Glenn Beck’s Dose of Common Sense for America

In my family I am an island, the lone conservative and sole person to ever vote Republican. This has resulted in few political discussions coming up in my presence. However, the other day while speaking to my mother — a devout leftist who regularly refers to the hosts of [1] MSLSD by their first names — the beltway sledge seeped into our conversation. I could not resist expressing disgust over the bizarre cult that has formed around our shallow and foppish president, Barack Obama. I wondered aloud why leftists seem uniformly incapable of criticizing any of their co-religionists. My mother took exception and countered with the ubiquitous Democratic debating tactic of “I know you are but what am I.”

She claimed that it is our side which [2] drinks the Kool-Aid regarding politics and dared me, as a member of the opposition, to say something critical about an ideological teammate. I thought for a moment and proffered, “I think there’s something wrong with Glenn Beck.” My mother, feeling conciliatory, said, “Yes, I agree. There is something wrong with Glenn Beck.”

Many conservatives have had similar experiences with those on the emotive end of the political spectrum, but one must acknowledge that their “no enemies on the left” strategy has been wildly successful. Indeed, via a mixture of lying, denial, electioneering, and projecting their personal neuroses as public policy initiatives, the Democratic Party has captured both the legislative and executive branches of the federal government.

Given the left’s transcendence, this year is not the ideal moment for [3] disparaging one’s fellow conservatives. Yet numerous times while watching Beck’s [4] wildly popular [5] television show, I have found myself pleading with the host not [6] to cry and to please purge himself of an [7] Oprahesque demeanor.

Knowing the unpredictability of his personality, I was somewhat skeptical regarding the merits of his new book, [8] Glenn Beck’s Common Sense: The Case Against an Out-of-Control Government, Inspired by Thomas Paine. Luckily, my fears proved unfounded. The book is strong and will serve everyday Americans admirably in their attempt to defend themselves against the noxious and self-righteous utterances of those [9] Democratic drones that surround them.

Admittedly, Common Sense is merely a good book and no [10] Liberty and Tyranny: A Conservative Manifesto. Unlike the latter it will not be a work that is regarded as a classic 50 years from now. Beck’s offering is very much a response to the pathology that is the present and is more pep talk than [11] intellectual dreadnaught.

No matter, at the time of this writing, it has already risen to number one on both [12] Amazon’s bestseller list and that of the [13] New York Times — which, of course, declined to review it.

The author’s (lamentably brief) analysis consists of about 110 pages while the last 50 are devoted to republishing [14] Thomas Paine’s [15] original work from [16] 1776. Each section manages to enlighten.

As a host, Beck is occasionally funny but always lively. Such a countenance translates well from the glowing screen to the page, as evidenced by this sentence: “If the job of a congressman were described candidly and truthfully, only two types of people would apply: Jimmy Stewart’s idealist Mr. Smith, or a grifter.”

As a writer, Beck will never be confused with [17] Roger Kimball in terms of refinement, but he scores points throughout in the manner of Sugar Ray Leonard at the [18] Montreal Olympics. His narration is a series of jabs and counterpunches that succinctly describe the government’s malignant and negligent role in bringing about the [19] current crisis.

Beck cuts through the fatuous rhetoric that obscures contemporary political debate and uses, well, common sense to say what many pundits are incapable of saying. Most of his arguments are incontrovertible and put many of the free-floating notions that fueled the [20] tea parties of April into written form.

[21] Benjamin Franklin bequeathed to us a republic and hoped we could keep it. Beck — examining the bailout mania of the past year and the absurdity of a president attempting to spend his way out of debt — is not sure we can.

The questions he raises are troublesome, specifically: Why are so many of our politicians lawyers? Why have so few ever worked in the private sector or run their own business? Why has a nearly 700-mile border fence, authorized in 2005, not yet been built? How can destroying the free market save it? Are there really 500 banks in America that are “[22] too big to fail“? These are the types of queries which the [23] state-run mainstream media would never trouble the president with because … they are unanswerable.

Beck is, quite rightly, skeptical of government being able to solve any “problem” or perform any task efficiently. The [24] House bank scandal is mentioned and its lessons should never be forgotten. The facts of the case involve various congressmen writing “8,331 bad checks from July 1989 to June 1990.”

Soon after the orgy of corruption became known, the House of Representatives bank [25] was closed, yet we are supposed to be foolish enough to believe that a group of adventurers who cannot even [26] honestly run a small-scale institution should now be empowered to supervise our entire financial infrastructure. There is far more evidence to support Beck’s conclusion, that we are being led by a cabal of parasites, than the alternative, which is that our politicians are noble folks serving the nation.

The author references a [27] statement from George Washington: “Government is not reason, it is not eloquence, it is force; like fire, a troublesome servant and a fearful master. Never for a moment should it be left to irresponsible action.” This is eerily topical in light of Barack Obama and his unsavory fetish for [28] placing czars atop the federocracy. We must respond. It is our duty to oversee our overseers. Should we not do so, we give tyranny tacit approval.

And what have our guardians done with all the power to which they have been bestowed? To paraphrase [29] the words of Ivan Drago from Rocky IV, they are breaking us. We are ensconced in a “toxic debt spiral” wherein we spent over [30] $400 billion to pay off interest on our debt during the fiscal year of 2008.

The Obama administration’s budgets over the next decade will increase our overall deficits by [31] $9.3 trillion. Eventually, the sheer immensity of our federal obligations will result in a [32] massive tax increase of one kind or another.

The vehicle for confiscating funds from the productive class and transferring them to the government is the U.S. tax code, which Beck terms “the weapon of choice.” This is correct as nothing unites common men and the [33] political elite more than confusion over the morass that is the federal tax code. In 1913 it consisted of 14 pages while today it has reached over [34] 67,000 pages in length.

[35] The Heartland Institute estimates that, on aggregate, Americans waste nearly $300 billion annually on tax compliance. These millions are squandered and represent hours and wages lost forever. Where does President Obama, a man whose every syllable resounds with haughty incompetence and irresponsibility, stand on the issue of the IRS?

Well, unlike most conundrums, Obama has taken a definite stand on those agents who abscond with our property. His budget calls for [36] a doubling of funds allocated for tax enforcement. This fact is an independent indictment of his leadership and not something that even he can pin on George W. Bush.

Beck believes that our byzantine tax code continues to appeal to our politicians for offensive and defensive reasons. The complexity allows for officials to do favors for those special interest groups they support while simultaneously granting them the capacity to crush their enemies — see, for instance, the State of New York’s [37] treatment of Rush Limbaugh.

There can be no doubt that, as Chief Justice John Marshall [38] noted, “The power to tax is the power to destroy.” We all would do well to remember his warning. Beck echoes the suggestion of Thomas Sowell and believes that by moving our election days to April 16 we would significantly curtail the kleptocractic behaviors of our government.

In 2009, the citizenry is disinterested, distant, and befuddled, but they are not stupid. If the Republican Party can find a standard bearer capable of articulating the message of common sense — i.e., conservatism — the GOP will find the ground fertile for winning elections. The truth sells when it is made available. While Glenn Beck’s profile suggests that he cannot run for office, he has served his country well by providing our paladins with arguments that they can learn and sing.

URLs in this post: [1] MSLSD: http://www.geocities.com/ring_of_fnord/MSNBC_08.jpg

[2] drinks the Kool-Aid: http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=drink+the+kool-aid

[4] wildly popular: http://articles.latimes.com/2009/mar/06/entertainment/et-foxnews6

[6] to cry: http://nymag.com/daily/intel/2009/01/glenn_beck_cries_on_first_day.html

[7] Oprahesque demeanor: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/03/16/foxs-glenn-beck-weeps-mak_n_175409.html

[8] Glenn Beck’s Common Sense: The Case Against an Out-of-Control Government, Inspired by Thomas Paine: http://www.amazon.com/gp/redirect.html?ie=UTF8&location=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FGlenn-Beck s-Common-Sense-Control%2Fdp%2F1439168571&tag=pajamasmedia-20&linkCode=ur2&camp=1789& creative=9325

[10] Liberty and Tyranny: A Conservative Manifesto: http://www.amazon.com/gp/redirect.html?ie=UTF8&location=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FLiberty-Ty ranny-Conservative-Mark-Levin%2Fdp%2F1416562850%2F&tag=pajamasmedia-20&linkCode=ur2&camp =1789&creative=9325

[13] New York Times: http://www.nytimes.com/2009/07/05/books/bestseller/bestpapernonfiction.html?ref=books

[15] original work: http://www.amazon.com/gp/redirect.html?ie=UTF8&location=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FCommon-Sen se-Thomas-Paine%2Fdp%2F0977798208%2F&tag=pajamasmedia-20&linkCode=ur2&camp=1789&crea tive=9325

[18] Montreal Olympics: http://sports.jrank.org/pages/2783/Leonard-Sugar-Ray-Olympic-Glory.html

[19] current crisis: http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601087&sid=au5M0WphL81g&refer=worldwide

[22] too big to fail: http://www.businessweek.com/bwdaily/dnflash/content/feb2009/db20090218_166676.htm

[23] state-run: http://www.theminorityreportblog.com/blog_entry/steve_foley/2009/06/04/state_run_media_gushes_over_o bama_s_speech_world_reax_mixed

[24] House bank: http://www.nytimes.com/1992/02/29/us/washington-memo-congress-anxiously-waits-to-see-house-bank-s-de adbeat-list.html

[25] was closed: http://www.nytimes.com/1991/10/05/us/private-bank-for-congress-service-from-a-bygone-era.html

[26] honestly run: http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,975269,00.html

[27] statement: http://thinkexist.com/quotation/government_is_not_reason-it_is_not_eloquence-it/10898.html

[28] placing czars: http://www.reuters.com/article/newsOne/idUSTRE54S5U120090529

[29] the words: http://www.entertonement.com/clips/gswdnvpgnn--I-must-break-youDolph-Lundgren-Rocky-IV-Ivan-Drago-

[31] $9.3 trillion: http://www.forbes.com/2009/03/20/federal-budget-deficit-business-washington-budget.html

[32] massive tax increase: http://money.cnn.com/2009/06/05/retirement/next_crisis_americas_debt.fortune/

[33] political elite: http://www.nypost.com/seven/05062009/postopinion/editorials/obamas_tax_dodgers_______167804.htm

[34] 67,000 pages: http://www.washingtonexaminer.com/opinion/A-tax-code-even-a-congressman-can-understand-39673852.html

[35] The Heartland Institute: http://www.heartland.org/publications/budget%20tax/article/25401/Individuals_Corporations_Spend_Near ly_300_Billion_on_Tax_Compliance.html

[36] a doubling: http://www.reuters.com/article/pressReleasesMolt/idUSTRE5464DP20090507

[37] treatment of Rush Limbaugh: http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,513695,00.html

[38] noted: http://thinkexist.com/quotation/the_power_to_tax_is_the_power_to/197775.html

Glen's Mom sounds like a rabid leftist. My mother and mother-in-law are solid democrats but are horrified at what Obama is doing. They both thought he would be a middle of the road democrat (which would have been acceptable to them), but the far left policies Mr. Obama and his out of control spending have them turned off.

His backing off his campaign promises, especially having an ethical staff and having no lobbists, started their disaffection for him. Going hog wild expanding the deficit is bothering them greatly; this without letting their representatives read the bill. They are just starting to get wind of 'Cap and Trade' and they are not thrilled.

One definition of a Conservative: A Liberal that has been Mugged by Reality.

Mark Levin’s “Liberty and Tyranny” is a much better book (yes, I’ve read both). Which is an understatement! And not to disparage Paine, but Mark doesn’t recycle the work of 18th-century agitators to sell books, either.

I can’t say I hate Glenn but frequently I can’t watch his show. Too much hysterical histrionics and lumping all politicians together. It might work for some (and more power to them) but it doesn’t work for me at all.

If the Republican Party can find a standard bearer capable of articulating the message of common sense — i.e., conservatism — the GOP will find the ground fertile for winning elections.

Lemme see here..... thinking.... thinking.... on the tip of my tongue.... almost got it.... some lady governor from up north, I think.... hmmmm.... gimme a minute....

“Why all the notations?”
A well written dissertation gives credit where credit is due, backs up statements with verifiable facts, and allows the reader to easily validate the opinions expressed. Most leftist rants, on the other hand, are made up out of whole cloth and couldn’t stand up to the scrutiny of a fifth grader.

Why isn’t anyone considering Bobby Jindal at all ? Is it because we have already judged him based on one rebuttal he made to Obummer’s state of the union ? Why not judge him based on his record ?

In other words, why do we insist that Sarah Palin is the ONLY person who can be president ?

Say what you like about Beck, he has done a far better job of mobilizing the conservative base than any of our so-called Republican leaders.

As for Glenn’s “antics”, I cringe at them sometimes, too, but he comes off much better on his radio show than he does on TV. I mostly listen to the radio program he does in the morning. If you have not heard it tune in. Much better than the TV stuff.

RINO’s still rule the roost in the Republican Party, and as recent events have show, some of our hopefuls for 2012 are having trouble walking the conservative walk in the marraige vows dept. If a voice “crying” in the wilderness is what it takes to get people’s attention, more power to him.

OK, I’ll say it.

Glenn doesn’t energize “conservatives” he energizes Ron Paul nutjobs.

Why isn’t anyone considering Bobby Jindal at all ?

The conservative right isn't ignoring Bobby Jindal. It's just that he's still building his stature as a national leader. Give him time. If he stays on track, he'll be one our most valuable conservative leaders.

The future may very well belong to him, just not the present.

I’m the furthest thing from a Ron Paul nutjob, Nor are most of the people I know who like Glenn Beck. Furthermore, the Ron Paul nutjobs that call into his show usually go away disappointed. Beck’s views are mainstream Reagan Conservatism.

His delivery may not be the one you like, but his conservatism is straight up. Whatever you impression you seemed to have gleaned from watching one or two of his television shows is incorrect.

I never said you were. Why so defensive?

Let's see.... You slammed Beck. I defended Beck. You then said he appealed only to Ron Paul Nutjobs, which, by direct inference, would include me since I defended him and expressed my enjoyment of his radio program. I then pointed out that you were in error.

How does that make me "defensive"? Other than the fact that I defended myself against your implied accusation. Wouldn't you do the same if implied you were part of a fringe nut group?

Also, when you use a phrase like "why so defensive?", you are implying that I have reacted in a knee-jerk fashion to your post, which is not the case. I have used no over-the-top rhetoric, name-calling, or anything else. I even agreed with some of what you said.

Oforcryinoutloud.
Read my posts again. I didn’t say he ONLY appealed to Ron Paul nutjobs. I said “he energizes Ron Paul nutjobs.”

That doesn’t rule anyone out. And I also said I don’t hate him.

You read things that aren’t there and react to that. Yes, you are being defensive about it.

If Beck floats your boat, more power to you.

-- Read my posts again. I didn't say he ONLY appealed to Ron Paul nutjobs. I said "he energizes Ron Paul nutjobs." That doesn't rule anyone out. --

[@11] Glenn doesn't energize "conservatives" he energizes Ron Paul nutjobs.

On your advice i read your post again....

Glenn doesn’t energize “conservatives” he energizes Ron Paul nutjobs.

The statement clearly implies that his fans are either nut jobs, or not conservative.

At no time did i imply, state, or otherwise allude that you hated Beck (check my posts, and please do so more carefully than youchecked your own).

All I did was try to point out the error of your original statement. You, sir, are the one that went on the defensive after that. But hey, if you don't want to admit that and desire to keep projecting your frustration on me, I'm game. Nothing is quite so amusing as watching someone dry to dig themselves out of a hole.

So tag, you're it! =-]

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