. No loons, nuts, and wackjobs in the Continental Army?

Nope can't say that at all. The voices that were heard and heeding were not however.

Paine, Jefferson, and John Adams carried the day. The more volatile Sam Adams was secondary in the events.

The arguments that carried the day were articulate, cogent and in final analysis mostly factual. The grievances in the Declarations of Independence were not conspiracies.

212 The Other Les  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 5:24:10pm

re: #200 Charles

I don't think the middle is "boring" at all, and I don't think that's the reason for Beck's popularity. Being reasonable and thoughtful takes a little more work, though, and Beck is offering easy solutions and scapegoats for people who don't want to be bothered doing that work.

It takes a lot of work and practice, really. Which is why I often recycle things I've posted here on my blog, and quote stuff I've written for my blog here.

(That, and straightforward blog pimping is just bad form.)

213 brookly red  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 5:24:18pm

re: #206 buzzsawmonkey

I'm hungry! Let's eat!

Pizza! (no fruit)

214 Sharmuta  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 5:24:26pm

re: #202 jantjepietje

You can't blame bush for saving the banks it was his only option and it was the right thing to do. Saving the auto industry was a very bad idea though.

I didn't even mention that. My point is that there are big spending republicans, what I've started calling "socialist republicans". They cost us Congress in 2006, and they hurt us again in 2008. When fiscal conservatives get pissed, the gop loses. This goes back to 1992. But if that issue is going to continue to be ignored, look for democrat victories for years to come.

215 albusteve  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 5:24:37pm

re: #203 Charles

Not to mention a clean windshield, powerful gasoline, and a shoeshine.

heh...some good lookin mojo won't hurt

216 The Other Les  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 5:24:56pm

re: #203 Charles

Not to mention a clean windshield, powerful gasoline, and a shoeshine.

And a good haircut.

217 calcajun  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 5:24:56pm

re: #203 Charles

Not to mention a clean windshield, powerful gasoline, and a shoeshine.

Not to mention, getting laid. At least there's somethings we can do without the government bailing us out.

218 Boxy_brown  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 5:24:58pm

Sorry ArmyWife, I made a real hash out of that response. Hopefully you get the gist.

219 researchok  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 5:25:04pm

Glenn Beck, Rush, Olbermann, Maddow, et al, are no more than commercials, designed to entertain keep viewers till the next newscast.

There used to be a time when music, comedy shows were supposed to do the same thing. Today, serial radio shows are centered around the serial 'talk show hosts' with programming that appeals to a particular agenda. They have replaced the Marx brothers, the Shadow and Flash Gordon.

In the end, they are entertainers- and anyone stupid enough to buy their drivel are the same people who believed Superman was real and Amos and Andy were a snapshot of real America.

220 itellu3times  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 5:25:12pm

re: #213 brookly red

Pizza! (no fruit)

groat clusters

221 Walter L. Newton  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 5:25:21pm

re: #200 Charles

I don't think the middle is "boring" at all, and I don't think that's the reason for Beck's popularity. Being reasonable and thoughtful takes a little more work, though, and Beck is offering easy solutions and scapegoats for people who don't want to be bothered doing that work.

Not only that, Beck is using his profession as his on personal therapy couch. He is admitted ADD and an ex-heavy drinker, and take it from someone who knows (me), this guy still has a whole bunch of issues, and it comes out in his manic babbling.

This guy rambles like a mad man sometimes. Why, because he is channelling his compulsions to his politics and social views instead of drinking them in.

The man has some issues, and we don't need to see him trying to work them out on the American public through his politics. Bad mojo.

222 Spare O'Lake  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 5:25:25pm

Fox = Bizarro CNN
CNN = Bizarro Fox
Discuss.
/

223 irongrampa  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 5:25:30pm

re: #193 Sharmuta

I saw the worst examples of misogny among what I'll label the feminist cadre. Of all people I'd presume THEY would recognize and laud sarah. Couldn't believe the hatred so many of them showed.

224 hazzyday  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 5:25:48pm

I've seen Beck maybe four times. I haven't ever seen him cry. He seemed ok, a couple of his analogies seemed false to me but I had a hard time following him. He's like Andy Rooney on Meth.

My dad watches him and that's where he decided he liked Ron Paul.

225 rawmuse  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 5:25:51pm

re: #30 Lizard by the Bay

Remotely controlling our thermostats is no conspiracy theory. The California PUC is seriously looking into it.

I have found that one year's outrageous nut-case conspiracy theory is the next year's fait accompli.

226 ClosetConservative  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 5:25:59pm

By definition, the United States of America is now a socialist state. The definition of socialism is "state ownership of means of production". While in its most narrow sense the US government does not "own" the means of production, it "owns" them in the sense that it wields control. Ownership ultimately comes down to control. When the President can throw out company executives at will, he is in control of the companies they steward. Furthermore, he can control American finance through TARP regulations. An enormous amount of capital (I've been digging for the exact percentage of GDP- help me out?) is managed, invested, or at the very least runs through TARP recipients balance sheets- if the President doesn't like who they lend to, he can just keep ousting executives until the company capitulates. And it's not like the companies can just pay back the money and be rid of the federal government; many of them had TARP money Bush foisted TARP on many them to recapitalize the banking system and prevent a panic, and according to the WSJ, Obama is preventing much of this money from coming back early. That didn't take long.

227 Capitalist Tool  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 5:26:10pm

re: #217 calcajun

Not to mention, getting laid. At least there's somethings we can do without the government bailing us out.

But where would we be without all those Gov't -supplied- made- in- China condoms?

228 jhrhv  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 5:26:15pm

What is very bad about the Glen Beck types is they make all conservatives look a little crazier just like troofers do the liberals. Nobody needs nut jobs associated as being on your side.

229 itellu3times  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 5:26:17pm

re: #224 hazzyday

I've seen Beck maybe four times. I haven't ever seen him cry. He seemed ok, a couple of his analogies seemed false to me but I had a hard time following him. He's like Andy Rooney on Meth.

My dad watches him and that's where he decided he liked Ron Paul.

Case closed, yr honor.

230 Digital Display  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 5:26:32pm

re: #217 calcajun

Not to mention, getting laid. At least there's somethings we can do without the government bailing us out.

As long as you have completed your I69 form, paid the taxes..
You're good to go..
/

231 gitarfan  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 5:27:07pm

Beck is tapping into something people are thinking about or his ratings wouldn't be where they are. I read one of his books and it is not extremist. I remember when Reagan was making waves in the the late 70's the press couldn't hammer him enough as an "extremist". I'm ready for another one like him. No, I'm not comparing Beck to Reagan, just pointing out rhetoric tends to be over the top when discussing someone with strong opinions.

232 [deleted]  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 5:27:24pm
233 The Other Les  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 5:27:25pm

re: #214 Sharmuta

I didn't even mention that. My point is that there are big spending republicans, what I've started calling "socialist republicans". They cost us Congress in 2006, and they hurt us again in 2008. When fiscal conservatives get pissed, the gop loses. This goes back to 1992. But if that issue is going to continue to be ignored, look for democrat victories for years to come.

Some of the Libertarians I knew thought that the two-party system could work if only we had a second party.

234 brookly red  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 5:27:27pm

re: #220 itellu3times

groat clusters

what's a groat?

235 jantjepietje  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 5:27:34pm

re: #142 ArmyWife

yet. Please note the word is being bandied about on Dem and lefty websites as "not such a bad thing". That isn't by accident. And no, right now it's not permanent - but the things being put in to place are darn close to making Obama's party permanent, though the face and name of the leader may change. Think Medvedev and Putin.


Not it is not by accident it is the right's own fault that this is happening if you keep shouting socialist eventually the word will lose its meaning.
Like you are doing right now Russia is in no way even remotely comparable to the US (and that is a compliment) so if you make the comparison now that will lead to inflation of its meaning.

236 Nevergiveup  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 5:28:05pm

re: #230 HoosierHoops

As long as you have completed your I69 form, paid the taxes..
You're good to go..
/

The I69 form is technically not for getting laid. Just saying.

237 jcm  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 5:28:05pm

re: #201 albusteve

there is nothing so wrong with the GOP that powereful drugs, hypnotism and some therapy can't fix

re: #203 Charles

Not to mention a clean windshield, powerful gasoline, and a shoeshine.

Need some Heavy Fuel!

238 Killgore Trout  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 5:28:09pm

re: #216 The Other Les

And a good haircut.

No sunglasses?

239 hazzyday  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 5:28:14pm

re: #217 calcajun

Not to mention, getting laid. At least there's somethings we can do without the government bailing us out.

You'll now when we hit strides towards communism when sex is restricted to paygrades and only at certain times of the month. So you can work for the state harder as a volunteer.

240 Walter L. Newton  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 5:28:18pm

re: #221 Walter L. Newton

Not only that, Beck is using his profession as his on personal therapy couch. He is admitted ADD and an ex-heavy drinker, and take it from someone who knows (me), this guy still has a whole bunch of issues, and it comes out in his manic babbling.

This guy rambles like a mad man sometimes. Why, because he is channelling his compulsions to his politics and social views instead of drinking them in.

The man has some issues, and we don't need to see him trying to work them out on the American public through his politics. Bad mojo.

Clarification on the turn of phrase "someone who knows (me)." I wasn't indicating I have this sort of stuff going on. I was internally referring to growing up in a family with a father like Beck, with a lot of compulsions and problems.

241 Racer X  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 5:28:24pm

re: #228 jhrhv

Nobody needs nut jobs associated as being on your side.

Bill Ayers.
Rev Wright.
Louis Farrakhan.

242 Charles Johnson  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 5:28:25pm

A lot of people seem to have the idea that the Democrats succeeded by being just as loony as Glenn Beck, but this is completely wrong. Sure, the Democrats have their loony contingent (I've only been posting about it for 8 years), but Barack Obama was the absolute antithesis of the loony left. During the campaign he was measured and calm, and relentlessly upbeat and positive in his message.

That's why he won. Well, that and the fact that John McCain couldn't campaign his way out of a paper bag.

243 Nevergiveup  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 5:28:41pm

re: #234 brookly red

what's a groat?

A goat who lives in Russia?

244 Sharmuta  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 5:28:46pm

Think about it- Bush 1 didn't keep his "read my lips" promise. Fiscal conservatives looked elsewhere. Same thing 4 years later.

Fiscally conservative principles, including the Balanced Budget Amendment, swept republicans to power in 1994. When they abandoned those principles, they lost.

Keep the fisc-cons happy is what the gop needs to figure out. I fail to see how glenn beck is promoting this thinking. He's just trying to make a buck. He could give a shit about the movement.

245 [deleted]  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 5:28:46pm
246 Killgore Trout  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 5:29:06pm

If they tell you to put on a pear of fresh Nikes, don't do it.

247 The Other Les  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 5:29:17pm

re: #217 calcajun

Not to mention, getting laid. At least there's somethings we can do without the government bailing us out.

I'm sure the Democrats will find a way. There was also a Monty Python sketch about taxing sex. (Which would make chartered accounting more interesting.)

248 Charles Johnson  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 5:29:36pm

re: #231 gitarfan

Beck is tapping into something people are thinking about or his ratings wouldn't be where they are. I read one of his books and it is not extremist. I remember when Reagan was making waves in the the late 70's the press couldn't hammer him enough as an "extremist". I'm ready for another one like him. No, I'm not comparing Beck to Reagan, just pointing out rhetoric tends to be over the top when discussing someone with strong opinions.

I don't remember ever seeing Ronald Reagan weeping or screaming.

249 Racer X  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 5:29:44pm

re: #236 Nevergiveup

The I69 form is technically not for getting laid. Just saying.

Crap.

I knew I should have read the fine print.

250 SanFranciscoZionist  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 5:30:01pm

re: #112 brookly red

Anyone who still thinks that this is not happening, is in denial. This is not a drill.

Because Michelle Bachman says so? Does she have anything to go on?

251 Digital Display  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 5:30:05pm

re: #236 Nevergiveup

The I69 form is technically not for getting laid. Just saying.

In that case. the IRS recommends the I66 or I99 form..

252 goddessoftheclassroom  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 5:30:05pm

OT

Do I stop at two glasses of red wine or open another bottle for a third?

253 calcajun  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 5:30:05pm

re: #213 brookly red

Pizza! (no fruit)

Not again!

254 Nevergiveup  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 5:30:15pm

re: #247 The Other Les

I'm sure the Democrats will find a way. There was also a Monty Python sketch about taxing sex. (Which would make chartered accounting more interesting.)

Aren't condoms, diaphragms, and birth control pills taxed?

255 Boxy_brown  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 5:30:50pm

re: #245 buzzsawmonkey

Fourpence, in old British coinage

So it is...

256 calcajun  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 5:30:51pm

re: #227 Capitalist Tool

But where would we be without all those Gov't -supplied- made- in- China condoms?

The lead-lined ones? The one thing from China that does work.

257 Racer X  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 5:30:56pm

Beck is not running for office.

258 Soona'  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 5:30:59pm

re: #211 jcm

Nope can't say that at all. The voices that were heard and heeding were not however.

Paine, Jefferson, and John Adams carried the day. The more volatile Sam Adams was secondary in the events.

The arguments that carried the day were articulate, cogent and in final analysis mostly factual. The grievances in the Declarations of Independence were not conspiracies.

But there were people in that august body of men that had some pretty far out opinions on how things should be run, and you can't tell me that they didn't go out into the public and voice them. Ben Franklin comes to mind that fits that category. If we just smile and sit around with our thumbs up our moderate, collective ass' to wait for the perfect candidate to roll into town will only keep us in the same intolerable unwinnable rut.

259 [deleted]  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 5:31:00pm
260 Nevergiveup  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 5:31:03pm

re: #251 HoosierHoops

In that case. the IRS recommends the I66 or I99 form..

is the I99 form the doggie form?

261 Sharmuta  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 5:31:08pm

The gop can't win without fisc-cons.

If they keep ignoring us, they'll reap what they've sown.

262 The Other Les  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 5:31:13pm

re: #234 brookly red

what's a groat?

A fictional animal in the Official Traveller Universe.

263 hazzyday  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 5:31:19pm

I canceled cable. Someone needs to put up a video montage of Beck crying.

264 itellu3times  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 5:31:22pm

re: #234 brookly red

what's a groat?

it's a part of the same Firesign schtick referred to in previous messages, also known as buckwheat, kasha. can actually be very tasty and good for you, too. not sure just how you'd make them cluster, Google turns up no specific recipes that I can see!

265 ArmyWife  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 5:31:23pm

re: #202 jantjepietje

I can. He spent like a drunken liberal with a new credit card. The fiscal policy was horrific and should never, ever be emulated. Obama has taken the policy and multiplied it by a gazillion.

I have a lot of respect for W's support of the military and his hawkish stand on protecting the country. He was a moderate in every other sense of the word, and that was NOT helpful to our part at all.

Again - we need someone who brings back a modicum of social conservatism (and no, I don't mean Ron Paul off the chart fanaticism, but makes it ok again to state morality is not relative). We desperately need fiscal conservatives. We need an effective communicator - doesn't need to be flowery, just effective. That person exists. We just aren't looking in the right places.

266 LGoPs  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 5:31:36pm

re: #85 paradox42

Many of the people he fires up are far more dangerous than Obama.

Do you want people like Tim McVeigh, Eric Rudolph, or Ted Kazinsky on your side? That's the demographic this conspiracy crap appeals to.

As opposed to Billy Ayers and Jeremiah Wright and who knows what other radicals are in Obama's camp? And they are not a conspiracy. They are in charge.

267 calcajun  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 5:31:42pm

re: #252 goddessoftheclassroom

OT

Do I stop at two glasses of red wine or open another bottle for a third?

Go for thirds--as long as you don't have any acid reflux issues. Red wine tears some folks apart.

268 Sharmuta  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 5:31:51pm

re: #257 Racer X

Beck is not running for office.

Nope- he's campaigning for a bigger bank account. I'm not going to "vote" for that with my money.

269 ArmyWife  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 5:31:55pm

re: #218 Boxy_brown

Got it! It isn't fair - but we the people have to change it. It can't be acceptable to us any longer.

270 rawmuse  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 5:32:01pm

I remember when "cap and trade" was considered a nut case conspiracy theory. It wasn't all that long ago.

271 The Other Les  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 5:32:02pm

re: #238 Killgore Trout

No sunglasses?

Only for driving at night.

272 Racer X  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 5:32:16pm

re: #252 goddessoftheclassroom

You ARE celebrating right?

Open up another bottle.

273 jwb7605  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 5:32:17pm

re: #257 Racer X

Beck is not running for office.

Nor is he registered Republican, he claims.

274 Digital Display  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 5:32:18pm

re: #252 goddessoftheclassroom

OT

Do I stop at two glasses of red wine or open another bottle for a third?

I was raised in Napa Valley...
/Go for it!

275 albusteve  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 5:32:20pm

re: #244 Sharmuta

Think about it- Bush 1 didn't keep his "read my lips" promise. Fiscal conservatives looked elsewhere. Same thing 4 years later.

Fiscally conservative principles, including the Balanced Budget Amendment, swept republicans to power in 1994. When they abandoned those principles, they lost.

Keep the fisc-cons happy is what the gop needs to figure out. I fail to see how glenn beck is promoting this thinking. He's just trying to make a buck. He could give a shit about the movement.

pandering is a hot potato....everybody wants some but then they have to toss it to the next guy....they are all guilty....election finance reform might help but your balanced budget thing is the best way to go

276 Walter L. Newton  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 5:32:29pm

re: #231 gitarfan

Beck is tapping into something people are thinking about or his ratings wouldn't be where they are. I read one of his books and it is not extremist. I remember when Reagan was making waves in the the late 70's the press couldn't hammer him enough as an "extremist". I'm ready for another one like him. No, I'm not comparing Beck to Reagan, just pointing out rhetoric tends to be over the top when discussing someone with strong opinions.

Beck is tapping into some things that people who lack critical thinking skills are thinking about.

Otherwise Beck is simply a nut case. Do all your friends cry one moment, yell the next moment, start laughing the next moment uncontrollably and then tell you it's all going to be alright?

Well, if you every listen to Beck on one of his crazy rants, this is the pattern.

Sounds a little unstable to me.

277 Mad Mullah  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 5:32:44pm

re: #162 paradox42

I said many, not all.

I think terrorists, be they foreign or domestic, are definitely more dangerous than the POTUS. All three of those psychopathic creatures were terrorists and mass murderers.

I would disagree with that. A lone terrorist or a bunch of them might be able to kill hundreds or even a few thousand people, as we have seen, but a POTUS has the power to make decisions or to be indecisive, and that can affect the lives of many, many more Americans.

278 Walter L. Newton  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 5:33:02pm

re: #257 Racer X

Beck is not running for office.

So?

279 Radicchio ad Absurdum  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 5:33:04pm

re: #61 buzzsawmonkey

He's looking at the world through rose-colored demagoggles.

Better that than rose colored demi-glaze

280 Soona'  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 5:33:07pm

re: #219 researchok

Glenn Beck, Rush, Olbermann, Maddow, et al, are no more than commercials, designed to entertain keep viewers till the next newscast.

There used to be a time when music, comedy shows were supposed to do the same thing. Today, serial radio shows are centered around the serial 'talk show hosts' with programming that appeals to a particular agenda. They have replaced the Marx brothers, the Shadow and Flash Gordon.

In the end, they are entertainers- and anyone stupid enough to buy their drivel are the same people who believed Superman was real and Amos and Andy were a snapshot of real America.

Well, this comment shows just how much thinking can be done in your parents basement.

281 The Other Les  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 5:33:24pm

re: #242 Charles

A wet paper bag in a thundershower.

282 [deleted]  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 5:33:53pm
283 goddessoftheclassroom  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 5:34:23pm

BRB--I'm opening another bottle of merlot...

284 KingKenrod  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 5:34:25pm

China legitimizes Norks "space" program:

[Link: www.chinadaily.com.cn...]

Norks use dummy satellite to disguise missile test:

[Link: www.azcentral.com...]

285 SanFranciscoZionist  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 5:34:28pm

I have to watch Beck, I think. Never seen him. Or Olbermann. I should watch at least one show of each, so I feel up-to-date.

286 favorednation  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 5:34:34pm

I think it's all just a conspiracy! lol

287 rawmuse  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 5:34:35pm

Beck is probably the one personality I know very little about, other than the fact that he is a Mormon, he wrote a Christmas musical, and he has a radio show that had some pretty slick custom made bumper music.

Lately, I am trending Dennis Miller and Neil Boortz.

288 Racer X  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 5:34:36pm

I must say - this debate is lively and much needed.

Better to get this out in the open now - and address it - rather than pretend it is not an issue until 2011.

289 Radicchio ad Absurdum  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 5:34:41pm

re: #252 goddessoftheclassroom

OT

Do I stop at two glasses of red wine or open another bottle for a third?

3rd.

290 The Other Les  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 5:34:43pm

re: #245 buzzsawmonkey

Fourpence, in old British coinage, but "groat clusters" are a a food or foodlike substance mentioned in Firesign Theater's "Don't Crush that Dwarf" album.

I once saw goat cubes in the freezer section of a muslim owned convenience store.

291 jantjepietje  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 5:34:45pm

re: #214 Sharmuta

There always have been big spending republicans though and helped by the small government republicans who believed in the so called "starve 'em" philosophy* this lead to great fiscal irresponsible behaviour you would need to make a big change not only in the party but also in gaining public trust to reverse that

* The idea that the government never cuts spending out of its self so big deficits by irresponsibly lowering taxes are good because eventually the government is broke and is forced to cut spending

292 Sharmuta  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 5:34:47pm

re: #265 ArmyWife

I think many "social" issues can be dealt with by fiscal means. We don't need to focus on them other than in the context of government's proper role in funding anything.

293 hotei  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 5:35:03pm

I don't know what has happened to LGF but you seem to have your panties in a wad about the "extreme right". Yea, like anyone with even slightly conservative or Republican tendencies should take advice from the politico. Talk show celebrities speak for themselves and themselves only--just like LGF speaks only for itself. LGF seems to assume that any conservative leaning talk show is bad for conservatives. I don't know maybe, maybe not. One thing I do know is that this concern for what talk show hosts are doing seems more like jealousy than anything beneficial to the future of this great republic.

294 brookly red  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 5:35:06pm

re: #245 buzzsawmonkey

Fourpence, in old British coinage, but "groat clusters" are a a food or foodlike substance mentioned in Firesign Theater's "Don't Crush that Dwarf" album.

funny, I don't tremember that year...

295 zombie  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 5:35:17pm

Hmmmmm...
...I rarely look at my LGF account page, but I noticed by chance yesterday that my number of karma point was within 1000 of my number of comments. Getting close to have one upding per comment, I thought. But just now I checked again out of curiosity, and noticed that my total karma rating has gone down by what seems like a hundred points. Strange...

But I just dawned on me that someone/s must have gone through a bunch of my pre-existing comments and dinged them all down. ....

And I suspect it is...on that marijuana thread, where I seem to have earned a bit of lizardoid ire!

Granpappy always warned me that the devil weed was gonna be my downfall, but I never imagined it would be like this!

296 Racer X  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 5:35:23pm

re: #278 Walter L. Newton

So?

Someone *ahem* upstream compared Beck to Obama.

297 swamprat  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 5:35:48pm

re: #248 Charles

I don't remember ever seeing Ronald Reagan weeping or screaming.

You never saw that tape of him doing ovaltine shots, and dancing on a table? I think he was singing some song from "South Pacific".

/lying

298 Sharmuta  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 5:35:50pm

re: #291 jantjepietje

"It is in the area of spending that the Republican Party's performance, in its seven years of power, has been most disappointing."

-Barry Goldwater

299 itellu3times  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 5:36:10pm

re: #242 Charles

A lot of people seem to have the idea that the Democrats succeeded by being just as loony as Glenn Beck, but this is completely wrong. Sure, the Democrats have their loony contingent (I've only been posting about it for 8 years), but Barack Obama was the absolute antithesis of the loony left. During the campaign he was measured and calm, and relentlessly upbeat and positive in his message.

No, I think he was clean and articulate and calm and measured - and moderately loony, too, making believe he could pull out of Iraq immediately, blaming everything on Bush, speaking of Hope and Change as if that constituted solutions to anything.

300 The Other Les  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 5:36:12pm

re: #254 Nevergiveup

Aren't condoms, diaphragms, and birth control pills taxed?

That's indirect taxation. The Python's were talking about a direct tax.

301 albusteve  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 5:36:33pm

re: #282 Iron Fist

well said...but who wants to step up to this black hole and maybe toss their life away getting sucked into the sewer...there are no leaders or politicians capable of leading half the masses....BO is living proof....I am very skeptical

302 LGoPs  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 5:36:36pm

re: #268 Sharmuta

Nope- he's campaigning for a bigger bank account. I'm not going to "vote" for that with my money.

That's certainly your prerogative and I don't criticize it. I'm just wondering about so many references to these people on TV wanting to cash in. I don't think there's anybody in the medium that is not interested in making a profit. And making a profit doesn't automatically invalidate or call into question whether that person actually holds those beliefs or not.
Just saying.

303 Spare O'Lake  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 5:36:38pm

re: #242 Charles

A lot of people seem to have the idea that the Democrats succeeded by being just as loony as Glenn Beck, but this is completely wrong. Sure, the Democrats have their loony contingent (I've only been posting about it for 8 years), but Barack Obama was the absolute antithesis of the loony left. During the campaign he was measured and calm, and relentlessly upbeat and positive in his message.

That's why he won. Well, that and the fact that John McCain couldn't campaign his way out of a paper bag.

There were only 3 reasons why he won.
1. George;
2. W.; and,
3. Bush.

304 rawmuse  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 5:36:53pm

re: #297 swamprat

In my office I have an old ad of Reagan hawking "Arrow" shirts. It is a classic.

305 jhrhv  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 5:37:09pm

re: #282 Iron Fist

I would say a BIG part of Zero winning the election was the MSM bias and not making much if any noise about his many dubious connections to people and letting him off the hook for same. McCain was not given any such passes nor was Palin as compared to Gaff master Biden.

306 anotherindyfilmguy  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 5:37:48pm

re: #48 brookly red

307 goddessoftheclassroom  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 5:38:01pm

OK, I'm back with my 3rd glass.

308 Walter L. Newton  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 5:38:03pm

re: #293 hotei

I don't know what has happened to LGF but you seem to have your panties in a wad about the "extreme right". Yea, like anyone with even slightly conservative or Republican tendencies should take advice from the politico. Talk show celebrities speak for themselves and themselves only--just like LGF speaks only for itself. LGF seems to assume that any conservative leaning talk show is bad for conservatives. I don't know maybe, maybe not. One thing I do know is that this concern for what talk show hosts are doing seems more like jealousy than anything beneficial to the future of this great republic.

And we are jealous of what talk show host are doing because... ? Do you re-read your comments before you post?

Advice is good, if it is true. I don't care if it is coming from Politico. That's your problem, you're so stuck into not critically thinking about issues that you won't listen to anyone or anything if it is not in your little self-serving circle.

Think for yourself, it's healthy.

309 unrealizedviewpoint  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 5:38:16pm

re: #244 Sharmuta

Think about it- Bush 1 didn't keep his "read my lips" promise. Fiscal conservatives looked elsewhere. Same thing 4 years later.

Fiscally conservative principles, including the Balanced Budget Amendment, swept republicans to power in 1994. When they abandoned those principles, they lost.

Keep the fisc-cons happy is what the gop needs to figure out. I fail to see how glenn beck is promoting this thinking. He's just trying to make a buck. He could give a shit about the movement.

If you think back to August '08 many folks said that only a moderate republican could beat the dems. The polls showed this to be true. Just prior to the fiscal meltdown McCain ran ahead in the polls. Then whammo! He suspended his campaign and headed back to Washington. He never recoved. The economy killed his campaign. His line: The fundamentals of our economy are still strong - should be the epitaph.

310 Boxy_brown  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 5:38:23pm

re: #285 SanFranciscoZionist

I have to watch Beck, I think. Never seen him.

The only guy on Tv who goes to supercuts. Other than that, the first full show I saw was today. He did a sad story about a former Navy Seal whose dog was shot by some creeps...

Maybe Ill tune in again tomorrow to see if he shoots up the place or soils himself.

311 albusteve  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 5:38:24pm

re: #293 hotei

I don't know what has happened to LGF but you seem to have your panties in a wad about the "extreme right". Yea, like anyone with even slightly conservative or Republican tendencies should take advice from the politico. Talk show celebrities speak for themselves and themselves only--just like LGF speaks only for itself. LGF seems to assume that any conservative leaning talk show is bad for conservatives. I don't know maybe, maybe not. One thing I do know is that this concern for what talk show hosts are doing seems more like jealousy than anything beneficial to the future of this great republic.

jealousy for who and what?

312 SevereTyreDamage  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 5:38:27pm

Obama is NOT a socialist?
Sheesh, where have I been living? :)

313 Digital Display  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 5:38:27pm

re: #295 zombie

Hmmmmm...
...I rarely look at my LGF account page, but I noticed by chance yesterday that my number of karma point was within 1000 of my number of comments. Getting close to have one upding per comment, I thought. But just now I checked again out of curiosity, and noticed that my total karma rating has gone down by what seems like a hundred points. Strange...

But I just dawned on me that someone/s must have gone through a bunch of my pre-existing comments and dinged them all down. ....

And I suspect it is...on that marijuana thread, where I seem to have earned a bit of lizardoid ire!

Granpappy always warned me that the devil weed was gonna be my downfall, but I never imagined it would be like this!

Hell..I upding you all the time just cause I like you...Not to worry..

314 pink freud  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 5:38:33pm

re: #276 Walter L. Newton

In the same way that 0bama successfully appealed to the emotions of the left, Beck is appealing to the emotions of the right. I agree that he his appeal is not about rational, critical thinking. But then again, neither was/is 0bama's. In a weird way, maybe that explains Beck's appeal to some.

315 brookly red  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 5:38:42pm

re: #303 Spare O'Lake

There were only 3 reasons why he won.
1. George;
2. W.; and,
3. Bush.

1. A
2. N'
3. Corn

316 rawmuse  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 5:38:48pm

re: #305 jhrhv

Bingo. The MSM created, tailored, owns and maintains the Obama image.

317 Racer X  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 5:38:53pm

The media whores won this election for Obama. Pure and simple.

318 gitarfan  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 5:38:58pm

#231

I'll repeat, I wasn't comparing them just using how Reagan was treated for having strong opinions as an example. Is Beck over the top at times? Sure and people use that when they can't refute his arguments.

319 Jimash  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 5:39:07pm

re: #287 rawmuse

" I am trending Dennis Miller "

Me too, but they switched channels and now it doesn't come in so good. But I found myself heartily agreeing with him, when it was on.

320 Sharmuta  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 5:39:11pm

re: #302 LGoPs

That's certainly your prerogative and I don't criticize it. I'm just wondering about so many references to these people on TV wanting to cash in. I don't think there's anybody in the medium that is not interested in making a profit. And making a profit doesn't automatically invalidate or call into question whether that person actually holds those beliefs or not.
Just saying.

It's just something to keep in mind, man. They care more about themselves than the ideology, imo. Maybe I'm wrong, but if so, they have a funny way of showing it. I've been reading political philosophy books lately, because I'm concerned about the foundations of conservatism. I'm not getting that from these talking heads blowing things out of proportion to garner attention for themselves.

321 Kosh's Shadow  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 5:39:23pm

re: #220 itellu3times

groat clusters

Have any groat clusters I could nibble on?
-- George Leroy Tirebiter

322 jwb7605  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 5:39:24pm

re: #307 goddessoftheclassroom

OK, I'm back with my 3rd glass.


goddess! Congratulations on 7 million!

Classic, unforgettable message in that post, by the way ...

323 rawmuse  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 5:39:50pm

re: #319 Jimash

I am a radio guy. To heck with TV.

324 Walter L. Newton  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 5:39:56pm

re: #314 pink freud

In the same way that 0bama successfully appealed to the emotions of the left, Beck is appealing to the emotions of the right. I agree that he his appeal is not about rational, critical thinking. But then again, neither was/is 0bama's. In a weird way, maybe that explains Beck's appeal to some.

Fine, they are both worthless, glad you agree.

325 Charles Johnson  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 5:40:01pm

re: #293 hotei

I don't know what has happened to LGF but you seem to have your panties in a wad about the "extreme right". Yea, like anyone with even slightly conservative or Republican tendencies should take advice from the politico. Talk show celebrities speak for themselves and themselves only--just like LGF speaks only for itself. LGF seems to assume that any conservative leaning talk show is bad for conservatives. I don't know maybe, maybe not. One thing I do know is that this concern for what talk show hosts are doing seems more like jealousy than anything beneficial to the future of this great republic.

Yeah, right, you got me. I'm jealous of Glenn Beck.

I am so ashamed.

/idiot

326 reine.de.tout  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 5:40:14pm

re: #292 Sharmuta

I think many "social" issues can be dealt with by fiscal means. We don't need to focus on them other than in the context of government's proper role in funding anything.

And the government's proper role in managing and regulating our lives.

If they STAY OUT OF THE WAY, everyone is free to live as liberally or as conservatively as they like.

When the gov't gets too involved- those choices are made FOR us.

327 Racer X  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 5:40:21pm

re: #308 Walter L. Newton

Think for yourself, it's healthy.

Excellent advice. Especially when watching a TV personality.

328 hazzyday  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 5:40:25pm

re: #293 hotei

I think we want to get creationism out of the way as an issue before the next election. And the MSM can't be attacked well until the pubs gets their house in order. my score to date is 6 communications to GOP leaders. Zero replies. There is no GoP dialogue going on. Their own party leaders don't take the voters seriously.

329 ArmyWife  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 5:40:25pm

re: #282 Iron Fist

Can I second your comment with Murtha? That asshat called out Marines who did NOTHING wrong. What happened to him? Nada colada. If I had been an elected official of the Republican Persuasion, that Murtha cat would have had 5'2 of unleashed fury directed squarely at him (verbally, should anyone not know me and assume otherwise).

330 swamprat  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 5:40:35pm

re: #312 SevereTyreDamage

Obama is NOT a socialist?
Sheesh, where have I been living? :)


He'll do until one comes along.

331 goddessoftheclassroom  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 5:40:41pm

re: #322 jwb7605

goddess! Congratulations on 7 million!

Classic, unforgettable message in that post, by the way ...

You're so kind! Thank GOODNESS it wasn't the embarrassing typo of the other evening! I still cringe at that one--and no, I'm not tell you what it was!

332 Sharmuta  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 5:41:00pm

re: #309 unrealizedviewpoint

If you think back to August '08 many folks said that only a moderate republican could beat the dems. The polls showed this to be true. Just prior to the fiscal meltdown McCain ran ahead in the polls. Then whammo! He suspended his campaign and headed back to Washington. He never recoved. The economy killed his campaign. His line: The fundamentals of our economy are still strong - should be the epitaph.

It's my opinion that most Americans are fiscally conservative people and more moderate socially. I believe if we propose fiscal restraint and stand for individual liberty and strong national defense, we'd win.

333 SanFranciscoZionist  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 5:41:03pm

re: #310 Boxy_brown

The only guy on Tv who goes to supercuts. Other than that, the first full show I saw was today. He did a sad story about a former Navy Seal whose dog was shot by some creeps...

Maybe Ill tune in again tomorrow to see if he shoots up the place or soils himself.

That's the problem--I know the day I tune in he'll be acting NORMAL.

334 jcm  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 5:41:10pm

re: #258 Soona'

But there were people in that august body of men that had some pretty far out opinions on how things should be run, and you can't tell me that they didn't go out into the public and voice them. Ben Franklin comes to mind that fits that category. If we just smile and sit around with our thumbs up our moderate, collective ass' to wait for the perfect candidate to roll into town will only keep us in the same intolerable unwinnable rut.

In the end the fringe did not prevail.

We need to point out the fringe, and marginalize them. Because we don't want the extreme on either side to prevail.

335 ArmyWife  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 5:41:19pm

re: #303 Spare O'Lake

I disagree. It was:

1. McCain and his campaign that could have been run better by my 10 year old.
and
2. ACORN.

336 zombie  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 5:41:27pm

Oh, and if you still harbor any doubt that pot will be legal within two years, this should dispel them -- the hero of the most pro-marijuana movie ever made have been named associate director in the White House Office of Public Liaison:

"Kumar" Goes to the White House

"House" star Kal Penn .... The 31-year-old actor, first launched to fame as a stoner student in the "Harold and Kumar" movies, is coming to Washington to be associate director in the White House Office of Public Liaison

There was a time when being a famous pot advocate would have, shall we say, dampened your political prospects. But not any more.

337 Emerald  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 5:41:37pm

re: #295 zombie

Gave ya an upding to help make up the difference!

338 pink freud  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 5:41:39pm

re: #324 Walter L. Newton

Fine, they are both worthless, glad you agree.

I do.

339 Nevergiveup  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 5:42:03pm

re: #300 The Other Les

That's indirect taxation. The Python's were talking about a direct tax.

Well they used to have Chastity belts, why not taxaty belts. Each penetration would cost x dollars come what come may?

340 Charles Johnson  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 5:42:10pm

re: #334 jcm

In the end the fringe did not prevail.

We need to point out the fringe, and marginalize them. Because we don't want the extreme on either side to prevail.

You're just jealous of the kooks.

/need i?

341 Walter L. Newton  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 5:42:13pm

re: #318 gitarfan

#231

I'll repeat, I wasn't comparing them just using how Reagan was treated for having strong opinions as an example. Is Beck over the top at times? Sure and people use that when they can't refute his arguments.

Use the quote and/or reply icons to build your responses. It makes it much easier for us to follow what you are saying and follow what you are commenting against.

Don't just put a comment number (like #231).

342 Sharmuta  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 5:42:19pm

re: #326 reine.de.tout

And the government's proper role in managing and regulating our lives.

If they STAY OUT OF THE WAY, everyone is free to live as liberally or as conservatively as they like.

When the gov't gets too involved- those choices are made FOR us.

Yep! Fiscal policy, individual liberty and strong national defense. Also energy policy. Drill, Baby, drill!

343 ArchangelMichael  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 5:42:26pm

re: #214 Sharmuta

I didn't even mention that. My point is that there are big spending republicans, what I've started calling "socialist republicans". They cost us Congress in 2006, and they hurt us again in 2008. When fiscal conservatives get pissed, the gop loses. This goes back to 1992. But if that issue is going to continue to be ignored, look for democrat victories for years to come.

There's too many people in the GOP that will simply say when conservatives get pissed, the GOP loses. Then they wave around the likes of Jindal as a savior. They see the problem, but do not really understand it. Rush Limbaugh is a prime example of this. They are closer to the truth than the idiots who think we lost in 2006 because of Iraq or because they weren't socialist enough, but they are still wrong.

I see that we have 2 problems in the GOP, not just 1. First being "Socialist Republicans" who don't come off as religious wingnuts (the RINOs like Snowe and others that Rush calls the "country club blue blood" types) who don't mind big-gov policies as long as they smell "conservative-like" or keep them in office by enriching contributors. This group really pisses off fiscal conservatives. The second, obviously, is the Creationist anti-science crowd, many of which are also socalists as well (under the guise of Compassionate Conservativism). This group also pisses off many fiscal conservatives and scares off social moderates who might otherwise vote with us.

Both of these groups need to be marginalized, and in a way that does not reduce the GOP voting block to the point of handing commies the government for decades. I don't know the solution to this.

344 Aviator  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 5:42:32pm

re: #331 goddessoftheclassroom

You're so kind! Thank GOODNESS it wasn't the embarrassing typo of the other evening! I still cringe at that one--and no, I'm not tell you what it was!

Oh I'm sure someone will give them the straight poop.

345 itellu3times  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 5:42:53pm

Here's good news:

Schizophrenics see through hollow-mask illusion

This must have some bearing on the topic at hand.

346 Digital Display  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 5:42:56pm

re: #318 gitarfan

#231

I'll repeat, I wasn't comparing them just using how Reagan was treated for having strong opinions as an example. Is Beck over the top at times? Sure and people use that when they can't refute his arguments.

I've seen Beck for like 10 minutes..
And you are right..It's hard to refute somebody slobbering over his desk..eyes aflame, Foaming at the mouth yelling at me...I like entertainment..
But I prefer good entertainment.
Where the fuck are the grownups on TV?

347 jhrhv  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 5:43:39pm

re: #335 ArmyWife

Can't argue against those points either. I was thinking who is going to vote for the crypt keeper when McCain got the nod. Letting Zero off the hook for ties to an almost election fixing org was/is criminal.

348 goddessoftheclassroom  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 5:43:51pm

re: #344 Aviator

Oh I'm sure someone will give them the straight poop.

LOL!

349 Racer X  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 5:43:56pm

re: #346 HoosierHoops

Where the fuck are the grownups on TV?

Those channels are blocked on my TV.

:-(

350 Elcid  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 5:43:58pm

Personally I believe we need more Santelli and Cramer types. Unfortunately Santelli (Tea Party theme started with him) was cowed to silence, Cramer still goes...but since the second most powerful brain in the world, Jon Stewart (Obama #1) and his audience laughed him off stage...he's become irrelevant.

I've never watched Glenn Beck, don't care to. I don't recall ever listening to Rush Limbaugh, either.

To be fair...Keith Olbermann watched when on ESPN..NEVER his Left wing foaming on MSNBC. Matthews, watched once or twice, each time I became violently ill....lol.

I don't care for loudmouth, arrogant types (although some call me that) but fuck 'em...LOL.

The high strung politicization, has been with this nation since Nixon, at least in my thinking...could be wrong, but when the MSM brought Nixon down (with a large ass dose of help from Nixon) they gained even more power then had before. Pen, mightier than sword...difference, is this day...it's an electronic, high tech pen.

351 Kosh's Shadow  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 5:44:00pm

re: #332 Sharmuta

It's my opinion that most Americans are fiscally conservative people and more moderate socially. I believe if we propose fiscal restraint and stand for individual liberty and strong national defense, we'd win.


Too bad McCain didn't do much of that. (Mostly strong defense, but even then, he barely ran a campaign.)

352 Nevergiveup  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 5:44:17pm

re: #346 HoosierHoops

I've seen Beck for like 10 minutes..
And you are right..It's hard to refute somebody slobbering over his desk..eyes aflame, Foaming at the mouth yelling at me...I like entertainment..
But I prefer good entertainment.
Where the fuck are the grownups on TV?

Tony Snow Brit Hume

353 Sharmuta  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 5:44:27pm

re: #343 ArchangelMichael

They're not so different from each other as I believe they subscribe to the unconstrained vision that Thomas Sowell discusses in his book A Conflict of Visions. I think everyone needs to read it along with The Conscience of a Conservative.

354 jcm  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 5:45:16pm

re: #340 Charles

You're just jealous of the kooks.

/need i?

Dang! Busted!

355 zombie  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 5:45:28pm

re: #313 HoosierHoops

Hell..I upding you all the time just cause I like you...Not to worry..

re: #337 Emerald

Gave ya an upding to help make up the difference!

Oh, thanks -- but I'm not worried about making up the difference. I was just scratching my head about how my total suddenly dropped mysteriously.

In the fullness of time, I presume, I'll reached that magical "one karma per comment" plateau. Many many LGFers have already long ago surpassed it, so there's no big rush.

356 albusteve  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 5:45:36pm

re: #351 Kosh's Shadow

Too bad McCain didn't do much of that. (Mostly strong defense, but even then, he barely ran a campaign.)

people don't understand defense...they understand taxes tho

357 Mostly sane, most of the time.  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 5:45:54pm

How about James Lileks for a national show? I'd listen.

358 jwb7605  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 5:45:56pm

re: #331 goddessoftheclassroom

You're so kind! Thank GOODNESS it wasn't the embarrassing typo of the other evening! I still cringe at that one--and no, I'm not tell you what it was!

You posted a day or two ago (I was just lurking) with the most amazing dissection of a sentence I've seen since the seventh grade.

I read the post two or three times. I always got straight A's in English and could diagram sentences with the best of them.

You had my brain locked up. I saw all the words, understood all the words, and could not make sense of it. 1961 was too long ago.

If that's what you're doing to your students now, I have hope for thirty or forty of our future leaders.

359 Jimash  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 5:45:56pm

re: #352 Nevergiveup

Tony Snow is no more, and Brit Hume officially retired on Election night, tho' he's still rattling around the building.

360 Sharmuta  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 5:46:06pm

Jaunte gets me.

361 Walter L. Newton  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 5:47:05pm

re: #355 zombie

Oh, thanks -- but I'm not worried about making up the difference. I was just scratching my head about how my total suddenly dropped mysteriously.

In the fullness of time, I presume, I'll reached that magical "one karma per comment" plateau. Many many LGFers have already long ago surpassed it, so there's no big rush.

When that happens to me Zombie, will I then be able to go to the Heaviside Layer?

362 gringo69  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 5:47:07pm

OOOHHH ! FEMA DEATHCAMPS! IIIIIIMMMMM SCARED!

363 avanti  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 5:47:29pm

re: #312 SevereTyreDamage

Obama is NOT a socialist?
Sheesh, where have I been living? :)

Lets assume for a moment that I agree that he is, which I don't. We live in a world where BHO has 66 % approval in the today's CBS/NYT poll, with the GOP's the lowest in 25 years.
By using labels like socialist and commie for a very popular POTUS, you are not likely to not get through to the majority you have to turn toward your side. You'll need to sneak up on the Obama fans to engage them, and name calling prevents that.

364 [deleted]  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 5:47:41pm
365 goddessoftheclassroom  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 5:47:59pm

re: #358 jwb7605

How sweet of you to say so! I have a student who plans to run (and be elected) POTUS someday. He's conservative, so I live in hope. I made him promise me that he'll let me explore the entire White House--I've always wanted to wander around...

366 Digital Display  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 5:48:02pm

re: #355 zombie

Oh, thanks -- but I'm not worried about making up the difference. I was just scratching my head about how my total suddenly dropped mysteriously.

In the fullness of time, I presume, I'll reached that magical "one karma per comment" plateau. Many many LGFers have already long ago surpassed it, so there's no big rush.

Don't worry about stats..Someday when Charles creates a Hall of Fame..
You will be a first ballot inductee...

367 Nevergiveup  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 5:48:03pm

re: #359 Jimash

Tony Snow is no more, and Brit Hume officially retired on Election night, tho' he's still rattling around the building.

I know. Just reminiscing about the good old days

368 Salem  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 5:48:13pm

Face it, he's hardly a charismatic. His popularity should peter-out as he settles into his fringe niche.

I'm watching O'Reilly I don't know why!

369 jcm  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 5:48:15pm

re: #362 gringo69

OOOHHH ! FEMA DEATHCAMPS! IIIIIIMMMMM SCARED!

When the big quake hits Seattle I ain't gonna' to no FEMA camp! I've got supplies!

;-P

370 zombie  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 5:48:20pm

re: #361 Walter L. Newton

When that happens to me Zombie, will I then be able to go to the Heaviside Layer?

You're already halfway there, my friend.

371 jaunte  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 5:48:36pm

re: #353 Sharmuta

They're not so different from each other as I believe they subscribe to the unconstrained vision that Thomas Sowell discusses in his book A Conflict of Visions. I think everyone needs to read it along with The Conscience of a Conservative.

The more people we can get to read these books, absorb the ideas in them, and pass them along, the closer we'll be to electing a competent fisc-con.

372 Racer X  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 5:48:39pm

re: #360 Sharmuta

Jaunte gets me.

He win a contest?

373 rawmuse  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 5:48:40pm

Another huge factor, (and I post this at the risk of offending some) is the State of the Electorate.

I'm sorry, but a huge percentage of reliable voters are frikkiin' clueless. They could not so much as tell you who is the VP right this second, and we are reaping that whirlwind right now.

374 Sharmuta  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 5:48:57pm

What is ripping the GOP apart is the Conflict of Visions within the party. I can't explain it better than that- you'll have to do some reading if you want to understand better. But trust me that it's worth the read.

375 [deleted]  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 5:49:07pm
376 albusteve  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 5:49:09pm

re: #363 avanti

Lets assume for a moment that I agree that he is, which I don't. We live in a world where BHO has 66 % approval in the today's CBS/NYT poll, with the GOP's the lowest in 25 years.
By using labels like socialist and commie for a very popular POTUS, you are not likely to not get through to the majority you have to turn toward your side. You'll need to sneak up on the Obama fans to engage them, and name calling prevents that.

your poll numbers mean nothing...people are idiots and those same idiots put BO in office...

377 SanFranciscoZionist  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 5:49:19pm

re: #362 gringo69

OOOHHH ! FEMA DEATHCAMPS! IIIIIIMMMMM SCARED!

You should be. Cynthia McKinney says they shot 5000 black guys in the head, and sank them into a swamp, and all the information is on a computer in the Pentagon.

Insiders at the Red Cross confirm it.

I don't know whether to put a sarc tag or not. I mean, she said all of that. I guess, to indicate that I think she's a fruitcake I should

/

378 IslandLibertarian  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 5:49:30pm

You know the crazy guy carrying the sign that reads "THE END IS COMING!"
Well, he is correct, but he's still crazy, but he has a point, but I don't want him as a reference..........etc..etc..........

379 brookly red  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 5:49:33pm

re: #365 goddessoftheclassroom

How sweet of you to say so! I have a student who plans to run (and be elected) POTUS someday. He's conservative, so I live in hope. I made him promise me that he'll let me explore the entire White House--I've always wanted to wander around...

fund rasing 101...

380 jcm  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 5:49:48pm

re: #366 HoosierHoops

Don't worry about stats..Someday when Charles creates a Hall of Fame..
You will be a first ballot inductee...

Isn't there a rule about the un-dead being ineligible?

*where did I put that rule book*

/;-P

381 albusteve  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 5:49:50pm

re: #366 HoosierHoops

Don't worry about stats..Someday when Charles creates a Hall of Fame..
You will be a first ballot inductee...

that ding function is out of control...imo

382 zombie  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 5:49:58pm

re: #373 rawmuse


I'm sorry, but a huge percentage of reliable voters are frikkiin' clueless. They could not so much as tell you who is the VP right this second, and we are reaping that whirlwind right now.

Spiro! Spiro! Yeah, he's my main dude. I love Spiro.

383 Slumbering Behemoth Stinks  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 5:50:04pm

re: #360 Sharmuta

Dangit! I thought it was my turn.

//This whole "only one smurfette in the village" thing is a real inconvenience!

384 Sharmuta  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 5:50:15pm

re: #371 jaunte

The more people we can get to read these books, absorb the ideas in them, and pass them along, the closer we'll be to electing a competent fisc-con.

I agree. We need to brush up on what it is we think we're fighting for if we're going to be successful.

385 Walter L. Newton  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 5:50:18pm

re: #364 4k78

I listen to him on the local station for a couple hours if/when I can (most of the time). I haven't seen much of his TV show, however. Is I much different on the radio than TV? I don't always agree with what he says, but I like Glenn Beck on the radio.

You listen to him on the radio "most of the time" but you have never heard him go on one of his crazy rants, as we are talking about here?

I have listen to his radio show a lot (for a matter of fact, I've never seen his new Fox TV show), and I've heard him many times go really crazy about the end of the world and stuff like that. You must not listen carefully.

Or are you being coy with us?

386 jhrhv  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 5:50:24pm

re: #373 rawmuse

Always amazes me that so few people vote. Turn off the American Idol for a night and get out and vote once every 4 years you lazy bastards.

387 Spare O'Lake  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 5:50:50pm

Too bad so many TV viewers are incapable of even a modicum of independent critical thinking.
These lunatics like Beck, and the MSM in general, would not be able to get away with peddling the crap that they do, unless there was a large, gullible audience ready to swallow the kool aid.

388 Devil_Dog  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 5:50:54pm

The one indisputable observation I take from this thread is that most people here have not taken the time to watch Beck for any length of time-- instead, they choose to take the opinion of someone else that Beck is a "sobbing nutjob," or whatever.

There is also a pretty good mob-mentality going on here: "Hey, Beck's not a moderate-- he's actually taking a stand on things he believes in-- let's get him!"

(For the record, a steady stream of "moderate" Republicans since Reagan left us is how we got in this mess. The middle is where the quicksand is.)

As a casual and occasional viewer and listener of Beck, I find that he attacks Republicans nearly as often as he does donkeys. Far from identifying himself with the GOP, he is much more of a libertarian-type.

In any case, if it makes one a slobbering nutcase to call Obama a fascistic socialist who is systematically attempting to wreck our way of life, then count me in.

389 avanti  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 5:51:02pm

re: #376 albusteve

your poll numbers mean nothing...people are idiots and those same idiots put BO in office...

Then, you'll need some of those idiots to vote him out.

390 ArmyWife  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 5:51:12pm

re: #363 avanti

I don't think it's name calling when it's the truth. I think we need to do a better job in defining what "socialism" really is because we have a lot who seem to think they know, but they can't possibly based on their statements.

Name calling shouldn't be acceptable on either side. Even with our kook contingent, we do that FAR less than the left ever has. Ad hoc arguing is a leftist art from. Sadly, our "high road" tactics have not had positive results, just ask dear Ms. Pelosi.

391 Jimash  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 5:51:20pm

re: #374 Sharmuta

I have to ask;

Is Sowell the guy who advocates public education only until third grade, "Just enough that they can read the sign that says "private Property" on my lawn" ?

392 Racer X  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 5:51:24pm

re: #375 taxfreekiller

O' Riley just had a bit on the Obama bow.
He says the White House issued an offical statement, "Obama did not bow to the Saudi King, he just did a double hand shake"?

No Bow ?

Not a bow?

Hell, he damn near bent over and lubed up.

Not a bow. Sheesh.

393 hazzyday  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 5:51:28pm

re: #386 jhrhv

Always amazes me that so few people vote. Turn off the American Idol for a night and get out and vote once every 4 years you lazy bastards.

Two excuses I heard from non voters.

1. I was depressed.
2. I thought I might be arrested.

394 jcm  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 5:51:30pm

re: #377 SanFranciscoZionist

You should be. Cynthia McKinney says they shot 5000 black guys in the head, and sank them into a swamp, and all the information is on a computer in the Pentagon.

Insiders at the Red Cross confirm it.

I don't know whether to put a sarc tag or not. I mean, she said all of that. I guess, to indicate that I think she's a fruitcake I should

/

So that's what Sean Penn was doing with a shotgun and a boat!
It all makes sense now!

////

395 sawblade88  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 5:51:34pm

re: #242 Charles

A lot of people seem to have the idea that the Democrats succeeded by being just as loony as Glenn Beck, but this is completely wrong. Sure, the Democrats have their loony contingent (I've only been posting about it for 8 years), but Barack Obama was the absolute antithesis of the loony left. During the campaign he was measured and calm, and relentlessly upbeat and positive in his message.

There are more than enough nuts to go around, on both sides. However, if nuts show up at a Dem event, they are mostly ignored by media, or treated as the nuts they are. At a Rep event, the nuts are treated by the media as the mainstream of the event. That is the real downside risk of the tea parties.

397 brookly red  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 5:51:58pm

re: #380 jcm

Isn't there a rule about the un-dead being ineligible?

*where did I put that rule book*

/;-P

dead, un-dead, whatever... just step up & vote D...

398 Sharmuta  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 5:52:09pm

re: #396 Charles

Heretics! BURN THEM!

399 The Other Les  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 5:52:26pm

re: #389 avanti

Then, you'll need some of those idiots to vote him out.

Some of those people were grossly and deliberately misinformed. Those people need to be properly informed.

400 ArchangelMichael  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 5:52:30pm

re: #309 unrealizedviewpoint

If you think back to August '08 many folks said that only a moderate republican could beat the dems. The polls showed this to be true. Just prior to the fiscal meltdown McCain ran ahead in the polls. Then whammo! He suspended his campaign and headed back to Washington. He never recoved. The economy killed his campaign. His line: The fundamentals of our economy are still strong - should be the epitaph.

The problem with that is that the definition of "moderate" is subjective. Also moderate on what, fiscal concerns or social ones?

I do think the fact that McCain fell off a cliff when he proved he was a only foreign-policy conservative one pony show and ignorant about economics should go to show you that "it's the economy, stupid" is generally always the case. Obama was really good at bullshitting the average moron into believing he was the "economy candidate" while McCain was in a tailspin.

401 albusteve  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 5:52:31pm

re: #389 avanti

Then, you'll need some of those idiots to vote him out.

shame isn't it?

402 Mithrax  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 5:52:31pm

re: #397 brookly red

dead, un-dead, whatever... just step up & vote D...

I thinkit's a standing policy for the undead union to vote D.

403 rawmuse  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 5:52:35pm

re: #386 jhrhv

Wrong. If you have no idea what is going on, and you have not been paying attention, stay home (or vote on Nov. 14).

Too many people are voting who have no idea what are the consequences of their actions, IMHO.

404 Nevergiveup  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 5:52:52pm

Obamas Still Searching for Church to Call Their Own
The last time the first family attended services was two days before the inauguration, at 19th Street Baptist Church.

[Link: www.foxnews.com...]

Life is a bitch?

405 ArmyWife  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 5:53:02pm

re: #390 ArmyWife

umm...ad hominum, not ad hoc. Sheesh, this diet coke has gone right to my head!

406 Boxy_brown  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 5:53:24pm

re: #363 avanti

Lets assume for a moment that I agree that he is, which I don't. We live in a world where BHO has 66 % approval in the today's CBS/NYT poll, with the GOP's the lowest in 25 years..

Didn't your momma ever tell you that popularity isn't the same thing as "right"?

407 _RememberTonyC  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 5:53:26pm

Glenn Beck's over the top rhetoric allows Rush Limbaugh to appear far more centrist ...

All I can say is ...

ROVE, YOU MAGNIFICENT BASTARD!

408 Salem  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 5:53:29pm

re: #375 taxfreekiller

O' Riley just had a bit on the Obama bow.
He says the White House issued an offical statement, "Obama did not bow to the Saudi King, he just did a double hand shake"?

No Bow ?

Yeah, I suppose that was inevitable.

409 brookly red  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 5:53:55pm

re: #402 Mithrax

I thinkit's a standing policy for the undead union to vote D.

they have a union? phuc!

410 paradox42  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 5:53:57pm

re: #377 SanFranciscoZionist

You should be. Cynthia McKinney says they shot 5000 black guys in the head, and sank them into a swamp, and all the information is on a computer in the Pentagon.

Insiders at the Red Cross confirm it.

I don't know whether to put a sarc tag or not. I mean, she said all of that. I guess, to indicate that I think she's a fruitcake I should

/

Cynthia McKinney is so far out there she comes with her own sarc tags.

411 Charles Johnson  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 5:54:14pm

re: #388 Devil_Dog

As a casual and occasional viewer and listener of Beck, I find that he attacks Republicans nearly as often as he does donkeys. Far from identifying himself with the GOP, he is much more of a libertarian-type.

Right -- he's a follower of Ron Paul, and has had Paul on his CNN/Fox shows dozens of times. Also a creationist, who agrees with Ben Stein that science leads to killing people, and wants to teach creationism in public schools.

That's "libertarian?"

412 jcm  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 5:54:19pm

re: #363 avanti

Lets assume for a moment that I agree that he is, which I don't. We live in a world where BHO has 66 % approval in the today's CBS/NYT poll, with the GOP's the lowest in 25 years.
By using labels like socialist and commie for a very popular POTUS, you are not likely to not get through to the majority you have to turn toward your side. You'll need to sneak up on the Obama fans to engage them, and name calling prevents that.

If everybody jumped off the bridge would you?

/momma

413 LGoPs  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 5:54:26pm

re: #373 rawmuse

Another huge factor, (and I post this at the risk of offending some) is the State of the Electorate.

I'm sorry, but a huge percentage of reliable voters are frikkiin' clueless. They could not so much as tell you who is the VP right this second, and we are reaping that whirlwind right now.

I can't access you tube at work to provide the link but there's a great link out there that shows Obama voters being interviewed that are stupendously ignorant of basic facts. Except for facts about Sarah Palin which they could qoute verbatim from the media talking points.
That mindless segment of the population, happily brainwashed, is why we lost.

414 Radicchio ad Absurdum  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 5:54:29pm

re: #405 ArmyWife

umm...ad hominum, not ad hoc. Sheesh, this diet coke has gone right to my head!

I ad homini to my Pazole

415 [deleted]  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 5:54:30pm
416 [deleted]  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 5:54:45pm
417 Nevergiveup  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 5:54:45pm

re: #406 Boxy_brown

Didn't your momma ever tell you that popularity isn't the same thing as "right"?

yeah, but in an election that an get lost?

418 Wilderstad  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 5:55:14pm

The biggest thing that bothers me about Beck, Kramer and many, many more current event interview shows is the constant lack of mannerly discussion.
Constant interruption, crosstalk, and shouting just makes me want to turn Beck and the like off. It's abusive sensory overload.

419 gringo69  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 5:55:17pm

re: #369 jcm

420 Boxy_brown  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 5:55:19pm

re: #399 The Other Les

Some of those people were grossly and deliberately misinformed. Those people need to be properly informed.

Some of them were just idiots.

421 SanFranciscoZionist  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 5:55:24pm

re: #404 Nevergiveup

Obamas Still Searching for Church to Call Their Own
The last time the first family attended services was two days before the inauguration, at 19th Street Baptist Church.

[Link: www.foxnews.com...]

Life is a bitch?

They seem to make decisions very slowly. Look, get a dog, join a church. The girls need something to pet, and a place to color in pictures of Noah's Ark right now.

422 The Other Les  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 5:55:27pm

re: #411 Charles

Right -- he's a follower of Ron Paul, and has had Paul on his CNN/Fox shows dozens of times. Also a creationist, who agrees with Ben Stein that science leads to killing people, and wants to teach creationism in public schools.

That's "libertarian?"

That's insane.

423 hazzyday  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 5:55:37pm

re: #396 Charles

Uh oh...

Conservative Blogger: Bush Also Bowed Before the Saudi King - HispanicBusiness.com

I say let the Saudi Kingdom fall. If we bow to them only because we want their influence in helping Israel and to keep gas prices low. We're not getting a good return on the bows.

But generally I think one within reason would observe the customs of the country one is visiting. And in terms of bowing, it should be like a handshake. There should be a mutual sign of respect occurring between heads of state. If it's interpreted as an act of submission it should not be done. What do these heads of state do when they visit the Pope?

424 Boxy_brown  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 5:55:49pm

re: #417 Nevergiveup

yeah, but in an election that an get lost?

Too true.

425 Mithrax  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 5:55:57pm

re: #409 brookly red

they have a union? phuc!

They sadly had too, they were being ripped off during the 70's and demanded more filling brains whilst on movie sets.

426 Capitalist Tool  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 5:56:09pm

re: #247 The Other Les

I'm sure the Democrats will find a way. There was also a Monty Python sketch about taxing sex. (Which would make chartered accounting more interesting.)

"They" are setting you up to tax the very air you breathe.
That's what all the climate change malarkey is all about.

427 Big Steve  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 5:56:19pm

So I read today that Newt is probably running for President or at least he is acting like it. What do we think of him?

428 ArchangelMichael  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 5:56:23pm

re: #353 Sharmuta

I plan on picking those up some time in the near future.

429 Racer X  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 5:56:24pm

Great.

More Bowing controversy.

I have yet to see Bush or Cheney actually bow while not receiving a medal around their neck.

But then again the whole debate is childish. Actions speak louder than bows. American leaders have been sucking up to the Saudis for decades.

I love Global Warming!

430 albusteve  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 5:56:42pm

re: #412 jcm

If everybody jumped off the bridge would you?

/momma

don't say shit like that!

431 [deleted]  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 5:56:45pm
432 Walter L. Newton  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 5:56:57pm

re: #388 Devil_Dog

The one indisputable observation I take from this thread is that most people here have not taken the time to watch Beck for any length of time-- instead, they choose to take the opinion of someone else that Beck is a "sobbing nutjob," or whatever.

There is also a pretty good mob-mentality going on here: "Hey, Beck's not a moderate-- he's actually taking a stand on things he believes in-- let's get him!"

(For the record, a steady stream of "moderate" Republicans since Reagan left us is how we got in this mess. The middle is where the quicksand is.)

As a casual and occasional viewer and listener of Beck, I find that he attacks Republicans nearly as often as he does donkeys. Far from identifying himself with the GOP, he is much more of a libertarian-type.

In any case, if it makes one a slobbering nutcase to call Obama a fascistic socialist who is systematically attempting to wreck our way of life, then count me in.

Ok, I can speak for me, I have been a rabid Beck fan until the last 6 months, about the time he moved to Fox. I watched his CNN show when I could, and listened to his radio show as much as I could.

I've stopped. Not because of this topic here on LGF or some place else, not because someone sent me an email and asked me to reconsider listening to him, no, it was my own critical thinking skill that told me Beck is "goin round the bend."

So, fuck off, you've got some fucking nerve assuming that we have no knowledge of Beck, his shows, his rants or his opinions.

Asshole.

433 _RememberTonyC  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 5:57:21pm

Beck's competition in the 10am time slot in Hartford, CT is a guy named Jim Vicevich on WTIC 1080. I think they stream his show on the internet. But Vicevich is a conservative with a great deal of experience in business reporting, and that combination of the right ideas with good business sense is a good listen. Connecticut Lizards mmay already know Vicevich, but some others may want to check his show out.

434 jaunte  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 5:57:28pm

American leaders suck up to the Saudis because we would vote them out if the price of gas gets too high.

435 [deleted]  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 5:57:31pm
436 avanti  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 5:57:40pm

re: #415 buzzsawmonkey

I agree the poll numbers are very high because of the trip, but why the record lows for the GOP and some of the other trends ?

poll.

437 Sharmuta  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 5:57:55pm

re: #427 Big Steve

So I read today that Newt is probably running for President or at least he is acting like it. What do we think of him?

I question if he can clear the "Gingrinch" smear the msm gave him in the 90s, and what his real feelings on science and the Balanced Budget Amendment are.

438 Nevergiveup  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 5:58:06pm

re: #427 Big Steve

So I read today that Newt is probably running for President or at least he is acting like it. What do we think of him?

I was never very impressed with him, but in comparison to what's out there, he is looking better all the time. And that depresses me.

439 The Other Les  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 5:58:17pm

re: #420 Boxy_brown

Some of them were just idiots.

The word "idiot" was derived from a term for someone who didn't participate in political life. Idiocy for some of the aforementioned folks would be a positive step up.

440 Capitalist Tool  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 5:58:19pm

re: #373 rawmuse

Another huge factor, (and I post this at the risk of offending some) is the State of the Electorate.

I'm sorry, but a huge percentage of reliable voters are frikkiin' clueless. They could not so much as tell you who is the VP right this second, and we are reaping that whirlwind right now.


You won't hurt my feelings any. I deal with a broad swath of humanity everyday. Human beings are a stupid lot. There. I said it.

441 pink freud  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 5:58:30pm

re: #392 Racer X

Not a bow?

Hell, he damn near bent over and lubed up.

Not a bow. Sheesh.

This is where the O'Reilly-bots have to have a come-to-Jesus parting of the ways. He showed the clip, it was stark and crystal clear that it was a deep bow, and then he said that he agreed with the WH that it was not a bow but a taller man leaning down to greet a shorter one.

442 ryukyu  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 5:58:32pm

Keep waiting for the second coming of William F. Buckley. I'll back the people who are actively working against what the Democrats are trying to turn this country into. When/If the Conservatives can get a majority, I'll be all for cleaning house. Until then I'll hold my nose like I did at the voting booth. Here's and idea. Why not go on his show and debate him? You seem to have a large viewership. I'm sure he'd love to have you on.

443 rawmuse  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 5:58:32pm

re: #431 Iron Fist

Obama was making a speech about nuclear disarmament at the same time that the Norks did the missile test. You could not make this stuff up, really.

444 Sharmuta  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 5:58:38pm

re: #428 ArchangelMichael

I plan on picking those up some time in the near future.

Cool. Enjoy.

445 ArmyWife  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 5:58:42pm

re: #396 Charles

Now you've done it! ;)

446 brookly red  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 5:59:00pm

re: #423 hazzyday

I say let the Saudi Kingdom fall. If we bow to them only because we want their influence in helping Israel and to keep gas prices low. We're not getting a good return on the bows.

But generally I think one within reason would observe the customs of the country one is visiting. And in terms of bowing, it should be like a handshake. There should be a mutual sign of respect occurring between heads of state. If it's interpreted as an act of submission it should not be done. What do these heads of state do when they visit the Pope?

I hate, repeat, hate the saudi kingdom... if they fall who moves in? al-quada? I kinda forgive Bush.

447 rawmuse  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 5:59:12pm

re: #440 Capitalist Tool

You won't hurt my feelings any. I deal with a broad swath of humanity everyday. Human beings are a stupid lot. There. I said it.

At least half are below average.

448 [deleted]  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 5:59:13pm
449 kansas  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 5:59:18pm

re: #427 Big Steve

So I read today that Newt is probably running for President or at least he is acting like it. What do we think of him?

Newt will get Obama elected easily.

450 Big Steve  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 5:59:28pm

re: #439 The Other Les

The word "idiot" was derived from a term for someone who didn't participate in political life. Idiocy for some of the aforementioned folks would be a positive step up.

see that is about where I am.....I used to think he was an idiot but I do have to admit he is very intelligent and could go toe to toe with Obama on oratory and brains.

451 albusteve  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 5:59:34pm

re: #436 avanti

I agree the poll numbers are very high because of the trip, but why the record lows for the GOP and some of the other trends ?

poll.

your're worse than Bill Clinton if that's possible....polls and cut and paste...your nic should be Scarecrow

452 [deleted]  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 5:59:37pm
453 MandyManners  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 5:59:38pm

A meltdown already?

454 jwb7605  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 5:59:47pm

re: #427 Big Steve

So I read today that Newt is probably running for President or at least he is acting like it. What do we think of him?

Well phrased. I need to know what I'm supposed to think, too.
I think he's disqualified for past marital transgressions.
Never mind that he has a clear, concise way of putting things and a fairly good command of history and consequences.
I agree with the majority of his opinions, so he's obviously out.

455 The Other Les  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 5:59:50pm

re: #426 Capitalist Tool

"They" are setting you up to tax the very air you breathe.
That's what all the climate change malarkey is all about.

Well not breathing is not an option so let's have an air party.

456 Walter L. Newton  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 6:00:04pm

re: #442 ryukyu

Keep waiting for the second coming of William F. Buckley. I'll back the people who are actively working against what the Democrats are trying to turn this country into. When/If the Conservatives can get a majority, I'll be all for cleaning house. Until then I'll hold my nose like I did at the voting booth. Here's and idea. Why not go on his show and debate him? You seem to have a large viewership. I'm sure he'd love to have you on.

So, you'll back Alex Jones, Stormfront, Ron Paul, Buchanan and folks of that ilk, who ALL are trying to work against the Dems.

Jerk. (yea folks, I'm getting mad)

457 Salem  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 6:00:16pm

re: #407 _RememberTonyC

Glenn Beck's over the top rhetoric allows Rush Limbaugh to appear far more centrist ...

All I can say is ...

ROVE, YOU MAGNIFICENT BASTARD!

Yeah but Rush doesn't have a television show and they have basically the same set of people in their respective radio audiences. Probably wouldn't make much of an impact.

458 jcm  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 6:00:19pm

re: #430 albusteve

don't say shit like that!

I told my mom once, if there was a train coming.... YES!

She was not amused.

459 Hawaii69  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 6:00:20pm

re: #2 zombie

Lucky you.

460 Sheepdogess  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 6:00:29pm

For all you Lizards who have never seen Beck, you must watch him at least once. He's very emotional, but he's a good guy. I think he is sincere, and cares deeply about what is happening to America. Give him a watch or a listen on the radio if you don't have cable. You may find yourselves very surprised. He is certainly an anomaly in the media.

461 Kosh's Shadow  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 6:00:29pm

re: #386 jhrhv

Always amazes me that so few people vote. Turn off the American Idol for a night and get out and vote once every 4 years you lazy bastards.

Too many people treat voting like it was for American Idol.
Thus, we get the 0.

462 Ward Cleaver  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 6:01:02pm

I don't watch any of the news channels, and I'm glad I don't.

463 Big Steve  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 6:01:03pm

re: #454 jwb7605

Well phrased. I need to know what I'm supposed to think, too.
I think he's disqualified for past marital transgressions.
Never mind that he has a clear, concise way of putting things and a fairly good command of history and consequences.
I agree with the majority of his opinions, so he's obviously out.

My guess is after Hillary successfully pole vaulted the marital swamp that Newt could do it too.

464 [deleted]  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 6:01:06pm
465 lacerta  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 6:01:12pm

Which policy position does Obama champion that does not increase the power of government?
Which does not increase the dominion of government over me?

466 jwb7605  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 6:01:13pm

re: #440 Capitalist Tool

You won't hurt my feelings any. I deal with a broad swath of humanity everyday. Human beings are a stupid lot. There. I said it.

I remember several years ago Rush pointing out that 50% of the population was below average.

That enraged about 80% of the Democrats.

467 Boxy_brown  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 6:01:22pm

re: #436 avanti

I agree the poll numbers are very high because of the trip....

That trip where he got no european stimulus spending, no real troop increase and pissed off the euros by supporting Turkey's efforts to join the EU? ... Looks like Obama is going to get nothing but a pat on the head and some photos with Gordon Brown from his trip to Europe.

Maybe an "I kissed european ass and all I got was this lousy tee-shirt".

468 Racer X  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 6:01:34pm

re: #441 pink freud

This is where the O'Reilly-bots have to have a come-to-Jesus parting of the ways. He showed the clip, it was stark and crystal clear that it was a deep bow, and then he said that he agreed with the WH that it was not a bow but a taller man leaning down to greet a shorter one.

I'm 6' 2" - I've never greeted anyone shorter than me like that.

Not a Bow.
Not my Friend.
Not my Preacher.
Not my Realtor.
Not my Business Associate.

469 albusteve  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 6:01:45pm

re: #458 jcm

I told my mom once, if there was a train coming.... YES!

She was not amused.

oh brother....

470 zombie  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 6:01:48pm

Zombie's Observation of the Day:

It seems to me that PayPal, Amazon, iTunes, eBay and the rest have becoime a sort of alternate currency system; many people have more money in their "online electronic shopping/credit accounts" than they have in the real world.

So it comes as no surprise that counterfeiters are now trying to create counterfeit iTunes certificates among other scams, since actual American dollars (and Euros) are become much harder to fake.

Question tossed out to the crowd: Are online "monetary systems" going to replace standard national currencies one day. I'm reminded of the "scrip" tokens that general stores used to mint on their own during the American Frontier era and during the Civil War. It seems to me that Paypal "scrip" and Apple "scrip" will soon be supplanting actual money for some people.

471 Jimash  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 6:01:55pm

re: #464 taxfreekiller

I'm still pretty sure he dropped his lighter.

472 Salamantis  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 6:02:27pm

re: #460 Sheepdogess

For all you Lizards who have never seen Beck, you must watch him at least once. He's very emotional, but he's a good guy. I think he is sincere, and cares deeply about what is happening to America. Give him a watch or a listen on the radio if you don't have cable. You may find yourselves very surprised. He is certainly an anomaly in the media.

Beck is a purity troll masquerading as a concern troll.

473 Ward Cleaver  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 6:02:31pm

re: #460 Sheepdogess

For all you Lizards who have never seen Beck, you must watch him at least once. He's very emotional, but he's a good guy. I think he is sincere, and cares deeply about what is happening to America. Give him a watch or a listen on the radio if you don't have cable. You may find yourselves very surprised. He is certainly an anomaly in the media.

I would agree that he's a nice guy and he means well; I just think he's going off the rails.

474 Digital Display  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 6:02:42pm

re: #438 Nevergiveup

I was never very impressed with him, but in comparison to what's out there, he is looking better all the time. And that depresses me.

The key is to develop young talent...The GOP can't trot out retreads..
Heck..last year I had never even heard of Palin..If the GOP is smart they will cultivate bright new conservative talent..

475 SanFranciscoZionist  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 6:02:47pm

re: #446 brookly red

I hate, repeat, hate the saudi kingdom... if they fall who moves in? al-quada? I kinda forgive Bush.

Well, that's been our problem with the ME all along. It's run by crazy sonsabitches, but they've been, sort of, OUR crazy sonsabitches. And if they fall, who replaces them? That was the gamble that kept Saddam in power for basically ever. We'd seen Iran go hostile religious apeshit, and we didn't want any more of THAT.

If Iraq stabilizes...if Iran doesn't nuke anything...but sadly, basically, I just don't see any way the Saudis go down in the near future.

476 jwb7605  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 6:02:55pm

re: #463 Big Steve

My guess is after Hillary successfully pole vaulted the marital swamp that Newt could do it too.

Newt allegedly divorced a wife from her death bed.
Tough to get past that on any 'compassionate' viewpoint.

Whether there is more to the story is not the political point.

477 jhrhv  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 6:03:04pm

re: #403 rawmuse

If we can train sheep to do this


we can teach all western people to learn enough to register a vote that matters can't we?

/

478 unrealizedviewpoint  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 6:03:50pm

re: #386 jhrhv

Always amazes me that so few people vote. Turn off the American Idol for a night and get out and vote once every 4 years you lazy bastards.

Doesn't the show air after the polls close?
Seriously, I don't know that more voters are needed. I suspect too many are participating as is. As a wise one from GA says: There is no right to a vote.

479 jaunte  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 6:03:56pm

re: #476 jwb7605

Newt allegedly divorced a wife from her death bed.
Tough to get past that on any 'compassionate' viewpoint.

Whether there is more to the story is not the political point.

The MSM holds Republicans to a more conservative standard in personal matters.

480 SanFranciscoZionist  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 6:04:12pm

re: #463 Big Steve

My guess is after Hillary successfully pole vaulted the marital swamp that Newt could do it too.

Being cheated on is rather different than cheating on.

481 kansas  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 6:04:26pm

re: #477 jhrhv

If we can train sheep to do this

[Video]
we can teach all western people to learn enough to register a vote that matters can't we?/

Looks they taught enough in MN to elect Al Franken. Isn't that the shits?

482 stevieray  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 6:05:26pm

re: #470 zombie

Not until you can buy coke, booze, hookers and pot with it.

483 jcm  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 6:06:32pm

re: #477 jhrhv

If we can train sheep to do this

[Video]
we can teach all western people to learn enough to register a vote that matters can't we?

/

ROFLMAO!

484 avanti  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 6:06:36pm

re: #375 taxfreekiller

O' Riley just had a bit on the Obama bow.
He says the White House issued an offical statement, "Obama did not bow to the Saudi King, he just did a double hand shake"?

No Bow ?

If I need a better explanation of that, I would not expect you to buy it.

485 jamie  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 6:06:38pm

re: #14 LionOfDixon

But MSNBC can, without a trace of irony, call Olbermann a journalist?

I think Fox is discovering what MSNBC did during the Bush Administration. Though MSNBC is still definitely the least popular of the major news networks, they did grow their audience significantly in part by catering to the left. When the left was out of power, MSNBC tapped into their anger to drive up their viewership. Fox is doing the same with its cadre of loons. Hell, even a Colmes-less Hannity is doing better than he did prior to Obama's victory.

486 paradox42  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 6:07:05pm

re: #442 ryukyu

Keep waiting for the second coming of William F. Buckley. I'll back the people who are actively working against what the Democrats are trying to turn this country into. When/If the Conservatives can get a majority, I'll be all for cleaning house. Until then I'll hold my nose like I did at the voting booth. Here's and idea. Why not go on his show and debate him? You seem to have a large viewership. I'm sure he'd love to have you on.

Some of the people working against the Democrats are neo-nazis. People who want to kill me and my family because we're Jews.

Anybody who backs neo-nazis is an enemy in my eyes.

487 Hawaii69  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 6:07:36pm

re: #7 Dar ul Harbarian

Yep....Beck didn't get a $50 million contract for
nothing.

What's interesting is how much they complained
about Obama being a "celebrity", but so many
of their stories about him now belong on the
cover of the Enquirer.

488 Devil_Dog  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 6:07:38pm

re:411 Charles:

My point was that he is hardly a GOP guy.

489 dalejrfanfreak  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 6:07:43pm

Beck is getting ratings almost equal to that of Bill O'reilly, at 5PM. Like it or not Charles the left is controlling the country by throwing temper tantrums on a daily basis. If you think adults are capable of being rationale and using logic to make a point then you might as well admit unicorns are real too. Don't ever think being extreme isn't effective.

490 Sharmuta  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 6:08:03pm

I want to say something else about looking for "Another Reagan" as some sort of political messiah.

We called him the Great Communicator, and he was. He was brilliant at it. But why? Not just because of him, but because of what it was he was communicating. Conservatism.

Get back to the ideology, and one who can communicate conservatism the most effectively will win.

491 rawmuse  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 6:08:13pm

re: #477 jhrhv

That was hysterical! I love border collies. Got me one.

492 Boxy_brown  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 6:08:56pm

re: #486 paradox42


"Some of the people working against the Democrats are neo-nazis. "

There isn't neo Nazi support in the GOP.

493 IslandLibertarian  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 6:09:28pm

re: #411 Charles

That's "libertarian?"

Uh, no.

494 Walter L. Newton  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 6:09:35pm

re: #485 jamie

I think Fox is discovering what MSNBC did during the Bush Administration. Though MSNBC is still definitely the least popular of the major news networks, they did grow their audience significantly in part by catering to the left. When the left was out of power, MSNBC tapped into their anger to drive up their viewership. Fox is doing the same with its cadre of loons. Hell, even a Colmes-less Hannity is doing better than he did prior to Obama's victory.

MSNBC has had, still has, and always had the WORST ratings of ALL cable news networks, so I would say your assumption is WRONG.

But, don't let any facts get in the way.

495 rawmuse  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 6:09:45pm

re: #486 paradox42

Some of the people working against the Democrats are neo-nazis. People who want to kill me and my family because we're Jews.

Anybody who backs neo-nazis is an enemy in my eyes.

Ergo, all Republicans are Nazis?

496 ArchangelMichael  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 6:10:10pm

re: #485 jamie

Bush adminstration spawns MSNBC's Olberdouche...

Obama administration spawns FOXNews' Glenn Beck doing a Alex Jones impersonation.

Makes sense.

497 [deleted]  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 6:11:27pm
498 Walter L. Newton  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 6:11:29pm

re: #489 dalejrfanfreak

Beck is getting ratings almost equal to that of Bill O'reilly, at 5PM. Like it or not Charles the left is controlling the country by throwing temper tantrums on a daily basis. If you think adults are capable of being rationale and using logic to make a point then you might as well admit unicorns are real too. Don't ever think being extreme isn't effective.

Being extreme is being crazy, period. You effectively attract extreme people, not your core voters.

Critical thinking, try it, it doesn't hurt, it's healthy.

499 jwb7605  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 6:12:06pm

re: #489 dalejrfanfreak

Beck is getting ratings almost equal to that of Bill O'reilly, at 5PM. Like it or not Charles the left is controlling the country by throwing temper tantrums on a daily basis. If you think adults are capable of being rationale and using logic to make a point then you might as well admit unicorns are real too. Don't ever think being extreme isn't effective.

I had to read that twice, dangit.
Good point -- if the left drifted closer to sanity, I suspect Beck wouldn't be as popular. This may be the balance to the teeter-totter.

500 stevieray  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 6:12:08pm

re: #490 Sharmuta

Look to the heartland. He/She won't come out of Washington... from DC all we'll get is caretakers at best, cynical snakes at worst.

DC is toxic to conservatives. It changes them. Always has... always will.

501 Capitalist Tool  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 6:12:28pm

re: #482 stevieray

Not until you can buy coke, booze, hookers and pot with it.

Just got off The Clinton Library tour bus, did ya?

502 chilly  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 6:12:43pm

I used to really enjoy Glenn until recently. I appreciated his humor, and agreed with his "perfect storm" hypothesis, having independently come to the same conclusions myself. Hearing someone on the radio give voice to it is affirming, I guess.

But the "perfect storm" never required a belief in some kind of conspiracy. It was the simple realization that we were setting ourselves up for serious economic trouble, while our culture is increasingly incapable of mustering the will to see a war through to victory. It's not hard to see our enemies turning that against us at a time of maximum advantage to them.

What he's been doing since then, though, is just nuts. I can't watch it anymore. Okay, Obama creeps me out, too. His cult following *really* creeps me out. But let's resist the enemies that really exist, not the ones in our heads.

This is starting to make us all look like snake-handling yahoos.

503 Devil_Dog  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 6:12:58pm

re:432 potty-mouthed Walter Newton:

You're a charming and classy fellow, Walter. Quite brave anonymously and electronically, too, I see.

Not that precision matters to you, but I said "most" people here... not "all" people here. You speak in the collective "we," as if I were speaking to everyone and as if you are answering for everyone. There's some nerve there, as well, I would say.

504 Walter L. Newton  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 6:13:24pm

re: #499 jwb7605

I had to read that twice, dangit.
Good point -- if the left drifted closer to sanity, I suspect Beck wouldn't be as popular. This may be the balance to the teeter-totter.

But I want CRAZY out of the conservative camp, no matter if they call them selves republicans or what ever. No, I'll do without the Beck kool-aid.

505 Walter L. Newton  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 6:14:21pm

re: #503 Devil_Dog

re:432 potty-mouthed Walter Newton:

You're a charming and classy fellow, Walter. Quite brave anonymously and electronically, too, I see.

Not that precision matters to you, but I said "most" people here... not "all" people here. You speak in the collective "we," as if I were speaking to everyone and as if you are answering for everyone. There's some nerve there, as well, I would say.

Click on my name and you will have my email and home address and phone number... see you soon.

Grow up.

506 paradox42  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 6:14:45pm

re: #495 rawmuse

Ergo, all Republicans are Nazis?

Not what I said. Backing every single person who opposes Obama means throwing in with some very unpleasant people.

507 Capitalist Tool  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 6:14:55pm

re: #503 Devil_Dog

Substitute "some" for "most" and you might have more of a case.

508 summergurl  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 6:15:06pm

re: #436 avanti

I agree the poll numbers are very high because of the trip, but why the record lows for the GOP and some of the other trends ?

poll.


If there was a fiscal conservative out there with a spine, well we'd be cooking with gas then.

509 ArmyWife  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 6:15:20pm

re: #490 Sharmuta

Absolutely!

510 jwb7605  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 6:15:41pm

re: #504 Walter L. Newton

But I want CRAZY out of the conservative camp, no matter if they call them selves republicans or what ever. No, I'll do without the Beck kool-aid.

That would be nice.
My thoughts were that we're seeing the teeter-totter effect.
What you and I would like to see and what is in front of us are two different things.

Unfortunately.

511 Walter L. Newton  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 6:16:58pm

re: #510 jwb7605

That would be nice.
My thoughts were that we're seeing the teeter-totter effect.
What you and I would like to see and what is in front of us are two different things.

Unfortunately.

You got that. I'm seeing crazy in the conservative camp go mainstream just as I saw the left nuts go public.

It's gonna be one big nut house soon.

512 jwb7605  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 6:17:20pm

re: #504 Walter L. Newton

Hey Walter -- did you see the local news this evening regarding the Denver Coroner's office losing some bodies?

This explains Chicago!

513 Emerald  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 6:17:43pm

re: #355 zombie

Oh, thanks -- but I'm not worried about making up the difference. I was just scratching my head about how my total suddenly dropped mysteriously.

In the fullness of time, I presume, I'll reached that magical "one karma per comment" plateau. Many many LGFers have already long ago surpassed it, so there's no big rush.

How long has the karma thing been around? It's harder to gauge with someone who has been posting before the karma started. For all you know, you're averaging 3 or 4 updings per post made since it started.

514 Walter L. Newton  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 6:17:48pm

re: #512 jwb7605

Hey Walter -- did you see the local news this evening regarding the Denver Coroner's office losing some bodies?

This explains Chicago!

No. I'll check the Post.

515 MittDoesNotCompute  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 6:18:12pm

re: #325 Charles

You know that when a short-timer starts out a post with "I don't know what has happened to LGF but...", they're either a troll fishing for a favorable response or a blithering idiot with a room temperature IQ.

516 Jamie  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 6:18:36pm

re: #494 Walter L. Newton

MSNBC has had, still has, and always had the WORST ratings of ALL cable news networks, so I would say your assumption is WRONG.

But, don't let any facts get in the way.

Perhaps you should bother reading the comment before responding to it. Specifically the sentence:

Though MSNBC is still definitely the least popular of the major news networks, they did grow their audience significantly in part by catering to the left.

As acknowledged, MSNBC has the worst ratings of all cable news networks. However, relative to their pre-Olbermann/Maddow/etc. ratings, their numbers are better, thereby attracting more advertising dollars. That they are still less popular than CNN and Fox does not change the fact that they increased their viewership numbers by catering to the party out of power. Fox is doing the same, and thus increasing its revenues.

This isn't that difficult of a concept.

517 summergurl  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 6:18:46pm

re: #468 Racer X

I'm 6' 2" - I've never greeted anyone shorter than me like that.

Not a Bow.
Not my Friend.
Not my Preacher.
Not my Realtor.
Not my Business Associate.

And he didn't flip anyone off either///

518 jhrhv  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 6:18:58pm

re: #431 Iron Fist

I agree with everything you said. Some great points. I think McCain should have also hammered on the MSM for not getting on Zero more then they did. The problem I see with that though is that if you make an enemy out of the guys with the cameras and air time they just won't cover you no matter how valid your point.

That and with Fox in a lunatic meltdown the only audience you get is your base which doesn't help much when you're trying to get votes. Zero was at least as effective in the way he campaigned to multiply the ineffectiveness of McCain's half a campaign strategy.

I like Palin but honestly she was a stunt that got him an up tick for a week or two, picking Romney or someone with a name and record that is respected would have done his bid for the POTUS a lot more then what got played out as a pretty face redneck.

Zero might be the worst POTUS ever but melting down and having your head explode like Glen Beck isn't the answer not after 3 months.

519 Sharmuta  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 6:19:44pm

re: #509 ArmyWife

Right on, Sister.

520 jhrhv  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 6:22:50pm

re: #481 kansas

I used to like Franken on SNL not so much these days.

521 anchors_aweigh  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 6:24:51pm

It's all about the schtick, the hook. Just like a good song needs a catchy melody, TV personalities need something to draw attention. If it bleeds, it leads. All different sides of the same coin.

Beck no more represents cogent conservative thought than Olbermann represents cogent liberal thought. They are both whores trying to attract viewers.

Be amused...because amusement is all it is.

522 Devil_Dog  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 6:25:42pm

re:505 Walter Newton:

So the one on the receiving end of the expletive laced diatribe is the one who needs to grow up?

I'll say it again, you are a charming fellow, and it's quite impressive how you have elevated this discussion to such classy heights.

Are you this warm to everyone who disagrees with you, or did I just catch you at a good time?

523 Emerald  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 6:26:27pm

re: #489 dalejrfanfreak

Beck is getting ratings almost equal to that of Bill O'reilly, at 5PM. Like it or not Charles the left is controlling the country by throwing temper tantrums on a daily basis. If you think adults are capable of being rationale and using logic to make a point then you might as well admit unicorns are real too. Don't ever think being extreme isn't effective.

The figures I found says he's getting 2.2 millions viewers a month. I'm assuming that's the total and not the monthly average. Using those numbers, he's getting less than 75,000 viewers a day. There's over 300 million people in the country. His audience represents a fraction of a percent of the American public, even if he was getting the 2.2M per day.

Extreme means just that - the outside edges. Even taking into account just the percentage of Americans eligible to vote who do so, he's appealing to a very small part of the electorate.

524 Walter L. Newton  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 6:26:47pm

re: #521 anchors_aweigh

It's all about the schtick, the hook. Just like a good song needs a catchy melody, TV personalities need something to draw attention. If it bleeds, it leads. All different sides of the same coin.

Beck no more represents cogent conservative thought than Olbermann represents cogent liberal thought. They are both whores trying to attract viewers.

Be amused...because amusement is all it is.

One hundred percent agree with you, but I'm not amused.

525 Walter L. Newton  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 6:27:17pm

re: #522 Devil_Dog

re:505 Walter Newton:

So the one on the receiving end of the expletive laced diatribe is the one who needs to grow up?

I'll say it again, you are a charming fellow, and it's quite impressive how you have elevated this discussion to such classy heights.

Are you this warm to everyone who disagrees with you, or did I just catch you at a good time?

Sod off.

526 [deleted]  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 6:28:50pm
527 Hawaii69  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 6:29:45pm

re: #388 Devil_Dog

What makes Beck a slobbering nutcase is that he behaves like a slobbering nutcase.

Pretending to shed tears because he "just loves his country so damned much" was as bizarre stunt
as I've seen for a while.

Maybe in a few months, he'll come stumbling out
of an airport restroom with a backwards swastika
scrawled on his face?

But, he's not a nut, really...he's just keeping the cash pouring in.

528 MittDoesNotCompute  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 6:31:18pm

re: #388 Devil_Dog

You want Beck, you can have him...

529 Zimriel  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 6:43:05pm

re: #437 Sharmuta

I question if he can clear the "Gingrinch" smear the msm gave him in the 90s, and what his real feelings on science and the Balanced Budget Amendment are.

On science, they're probably better, because he's a Catholic now...

530 Reluctant Democrat  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 6:44:32pm

Yes, CA does want to control our thermostats.

[Link: www.nytimes.com...]

They also want to ban big TVs and soap with phosphates in them. (Goodbye, dishwasher.)

And let's not even start with Nanny Bloomberg!

So, even paranoids do have enemies.

531 Joel  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 6:44:38pm

Beck goes out of his way to play the extreme libertarian card. He criticized both Republicans and Democrats. How you hang Beck around the GOP is hard for me to fathom.

Speaking of "Beck" - Thursday night I get to see the greatest guitarist ever (in my humble opinion) two times Rock & Roll Hall of Famer (Yardbirds -1992, solo performer - 2009) Jeff Beck at the Fillmore in NYC.

532 Big Sam  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 6:45:21pm

I think some of the methods Beck utilizes get spun by others into their assumptions. Beck has long been talking about a national spin toward fascism, it just isn't Obama. When looking at the fascism of Mussolini and to a degree Hitler, there are striking similarities to growing developments in the U.S. I guess you can call me a nutcase on this one. But too many misunderstand what fascism was then and how it relates to socialism/progressivism then/now.

Beck sees the nation killing itself with government dependence and burying its youth in national debt. His hyperbole about a tipping point where things can lead to systemic collapse in this nation helps place him in the fringe for many. However, there are economists, data analysts, and other professionals that have those same concerns.

Maybe raising the issues by Beck have become just a wee bit strident. However, look at the base message and ask how different it is from much of what is being posted on this site (either by Charles or members).

Then again, I've finally got around to reading "Liberal Fascism" by Jonah Goldberg (it finally came to the front of the line on my reading shelf), so I may be seeing things differently than most.

Okay, go after me.

Later,
Sam S.

533 Sharmuta  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 6:49:49pm

re: #529 Zimriel

On science, they're probably better, because he's a Catholic now...

I'm nervous he'll pander to the anti-science crowd.

534 RottDawg  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 6:50:31pm

I thank God for Glenn Beck! Somebody had better be saying what needs to be said. Appeasement to the left accomplishes nothing!

535 Joel  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 6:52:56pm

I think that the Glenn Beck phenomenon will wear out in a year or so. The other day he had that great British Parliamentarian on (the guy form the youtube video Daniel Hannan?) and Hannan was trying to speak and Glenn Beck interrupted him with some stupid joke about 'soylent green' that nobody understood. I wanted to shout "Shut the f*** up Glenn and let the guy speak!"

536 Summer Seale  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 6:54:32pm

I remember growing up with The Minutemen on TV after the Oklahoma City Bombing and conspiracy theorists screaming about black helicopters coming to take everyone away...

...and now I have to deal with that shit all over again after eight years of the same thing being said about Bush?

It's incredibly depressing.

537 Joel  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 6:55:15pm

Even though I agree with Hannity about 90% of the time, I am sorry that ferret faced Alan Colmes left the show - you do need some balance. Kirsten Powers who appears frequently is certainly great to look at and for a liberal, she is pretty smart and non obnoxious.

538 Devil_Dog  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 6:55:48pm

re: 527 - Hawaii69

If that's your considered opinion, based upon your own observations, then more power to you. My point was for those jumping on the lynch wagon based upon the opinions of others.

re: 528 - talon_262

As I said, I'm a casual Beck observer-- definitely not his biggest fan-- and am not interested in being his defense attorney here. He certainly does have an eccentric style that is apparenlty as off-putting to some as it is endearing to others.

I will say, though, that there is a whole lot more to the man than the scorn and disdain he's getting from some here would indicate. Among other things, he was a tireless supporter for the cause of Ramos and Compean, and is a vocal advocate for our military. He also routinely brings on politicians and makes them quite uncomfortable (Ron Paul notwithstanding).

My humble suggestion for anyone would be to put aside the style and find out where the man is on the issues you care about-- then weigh it for yourself. I think that is what Charles has done for himself. I would say that I agree with about 75 + percent of Beck's views. To me, that makes him on the good team. Good luck finding Mr. or Mrs. 100 percent, by the way.

Perfect: no; but certainly a far (FAR) cry from the real nutcases out there (yes, Keith O., I'm talking about you).

539 Joel  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 6:57:42pm

re: #530 Reluctant Democrat

And let's not even start with Nanny Bloomberg!

The scary thing about Nanny Bloomberg is that there is no one else in NYC who can come close to him as a mayor - and Bloomberg annoys the shit out of me.

540 Sosigado  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 7:03:19pm
The charge that President Barack Obama is a socialist, first raised in the 2008 campaign, has become a de rigueur epithet heard not only on talk radio but in the halls of Congress.

Well, given the historical evidence (Wright, Ayers, Obama's own writings, etc.) I don't think there can be any denying that he has strong socialist sentiments, at the very least. Seems to me like some folks who didn't care much for him during the election are now trying their darnedest to put lipstick on this pig, for lack of a better analogy.

541 Zimriel  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 7:04:19pm

re: #533 Sharmuta

I'm nervous he'll pander to the anti-science crowd.

I'm hoping the Church is nervous too. The last thing they need is another high-profile loudmouth saying dumb shit.

"Mad Max 4: Beyond The Capitol Dome'

542 Joel  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 7:04:30pm

re: #540 Sosigado

Also do not forget the "Spread the wealth around" statement that he let slip out to that plumber in Ohio. The man has socialist leanings.

543 ziggyelman  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 7:09:05pm

re: #530 Reluctant Democrat

Yes, CA does want to control our thermostats.

[Link: www.nytimes.com...]

They also want to ban big TVs and soap with phosphates in them. (Goodbye, dishwasher.)

And let's not even start with Nanny Bloomberg!

So, even paranoids do have enemies.

Did you hear the story about phosphates being banned in Washington state? Now they are smuggling detergents into their state!
[Link: ace.mu.nu...]

544 formercorpsman  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 7:09:56pm

I'm gonna go off the reservation for a moment here.

$250,000-$999,999
Alfred P. Sloan Foundation
Blue Shield of California Foundation
The Ford Foundation
Foundation for Child Development
The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation
Lumina Foundation for Education
Open Society Institute
Peter G. Peterson Foundation
The Pew Charitable Trusts
Wal-Mart Foundation

Pause.

545 ziggyelman  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 7:10:22pm

re: #540 Sosigado

Well, given the historical evidence (Wright, Ayers, Obama's own writings, etc.) I don't think there can be any denying that he has strong socialist sentiments, at the very least. Seems to me like some folks who didn't care much for him during the election are now trying their darnedest to put lipstick on this pig, for lack of a better analogy.

Someone downdinged this post?

546 Engnrman  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 7:11:27pm

Well, I've liked Beck for years (ever since the Glen Beck Gloat Fest when W. got reelected.) Having said that, I haven't seen him much lately. I'll check it out. Still, it's hard to imagine that his position on the Big O could be any more negative than mine. Not a day goes by that this empty suit doesn't do something to embarrass the country and/or piss me off. Don't even get me started on my so-called retirement account after working for 27 years, or the huge tax debt he is racking up for future and present generations. I used to laugh at people that ranted about the National Deficit - I would point out what a small percentage of GDP it was. Not laughing these days. For the first time in my life I'm hoarding cash in the gun safe for when there is a run on the banks. There isn't a single thing this guy has done that doesn't make me furious or sick, and he's only had roughly 80 days. Move to the middle? Hell no. Yes, we need another Ronald Reagan, but he hardly was a middle-of-the-road president, and he carried either 48 or 49 states as I recall. Conservatives in general and Republicans in particular need to grow a set. Otherwise, it's up to us to vote them out on the street. Term limits are sounding better too. BTW, how thrilled is everyone that Effing Al Franken is headed for the Senate? Christ, I need a serious drink on that thought.

547 formercorpsman  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 7:14:32pm

re: #545 ziggyelman

There is an insult element in the post. You do see that, correct?

548 ziggyelman  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 7:19:58pm

re: #547 formercorpsman

There is an insult element in the post. You do see that, correct?

No, I guess not....
....Seems to me like some folks who didn't care much for him during the election are now trying their darnedest to put lipstick on this pig, for lack of a better analogy.

He said some folks, but not some folks here....

549 Freods  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 7:24:29pm

As a former boyscout I was taught to be prepared. I mean, wasn't that the motto? So yea, I have a couple guns, some ammo, some canned stuff. I garden, brew beer, and can gut out a deer. I also make 6 figures, drive a vette, and wear Brooks Bros. shirts. There is no contradiction here. All Beck is saying is that people ought to be somewhat self sufficient so if and when things start to unravel and your Brooks Bros. shirts are only good to start fires with you can still protect your family and still eat. Laugh at the guy and maginalize him if you want, but didnt they do that to Jerimiah also?

550 mfarmer1  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 7:30:05pm

I've seen Beck's new show maybe ten times now. I haven't seen him cry, but apparently that's pretty well established. I could do without his silly voices and all that shtick, but overall, I don't find his show objectionable. He hasn't persuaded me to turn Mormon and start stocking up on canned goods. Ok, so maybe I've been thinking about upgrading my guns and ammo a bit more.

I'm don't think we're looking at doomsday and all of that, but when just our federal government has obligated us to now over 65 trillion dollars in entitlements and the entire collective net worth of America is 52 trillion, well...it doesn't look good. I mean, the feds could take every single thing Americans own today in all forms and it wouldn't cover the obligations.

Yikes, off to Costco now to buy 25 gallon drums of string beans I go.

551 Sosigado  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 7:32:06pm

re: #547 formercorpsman

There is an insult element in the post. You do see that, correct?

How in the world did you perceive an insult coming from my post? You mean a personal insult to you?

552 Sosigado  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 7:34:52pm

Wow. I get down-dinged for my own opinion? Geez.

553 NukeAtomrod  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 7:35:26pm

re: #7 Dar ul Harbarian

Fox 24 Hour News Networks is are, and has have always, fed on sensationalism.

Fox The 24 Hour News Networks isn't aren't doing anything it hasn't they haven't done before. It is They are just tapping into a vein of public anxiety to feed it's their bottom line.

Edited for the sake of full disclosure.

554 zachpower  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 7:36:06pm

I am a little torn by this post about Glenn Beck. Yeah he's annoying and I don't like he anti-evolution rants. However I'd say Glenn is roughly 80% part of what LGF'ers believe in. At some point we built a group of conservatives that don't agree on EVERYTHING, but we come together on the big points to win. I think we are in for the fight of our lives and I'll take people who are 51%+ like minded when it gets down to it. Certainly the left has been good at playing that game.
Charles in Charge I have a request: you need to post an exacting piece of your political/economic/social/world views. I could see some thinking now you've become like a Joe Lieberman - domestically liberal and worldy a conservative hawk.

555 badger1  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 7:36:39pm

It hardly seems an unfair criticism to accuse Obama of being socialist mere days after Newsweek (no conservative rag) declares on its front cover "WE ARE ALL SOCIALISTS NOW".

It seems clear to them, and convincing generally that Obama has an instinct towards European style social democracy and that he is implementing that agenda.

556 cowbellallen  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 7:37:09pm

It's funny, because the editor-in-chief of Popular Mechanics was on Glenn Beck's show for a solid 10 minutes earlier today discussing conspiracy theories.

I generally find Beck's program extremely informative and interesting. Outside of that one War Room episode, I've enjoyed tuning in. Nobody's perfect, except for maybe Mark Levin.

557 born conservative  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 7:37:10pm

re: #159 CharlesCharles, you need to do some research. First try reading the text of the G-20 Communique. Items 15 onward are particularly distressing.
With a stroke of a pen, Obama has given up our economic sovereignty. From here on out, our economic decisions will be subject to rulings by the FSB. The language is very vague, which means that in the hands of intellectuals living in the land of theory; eventually, there will be no decision so minute that it will escape the gaze and grasp of these power-obsessed twits. They'll start out small, but just give them time. Levin's book Liberty and Tyranny will give you some much needed perspective. And, if you want to know what Obama is doing wrong re: our foreign policy, read the great book, The Last Lion Alone -- Churchill bio. However, the most important thing to realize is that most people cannot learn from the mistakes of others -- therefore, it looks like we will be repeating history. I'm not optimistic about the future.

558 NukeAtomrod  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 7:40:19pm

re: #19 Charles

Since the election, I've noticed a very marked shift toward the far right on Fox News.

Dropping Colmes. Adding Beck. Yep. Is it good business since the Dems control all branches of government at the moment? I don't care. I liked them better when they were putting in a great effort to be Fair and BalancedTM.

559 Sharmuta  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 7:41:02pm

re: #557 born conservative

I think everyone would be better served by Thomas Sowell and Barry Goldwater for some real perspective. We're not going to be able to stop socialism without fixing our foundation.

560 EngnrMan  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 7:44:50pm

re: #550 mfarmer1

I've seen Beck's new show maybe ten times now. I haven't seen him cry, but apparently that's pretty well established. I could do without his silly voices and all that shtick, but overall, I don't find his show objectionable. He hasn't persuaded me to turn Mormon and start stocking up on canned goods. Ok, so maybe I've been thinking about upgrading my guns and ammo a bit more.

I'm don't think we're looking at doomsday and all of that, but when just our federal government has obligated us to now over 65 trillion dollars in entitlements and the entire collective net worth of America is 52 trillion, well...it doesn't look good. I mean, the feds could take every single thing Americans own today in all forms and it wouldn't cover the obligations.

Yikes, off to Costco now to buy 25 gallon drums of string beans I go.


I could do without the crying too. Get a grip Glen.(Pauses, sips Beafeaters and tonic - aaaahhhh). Still, Beck points out some useful things that we should probably be at least a little worried about. Hardly anyone was ever mauled by the bear they were prepared to shoot, whether it appeared or not.

Not expecting doomsday either, but preparing for things to get somewhat worse. Ammo - check, guns - check. Range membership -check, hunting license - check. Concealed carry permit - going on four months waiting for Department of Agriculture to dust the cobwebs off their desks. Anyone in Florida know what the waiting period is these days? I thought by law they had to process within 90 days. Canned goods - not a bad idea. Freezer is full of meat. We'll be eating Fillet for awhile after the fan is covered in excrement.

561 Sleepyone  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 7:53:12pm

re: #19 Charles

Since the election, I've noticed a very marked shift toward the far right on Fox News.

Huh? I haven't seen this at all. I guess it all depends on how you define "far right" but my issue with Fox News is that it has become wishy-washy, middle-of-the-road entertainment instead of hard news. I wouldn't consider Fox News to be far right at all. Maybe pablum. Maybe entertainment. Maybe a distraction. But "far right", I just don't see it.

562 Yosemite Bill  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 8:01:41pm

Socialist - statist - the hair splitting over semantic tags here is POINTLESS.
Obummer views the US Constitution as a "doctrine of negative liberties." Meaning, in his Ayers, Wright, Alinsky world view, the US Constitution and the Bill of Rights are obstacles standing in his way of moving this Republic toward BHO's utopian Redistributive nirvana .
BHO's apology tour, defense cuts in the face of massive domestic spending increases and building a perpetual funding mechanism for his political base into his "budget. " Nah ! If BHO is NOT a Socialist then just what adjective are we allowed to use ?
From each according..... to each according.... K Marx.
Redistributive change.... BH Obama.
Charles and company care to explain the difference especially based on BHO's actions since 1/20/09 ?
Beck is an obsessive compulsive ( recovering alcoholic ), a pessimist and an Drama Queen of the first order. I turned off his radio program several months back. He was bashing Repubs and Dems with equal glee then.
I won' t waste my time watching TV.
While many here are defending till the death the Moderate Middle the radical Left just won the last two elections and the world is NOW faced with a POTUS that will enable( by inaction and cowardice) the Islamic Fascists developing or obtaining nuclear weapons.
Of course Beck - being what and who he is - is SCARED. At least he is smart enough to be scared.
The same can not be said for most of those who put BHO in office and many on the right who are compelled to appease the Left by eating their own.
Catch the blow back in the am.
I am one of those "rich", "bitter", Christians that are such a danger but hey, I still have to work. Good Evening Ladies, Gents and Lizards

563 bungie  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 8:04:35pm

People act like the GOP has lost elections for years and years. They haven't.

I think everyone here whether they realize it or not is influenced by the community they live in. I can tell by people's beliefs and statements about "how to win elections." Quite frankly, the pronouncements that some people here make would not work where I live or with the varied maybe thousands of people I see daily in the work place. Some of these pronouncements sound like they might work in California, which might be interesting if California was in play, but it is not.

In my work place it is the Hispanics who love Glenn Beck. Seriously. I never heard anything remotely conservative from any of them, until they started watching Glenn Beck and now they are all enthused. I find this surprising, but interesting. (These people would never be interested in a discussion about creationism v. Darwin, on either side of the argument. They would be, "who cares its now 2009 and let's move on.") My conclusion is it takes all kinds.

564 Lightspeed  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 8:07:29pm

Sorry, I just can't jump on the bandwagon here. Beck's hit a chord, and, I have to admit, a lot of what he says makes sense. Do I believe the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse are going to come galloping down Capitol Hill any day now? No. But I do see some really hard times ahead for our country. You simply can't print a trillion dollars, inflate the national debt by trillions more and not have it eventually lead to massive inflation and threaten the collapse of the dollar. We are about to see changes in our daily lives that none of us would have believed possible just two years ago.

Glen is willing to air those thoughts that most of us push to the back of our minds because they seem so far-fetched. He does go over-the-top and lean a little too much to the Alex Jones/Ron Paul side of things. Paranoid? Maybe. Nuts, loony, kooky, extreme? Not really. Not yet, at least. I could definitely see him going that way though. Right now, though, he is getting people's attention and turning heads and much of what he says is dead on. I can live with some of the out-there stuff (i.e. FEMA camps) because I hear this kind of stuff from people all the time, left and right, and I can research it and decide for myself. At least Beck actually debunked the FEMA camps, surely pissing off a whole lot of REAL nutcases (Alex Jones).

Take him with a grain of salt. I'll take him any day over the likes of Coulter or Buchannan.

565 Der Hirn Fanger  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 8:10:54pm

Just about every "loony" thing that Beck has come up with the last two or three years... has panned out. The reason I give the guy the benefit of the doubt is that he kinda has a winning streak going on predictions.

You seem to be down on him because of his delivery style. Rush comes from a position of being funny, Beck comes from a position of being dramatic. The information is basically the same.

As others have pointed out, the California PUC really DOES want to control people's thermostats. They really want to install the "smart grid" so they can divert power away from people who they think use too much.

He had the Popular Mechanics guy on to freakin' DEBUNK the FEMA camps! Good grief.

Charles, this whole post was a waste of time. Passing on an error-filled essay, trying to paint Beck as some kind of righty Olbermann? Are you nuts?

566 Jamie  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 8:14:37pm

re: #564 Lightspeed

Take him with a grain of salt. I'll take him any day over the likes of Coulter or Buchannan.

That's like saying you'll take gonorrhea over AIDS. Sure it's better, but it's hardly appealing.

567 EngnrMan  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 8:18:10pm

re: #564 Lightspeed

Do I believe the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse are going to come galloping down Capitol Hill any day now?

The First Horseman by John Case. Scary good read and a diversion from politics - though it may make you understand why it matters.

568 DistantThunder  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 8:19:11pm

Here's McClatchy article about how people are focusing on getting prepared for an array of events. Some of them started getting serious right after Katrina and saw the social chaos and gridlock firsthand.

Bruce Hopkins, owner of Best Prices Storable Foods, which sells dehydrated and canned foods, said sales "exploded" last spring and remain steady. On a single day last week, Hopkins sold $31,000 worth of storable food. Hopkins said a popular item is a one-year food supply for a family of four or family of two, priced at $4,000 and $2,700, respectively.

"I think to have anything less than a month's food supply is foolish," said Hopkins, whose business is in Quinlan, south of Greenville. "I think it is time to stop watching American Idol and start paying attention to what is going on in the world."

Walton McCarthy, owner and principal engineer of Radius Engineering International, builds underground disaster shelters that protect against nuclear, chemical and biological warfare, among other things.

He said his business has tripled since July, when reports of Iranian missile tests surfaced. McCarthy’s disaster shelters hold 10 to 300 people and cost $105,000 to $6 million. His customers include politicians, doctors and key executives.

Survival 2.0

Here's the thing about Glen Beck that's different from the average columnist or radio host- several of his closest friends are billionaires and he's had at least one on the show- and other close friends are people worth hundreds of millions of dollars. He learns from what they are doing, where they see serious concerns, and follows those paths. They have different information than the rest of us.

569 ellcon  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 8:20:49pm

I don't understand what you're trying to get across here Charles. What does this site stand for? It seems like you care about reason and logic, but if someone expresses concern over historical parallels of previously failed empires, you call them a kook and nutjob.

I don't think many people here would disagree that things could get very bad, but if they were to elucidate why they feel that way, you would brand them a conspiracy theorist. It all seems very shortsighted and naive.

Where the hell do you even want the GOP to go? Obviously not the Fox News way (Which, interestingly enough looks to be tilting toward Ron Paulianism). Is there some ideology out there embodied in a politician or book or manifesto (no snide remark intended) ? Should the GOP embrace Keynesianism as David Frum says? Were McCain's immigration policies right for you? Are Obama/Bush's adventures off in the desert something you find morally right? Hitchen's atheism?

I'd like to know (as this is a one-man blog) what makes a person a kook? Talking about the Federal Reserve? Treasury department conflicts of interest? The dollar reserve's tenuous hold? Socialist/Fascist parallels? Forceful government intervention? What topics are completely off-limits for rational, sane, non-nutjob folks?

570 flbob10  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 8:24:21pm

re: #44 Jimash

shep is an ass

571 oh_dude  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 8:24:58pm

OK, so all I've been hearing around here lately is who you guys don't like (creationists, glenn, beck, bobby jindal, etc.), so the inevitable question then is who do you guys like?

Is it anyone I've heard of?

572 Rich H  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 8:33:17pm

Enough conservative cannibalism!

Beck is imperfect. So is Limbaugh. So is Palin. It's time to close ranks with each other instead of infighting amongst ourselves. Who cares if someone wants O to fail? Maybe Beck's affected tearfullness is over the top. They are more right than wrong.

573 Zimriel  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 8:34:04pm

re: #558 NukeAtomrod

Dropping Colmes. Adding Beck. Yep. Is it good business since the Dems control all branches of government at the moment? I don't care. I liked them better when they were putting in a great effort to be Fair and BalancedTM.

Wow, you picked up TWO downdings for that one!

Accept this upding from the Founders, may it keep you strong

574 EngnrMan  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 8:39:47pm

re: #571 oh_dude

OK, so all I've been hearing around here lately is who you guys don't like (creationists, glenn, beck, bobby jindal, etc.), so the inevitable question then is who do you guys like?

Is it anyone I've heard of?

For the most part, I actually like Glen Beck, just hand him a hanky OK? I like Bobby Jindal as well. Sarah Palin for sure. Kills Caribou, looks great and governs an oil rich state with the highest rating of any governor in the country. Of course I like Wasabi headaches too...

Oh yeah, I like Newt too. G'night.

575 Archimedes  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 8:40:45pm

Extremism is a non-essential. What you have to focus on are ideas. It can be good to be extreme.

I mean, extreme health is a good thing.

Or, by way of example, a secularist who believes in liberty and evolution would be an extremist in Iran, but he would also be right. The Founding Fathers were extremists and revolutionaries, but I think they were right.

This is not to endorse Glenn Beck, I think he is a mixed case. I just have a real issue with the word "extremism" being used to vilify someone. It's not logical.

576 formercorpsman  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 8:40:48pm

re: #540 Sosigado

Well, given the historical evidence (Wright, Ayers, Obama's own writings, etc.) I don't think there can be any denying that he has strong socialist sentiments, at the very least. Seems to me like some folks who didn't care much for him during the election are now trying their darnedest to put lipstick on this pig, for lack of a better analogy.

We'll I would say in the spirit of the thread topic, and the last sentence of your post, it could very well be construed as an insult towards your blog host specifically.

As far as considering Obama a socialist? No argument from me there. Pretty damn accurate I would say.

As far as taking it personally, not at all. I did not ding you up or down. I have disagreed here many times.

Again, reading your post, my first impression was that it was attempting to insult the host.

But, I could be wrong.

577 Ontheleftcoast  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 8:42:45pm

Its sooo extremist of Glenn Beck to say the government wants to control our appliances. It's the utility companies so it's not the same thing at all.

The metering technology I[ndiana] P[ower and] L[ight] is evaluating has potential for sophisticated conservation applications. It would use the ZigBee radio communications standard that can allow the meter to talk with thermostats and certain appliances that are likewise enabled. Certain appliances could then be instructed to operate only during low-cost energy periods.

IPL said other future automation applications could include "smart charging" of plug-in hybrid electric cars, in other words charging them during off-peak hours.

Time-of-use pricing alone has been demonstrated to result in 5-percent to 10-percent reductions in peak load, IPL said. Time-of-use pricing "combined with enabling technology such as programmable thermostats and access to near real time usage information has been shown to increase peak reductions 20 percent to 30 percent," Flora told the commission.

IPL already has installed control devices for the 25,200 customers participating in its CoolCents program, which shuts off air-conditioners during peak demand days. That alone saves the equivalent of 25 megawatts of summer peak reduction capability, says the utility. The same commands could be given through the smart meters.


http://www.allbusiness.com/energy-utilities/utilities-industry-electric-power-power/12266883-1.html

578 Fried Spam  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 8:47:28pm

Oh, for crying out loud, people! Do a little bit of research, will you?

Michael A. Cohen is a former chief speechwriter for Senator Dodd (D), for freaking sakes! Do you think that he might just have an agenda in writing this article?

Sheesh.


http://www.newamerica.net/people/michael_a_cohen

579 Fried Spam  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 8:49:02pm

re: #578 Fried Spam

more from Michael A. Cohen's bio...


He has also been featured on ABC News, Fox News, BBC TV and radio, South African television, Al Jazeera, Air America and XM Radio's Potus '08.

580 vero  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 8:51:20pm

re: #571 oh_dude

Bingo! I am finding myself totally disagreeing with Charles more and more - that is NOT a good vs bad thing, it is just a difference in opinion.

I admire Glenn Beck as I feel he speaks for my family - I can tell you that the wife feels the same way about Glenn.

581 [deleted]  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 8:57:50pm
582 [deleted]  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 9:02:17pm
583 meeshlr  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 9:02:28pm

re: #19 Charles

Since the election, I've noticed a very marked shift toward the far right on Fox News.

I've noticed the same thing. I was watching/listening every night but now I barely turn to Fox News and, when I do, I can't watch for long.

That leaves practically no television news to watch.

584 eric_odessit  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 9:07:27pm

Guys,
As it happens, I saw Beck's follow-up segment on the so called FEMA concentration camps. In it he actually was arguing exactly Charles's point: that only cooks believe that those are concentration camps. He also brought in some reporter who explained what that installation was and that it was nothing close to concentration camp.
I think before jumping on Glen Beck people should actually watch and listen. You might find that he actually makes your point. Listening to some leftist twisting Beck's, or anybody's, for that matter, words and making them sound 180 degrees opposite from what they actually said is never a good idea.
Eric.

585 dalejrfanfreak  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 9:07:44pm

re: #523 Emerald

Right now he's rated #2-3 in all of cable news. Sometimes he's swaps 2nd/3rd with Hannity. Like I said though, the important thing is that Beck is on at 5pm and getting these ratings. 5pm is usually considered a down time for news viewers. If I need to get the links I can but this stuff was in the news last week, such as on the front page of the NYT.

586 anderson350  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 9:09:09pm

I like him. I've listened to him on the radio since '03...he is off beat, funny, and doesn't take himself seriously. Of course, I have not listened or watched that much in the last year...but, if you listen to his radio show, you'd get it.

587 ellcon  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 9:09:59pm

re: #578 Fried Spam

That's a conspiracy theory! You have now become a non-person here at LGF.

588 muddywood  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 9:34:37pm

I believe Glenn did more than "semi-debunk" the FEMA concentration camp stories.

589 oh_dude  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 9:37:22pm

re: #580 vero

Exactly. It just seems like after the election, the finger-pointing on the right-side began. The scapegoat this time around seems to be the Christian Conservative sect of the GOP (anyone who even thinks about creationism is a nut, etc.). People at LGF were talking like they couldn't care less about alienating this sizable voting bloc.

Funny, when GW won the 2nd time around, I was told that it was the Christian Conservatives that swept him into office (even the opposition was saying this), now we're being told that these same people are responsible for causing McCain to lose.

Huh?

It's as if the new strategy for the GOP to win 2012, is to build the least diverse political party as possible.

Wake me up when you guys figure it out.

590 BartB  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 9:58:16pm

That's funny - I don't remember anyone screaming and yelling when Beck was on CNN.
Did I miss all the angst back then?
Was he considered a far left wacko then?

591 Sosigado  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 10:02:30pm

re: #576 formercorpsman

Again, reading your post, my first impression was that it was attempting to insult the host.

For the record, that was not my intent, at all. Generally speaking, I find that a lot of people who really didn't want to see Obama elected seem to be trying very hard to find some reason - any reason - to have some faith and confidence in him as POTUS. I believe that many of them are finding this to be an exercise in futility. Hopenchange springs eternal, I suppose.

592 Banner  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 10:21:28pm

Why can't people understand that Fox news isn't a 'right wing network' and it is not interested in the right wing or its 'causes'. Fox News is interested in making -Money-. They serve an audience they believe will make them money. Plain and simple, they're not in it for ideology, just cash. They think Beck will make them money, good for them.

(BTW, the government controlled thermostats have been proposed here in Sacramento California, though it got slapped down pretty quickly. Was a stupid idea)

593 emarkp  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 10:46:25pm
The point is that there are responsible ways to debate that point, and then there's what Glenn Beck does. For example, sitting in front of a huge screen showing clips from Nazi Germany interspersed with clips of Barack Obama is just plain nuts.

Except then the very next day he showed Geithner on a huge screen behind a speaker, pretty much exactly what he was showing. Oh, and the point of that bit was the end of the bit, when the screen was exposed as a mirage.

Funny he completely debunked the FEMA camps. Why do you say he 'semi-' debunked them? That was the point of having Popular Mechanics on last night and tonight--to completely debunk them.

594 SixDegrees  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 11:32:51pm
This turn toward the extreme right on the part of Fox News is troubling

I don't think it represents a turn toward the extreme right. People are tuning in to watch Beck for the same reason people used to pay good money to gawk at The Monkey Boy and JoJo The Dog-Faced Woman: it's a freak show. The bizarre, repellent novelty of Beck will quickly wear itself out, ratings will drop and Beck will be given a less prominent cage from which to startle and horrify the audience.

What he'll be replaced with is anyone's guess. But Beck's exposure to light and air has nothing to do with ideology. It's all about ratings. If they could get that guy who's tattooed over every inch of his body to appear, or the Man of a Thousand Body Piercings, they'd do that in a hot minute, for exactly the same reasons.

595 SixDegrees  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 11:33:56pm

re: #592 Banner

Why can't people understand that Fox news isn't a 'right wing network' and it is not interested in the right wing or its 'causes'. Fox News is interested in making -Money-. They serve an audience they believe will make them money. Plain and simple, they're not in it for ideology, just cash. They think Beck will make them money, good for them.

(BTW, the government controlled thermostats have been proposed here in Sacramento California, though it got slapped down pretty quickly. Was a stupid idea)

Correct. On both counts.

596 kumayama  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 11:34:05pm

re: #143 albusteve

"....ignorance is the problem with America"

Casual, offhand comments such as above often reveal a great deal about one's habitual thoughts.

Which appear to be (pick one or both):
—most people in the United States are ignorant (excluding the poster and friends)
—the citizens of the United States are significantly more ignorant than those of almost any other country

Think I recall John Kerry saying almost exactly that a few years ago.

There is actually abundant evidence to the contrary.

597 eric_odessit  Tue, Apr 7, 2009 11:59:08pm

I have just seen yet another follow-up segment of Glen Beck debunking the FEMA concentration camps conspiracy theory. In this segment he showed an alleged satellite photo of a FEMA camp next to an identical photo of a real concentration camp ...in North Korea. Some clown slapped a DHS logo on the original real concentration camp picture.
Beck again invited a guy from Popular Mechanics, one of those guys who debunked the 9/11 conspiracy crap.
Let me re-iterate: when Glen Beck is talking about those concentration camp conspiracy theories, he is not spreading them, he is debunking them.
Eric.

598 eric_odessit  Wed, Apr 8, 2009 12:10:05am

I have just looked through the comments on this post, and I am just wondering: has anyone seen any of the Glen Beck's segments on this subject?
Eric.

599 timinich  Wed, Apr 8, 2009 12:41:15am

Beck isn't quite as extreme as the article makes it sound.

The government controlled thermostat story is real.
[Link: www.sfgate.com...]

The Nazi comment is extreme, but, as the blog says, the concentration camp statement is at least partially debunked.

I don't see anything extreme about noting that the country is on the path to socialism. Americans don't like the word, but if you compare President Obama's domestic policies to the policies of the self-proclaimed socialist parties of Europe, there isn't much of a difference. That's not an insult; its just descriptive. If socialism worked, I'd be for it; but I don't think it works.

So of the four complaints, three don't really hold up. The Nazism comment definitely sounds extreme, but there isn't any context given in the article. Still, I think comparisons to the Nazis should only be made when governments are engaging in acts of evil; that does not describe any of Obama's policies.

I haven't heard Glen Beck, but based on this article, the criticism of Beck as a far right extremist is, at best, exaggerated.

600 wordsworth  Wed, Apr 8, 2009 1:03:56am

I actually couldn't stand Beck until I watched a few of his shows, and got a better sense of what he's all about. I see a lot of comments here based off clips, or half truths, and I find that kind of knee jerk. I don't see him saying anything extreme, so much as he just uses hyperbole and theatrics to make his point, often with tongue in cheek. It also appears he's aware of a backlash was brewing that would label him crazy, so he's started playing it up.

Not everyone's taste for sure, but what media personality is there with a nightly show that's reporting the kind of material we have to go to the blogs to read? What Conservative figurehead isn't blanketed with personal attacks, and character assassinations at this point? Frankly, I'd rather focus on what Obama is actually doing, than the credibility of his critics. I think this thread proves even avid followers are having trouble keeping up with the damage this administration is doing, or trying to do.

601 Angleton  Wed, Apr 8, 2009 1:15:37am

When Beck denounce the populism of the politician regarding the controversy of the AIG bonus (Beck says that law > anger), did Beck was guilty of populism?

Seems that a lot a people attacking Beck are misinform and always quoting him out of context...

Beck is the only mainstream TV show talking to austrian economists and both republican and democrat get their fare share of critics.

602 carmella  Wed, Apr 8, 2009 1:25:20am

If the GOP was on its game, Glenn Beck wouldn't matter. Talk about conspiracy theories, now we're promoting GB as mattering. I am entertained by GB, because, you know...he's an entertainer.

Or maybe...just maybe...GB is the vanguard of a disturbing trend towards...oh come on people...give me a break...

603 retief_99  Wed, Apr 8, 2009 1:48:01am

re: #9 albusteve
I would like to see a list of all the news folks/politicians/pundits who are not "whores" for their favorite agenda or money or personal gain. Glen Beck is no worse or better than most. I watch him occasionally, some of his views are a bit out there, but remember what we thought was reality on September 10th, or how great the economy appeared to be a year ago. We are definitely on a path with this administration that is vastly different from any we have traveled on in memory. Slightly less than half of the American people did not vote for Barack Obama, it seems that Glen Beck's opinions resonate with many of them. If there is a market for a supposed far right philosophy, is Fox News wrong to cater to this market? My opinion is the more perceived "radical" agendas the Obama administration pursues the more people tend to be pushed out to the margins of their basic philosophy. I believe this is true of any political party. We have been rushed breathlessly through so many new and "radical" government actions, many people are very disconcerted. Obama's poll numbers are slowly going down. The only polls that show him gaining are weighted heavily towards democrats by including more democrats in the sample than republicans, the poll takers will admit this if pressed. My basic point is, there is no bipartisanship in Washington. Many conservatives feel the are being shut completely out of any legislation, therefore, people like Beck, Limbaugh, Malkin, Coulter, and Hannity will begin to flourish in this environment. Also, as long as they don't advocate violence against the government or other people they have every right to say what they feel, as do people of any other political stripe.

604 moriarity  Wed, Apr 8, 2009 1:49:06am

Angry kids throwing tantrums and ranting about conspiracies and revolution and chanting in choreographed unison "yes we can", is why/how Democrats won the election. Sane and logical declarations of political solutions never take hold in this new world of "trained" voters. Quite simply, the new generation of voters only seem to grasp aggressive conditioning. Most of which they've obtained in our public schools.

605 Piglet-U93  Wed, Apr 8, 2009 2:01:09am

The sum total of CBS, NBC, ABC, CNN, etc. left viewpoints is far greater then any and all right viewpoints on Fox (that includes Glenn Beck). So, for TV news media there still is a lack of balance overall. IMHO.

606 abolitionist  Wed, Apr 8, 2009 2:46:18am

"I've signed legislation that will outlaw Russia forever. We begin bombing in five minutes." must've spiked underware sales. Definitely devious. Maybe even nutty.

Lenny Bruce cautioned us, "You need the deviate. You need someone to tell you when you're blowing it."

I've not kept up with Beck's programs much, especially recently. I do recall his shows with guests such as Ayan Hirsi Ali, Netanyahu, Mark Steyn. Is he an alarmist? Definitely. Nutty? Sometimes, but not here:

Indoctrination in Schools - Glenn Beck - 3/10/2009

Climate Change Summit - Glenn Beck - 3/10/2009
Citizen Gets in Charlie Rengels Face! - Glenn Beck - 3/10/2009
24 Promotes Global Warming Scam - Glenn Beck - 3/10/2009
Judge Napolitano on Glenn Beck - 3/10/2009
Adella the Atheist - Glenn Beck - 3.11.2009
Ok, here's some ranting:
They're trying to kill us! - Glenn Beck - WebCam - 03/11/2009
Anyone think I'm cherry-picking?

607 freetoken  Wed, Apr 8, 2009 3:01:09am

re: #606 abolitionist


Anyone think I'm cherry-picking?

You may or may not be (as I'd have to listen to a significant number of Beck's shows to determine that), but one thing those clips do indicate is that Beck really knows how to work his audience.

/Which was not a compliment, BTW.

608 abolitionist  Wed, Apr 8, 2009 3:34:24am

re: #607 freetoken

I'll not deny that I may have been cherrypicking, but I'd just found Beck's interview with Horowitz and found it so contrary to the Beck-is-a-nutjob meme that I decided to try finding more material on the same date, as a way of trying to limit self-deception. Last two links (stuff from the 11th) turned up in one of my searches for march 10, however.

609 Emerald  Wed, Apr 8, 2009 5:00:20am

re: #585 dalejrfanfreak

Right now he's rated #2-3 in all of cable news. Sometimes he's swaps 2nd/3rd with Hannity. Like I said though, the important thing is that Beck is on at 5pm and getting these ratings. 5pm is usually considered a down time for news viewers. If I need to get the links I can but this stuff was in the news last week, such as on the front page of the NYT.

But it doesn't change my point that he isn't reaching a big audience. He's a big fish in a very tiny pond.

610 essayons7  Wed, Apr 8, 2009 5:44:38am

I watch Beck fairly regularly. I don't think he's a conspiracy theorist (although he has been accused by many of being just that). I find most of his arguments firmly based on the principals of the Constitution.

Some of what he's been criticized for, like the governmental hijacking of the power grid to forcibly support a "green" initiative, is not as far-fetched as some would think. I believe there was a news story out today about hackers attacking the grid, so why couldn't a power hungry/money starved government do the same. After all, we are supposed to be wary of our government, are we not? And Obama is not exactly a limited government kind of guy.

Granted, since he's is a stand up comedian, he has the annoying habit of taking some of his shtick to the extreme.

Believe me, if he started spouting nut-job stuff like the truthers do, I'd drop him like a hot potato. As far as I've seen (and I'm open to correction here) I've never heard him espouse any type of overthrow of the government or violent outbursts. If this WAS the case, then I would be opposed to him in the extreme. I simply think he has started a grass roots type of campaign to hold the government accountable to the people, just as it should be.

As has been said before Fox News is all about sensationalism, which I find troubling. Beck is certainly sensational. But I also think he has made many valid points. I've also noted that he's no friend to the Republicans either, bashing Bush on many occasions.

At this point, I certainly wouldn't write him off as a loon. Let's see how things progress, and keep in mind that he's simply a commentator and nothing more.

I'm very interested in what other Lizards have to say about this, as I am still in the early stages of forming my opinion about Beck. If he is truly a nut job, I'd like to see some proof of this (and not JUST because he's a Mormon).

611 Canoe Train  Wed, Apr 8, 2009 5:59:25am

re: #271 The Other Les

Only for driving at night.

Someone said it, so I brought it up: Corey hart, "I Wear My Sunglasses At Night."

612 Canoe Train  Wed, Apr 8, 2009 6:01:29am

I was just being a bit silly in my post of #611. Please do not take offense.

613 Sceptic Tank  Wed, Apr 8, 2009 6:22:32am

Glenn Beck balances Morton Kondracke.

614 Thune  Wed, Apr 8, 2009 6:29:47am

Beck Rocks.

Anyone who can say conservatives can't win elections with the likes of Beck on the air need to be introduced to Olberman.

615 Miles Smit  Wed, Apr 8, 2009 6:50:31am

I don't get Glenn Beck either, and I share your distaste for childish politics. The problem is, it is hard to persuade grassroots that giving vent to their spleen and anger does not work when they look at the successes of the Left in the last 3 years.

616 jon_force  Wed, Apr 8, 2009 6:57:10am

Has anyone figured out that Beck is not a republican and isn't trying to help the GOP? He's a libertarian and speaks his mind. I've been reading LGF every single day since Rathergate and seen the criticism leveled at LGF for being Anti-muslim, alarmist, extremest, blah blah blah, which I don't agree with. I also don't agree that Beck is anymore alarmist or extremest. I don't agree with everything he says, he goes off the deep-end (as does every radio/tv political commentator alive) but he makes a lot of good points. I don't agree with everything anyone says. He's got a place at the table as much as anyone. If he didn't he wouldn't be succesful in a market of free ideas.

617 loudguitars  Wed, Apr 8, 2009 7:08:07am

Charles, when is the last time you posted ANYTHING positive about religion? Glenn is a Mormon, your distaste for Mormons is almost palpable.
Is is because they are creationists?
The liberals managed to build a considerable majority in all three houses of government by screaming crisis. Do I think Beck is a little over the top? YES, but is he more correct than incorrect? Yes. He appears well researched and his love for this country is obvious. I strongly prefer his vision for America (small government, expanded liberty) over this socialist fast track that the left is pushing. Lighten up on Mr. Beck, he is on our side.

618 june_july  Wed, Apr 8, 2009 7:34:45am

I think that what we are seeing is the self destruction of the Republican party, as they lack the leaders to go forward in a constructive way.

This is always how things go after a major political party loses its way and then loses power.

Beck was funny for a while, even useful, when people were not taking him too serious, but just listening enough to permit him to bring attention to important issues that needed discussion. But he should not be seen as an opinion leader and should not be seen as a spokesman for the Republican party. That way lies eternal Democrat governance.

I used to say that the US was strong and that Obama could not kill it in 4 or even 8 years. I still believe that. Obama is not the antichrist - he's just a politician. We've probably had worse.

But, a generation of Democrats like Pelosi, and Murtha, and Reid, and (gawd, it's sickening) Franken probably could kill the US. It's time to rebuild a the Republicans into a party of principled conservatives and principled Americans. Not raving loonies and conspiracy theorists. Then we can take back America.

619 pittrader1988  Wed, Apr 8, 2009 7:43:00am

I am reading a book-Team of Rivals. It is informative because the split on slavery is similar to the split we have today.

We should take some cues from Lincoln. Lincoln did not drink, but severely chastised the Temperance Union for going after people personally that did.

Lincoln was against slavery, but thought it might die off in the south if contained there. It wasn't until the Nebraska-Kansas situation that Lincoln really started to advocate against abolishing slavery in the South.

He was similar to Reagan, using humor to belittle his opponents. You get more with sugar than you do with salt.

Beck and his ilk are trying to use fear to scare the public. The Dems have used fear to advance their agenda-and for both sides it only stirs the base. The fight is for the center. Sugar wins the center.

Obama is a far left wing socialist. However, he seemed very sugary and was able to capture enough of the center to win. (He didn't have press scrutiny etc but that is beside the point at this time)

The Republican base will always be with us. The creationists are freaks, the far right wing..... freaks. We must appeal to freedom, individualism, the rights of the human individual. We must teach that free markets are better than central planning.

I would compare the effects of relying on government to the effects of slavery. Both are bad for humanity.

620 ryukyu  Wed, Apr 8, 2009 8:07:16am

re: #456 Walter L. Newton

What did anything I said have to do with neo-Nazis? Talk about a drama queen.

621 GoesTo11  Wed, Apr 8, 2009 8:17:49am

Well, President Obama and the controlling interests of the Democratic Party are socialists, although they understandably prefer to avoid the term as it has been rightly stigmatized in US politics...But I defy anyone to give me a sober, credible analysis demonstrating that Obama and the Democrats' socioeconomic vision for America differs functionally from those of socialized EU societies.

As for Glenn Beck, I've only recently become aware of him, and he quickly lost me with his whinging about eugenics. Pity about him and Ben Stein, whom I used to admire.

622 crabtree  Wed, Apr 8, 2009 9:39:23am

"the feverish mind of a conspiracy theorist who believes, among other things, that the government wants to remotely control our thermostats"

Last year a California State legislator proposed a program to require installation of thermostats that would allow just that. The idea died a rapid death due to public outcry.

Yeah, that Glenn Beck is a paranoid nutjob alright! To believe something so bizarre as that . . .

I'm in Kalifornia. A few months ago I received a notice that my electric meter had been "upgraded" for my convenience to allow measurement of usage at different times of day. Yes! My convenience--how thoughtful and benign. This month I got the expected notice that PG&E is planning to put in variable-rate pricing depending on the time of day of electricty usage. For my convenience I'm sure.

623 A.W.  Wed, Apr 8, 2009 9:54:49am

Um, look, i have only watched two whole episodes of the show and i just don't find him very entertaining.

But, assuming all of these "conspiracy theories" are ones he really subscribes to (except obviously the fema camp thing), well, is it all that unreasonable?

Like controlling your thermostat. Is that really such a stretch? Let's see here, right now in NYC, you can't buy a cheeseburger filled with transfatty acids. The Federal Government put air bags into your car that never worked as promised, that will kill your children if you put them in the front seat and they have made it a crime to deactivate it without their permission (which is a major pain in the ass to get). The FG is about to put on emissions standards and mileage rules that will severely restrict your ability to pick a car to your liking. And how many communities have forced you to accept low-flow toilets and shower heads in the name of water conservation? In that context, is it so hard to believe they might also want some device that will allow them to mess with your thermostat, you know, for the greater good? I have gone to a very, very liberal law school and in those quarters that is not a radical idea at all. I would go as far as to give it about a 75% chance that it is currently being tossed around in some corners of liberaldom. You have to be singularly unaware of how far these kinds of busybodies have already pushed into our private lives to dismiss this idea as a fever dream. (And ironically these same people will insist that gay sex is no one else's business.)

As for the stem cell thing. Well, let's see here. if you believe a fetus is a person (and of course not everyone does), and if you believe that we are incentivising abortion by relaxing the limits on money for stem cell research, then yeah, its kind of a holocaust. Not to mention the rise of abortion to select out certain traits. There are a percentage of people who would abort a handicapped person if they knew they were handicapped. in China, for intance, girls are often aborted, and if they manage to live, quietly killed. Sometimes the more decent people merely leave them at orphanages. At Chinese orphanages, there are only two kinds of children: handicapped boys and girls. And let's face it, there is a disturbing segment of the "pro-choice" movement that doesn't even want to stop infanticide (as in death of a baby after birth), including a certain Senator from Illionois who later became the first black president. So in that light, if that is your perspective, i would say it is hyperbolic, but not grossly out of line.

I mean seriously, you are talking about the death of innocents, at least from the pro-life perspective. Calling it out of line to compare it to the holocaust is just silly.

And that is assuming that beck said all of that. it might be the case that like the fema thing, the person you cite got it wrong.

624 Thune  Wed, Apr 8, 2009 11:02:44am

Beck Rocks.

The Beck Hate, and frankly the misrepresentaton of his show here is dissapointing.

(If you are uninformed on the liberal history of eugenics read "Liberal Fascism".)

625 Thune  Wed, Apr 8, 2009 11:07:37am

re: #622 crabtree

Exactly. It's expected that the Liberals will deny up and down this stuff is going on, but for the conservatives to stick thier head in the sand too is NOT HELPING.

626 RJ77  Wed, Apr 8, 2009 2:27:41pm

This website isn't even conservative anymore. It's become RINO neo-con Israeli agitprop.

Maybe David Scum and Charles should start their own party instead of trying to take over the GOP and purge it of all its actual conservative leaders. They no doubt will be able to forge a very broad coalition with their base of Christian-bashing, social conservative-bashing, liberal-bashing, Muslim-bashing, war-mongering Israel-worship.

Good luck with that.

627 Charles Johnson  Wed, Apr 8, 2009 2:57:25pm

re: #626 RJ77

Bye now! You take care.

628 Charles Johnson  Wed, Apr 8, 2009 3:09:26pm

re: #617 loudguitars

Charles, when is the last time you posted ANYTHING positive about religion? Glenn is a Mormon, your distaste for Mormons is almost palpable.

My "distaste for Mormons?" Hey, that's a good one!

629 wrenchwench  Wed, Apr 8, 2009 3:09:55pm

re: #627 Charles

Bye now! You take care.

I like that even better than "I bid you adieu."

630 Charles Johnson  Wed, Apr 8, 2009 3:10:27pm

re: #623 A.W.

As for the stem cell thing. Well, let's see here. if you believe a fetus is a person (and of course not everyone does), and if you believe that we are incentivising abortion by relaxing the limits on money for stem cell research, then yeah, its kind of a holocaust.

An embryo is not a fetus.

631 bungie  Wed, Apr 8, 2009 7:39:05pm

I hate when I don't get something, but I don't get this whole new earth dinosaurs and people thing. Every Tuesday night, I go to a bible class taught by an excellent Ph.D from Logos Ministries. He is Catholic but the class is made up of Protestants and Christians from a variety of denominations. We're just finishing Genesis. Most people in this class believe in the Bible as God's word and no one believes it is incompatible with evolution or that the time periods are explained or inviolate.

I thought everyone saw evolution as a peek into God's mind if you will, as science is, how he "did it" or does it.

I have never read anything here that is incompatible with my beliefs. Some people don't believe in God; others do. So what? I don't get the idea that anyone here is against the GOP, or conservatives, or any particular Republican potential candidates. I just think this site is aimed at a higher IQ level (130,140?) and I think it would not appeal to, nor be understood by everyone.

632 Salamantis  Fri, Apr 10, 2009 2:51:45am

re: #630 Charles

An embryo is not a fetus.

And a zygote isn't even an embryo.


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