Earlier this week, Conor Clarke questioned how the advertising boycott of Glenn Beck possibly can't be hurting Fox News's pockets, as the network claims. Yesterday, the LA Times' Show Tracker blog reported that Beck's ratings are up, clocking his third, fifth, and second-largest audiences on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday.
Beck is feeding off the attempt on his career. "Even if the powers to be right now succeed in making me poor, drum me out ... I will only be stronger for it," he said Wednesday on his show, Show Tracker notes in its story. "I will use American ingenuity and my ingenuity to pull myself up, and I will find another way to get this message out, on a platform that will be a thousand times more powerful. Because of my faith, I know how this story ends. The truth will set you free."
Lots of big companies who advertise on Fox have signed onto the boycott, orchestrated by Color of Change to protest Beck's proposition that President Obama is a racist, reportedly including Wal-Mart, Sprint, Travelers Insurance, General Mills, DirecTV, Geico, Progressive, Procter & Gamble, Radio Shack, Men's Wearhouse, GMAC Financial Services--at least 36 companies in all. (UPDATE: as commenter MikeCee points out, Color of Change put the total at 46 after announcing 10 more yesterday.)
Conor has already covered the economics of this for Fox, but it makes good sense why Beck's ratings haven't suffered: Beck is a guy who will say anything that comes to his mind, and his audience likes it.
Beck inhabits the province of Eminem and Howard Stern--guys who say offensive stuff sometimes and get criticized for it. People respect them for that, on some level, and are entertained by it on others. The more criticism that comes their way, the stronger they get--it reinforces their personae. Publicly denouncing Howard Stern for being offensive has no effect, because that's who he is, and everyone knows it. When people blamed Eminem for school violence and the utter tragedy of Columbine, he turned it back on them by saying, basically, there are real problems here and you're blaming this on me? He's different from Howard Stern and Beck because his response was as much filled with cultural realism as it was with his own persona.
People didn't like Eminem when he first came out because of the things he said, but as people got to know his work, audience expectations became different for him. Some of the people--like women--who were supposed to be offended bobbed their heads along and didn't care that much, laughing at insults, as long as the lyrics and the beats were good. It's all part of The Eminem Show. He continued to say whatever he felt like, and it worked out. (Disclaimer: Eminem would probably contest a comparison to Glenn Beck.)
For Stern, Eminem, and Beck, the controversy becomes part of their identity; their unpredictability and potential for edginess/offense become capital.
Beck's audience is political, so things are more serious for him. But, amid the seriousness of his politics, he embraces levity. He promotes his identity as an I'll-say-anything-and-probably-have-to-eat-some-of-it type; just look at the cover of his book. When he pretended to pour gasoline on that guy, it was weird and morbid, but not all that serious.
Beck's self-deprecation, and the probable feeling among his audience that conservatives don't have enough of a voice, basically result in people liking him more for the controversy. We'll see if the money runs out before controversy ultimately buoys him.
I wonder if there was any spillover advertising effect on other shows, including Olberman and Maddow, as I read that some big companies simply stopped advertising on opinion shows altogether.
I sure hope there was a spillover effect. These people have become nothing less than POLITICAL TERRORISTS. Do they really think that by terrorizing our elderly with Death Panels followed with Euthanazia, is going to get them back on top of the political field? POLITICAL TERRORISM is not going to help the GOP at all.
The hypocracy of liberals like Angelou is stunning. Name calling. "Political Terrorists" is that the new one? Folks like you threw the book at Republicans and Bush and conservatives over the past 5 years hoping anything would stick for the American people. Now you want to act like everyone is on YOUR side because you won an election against George Bush-- perhaps the most unpopular President in history at the time of the election!
Didn't John McCain make it abundantly clear that he was NOT George Bush?
McCain would have still had the same challenges. I do kind of like him and believe he would have taken a sensible approach to crawl first, then walk, then run. That is typically how problems get solved and business are grown. No sense looking back at what could have been, we didn't really have any "great" choices to vote for at that time.
We need some real plans to get back on track, no matter who is "in charge" If they can not execute on a plan, they will be replaced. I believe the next president will be a more accurate representation of what the people want.
Apparently Angelou didn't UNDERSTAND that THE comment was referring to the SPILLOVER effect possibly affecting LIBERAL shows like Maddow.
If any Beck fans want to strike back, rather than conducting a boycott, how about helping those who point out the lies coming from MSNBC? For instance, there's at least one anti-K.O. blog. Link to it or send it tips. And, here's an outrageous smear that Rachel Maddow was involved in. I've tried a few times to get The Nation to correct the smear in their book without luck, but if others want to call them and can publish a response, that might force Maddow into broadcasting her own correction. If she won't do that, it could be pointed out to her viewers that she won't correct a smear she broadcast.
There really is no comparison between Beck and Maddow. Maddow is a serious journalist and one of the best in the business. Beck doesn't even consider himself a journalist. He's a clown.
Calling your political opponents terrorists takes away a lot of credibility from the democratic party and is only going to hurt it in the end. I don't see how anyone could support a party that advocates locking up the opposition.
Also, I don't see how anyone can support a party that advocates silencing any free speech that doesn't agree with theirs. What I mean by this is, if this is what the democratic party has devolved into, it will not be able to survive in a democracy. It would be in your best interest to think about that.
I realize that the conservatives can be a little emotional at times (don't even try to tell me liberals like you who are calling conservatives terrorists aren't emotional either), but the points they made about the health care bill were legitimate interpretations of the bill.
So far, all I have seen you do is parade around your opinion about how the bill isn't going to end up rationing health care to older people, even though the liberals I've talked to have said they are absolutely for rationing the "limited health care resource" in this manner. After all, isn't it better to provide health care to younger people who have more to live for?
Self-depric(k)ation would greatly improve Glenn Beck. I doubt that he knows what self-deprecation means. Interesting to see how conservatives just don't know how to spell anymore....
Stern and Eminem present themselves as entertainers. Beck presents himself as a newsman on news networks who is willing to say anything and everything to get attention, even if it means completely contradicting himself about health care or feigning tears. Stern and Eminem might be crass, but they have reasonable beliefs and wouldn't spew the kind of lies Beck does on a regular basis.
This is where you are wrong. Beck never presents himself as a "newsman". He is a commentator on the news, a purveyor of opinion, and as such, is entitled to say whatever he wants.
Oh, I didn't realize. That completely liberates him from any sense of responsibility!
My goodness... you have obviosly never watched Beck's show. He specifically states time and time again that he is NOT a newsman and that his show is opinion/entertainment. Beck was on the Nancy Grace Network for quite some time before he moved to Fox -- where was your criticism then??? Or was he okay on CNN but not okay now on Fox?
Just exactly what kind of lies is Beck spreading? Do you have any examples? Most likely, you are just exhibiting the same exact behavior you are accusing Beck of demonstrating.
Generally, appointees to (and I'm not taking about his personal staff here... don't twist my words) policy making positions are subject to legislative oversight. With our current President, he is doing an end around of the checks and balances provided in the Constitution with his czars program. How many czars are there; how many have been confirmed by the Senate? How many have even appeared before the Senate? Did you NOT take civics in high school or something?
What is wrong with someone, regardless of political persuasion, asking these questions? How does asking these questions make them a racist or a liar? Is it a good idea for someone who was an outspoken member of the communist party for more than 10 years to be shaping domestic policy?
Please justify your claims that Beck is a newsman and a liar or has at anytime been contradictory. I would really love to see your sources!
yes indeed, that is what he says!
I think this would be the best example in reference to his 180 degree switch on American health care:
http://www.indecisionforever.com/2009/08/14/jon-stewart-owns-glenn-beck-on-healthcare-hypocrisy/
I think he said America "has" the best healh care in the world. I did not hear him say it was perfect or without room for improvement.
The problem is he attracts viewers who aren't very discriminating (to say the least) so they think he is a journalist. Many take him seriously. That is scary.
what about the multitude of airheads that get their news from John Stewart? Live in much of a glass house?
My goodness... you have obviosly never watched Beck's show. He specifically states time and time again that he is NOT a newsman and that his show is opinion/entertainment. Beck was on the Nancy Grace Network for quite some time before he moved to Fox -- where was your criticism then??? Or was he okay on CNN but not okay now on Fox?
Just exactly what kind of lies is Beck spreading? Do you have any examples? Most likely, you are just exhibiting the same exact behavior you are accusing Beck of demonstrating.
Generally, appointees to (and I'm not taking about his personal staff here... don't twist my words) policy making positions are subject to legislative oversight. With our current President, he is doing an end around of the checks and balances provided in the Constitution with his czars program. How many czars are there; how many have been confirmed by the Senate? How many have even appeared before the Senate? Did you NOT take civics in high school or something?
What is wrong with someone, regardless of political persuasion, asking these questions? How does asking these questions make them a racist or a liar? Is it a good idea for someone who was an outspoken member of the communist party for more than 10 years to be shaping domestic policy?
Please justify your claims that Beck is a newsman and a liar or has at anytime been contradictory. I would really love to see your sources!
The problem with Glenn Beck isn't that every word out of his mouth is a lie; it's that he only ever tells a very small part of the truth and it's universally whichever part makes Barack Obama look bad. For instance, I'm sure you've heard plenty of times that Obama has given an appointment to Van Jones, a man who in the mid-nineties claimed to be a communist. But for some reason, Beck never bothered to point out that by 1999 Van Jones had done an about-face and had begun promoting market-based, capitalist solutions to environmental problems, and he now refers to himself as an "environmentally-friendly capitalist". You'd think Beck could at least bother to read the guy's Wikipedia page if he truly does want answers:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Van_Jones
At least this guy had the guts to admit he was wrong with the whole communist stint.
Appointing "czars" is really just a way for Obama to fill positions in his administration without having to wait months for congress to confirm them. This is hardly the first time a president has done this.
I've watched his show a time or two, and he loves to go on about how no one else is covering the stories he is. But dig a little and it becomes obvious that the reason no one else is covering those stories is because anyone with all the facts would have to admit that they're all non-issues. Sure the guy has a lot of viewers, but that's more a testament to people's desire for being told what they want to hear than anything else.
Of course we all know that "wacko-pedia" is beyond reproach and your last statement begs the question "why are there so many people who want to hear what he says?"
I submit that what he says is largely true.
Wikipedia lists all their sources at the bottom of the page, which is a heck of a lot more than you can say for Glenn Beck. As far as why there are so many people who want to hear what Glenn Beck says, well, he does tend to paint Obama as some radical un-American black-panther-type guy. I submit that there are a lot of Americans who have a hard time trusting a black man to be their president, and these sorts of folks love watching Beck's show because he makes them feel like their distrust of Obama is justified. I'm not saying racism is the only thing powering his show, but when you listen to the rants of Beck and his supporters, it's hard to deny that racism is a motivating factor.
There is a huge difference between being honest and saying something that is technically true. While a lot of what Glenn Beck says is technically true, (ie, Van Jones really was a member of the communist party 15 years ago, although his political views have matured greatly since then) the implications he draws from these cherry-picked "facts" are typically incredibly dishonest.
Why does everyone just throw out there that Beck is spreading lies? I challenge you (kfed) to pick just one "lie" from his show tonight, and find a reliable source that indicates he is wrong. Also, is it just Beck that you think is full of lies, or is that what you say about everyone that has an opinion you disagree with?
Don't let the facts get in the way of you pushing out crap and calling it news...oh wait, Beck does the same thing.
As of yesterday 46 companies dropped him.
http://mediamatters.org/blog/200908270040
Homework much?
So by your reasoning, are Couric and Matthews are pillars of journalistic integrity then?
I think it's more like if a talking head says something you agree with it's good and if a talking head says something you don't like, it becomes crap. Ha ha ha.
What does Couric and Mattthews have to do with anything I said? :P
Nice update. Thx.
Don't let the facts get in the way of you pushing out crap and calling it news...oh wait, Beck does the same thing.
As of yesterday 46 companies dropped him.
http://mediamatters.org/blog/200908270040
Homework much?
So by your reasoning, are Couric and Matthews are pillars of journalistic integrity then?
I think it's more like if a talking head says something you agree with it's good and if a talking head says something you don't like, it becomes crap. Ha ha ha.
I am independent who did indeed vote for the all mighty O... Truly wished I had not listened to the passion and instead vetted more of his proclamations. Still and all, I have (with a good deal of skepticism) researched Beck's claims and damn he's right. Obama has surrounded himself with some very philosophical scary people. A lie only becomes such when it is contrasted with the truth. Beck seems to be passing on fact not fiction.
That may be your opinion which is fine. However, if guys like Beck who have the ability to get in front of that many people don't raise issues that may be contrary to what al the other media are saying, then what? We just give up, give in and go down? I dont think so. I am ready to fight for our righs as Americans.
Is Glen Beck Rush Limbaugh's son? They look alike. Maybe it just happens that all Political Terrorists look alike. Death Panels followed with euthanazia for our elderlY?! Only a Political Terrorist would endorse scaring our elderly with Death.
READ IT AND WEEP, BECAUSE THAT IS EXACTLY WHAT HEALTH CARE REFORM
PROMOTES. KNOW WHAT IT SAY ABOUT BABIES....READ IT. DAMB IT. READ IT.
So, according to Mike Cee, if people want to give you money than you must be saying and doing the right thing. I would like for Mike to list the "crap" that is being pushed and then prove that it is crap. Unfortunately that is probably what Mike majored in.
As a child in the 50's I enjoyed watching Kooka, Fran & Ollie. Then I grew up, and began to have my own opinion on life. Its nice to know, if I were still little, (in the mind) I could watch the same three characters, in a different form, on FOX News. I don't know who Beck's advertisers are, I use to change the channel when he appeared on CNN. But, if knowledge of his broadcast advertisers is made public on the news, on internet, I will go out of my way not to purchase from them. I also use to be a big Lou Dobbs viewer, how has Lou been?
Gee, it sounds to me that you watched Kooka,Fran& Ollie too much.
Just sugesting your little charaters be news people, sounds like you
really live in a fantasy world. YOUR SCARY.Hope you are a very healthy
person cause these little puppets are not in Obamas health care.Like the specialist you will surely need.
"self-deprication"
??
i knew that looked odd! its "self-deprecation"
haha!
I think the OP meant to call Glenn Beck and all his supporters Pricks. Go back and read between the lines. Its Pricks not Precks
Thanks for coming to my defense Angelou, but it really was a typo. Feel free to use the "i" in the comments section, however...
Thanks SDsc0rch for pointing it out.
Sorry, Angelou, for raining on your point.
Chris
LOL!! at all this Liberal whining and Beck TROUNCES his competition by 5X's!!
.
from 'TV by the Numbers'
5PM – P2+ (25-54) (35-64)
*Glenn Beck– 3,040,000 viewers (888,000) (1,385,000)*
Situation Room—688,000 viewers (141,000) (271,000)
Hardball w/ Chris Matthews—536,000 viewers (139,000) (217,000)
Fast Money—215,000 viewers (55,000) (80,000)
Prime News–267,000 viewers (97,000) (109,000)
.
Enjoy the 4yr ride, whiners!!
Interesting... see, I look at that data and I see several million people with varied interests and political perspectives watching a handful of different programs, most of which you don't list the numbers for... then I see 3 million Beck-zombies watching the only show on television that is as paranoid and ill-informed as they are.
Nor do these numbers include the millions of us who are doing things like, oh I don't know, reading a book, working, raising our families, or any of a dozen other things that are far more productive than watching some television show... much less one with a clown who doesn't understand the difference between a democratic republic, nazism, fascism, communism, socialism, corporatism or his rear end from his elbow.
Tell yourself we're whining if it makes you feel better... it's going to be a long 8 years in the tin-foil panic room.
On the plus side, it's nearly impossible for Republicans to be taken seriously these days, what with crazies like Glenn Beck and Sarah Palin dominating the political "dialog" in their party. It's kind of hard to have a sustainable political philosophy when most of your grievances (death panels anyone?) are imaginary.
Don't blame Glen Beck, Fox, or MSNBC for that matter. They are all catering to an Audience.
Yes, folks, it's us.
If we provide an audience, especially a paying one which attracts advertisers, to these partisan ideologues, then we get what we deserve.
If you want to take a position against the "dumbening" of cable news shows, turn off the damn set and look for real journalism (or balance it with satire for perspective) before it's all gone.
"partisan ideologues" Oh sure - but can you name just ONE other network that is attempting to cover the many many vetted-by-no-one and accountable-to-no-one "Czars" already seated at Obama's table?
Much less a "Czar" like Van Jones, an *admitted*, Admitted! Communist?
I won't hold my breath for your list.
Eminem was not blamed for Columbine to my recollection, and I cannot find any evidence to suggest otherwise. Eminem was for all intents new to the national music scene (The Slim Shady LP was released Feb 24, 1999 - the Columbine Massacre took place Apr 20, 1999) and Eminem has hardly been a staple of the Goth music scene that Eric Harris and Dylan Klebold were a part of. Is there any evidence they even knew who Eminem was, much less listened to his music?
The controversy about music lyrics in the aftermath of Columbine focused primarily on Marilyn Manson and Rammstein; I don't think Eminem was any part of the discussion until his references to Columbine in The Marshall Mathers LP that was released a year later. But, it's one thing to be criticized for very arguably 'glorifying' Columbine, and quite another to be 'blamed' for the massacre.
With ratings that incredibly high, with a working audience, during work hours - he will never have trouble finding advertisers... The only thing that can shut him down is trampling on our constitution or bill of rights.
You know what? I very highly doubt that very many Beck viewers even know what the Constitution or Bill of Rights says. To them it says whatever Beck says it says.
Whom ever attempts to, or aids such an attempt to stifle free speech, even if I disagree with said speech, I will boycott. So as of now, Wal-Mart, Sprint, Travelers Insurance, General Mills, DirecTV, Geico, Progressive, Procter & Gamble, Radio Shack, Men's Wearhouse and GMAC have lost my business.
@Pip --
There is a big difference between stifling free speech and choosing to not associate with someone else's free speech. Beck gets to say what he wants, but it doesn't free him from the consequences of how people react to what he says.
So the companies are free to stop advertising on Beck's show. And you are free to stop doing business with those companies. Everyone's free speech remains intact. What's the problem here?
Kind of disappointing how few people understand the concept of "free speech", isn't it?
Folks, free speech means the government won't restrict your right to say whatever you want. With everybody else, you're on your own. You'd better be ready to accept the consequenses of your words.
As for Beck...if he's getting three million viewers a night, I'm pretty sure Fox will be able to find someone to buy a few commercials.
Do your own reasearch on his claims and you will be shocked!!! Mr. Beck has done his homework and checked and rechecked his facts. I really don't want to think our president would do these things but this is downright scary! Wake up America before it is too late!!
They won't do it, TP - these Lib Obama apologists would rather be told exactly what to think by Obama, Pelosi & Co. instead of taking the time to actually question who exactly is in charge at the White House and what exactly is their agenda?
The simplest of questions don't even get asked, much less answered;
What exactly are Van Jone's qualifications for being appointed as the person in charge of environmental issues in relation to jobs?
Where is bias in that SIMPLE question?!
Here is the answer to your simple question (it's easy to find this on the web :
"Van is the founder and president of Green for All, an Oakland California-based organization dedicated to building an inclusive green economy strong enough to lift people out of poverty. He also founded the Ella Baker Center for Human Rights in 1996, named for the civil rights and human rights heroine. Green for All actually grew out of a project that Van was working on for the Ella Baker Center, creating a ‘Green Job Corps’ in Oakland. Green for All now links thousands of activists, organizations, policy makers, practitioners, businesses and community leaders together to advance the vision of a green economy that’s accessible to all Americans.
Van has been honored for many awards over the years, including the 1998 Reebok International Human Rights Award, the international Ashoka Fellowship, selection as a World Economic Forum ‘Young Global Leader’, and the Rockefeller Foundation “Next Generation Leadership” fellowship. He was also the recipient of this year’s Global Green USA Millenium Award, and was our very own #2 “Hottest Guy in Green”."
Beck is asking questions that we all should be asking and showing videos of people that Obama has surrounded himself with.
You can't convince someone that Glenn's stuff is "crap" if you don't address the questions he's asking. Where is he wrong? What has he said that's untrue? Tell me. He's laid them out for you to dispute.
Here are his questions: http://www.glennbeck.com/content/articles/article/198/29631/
Go ahead. I'm listening.
VERY SIMPLE!
Have Oboma answer just a few of the questions Mr. Beck post on his show.
The truth is hard to see, if you need glasses.
If the health care passes and Chris Good can out live the wait to see a doctor, Chris could get some glasses.
Companies that cancel advertising are nothing but scared, GREEDY people and has nothing to do with Glenn Beck personally but everything to do with fear/MONEY MAKING companies. SO I will stop buying some of their products as I thought this was AMERICA. Mr. Becks show is not a Howard Stern show. Mr. Beck show is giving his knowledge of study, his opinions and he has more guts and courage than 99% of any journalist.
IF you are only ignorant, stay reading only 1 side or other things. IF you are smart, then you read or listen to many things before coming to conclusions or study.
MR. Beck has much sad things in his life and I also see how manic he seems to be at times over things that burn him up or that he feels are really hurting Americans. So, we can listen, be smart, figure out for yourself. OR just let 1 person or 1 newspaper run, guide your whole life and beliefs. I DO NOT Agree with these big, greedy companies stop ads because there words they don't like...who the heck do they think they are kidding anyway?? Hope people are smart enough to back up our Constitutional rights of speech and not buy products from these companies. And yet, there are multiple sex shows, drugs, booze and anything you may want in that area that are all over the tv and internet. Mr. Beck says something you too ignorant to at least listen to and you go nutso. IT IS AS ALWAYS: MONEY AND POLITICS
Pip - If you care about protecting your right to Free Speech, then better watch this one. There's a bill that would give the President "emergency" control over the Internet.
Full Story: http://news.cnet.com/8301-13578_3-10320096-38.html?tag=mncol
There's another question to add to Glenn's list:
Why do we need the government to control the Internet? Isn't that what they do in China?
At least it says it will not be in force until 2013. If they pass bills like this, they will surely be voted out the next time around.
While I find Mr. Beck's delivery to be at times "over the top" and sometimes detracting from his position on issues... I find that he offers a perspective and a substance that both conservatives and liberals could stand to learn from. Questions of constitutionality, challenges to the motivations of our elected representatives, the probing of the political/philosophical foundations of the positions such representatives take...IS REFRESHING. Another note: Mr. Beck, I believe, is best Labeled (if one insists on labeling) a LIBERTARIAN, NOT A CONSERVATIVE. I have investigated the "Platform" of the Libertarian Party and while I disagree with the party platform on some points, I find their concern for preserving the rights of citizens of this great nation and the Constitution... a WELCOME ALTERNATIVE to the likes of liberals AND conservatives. Perhaps the viewers of the Glen Beck show SHOULD BOYCOTT THE COMPANIES WHO ARE BOYCOTTING! Liberals AND Conservatives, Democrats and Republicans, our elected representatives, NONE are elected by the majority of registered voters – they represent only a majority of those registered voters who turn out to cast their votes. Additionally, those like myself who do turn out to vote, vote more often than not for the “lesser of two evils”… that should be a reality check for the “ruling parties”!
Do your own reasearch on his questions and you will be shocked!!! Glen Beck dones his homework and checked and rechecked his facts. I really don't want to think our president is trying to take over the Country but with the Czars, Civilian Forces and the Media that will not question -- this is scary! Wake up America before it is too late!!
Here are some question Glen has asked us in the last week... try to answer them yourselves.... scary stuff....
- Why do we need a civilian force?
- Who is posing a threat to us?
- Who will this "force" be made up of?
- Who is the real enemy?
- Does the president know of a coming event? If not, who builds an army against an unrecognized enemy?
- Why won't the media get off their butts and look into these radicals in the White House? And into this civilian army?
--- and more
- Why does the FCC have a diversity "czar"?
- Who is Mark Lloyd and how does he plan to "balance" the airwaves?
- Will he bring back the Fairness Doctrine or worse?
- Cass Sunstein once said he wants to balance the Internet; is that next?
- Will broadcasters who leave the airwaves be allowed to go to satellite or Internet without government regulation?
- Is there any place (that has a mass audience) where the government wont regulate free speech?
- Why does it seem every member of the Obama advisory team hates capitalism, unless those companies (like G.E.) are in bed with the administration?
If Lloyd has his way, stations who don't comply to the governments definition of the "public interest" will have to pay a massive fine (100 % of operation budget)— that helps support public broadcasting:
- What will be the definition of "public interest"?
- Who defines "public interest"?
- Why should it be balanced? Because it's public airwaves? (Well, there are public roads that go by my house and I don't count how many Republicans and Democrats are driving on them)
--- and even more
- Who is "surrounding" the President in the White House?
- Do any of the President's advisers have criminal records?
- Are the President's advisers working to better the country or their own ideals?
- Who are the anti-capitalists in Washington?
- What roles do they have in crafting bills?
- What was "STORM" (organization)? What happened to the founders, where are they now?
- What qualifications must one have to be a Presidential adviser?
- What is the difference between a community organizer and a community activist?
- Do the czars have power?
- Should a communist have the ear of the President of the United States?
- What role did the Apollo Alliance play in crafting bills?
- Does the President know the co-founder of the Weather Underground bomb Federal buildings in the 60's) is a board member of the Apollo Alliance?
- How many people in the administration are connected to the movement for a democratic society?
- What role does George Soros play... CONSTITUTIONALLY?
and lastly... more
- Our unfunded liability for Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid is close to $100 trillion. Is there any way to pay for these programs without bankrupting America?
- We are in so much debt, why spend more borrowed money on cap-and-trade and healthcare programs before we stop the flow of red-ink?
- The stimulus package funneled billions of dollars to ACORN. How does giving billions of dollars to ACORN stimulate the economy?
- If it was so important for congress to pass the stimulus bill before they even had time to read it why has only a fraction of the stimulus money been spent 6 months later?
- Bush said he had to abandon free market principles in order to save them, how exactly does that work?
- Why won’t members of Congress read the bills before they vote on them?
- Why are citizens mocked and laughed at when they ask their congressman to read the bills before they vote on them?
- Was the cash-for-clunkers program meant to save the earth or the economy? Did it accomplish either?
- How did Van Jones, a self-proclaimed communist become a special advisor to the president?
- Did President Obama know of Van Jones’ radical political beliefs when he named him special advisor?
- The Apollo Alliance claimed credit for writing the stimulus bill—why was this group allowed to write any portion of this bill?
- If politicians aren’t writing the bills and aren’t reading the bills, do they have any idea what these 1000 page plus bills actually impose on the American people?
- If the ‘public option’ health care plan is so good why won’t politicians agree to have that as their plan?
- If town hall meetings are intended for the politicians to learn what’s on our mind—why do they spend so much time talking instead of listening?
- Politicians are refusing to attend town hall meetings complaining, without evidence, that they are scripted. Does that mean we shouldn’t come out and vote for you since every campaign stop, baby kiss and speech you give is scripted?
- Why would you want to overwhelm the system?
- Is using the economic crises to rush legislation through congress what Rahm Emanuel meant when he talked about "not letting a crises go to waste"?
- What are the czars paid? What is the budget for their staffs/offices?
Do your own research on his questions and you will be shocked!!! Glen Beck does his homework and checks and rechecks his facts. I really don't want to think our president is trying to take over the Country but with the Czars, Civilian Forces and the Media that will not question -- this is scary! Wake up America before it is too late!!
Here are some question Glen has asked us in the last week... try to answer them yourselves.... scary stuff....
- Why do we need a civilian force?
- Who is posing a threat to us?
- Who will this "force" be made up of?
- Who is the real enemy?
- Does the president know of a coming event? If not, who builds an army against an unrecognized enemy?
- Why won't the media get off their butts and look into these radicals in the White House? And into this civilian army?
--- and more
- Why does the FCC have a diversity "czar"?
- Who is Mark Lloyd and how does he plan to "balance" the airwaves?
- Will he bring back the Fairness Doctrine or worse?
- Cass Sunstein once said he wants to balance the Internet; is that next?
- Will broadcasters who leave the airwaves be allowed to go to satellite or Internet without government regulation?
- Is there any place (that has a mass audience) where the government wont regulate free speech?
- Why does it seem every member of the Obama advisory team hates capitalism, unless those companies (like G.E.) are in bed with the administration?
If Lloyd has his way, stations who don't comply to the governments definition of the "public interest" will have to pay a massive fine (100 % of operation budget)— that helps support public broadcasting:
- What will be the definition of "public interest"?
- Who defines "public interest"?
- Why should it be balanced? Because it's public airwaves? (Well, there are public roads that go by my house and I don't count how many Republicans and Democrats are driving on them)
--- and even more
- Who is "surrounding" the President in the White House?
- Do any of the President's advisers have criminal records?
- Are the President's advisers working to better the country or their own ideals?
- Who are the anti-capitalists in Washington?
- What roles do they have in crafting bills?
- What was "STORM" (organization)? What happened to the founders, where are they now?
- What qualifications must one have to be a Presidential adviser?
- What is the difference between a community organizer and a community activist?
- Do the czars have power?
- Should a communist have the ear of the President of the United States?
- What role did the Apollo Alliance play in crafting bills?
- Does the President know the co-founder of the Weather Underground bomb Federal buildings in the 60's) is a board member of the Apollo Alliance?
- How many people in the administration are connected to the movement for a democratic society?
- What role does George Soros play... CONSTITUTIONALLY?
and lastly... more
- Our unfunded liability for Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid is close to $100 trillion. Is there any way to pay for these programs without bankrupting America?
- We are in so much debt, why spend more borrowed money on cap-and-trade and healthcare programs before we stop the flow of red-ink?
- The stimulus package funneled billions of dollars to ACORN. How does giving billions of dollars to ACORN stimulate the economy?
- If it was so important for congress to pass the stimulus bill before they even had time to read it why has only a fraction of the stimulus money been spent 6 months later?
- Bush said he had to abandon free market principles in order to save them, how exactly does that work?
- Why won’t members of Congress read the bills before they vote on them?
- Why are citizens mocked and laughed at when they ask their congressman to read the bills before they vote on them?
- Was the cash-for-clunkers program meant to save the earth or the economy? Did it accomplish either?
- How did Van Jones, a self-proclaimed communist become a special advisor to the president?
- Did President Obama know of Van Jones’ radical political beliefs when he named him special advisor?
- The Apollo Alliance claimed credit for writing the stimulus bill—why was this group allowed to write any portion of this bill?
- If politicians aren’t writing the bills and aren’t reading the bills, do they have any idea what these 1000 page plus bills actually impose on the American people?
- If the ‘public option’ health care plan is so good why won’t politicians agree to have that as their plan?
- If town hall meetings are intended for the politicians to learn what’s on our mind—why do they spend so much time talking instead of listening?
- Politicians are refusing to attend town hall meetings complaining, without evidence, that they are scripted. Does that mean we shouldn’t come out and vote for you since every campaign stop, baby kiss and speech you give is scripted?
- Why would you want to overwhelm the system?
- Is using the economic crises to rush legislation through congress what Rahm Emanuel meant when he talked about "not letting a crises go to waste"?
- What are the czars paid? What is the budget for their staffs/offices?
if the previous administration hadn't so badly damaged our country, maybe mr.obama wouldn't be the president. i suggest the righties do some looking inward.
They should look inward - as should all the previous administrations over the last several decades that have damaged our country - this is some of the damage we have incurred so far with this administration...
WASHINGTON – In a chilling forecast, the White House is predicting a 10-year federal deficit of $9 trillion — more than the sum of all previous deficits since America's founding. And it says by the next decade's end the national debt will equal three-quarters of the entire U.S. economy.
That is what is sad about many liberals this country.
It's NOT about Democrats or Republicans, it's about us, the people. As far as I'm concerned most politicians are in it for themselves. Take a moment, breathe deep and really look at the facts, the truth will always shine.
oh yeah! also noticed a comment about obama doing end runs around normal avenues of appointments or legislation. i do believe the previous admin. gets the cake with that one!!!!! personally, i am sick of both parties. however, dems make me gag but repubs make me puke.
Glenn Beck is bravely speaking for a lot of us silent majority who do not wish to be called names like "mobster", "political terrorist", "nazi", etc. Glenn is simply asking questions that are obvious but ignored by the mainstream media and demonized by the left fringe. His show is well-researched that is why a lot of those involved are scared and angry. It is true that BHO has surrounded himself with questionable characters who push their own personal agenda(agendum, singular)) and as a result they have pulled down BHO's poll numbers. As Glenn's rating continues to go up those above-name companies will slowly return to the fold because greed is the code they live by and not conviction. To lessen the heat and increase the light in the ObamaCare debate I urge everyone to read the 1,200-page bill(s) before congress. You will find them refreshingly scary.#
oohh kay!!! now i gotta comment about the hypocracy of liberals comment. are you deaf dumb and blind? or just another hypocrite. (that's my assumption) where are the becks, o'reillys, and limbaughs when it comes to calling for the resignations or impeachments of sanford, ensign, and pickering. and let's not forget the hypocracy of foley and that big guy tapping his foot in the can in that MN airport. as i said, dems make me gag but repubs make me puke!
Bush is out, Obama is in. There's at least one Communist advising the current president, and taking (our) money from stimulus package. That makes me puke.
It looks like you are all so smart. How about everyone get their heads around real solutions instead.
Yeah, I want my kids to grow up like Eminem. Who needs morals if there isn't a higher power.
As for Glenn Beck, if a small part of what he says is true, be afraid, be very afraid.
your solution comment is a good one. unfortunatley idealistic and who the hell would listen other than us on this board. as we have seen all too often, either party will do whatever they want as often as they can get away with it.
I find Beck entertaining - in a "laughing at" kind of way. That all his fans decided to cut-and-paste the same comment on this message board only drives home the point. There are some really stupid people out there. And Glenn Beck speaks for them. Isn't America great?!?
Beck isn't being criticized for being offensive or for saying the wrong thing. He's being criticized for knowingly fomenting white nationalist, anti-government violence. No one's worried about the words coming out of his mouth; we're worried about people who hear those words and go and act on the conspiratorial insanity that he routinely treats as reasonable.
Beck is not advocating violence. In fact, he speaks against violence often. He's asking you to ask the questions that need answers. Maybe you should tune in today and see for yourself what his call to action is before you judge him.
Continuing with your method of reasoning (if you can call it that) i.e. perhaps Obama is advocating violence by putting communist czars into positions of power?
If you value Life, then you must uphold the virtue of Truth. Truth is what Beck is seeking. How you choose to respond to the Truth that is revealed is your own responsibility. Don't "shoot" the messenger.
Beck is not seeking the Truth. He is seeking ratings. He's honed his "Glenn Beck" character and connected with enough people that it's starting to get lucrative. Also, a lot of people naturally started flipping out when Obama got elected, what with all the subversive work he did as president of the Harvard Law review and the Illinois state legislature. Right place, right time for Glenn Beck.
Thanks for proving my point. I watch him whenever I can and his game is essentially lying through his teeth to gin up this sort of uninformed rage.
The simple fact is that the Federal government is empowered by the constitution to provide universal healthcare if the Congress and President decide to do so. It's empowered to levy taxes to pay for it. This has been an utterly uncontroversial statement since the Supreme Court settled the beef between Hamilton and Madison in 1819. That's two hundred years ago. If that's tyranny, which is what Beck's dedicated to convincing you it is, we've been on that road for a long time and the greatest patriots in our history put us there. For Beck to pretend that anyone has a point in objecting to this as tyranny, or that violent revolution in response is rational or likely, is dangerous. He cloaks himself in nonsense revolutionary rhetoric that bears no resemblance to its original intent. I see Glenn Beck fans sporting "Unite or Die" flags and signs at anti-tax rallies... this makes no sense in reference to history, the current debate, or reality.
And, how do you put a czar in a position of power?
I'm not sure if Glenn Beck is bulletproof, but it sure would be fun to find out
Sounds like a typical left-wing unintelligent remark.
As he was leaving Independence Hall on the last day of the Constitutional Convention in 1787, Benjamin Franklin was asked, "Well, Doctor, what have we got-A Republic or a Monarchy?" Franklin replied, "A Republic, if you can keep it."
It was not the intention of the Founders that we be a Democracy, they wanted a Republic. The Pledge of Allegiance says, “and to the ’Republic’ for which it stands”
In any form of government, political party system, political philosophy, social welfare programs, 'rights' organizations ad nauseam, etc. you'll have very emotional and passionate people that believe that their understanding and facts of things are correct and irrefutable as any faithful and devout follower of a religion would.
That kind of entrenched belief and mindset makes having a debate or discourse extremely difficult; much less having an open mind to other possibilities. Fear and concern drive us to these places of understanding that make us feel safe and in control of our livelihoods and our family’s future best interests and welfare.
Although written and documented history can be altered and shaped by wealthy and powerful groups, governments and individuals to benefit their current short term needs and beliefs, it can also be very instructive and insightful to project the future.
Empires, dynasties and governments have risen and fallen since before recorded history. The United States won’t be any different. It could fall 750 years from now or 50.
Anyone that’s taken a political science course knows that governments in any form will do what is necessary to perpetuate its existence; even at the expense of its citizens. Forms of government will also change over time. Changes occur as a result of various forms of domestic and foreign influences.
Social equality across all demographics of wealth, culture, race and religion is something that most ordinary people find to be a noble and acceptable goal. Freedom, liberty and an equal ‘opportunity’ (not a legal right) to pursue dreams, goals and a reasonable livelihood is also hard for most ordinary folk to argue with.
These were the intentions of our current Constitutional Republic.
Quote by Walter Williams - “Nothing in our Constitution suggests that government is a grantor of rights. Instead, government is a ‘protector’ of rights. In a republican form of government, there is rule of law. All citizens, including government officials, are accountable to the same laws. Government power is ‘limited’ and ‘decentralized’ through a system of checks and balances. Government intervenes in civil society to protect its citizens against force and fraud but does not intervene in the cases of peaceable, voluntary exchange.
Do you want the kind of tyranny feared by the founders where Congress can do anything it can muster a majority vote to do?”
Folks we are losing our freedoms, liberty and our country to greedy, power hungry, control freaks in Congress. I don’t care what party or political philosophy they cotton to - Republican, Democrat, Liberal or Conservative. All they care about is a voting block that will keep them in power. All they want is ‘control’ over your lives and livelihoods. This is nothing less than enslavement to an elite group of control freaks.
You would be doing yourself a favor to REALLY read carefully crs2000’s commentary.
-Seekingnderstanding
Hmmm... this whole thing seems strangely familiar to me.
Back in the 1950s, Senator Joe McCarthy tried to instill fear in the American people over Communism. Many in Hollywood were accused of being Communists or Communist sympathizers. So were academics, trade unionists, and free thinkers in general.
Now McCarthyism is back, but updated for today's times. It is a new McCarthyism, brought upon us by Beck, Palin, Limbaugh, etc. And this time the perceived threat is "socialism". It's a phrase used very loosely and frequently in arguements presented by all the afore mentioned pundtits.
The right-wing fear mongers have their sheep in a frenzy over allegations that Obama in general, and health care reform in particular, are leading this nation into "socialism".
The sheep are naive enough to fall for the spin machine that tries to equate socialism with Marxism and/or Communism. That's kind of like suggesting that all dogs are pit bulls. These people never were too appreciative of semantic nuance.
And they apparently didn't pay a lot of attention in Poli Sci class, either.
Or else they are just willingly allowing their fears and emotions to subconsciously deny what they might actually know to be the truth. Because fear, especially racially induced fear, is that powerful, unfortunately.
And so they descend on the health care town hall meetings with their pictures of Obama with a crudely drawn Hitler-style mustache. (I guess socialism = Nazism now, too, for those who will not think. Except that Obama wants to kill all the old people instead of all the Jews.)
They descend on the health care town hall meetings with enough ignorance to challenge the premise that the United States of America should provide for the health and well-being of the citizens who form this nation (although they don't -- i.e., cannot -- word it that way). But then, of course, it's not as though this were still a government "of the people, by the people, and for the people". At least not since Reagan.
And they descend on the health care town hall meetings with their guns fully loaded. And sometimes they get away with it.
So who are the real extremists here? Who are the real threats?
Within all this exhausting drama lie a number of ironies:
First of all, is it not ironic that the right-wingers get to show up at Obama's town hall meetings with loaded guns, when George W. Bush's handlers were famous for systematically banishing citizens who merely sported tee-shirt slogans that they disagreed with?
Next, we need to remember the Terri Schiavo case. The Republicans in the White House and Congress actually saw fit to intervene in this private family medical matter. And all for the wrong reasons. But when a black president tries to provide for the well-being of everyday Americans, and give them some control over their own lives, suddenly he is accused of wanting to kill your grandmother. Even though he doesn't.
Furthermore, we must distinguish between popular socialism and corporate socialism. The right wing will not stand up for the well-being of everyday folks. They don't want to stand up for the workers, or the minorities, or the poor and underprivileged. But they waste no time in rescuing the banks that prey on the vulnerable, and the automobile companies that have kept their heads buried in the sand for the past 20 years. That, is corporate socialism. And that, appears to be OK -- while populist socialism is not.
Corporate America = too big to fail. You and I = too small to matter. Welcome to America, 2009.
Finally, it is amusing to note that these are some of the same people who send their children to (socialist) public schools. These are some of the same people who expect a (socialist) ambulance to appear when they dial 9/11 in a medical emergency. These are some of the same people who hope that a (socialist) fire truck will arrive quickly when their house is on fire. And these are the some of same people who rely on a (socialist) police force to help keep them safe from crime.
Because it all benefits society as a whole in the long run. And that, by extension, benefits each of us.
That is what socialism (in this context) is really all about.
And that, apparently, is what the right-wingers are really so afraid of.
I desperatly wished you to be right. Funny but I remember all that you
speak of. Don't see what is happening now anything like that.
I don't hang on people's words, I research for myself. I read and
read and look at the people for my self and I don't think you at all
to be amusing.
Your self professed, also. Public Schools are far from socialism, we
can not even get a crayon from the government.
I served my country to be FREE. I educated myself on who I serverd under
to be sure the President I served under believed the US, should be FREE.
Anyone own a gun?Can't wait until Glen Beck talks about what pres. O
wants people to do with their guns. Claim them on a tax form? Pay how
much per gun to the government?Why? and with a fingerprint also? Oh wait!
Glen Beck, If you listened, gives you refrence on all he talks about.
I listen because I have many who served for this country's freedom and
some who have died and shed their blood. I love this country and we
are in deep trouble.
This president does not solute the flag or bother to place his hand over his heart not even when he hears the National Anthem. He was not raised in this country or learned how an American portrays his country.
America we need to listen up, this is not a game, or a tv show.
Glen Beck has put himself on the line to bring out the truth. Why
do you think this Administration is screaming so much about media?
These people called czars are convicts, socialist, communist and don't
believe in God. Think they know alot about Germany in the 1930s?
You bet they do, because the United States is being set up the same way
before the Jews became seperated and treated like filth.
Think we the people might be looking all the same. Except for maybe the
group of people the age of about 15 -50. Know what I'm talking about?
If you don't; ask Obama's relative,Emanuel who happens to be one of his
advisors.
No, Glen Beck is being called out because he tells the truth. He as many
of us know that the Costitution Protects us and does not have loop holes.
You have to add something like the Patiots Act and that is not of the
Constitution by any means but we thought then it would help protect us
from those who could hurt the U.S. But now this Administration can turn
it aroung and use it on all of us who make commemnts like this.
And please do not believe that the government is impowered to use the
Constitution for anything except for the good and well being of every
citizen of the United States. That is not Health Reform!!
I truly thank God for Glen Beck, that he has the nerve, the guts and the
love of his country to stand up for what he believes in and would die for. I respect this man for all that he is and in my immediate family
there is over 70 now and all listen to Glen Beck and Fox News like we
go to church on Sunday.
There is something to be said, thankgoodness, our Forefathers'knew...
Majority Rules.
There is an oath that all our represenatives take before taking office.
To serve and protect this country from all.....Now maybe a few have
lost their way, but you know if they have, they work for us, we hired
them, so we can fire them. I can say right now there will be no
more Big Government in our lives. No one will make this country live
as socialist or be a communist.Anyone who has served in our military
traveled abroad, is 30 year old and older to 100 years knows this.
We were taught to fight and protect our FREEDOM and we have a second
sence when one speeks the truth and one who lies. I mean really lies.
People who want free speech and can listen to any radio station or
television station. Wants the freedom to choose their religion, wants
to attend the physian of their choice. and will go to any specialist
they need to cure their health. Get up in the morning and go to any job
you have chosen, eat what food you want, talk on a phone, even just
have the right to breath the oxygen on the piece of land you stand on.
You will know this Administration is a REAL THREAT TO ALL.
If this Administration does not turn around, Like Glen Beck alludes to.
There is going to be an uprising in this country, the North and the South and it will go down history.
But I pray for our children and pray for this country that Congress and
our Senators stand fast,point out the rotten apple that we already don't
know, and come election time, they're gone.
Maybe, you might not like Glen Becks' personality, maybe you just don't
like him, but listen to him. If you do not agree and call him a lier,
then prove.
I'll put my life on it and there are millions that are listening to Glen
Beck. Maybe you should listen a little more before you condemn.
If Glenn Beck is wrong, get on his show and debate it. If Van Jones is not associated with Communist beliefs he should contact Beck and tell him where he stands and get on the Beck show and talk about his fine work in the Obama administration as an "advisor." After all, Jones is a lawyer, educated at Yale. I'm sure he would have no problem explaining the fine work he is doing to further the cause of Freedom and Liberty for all Americans. To berate someone (Beck) who simply shares the information he has gathered in search of the truth is foolish and a clear sign that there is a growing truth in the larger debate as to where we are heading as a country. None of these people are getting on the Glenn Beck show and disputing what is being said. The network is running no retractions of the information that is being put on the airwaves. This is about honest and open debate of these issues. "Ask Bold Questions" is how Glenn Beck quotes Thomas Jefferson. Why don't YOU ask bold questions of the people in power on both sides of the debate and seek the truth. Maybe Beck doesn't have all the answers but one thing is for sure, he is not afraid to ask the tough questions. Isn't that what news reporting used to be about..... I am not shocked that advertisers who control the $$$ are threatening but money will not stop the truth from coming out...
A pretty good perspective piece on the sort of goofy protest being orchestrated by Media Matters, a far-left propaganda machine, under the guise of "Colors for Change" against "Conservative" commentator, Glenn Beck.
The three things I believe the writer missed on:
1) Stern won't say "anything" to get heard. Perhaps in his early days when he was still trying to find his style. But everything is calculated in almost everything he does. Anyone who listens regularly can attest to all those who hail his work ethic. But yes, he rarely filters his thoughts through social filters because he is on the air. The idea is that he is talking about the kind of things that regular people talk about in a way they talk about it. And this is the quality that applies to Beck as well.
2) Beck was once a wacky morning show deejay in New Haven, CT market at WCKI.
3) You nailed it on Eminem, but Howard Stern is also someone who has transcended pop culture as part of the story whether it was running for Governor of NY or his involvement with helping Jessica Hahn during the Jim Bakker controversy, which started with Stern talking with her live on air before anyone had gotten to speak with her.
A pretty good perspective piece on the sort of goofy protest being orchestrated by Media Matters, a far-left propaganda machine, under the guise of "Colors for Change" against "Conservative" commentator, Glenn Beck.
The three things I believe the writer missed on:
1) Stern won't say "anything" to get heard. Perhaps in his early days when he was still trying to find his style. But everything is calculated in almost everything he does. Anyone who listens regularly can attest to all those who hail his work ethic. But yes, he rarely filters his thoughts through social filters because he is on the air. The idea is that he is talking about the kind of things that regular people talk about in a way they talk about it. And this is the quality that applies to Beck as well.
2) Beck was once a wacky morning show deejay in New Haven, CT market at WCKI.
3) You nailed it on Eminem, but Howard Stern is also someone who has transcended pop culture as part of the story whether it was running for Governor of NY or his involvement with helping Jessica Hahn during the Jim Bakker controversy, which started with Stern talking with her live on air before anyone had gotten to speak with her.
Beck is paranoid and delusional. Unfortuantely there are people out there who believe what he says. and that is the real danger. There is a related post at iamsoannoyed.com/?page_id=588
I have listened to Becks shows, radio and TV. I dont find him to be anything like eminem or Howard Stern.
I consider eminem and Stern to be shock jocks, and irresponsible. Trying to reduce Becks comments to entertainment alone is a common tactic to discredit a conservative talk shows. His shows are thought provoking and he offers many valid points.
I dont understand why the left is frightened by him. The left has ABC, CBS, NBC, MSNBC, CNN, MTV, Current( Al Gores channel ),NPR, etc..
"These questions need to be asked and answered. Get started!
Question with Boldness
You need to start asking questions:
Day 1
- Can we survive this debt? If yes, how?
- Why the rush on health care reform, cap-and-trade?
- Who is writing these bills?
- Will Washington read and understand the bills?
- Why are you called "grassroots" if you are for, but "Astroturf" if you are against?
- Our unfunded liabilities for Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid is close to $100 trillion. Is there any way to pay for these programs without bankrupting America?
- We are in so much debt, why spend more borrowed money on cap-and-trade and health care programs before we stop the flow of red ink?
- The stimulus package funneled billions of dollars to ACORN: How does giving billions of dollars to ACORN stimulate the economy?
- If it was so important for Congress to pass the stimulus bill before they even had time to read it, why has only a fraction of the stimulus money been spent six months later?
- Former President Bush said he had to abandon free market principles in order to save them; how exactly does that work?
- Why won’t member of Congress read the bills before they vote on them?
- Why are citizens mocked and laughed at when they ask their congressman to read the bills before they vote on them?
- Was the "cash for clunkers" program meant to save the Earth or the economy? Did it accomplish either?
- How did Van Jones, a self-proclaimed communist, become a special adviser to the president?
- Did President Obama know of Van Jones’ radical political beliefs when he named him special adviser?
- The Apollo Alliance claimed credit for writing the stimulus bill; why was this group allowed to write any portion of this bill?
- If politicians aren’t writing the bills and aren’t reading the bills, do they have any idea what these 1,000-page plus bills actually impose on the American people?
- If the "public option" health care plan is so good, why won’t politicians agree to have that as their plan?
- If town hall meetings are intended for the politicians to learn what’s on our mind, why do they spend so much time talking instead of listening?
- Politicians are refusing to attend town hall meetings complaining, without evidence, that they are scripted. Does that mean we shouldn’t come out and vote for you since every campaign stop, baby kiss and speech you give is scripted?
- Why would you want to overwhelm the system?
- Is using the economic crises to rush legislation through Congress what Rahm Emanuel meant when he talked about not letting a crisis go to waste?
- What are the president's "czars" paid? What is the budget for their staffs/offices?
Day 2
- Who is "surrounding" the president in the White House?
- Do any of the president's advisers have criminal records?
- Are the president's advisers working to better the country or their own ideals?
- Who are the anti-capitalists in Washington?
- What role do they have in crafting bills?
- What was "STORM"? What happened to the founders; where are they now?
- What qualifications must one have to be a presidential adviser?
- What is the difference between a community organizer and a community activist?
- Do the "czars" have power?
- Should a communist have the ear of the president of the United States?
- What role did the Apollo Alliance play in crafting bills?
- Does the president know the co-founder of the Weather Underground is a board member of the Apollo Alliance?
- How many people in the administration are connected to the Movement for a Democratic Society?
- What role does George Soros play... constitutionally?
Day 3
- Why does the FCC have a diversity "czar"?
- Who is Mark Lloyd and how does he plan to "balance" the airwaves?
- Will he bring back the Fairness Doctrine or worse?
- Cass Sunstein once said he wants to balance the Internet; is that next?
- Will broadcasters who leave the airwaves be allowed to go to satellite or Internet without government regulation?
- Is there any place (that has a mass audience) where the government wont regulate free speech?
- Why does it seem every member of the Obama advisory team hates capitalism, unless those companies (like G.E.) are in bed with the administration?
If Lloyd has his way, stations who don't comply to the governments definition of the "public interest" will have to pay a massive fine — that helps support public broadcasting:
- What will be the definition of "public interest"?
- Who defines "public interest"?
- Why should it be balanced? Because it's public airwaves? (Well, there are public roads that go by my house and I don't count how many Republicans and Democrats are driving on them)
Day 4
- Why do we need a civilian force?
- Who is posing a threat to us?
- Who will this "force" be made up of?
- Who is the real enemy?
- Does the president know of a coming event? If not, who builds an army against an unrecognized enemy?
- Why won't the media get off their butts and look into these radicals in the White House? And into this civilian army?"