Mr. Beck, Meet Mr. Chambers
by Alan SnyderI’ve never met Glenn Beck, but after watching him for the past year and a half, I feel I know him to some extent, at least in that modern concept of knowing people, at a distance via technology.
I sincerely appreciate what he has been doing on his television program, particularly his emphasis on history. Specifically, I have loved the following:
- The exposé of progressivism, showing how that philosophy has permeated our politics and government.
- The excellent choice of guests ranging from Amity Shlaes to Jonah Goldberg to Larry Schweikart.
- The Founders Friday series in which he reintroduces (or introduces, as the case may be) the thinking of the Founders to a national audience.
- His desire to lead Americans back to faith in God and all the values that flow from that faith.
- His sense of how to combine substance with entertainment, thereby making the substance far more interesting to those who watch.
Oh, I’ve had some quibbles with him along the way. First, I’m not overly fond of Thomas Paine. Yes, his Common Sense was instrumental in leading toward independence, but his later Age of Reason, which trashed Christianity, met with overwhelming rejection by the American people—justly so, in my view.
I’ve also wished at times that his critique of Republicans didn’t make all Republicans seem like sellouts. Not all are (and I’m sure he realizes this).
My third quibble has been his reliance on proponents of Ayn Rand’s philosophy as a basis for championing the free market and capitalism.
It’s that third quibble that leads me to write today. I missed his program from June 15th, but on his site I saw that he quoted Whittaker Chambers as one of the media elite who mocked Rand. I have to ask, “Is Beck really aware of who Chambers is?”
Last week, he had a show dealing with the history of American communism and plastered a picture of Alger Hiss on his blackboard. Hiss, the underground communist agent who stood at FDR’s side at Yalta and who was instrumental in secreting classified government information to the Soviet Union, was only outed because of Whittaker Chambers.
Chambers had been in the underground with Hiss, but then broke from communism, found faith in God, became a senior editor at Time, gave explosive testimony about Hiss in congressional hearings in 1948, which led to Hiss’s conviction on perjury charges, and then told his story in a highly publicized autobiography called Witness.
Ronald Reagan was tremendously impacted by Witness. It gave him the broader understanding for why people were attracted to the communist message. Reagan quoted from Chambers on a number of occasions during his presidency. In 1984, he awarded Chambers, posthumously, the Presidential Medal of Freedom, not only for his exposure of communism in the American government, but also for his deeper message to Western Civilization: we have to decide whether we are going to put all our faith in Man or in God. Chambers obviously chose the latter.
The quote Beck used from Chambers about Rand’s Atlas Shrugged came from a review of the book he penned in National Review, where he was a senior editor in 1957. National Review, founded by Chambers’s friend William F. Buckley, can hardly be classified as part of the media elite. Chambers himself was attacked viciously by that elite because he linked modern liberalism with communism—both had as their source faith in Man.
When Chambers called Rand’s book silly and the story preposterous, it wasn’t because he disagreed with free enterprise or capitalism. He came to that conclusion for two reasons: first, her characters he considered to be caricatures. As a great writer himself, he couldn’t bear her method of storytelling.
The second reason, though, is one Beck should appreciate. He rejected her materialist view of life. Rand was an atheist who hated Christianity because it told its adherents to think of others before oneself. Chambers, upon reading her book, saw this philosophy quite clearly and distanced himself from it.
He said—and I believe he is correct on this—that materialism, whether from the Right or the Left, leads to dictatorship of some kind. He sensed in Rand’s book a tone of “I’m right, and no disagreement is allowed.” That’s why he made his most controversial statement at the end of the review, one that angered Randians considerably:
From almost any page of Atlas Shrugged, a voice can be heard, from painful necessity, commanding, “To a gas chamber—go!”
I thought it might be good to point this out because it disturbed me to see Chambers thrown in with the liberal media elite. His critique came from the Right, not the Left, and was based on his profound belief in God and concern that Rand’s philosophy would lead to a different form of totalitarianism.
I neglected to mention one other thing I like about Beck: he has acknowledged more than once that he has been a latecomer to some of these ideas, and that he simply wants to share with his audience what he has discovered. That’s humility, which is essential in life. I’m hoping he will now discover more about Whittaker Chambers and perhaps, in a forthcoming program, give him his due.
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1,331 Comments
Glenn ROCKS! Not perfect but a damn sight better than 95% of the tripe on the tube!!!
Not being a Rand or Chambers scholar myself, I find the article an interesting read. There are not enough praise and kudos out there for Glenn Becks Founders Fridays in my opinion. Glenn is doing a great service to the citizens of the US with this series. Should be required learning in public screwel.
I beleive his heart and direction are spot on. Keep up the great work, Glenn, you're a true Patriot in the true sense of the word.
I agree, at least he tries to expose those who are not as they seem without the benefit of a media in lock step with this administration.
Beck is a true warrior in every sense of the word. He is genuine and sincere and isn't afraid to wear his heart on his sleeve. I also don't agree with everything he says but overall he is right on the mark. He's also the ONLY person on television that has come out to stand against government corruption.
You know that he is the real deal when the administration is working tooth and nail to silence his voice from the airways.
This article points out, with a large measure of validiity, why it is so dangerous and wrong to aquire all of your beliefs from one source. It conjures up two scary images. Hitler at Nuremburg and BHO in Denver to accept the democrat nomination.
Nobody is talking about it: the Russian spy Anna and her Dad Kushchenko worked for a PR firm – doing PR for the Russian government. Their office is on the same floor with the new-giant izvesia. They did PR work with EU and USA media.
Which American media companies had communication with the KGB PR agency? May be they have the list of the 400 Jpurnolists.
My research on the matter is here: http://www.bigbureaucracy.com/?p=1314
I think it's funny that Beck is exposing the Obama administration person by person and the left says he is an nut and needs to be silenced. I like Beck because he is asking and saying the things that many of us suspeck but Beck has the guts to say. I think it's great.
"I’ve also wished at times that his critique of Republicans didn’t make all Republicans seem like sellouts. Not all are (and I’m sure he realizes this)."
I cringe every time Glenn does this. Yes, get rid of the Rinos please and vote in true Conservatives. It would be DANGEROUS to think about starting and voting for a third party. That would dilute the Conservative vote and ensure the Left wins in November. These Rinos at LEAST are voting NO against this regime. God Bless them for that.
I think someone in Becks shoes will occasionally make a few mistakes, but I don't believe them to be deliberate. He above everyone else in his position is trying to expose the truth and show that "Hope and Change" is a double edged sword, especially in the wrong hands.
How is it that Beck can expose their own words yet the useful idiots always accuse him of doctoring videos and quotations?
One word: COWARDICE!
Beck routinely hangs them all (Chairman O included) with their own despicable words but they are too cowardly to address them or deny them and they hide behind their media curtain of lies to protect him.
Just look to "Tinkles", "Cow College Boob" aka "Bathtub Boy", "Sgt. Shultz", "Mika-hail" and "Madcow" for further clues, so in the tank they are dripping with the Chairman's phony fuels.
"ring, ring, ring.." ain't gonna happen on the Chairman's watch, there is no honor among cowards and thieves…
Mao is murder!
If you don't like God and Christianity then……..
GET OUT OF AMERICA BECAUSE ME AND MY FAMILY AREN'T GOING ANYWHERE. GO LIVE IN EUROPE FOR ALL I CARE!!!!!!
I wish all of you anarchists who mask as libertarians would STFU.
I love his Founders Friday segments. I also love the fact that he is not afraid to out the corrupt people and policies in our government. I'll keep watching.
Rand had some good ideas but she was an intolerable egoist and her atheism is a huge stumbling block. It is perfectly possible to be a small-l libertarian and a Christian or Jew as well. She actually said to WFB, "You are too intelligent to believe in God." How presumptuous is that?
"Chambers himself was attacked viciously by that elite because he linked modern liberalism with communism—both had as their source faith in Man."
As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.
I that is really your picture, you like like a mean ass ugly little girl. I have never in my life met a happy contented liberal.
What? Everyone should be tolerant, like you? Is that you in the picture? Now I understand. You need some extra strength Ex-Lax, fella.
He is the only person really exposing corruption, even among his FOX News colleagues.
The left despises American history that hasn't been filtered through their sieve of lies!
[...] Mr. Beck, Meet Mr. Chambers [...]
Beck is courageous and gracious for having weathered the storm in spite of his detractors and attackers!
What does fundamentalism have to do with the article?
Beck does a great service, is the right man for the job, and isn't afraid to own up to mistakes. It's all about finding Truth, right? Who else would dare to spend hours of television time talking about exciting stuff like Woodrow Wilson or Federal Reserve policy, mostly explained on chalkboards no less. And he still get a huge viewership! Go figure.
I feel indebted to Glenn Beck. He has re-ignited a passion for learning in me that I thought was long forgotten. He has introduced to me a history that I never knew existed. One of his latest introductions, black history, has sparked my latest reading frenzy. I am now scouring the used book stores so I can afford all the books I am now reading.
Glenn Beck is the only show that I DVR. I feel for the people that do not have a DVR and wish FOX network would move his time slot later so more people could watch him.
My father, who is in his late 70s, now watches Beck every day. He laughs and says, "He's giving them hell"!
His only question is, “Where was a guy like Beck during the FDR years”? Then he remembered; they were all SILENCED! By the FCC controlling the airwaves.
DO NOT ALLOW YOURSELF AS A US CITIZEN TO BE SILENCED!!!
VOTE NOVEMBER FOR THE CONSTITUTION AND YOUR INDIVIDUAL FREEDOM!!!!
Just always know, if you do not know or remember history you are bound to repeat it. Always. The War of 1812 is one of the forgotten wars of the United States. The war lasted for over two years, and ended in stalemate. It did howerver, once and for all confirm American Independence. The offensive actions of the United States failed to capture Canada. On the other hand, the British army was successfully stopped when it attempted to capture Baltimore and New Orleans. There were a number of American naval victories in which American vessels proved themselves superior to similarly sized British vessels.
It seems instead of British, this time it is the Progressive, or regressive polices, and cancer that we need to get rid of.
http://www.teapartyexpress.tv/
A message for our elected officials from a chinese philosopher.
"He who will not economize will have to agonize".
Confucius
Chinese philosopher & reformer (551 BC – 479 BC)
Remember the war of 1812? Why was it fought?
The War of 1812 is one of the forgotten wars of the United States. The war lasted for over two years, and ended in stalemate. It did howerver, once and for all confirmed American Independence. The offensive actions of the United States failed to capture Canada. On the other hand, the British army was successfully stopped when it attempted to capture Baltimore and New Orleans. There were a number of American naval victories in which American vessels proved themselves superior to similarly sized British vessels.
I was on the path of waking up late 07 early 08 and started seeing politicians etc for what they really are. I started putting the pieces together and then I kept seeing this Beck characters name listed in tv schedules for CNN. I caught the show he did about gun rights. Shortly after he was gone. I remember saying to family who is this Beck guy. Then he comes to Fox and I start watching. And everything I was already onto started making sense as I watched him. Now I watch and listen to Beck I dont care what ppl say about him or me for watching I know what he does is legit. Again I was already doing the research on issues and then finding Beck and seeing his shows was like the last tumbler in a lock being lined up.
For those I encounter who "hate him" I say listen to the message ignore the messenger, I mean where would many be today if it wasn't for him exposing proggies, van Jones, Crime Inc series etc? Hm, where? NO ONE else is covering any of that! Folks can blast GB all they want I dont care and I dont care what they say about ppl like me who watch him, my response to them is scared are you? Scared someone is exposing the bullsh*t of your masters? The guy has to wear body armor at times when he goes in public, if he is so wrong and so crazy why the need, why the slamming by MSM etc? No sorry GB is doing what journalists should be doing what he is doing alone is an indicator of the danger we are in that those who should be speaking against the admin etc are in the tank. So we have to thank him for also helping expose the MSM for the scum degenerates they are.
Best part of all that Beck does is show them in audio/video… its their own words thet they are being hung by that they then attack him on… Proggies you got nothing on Beck and he has helped awaken many in this country that you will not silence. Your days are numbered…
Throw the old rule book out the window and engage these destructive 'animals'(politicians, MSM, spec interests) on a new battlefield with new out of the box tactics through http://www.savingtherepublic.com
And as missy8's pointed out "Using their own words to do it. "AND THAT"S WHY THAT RED PHONE WILL NEVER RING", go Glenn.
At least Beck acknowledges his errors…unlike many libertarians who are just as pig-headed in their beliefs as the progressives. They have their collective heads in the sand and will not pull out for fear of being proven wrong.
One of the biggest jokes about the left is how they try to trivialize Becks show and down play it as if tomorrow no one will watch it, yet he mentions a book and the next day it's #1 on Amazon. Some body's watching.
I would prefer living next door to Ayn Rand (were she still alive) than faux religious blowhards like BHO, AlGore, Plugs Biteme or Nancyboy Pelosi. The greatness of the individual allows and guides more success then the 'Progs" could ever dream. As an individual, I choose! I can choose to be give much from mine like GW Bush or give little like the Clintons, Algore, Biden or His Oneness.
I will decide to be greedy and keep mine to myself or share with others as I can.
Taking what is mine theft, giving of myself as I want is charity.
I can, I do, I will choose.
Rand may have been an Atheist, she may have urged others to be the same, However I am unaware of her demanding that government require it. Am I wrong?
Good take – I was also pleasantly surprised by Glenn Beck and his show. Love the 9-12 project and the tea party movement – We all found ourselves in these things. It help us wake up more. I started in 2006 getting really scared and aware of the tide swinging. But these forces at work at infiltrating have been doing so for decades and decades.
Bravo and Kudos to Glenn for being brave enough to stand up
Gammy Sparkles here!
Movie quote: "You can't handle the truth!", democrats firmly believe that they ARE "the truth, the way and the light", talk about an "established theocracy"!
Why won't the White House counter Beck's claims and ring the red phone…?
Answer: They are self absorbed arrogantly smug LITTLE BITCHES..!
Glenn Beck has been extremely educational over the past year(s) and it amazes me how the haters attack him, but can't attack the truth he exposes.
Carry on Mr. Beck and may God bless you and your family.
What would happen if Atlas Shrugged?Rand may have been an Atheist, but when it came to economic freedom, she was a brilliant woman. Her being an atheist in my book, is irrelevant. With the oppressive actions of this administration she knew, and got it.
I have seen that picture somewhere else before. I thought at first it was at the local post office, but alas it was on 'America's Most Wanted'.
That is what PROGRESSIVES have done since their founding. Distort, lie, steal, Confuse, distract. That's it in a nut shell.
I enjoy his passion. For some odd reason lib's think he's faking it. I don't think you can fake it that long.
"I’ve also wished at times that his critique of Republicans didn’t make all Republicans seem like sellouts. Not all are (and I’m sure he realizes this)."
Excellent insight Mr. Snyder. Yet we are – as it pertains to Congress – at the 'baby & the bathwater' stage of USA politics. Anyone who has researched extensively over the last 4 years into the link between the Banksters and Inside the Beltway can only draw one conclusion. Getting over 500 people glued to the pockets of Goldman Sachs and JP Morgan was easier than people thought.
Lloyd Blankfein described it best. "God's work." And Lloyd's God knew that throwing easy money into the faces of Americans was the safest way to lock up the majority it needed to not only have the US Taxpayer give back that money they blinded the USA with but also reward them with unlimited amounts of easy money while the rest of the US went down in flames. Well. The rest of the world too. Just look at Europe.
Under these circumstances the Republicans are every bit as guilty if not more. It was a financial homicide-suicide pact. Something fiscal conservatives would have considered a CARDINAL SIN. Quite frankly it was an unforgivable sin.
That being said. There are indeed a handful. The absolutely delightful Michele Marie Amble Bachmann qualifies. As the spotlight shines brighter perhaps we'll see who AREN'T the cockroaches. But we are out of time for gambling. And hearing whispers that John Boehner could take over for Nancy Pelosi gives pause.
How John Boehner remained squeaky clean throughout this debacle is a hard case to prove.
Concerning Ayn Rand: The left loves to criticize poor character development. Yep. Agree. But, not the point. Early in her career she tried to be screen writer, didn't work out so well. The most important thing to her was the construction of a plot. Her novels screamed "Wake UP America". I recommend WE THE LIVING. It screams "This is what these sick twisted freaks will do." Read her novels in the order that they were written. Then you can appreciate the development of her philosophy.
Concerning Glenn Beck: He"s a national treasure. And, I LIKE quibbling at the TV about finer points. I don't agree with Beck on Chambers either. Come on Glenn, bring it on!
No, you are not wrong.
Beck himself constantly emphasizes not to take his word for anything. Go find out yourself. And, I have, and he is right about 95% of the time. I am (finally) finishing The Patriot's History of the United States. Everyone in the USA should read and understand our own history. It is the progressives that don't want you to know facts other than those they "give" you. Educate yourself, think for yourself. It isn't difficult to see the fundamental flaws in the democrat/liberal/progressive way. It doesn't work, and never has.
People have learned more about American History by watching Beck's program than literally all of the high school "graduates" of the past 30 years. Even high school "teachers" are saying.."hmmmmm, I didnt know they did that" after watching a segment or two. They weren't taught either.
It's too bad Beck doesn't have time for basic Math and English too…..the teacher's unions would seize up because they would have to answer questions that kids would then have…questions the teachers are ill equipped to handle, or not able to answer because Union rules don't allow it.
Glenn Beck is doing the job that progressive Americans WONT do. I just wonder how long he will remain on the air….hell, I actually wonder how long he will remain alive. He represents the biggest threat to progressives everywhere….Vince Foster comes to mind… He is great. Simple truth trumps elaborate falsehoods every time.
At least he took off the unbuttoned trenchcoat.
Put 10 people in a room and there will always be one who says "No" without even asking a question. Disagreement is expected once in awhile. Under that premise of the 18% of Americans who consider themselves "Progressives" perhaps half fall into that aforementioned category.
Concur with you on Beck.
And if you folks missed Dwight Schultz filling in for Jerry Doyle over the last couple of weeks then you have missed some truly outstanding work. Dude is TOP SHELF too.
good information, something for Beck to fine tune
I agree I do get a little nervous when Beck does that as well but I do think Republicans need to go back to their basic roots and vote for conservative issues. Shamesty and Cap and Tax are not conservative issues. Lindsey Graham from SC and John McCain from AZ are two perfect examples of GOPers that need to be sent home and replaced with more conservative republicans.
Glenn has said TIME AND TIME AGAIN he does not support a third party. I prefer to stay independent, simply because our founders never intended the vote to be based upon a party or ideology, but on who was best as a candidate.
Well written, Mr. Snyder.
What a refreshing essay to read. Liberal in the old fashion sense, with a small "l." I love Rand, Paine, Beck, btw.
I think Chambers was right in his critique of Rand — she is so insightful, and brilliant and then can be so idiotic, especially when she writes about art.
I'm off to find Witness and learn about Chambers – I am especially interested in your comment that Chambers' book gave Reagan insight as to why people are attracted to communism.
People like Rand don't understand that all knowledge and wisdom is because of God and His creative mind, giving us the ability to reason and construct our own opinions, and grace to believe or disbelieve in Him. Free will is the greatest gift of God to His creation.
As the old saying goes, "To err is human. To really foul things up takes a liberal!"
I just pray Glenn doesn't step on any land mines the liberals set for him.
What else do you expect them to do? Admit Beck is right?
Some Missy are going through the kind of denial usually found when people grieve over the loss of loved ones. We've used the sledgehammers to loosen the grip on fantasy. Many of the useful idiots are lost for good. I am guilty of a lack of tolerance for their stupidity too.
But. If you know an useful idiot in denial….as they say "use sugar."
Not to disagree but "the truth is the best disinfectant" you will win many more allies by being brutally honest…
Again, no disrespect to you.
The important thing to remember is that Ayn Rand had the nuts and bolts of Capitalism right, however her personal views on the divine were abysmal. God most certainly exists, and is very clear throughout history in how He chooses to make His presence known. Unfortunately, too few people understand this, and live their lives without fulfillment.
Beck, while LDS, and myself, while Christian, can agree in principle upon God's grace and sovereignty over all of His creation, and the overriding responsibility that we all have to future generations.
What about her encouraging you and your family to sexual excess in service to the cause?
Could you tolerate her demand that you trade your wife for her if she felt it most appropriate?
Schultz the actor…?
I'd take Glenn quicker than 95% of the crap that comes out of TV told to be truth.
Trust but verify…
This is Chamber's review: http://www.orthodoxytoday.org/articles2/ChambersA...
When it comes to it, Rand and Objectivism are the banal fiction version of L. Ron Hubbard and Scientology – it is just another cult based on the trite pontifications of fictional characters, used to promote the author's own sexual appetite.
In this respect, it is the significantly inferior execution of the concept.
Harrison Ford, after a drunk driving bust.
I agree. Give him Greta's slot.
BZ……………"trite pontifications"
you've put into words what I have FELT about Rand since I wadded thru Atlas..
Thanks..
What I don't get about Beck, he brings up Ayn Rand all the time, then he goes back to being a witch doctor and pushing mysticism.
He puts out some good information, I just wish people would stop trying to push fairy tales on us.
New mac? Screw 'im–enjoy your weekend, FC.
I am so glad the author cleared this up as I was thinking the same thing of Chambers. He did some good for America. I like Glenn Beck very much and appreciate his actions; but it's good to hear someone who can shed further light on what he is accomplishing.
Thank you.
Way back when I wrote a "voiceover" for The Fountainhead in the old style of movie previews. Unfortunately I lost my copy in a computer crash, and the archives of the list I posted it to are long gone. I wish I could recreate it, but I did in a burst of inspiration, and I doubt I could fully recapture the scorn I heaped on a movie about a man who refused to take on contract work because he was too good to work to spec, whored out the woman he loved in exchange for fame, then committed manslaughter because he trusted the wrong person with his IP.
Beck does himself a major disservice, as do the Big sites, every time they refer to Rand to advance their positions.
Wish there were more gutsy people like him. He researches and lays out the facts he has accumulated in an organized manner.
All the MSM can do is discredit him but they do not do so with fact checks that repudiate his information. They do so with smears and innuendo.
I have bought several books on our founding fathers after listening to Beck and I hope others do the same. His show has been an educational process for me.
I agree. I used to like Bill O'Reilly but I think he has gone soft over the years and can't believe how much more liberal he has become.
Being a fellow Later Day Saint I can tell you that when he gets emotional its because he is feeling the Spirit of God and that Ladies and Gentlemen normally happens when the TRUTH is being spoken !!!!!!!
You Rock Glenn and I love the new book!!!!
Although I agree with Rand on many things, I find the Cult of Rand a bit disturbing. Younger Randians seem to extol Atheism over Rand's overall philosophy of individual liberty and are often hostile to those of faith, especially Christians. This is odd to me because Rand grew up in a secular tyranny. Yet, on the web, Randians often troll around looking to start a contentious fight with Christians, and their surety that they are the logical, enlightened class mirrors that of the Leftist elite. I often wonder what Rand herself would have thought about her worshipers, being one who so despised demagoguery and tyranny. Would Rand have been a 9/11 truther like so many of her devoted following today? Would she have voted for Ron or Rand Paul? Or would she have thought Ronald Reagan a better leader? In any event, a Libertarian would be far better for this country than a Leftist by any standard. And the enemy of my enemy is my friend.
BZ
My Progressive daughter, who is otherwise very sensible, asked me "where is your copy of Atlas?"…I replied …"YOU, want to read that? You won't like it"…"Eventhough it's not required?" "YUP" was the answer..
Now she's locked and loaded for the next month with my "two pound paper weight"…
Good luck, Sam!!
I agree. I don't count Beck's disparagement of Chambers against him because I don't believe he has all the information on him. One of his staffers probably gave him the quote without any context. It would be good, though, as I said at the end of the piece, if he would do a program on Chambers and the message he gave to America. It is still relevant.
It's so great to read how we all interpret things. I agree with what you said. But, what I got from her writing was an evolution of a philosophy , more importantly, WHY and HOW did she get there. Didn't come out of thin air. I don't agree with a lot of her points on objectivism. It's always bugged me that ATLAS SHRUGGED got all the press and that's all people read.
We The Living: the beginning, commie collectivism
The Fountainhead: A 180 degree turn on the above,individualism over-the-top? yep!
Atlas Shrugged: What could happen when the inmates take over the asylum
For me, it was the process that was fascinating and often scary.
Would she have been a Truther?
If it got her laid.
Would she vote for the Paul pere et fils?
If it got her laid.
Would she like Reagan?
Only because he hated communists.
As for enemies of enemies, I addressed that once before. It appears as both an Arab and Chinese saying. Oddly, no Arab state nor the PRC seem to ever forget that we are also their enemy, or at least rival for world leader, no matter how many mutual enemies we help them against. It is a lie, meant to place allies of convenience at ease until such time as they feel secure in turning their attention back to them. Benjamin Franklin warned what happens to those who try to trade for temporary security.
lol Bill is in it for the ratings. Not that I blame him since it's the business, but the spin doesn't stop here. The spin spins O'Reilly way.
In my opinion, Witness is the best book of the twentieth century. I encourage everyone to read it. I teach a course on it and students love it.
Maybe you should have her watch the last 5 minutes of the South Park episode "Chickenlover" first: http://www.southparkstudios.com/episodes/103603
Jump to 20:18-20:40 for the relevant portion.
I forget who originally pointed this out to me, but Ayn Rand was always a secular Leftist at heart — but she had seen the horrors of Soviet Russia first-hand, and could never bring herself to support any form of collectivism; her books are one long, perhaps misguided attempt to convince her fellow secular Leftists that if they really wanted social and economic justice, capitalism was the way to go.
Everyone should be thanking God forGlenn Beck…he is the antidote to the scum in the WH! The left are the most hateful and intolerant of all keeping their useful idiots misinformed…knowledge is power and they hate anyone that exposes their lies the most of all!
Rand's philosophy should be seen as the opposite side of the coin to Marx's. The problem with both, and the reason why they are both fundamentally incompatible with America is because they both hinge on a strong Atheistic view. Also, they both hold extremely idealistic views-that is, they both see the world as it 'could be' in their own perfect vision, but of course this is not reality. Rand sees a world where everyone is selfish, thereby eliminating the need of altruism. Marx sees a world where everyone is altruistic, thereby eliminating the need for selfishness. Most people you talk to will fall somewhere in between these two.
I do want to address this point though: "He said that materialism, whether from the Right or the Left, leads to dictatorship of some kind. He sensed in Rand’s book a tone of “I’m right, and no disagreement is allowed.”" It sounds like Chambers made up his mind while reading the book and never once questioned his own critique. The tone of "I'm right" comes from an individual's right to believe what he/she wants to believe-whether somebody else likes it or not. You can tell someone who is 'wrong' that they are wrong, but you cannot force them to believe it. Ironic that he would make such a nearsighted a comment about totalitarianism in this regard. Freedom applies to the metaphysical just as much as it does the physical-thought control is no different than physical slavery.
I agree….I love Glenn Beck….If he makes a mistake, it's just that, a mistake, it wasn't him
trying to mislead anyone….He will correct his mistakes if he finds out he made one…..
GO Glenn…..You are doing the country a great service!!!
I am soooo with you Shiori. Atheists USE her. I like to ponder on why she proclaimed to be an atheist. Well, try to reconcile the tenets of most religions, faith, belief, lots of stuff that can't be proven with objectivism. Does't work too well, does it? I think objectivism became her religion. I bet she would find stuff wrong with Reagan and Paul. Remember "the perfect man" Roark…ya…right.
Whatever one thinks about her philosophy, she did a great service to this country when communism was becoming very popular. Made people think about all the lovely things they promise…
Glenn Beck is a dangerous person to liberals. He is a recovering alcoholic and a child to a mother who committed suicide. He should be dependent on government to support him, which is what the liberals prefer. Instead he has emerged as a critical voice against dependence on the federal government and what such dependence brings upon society. Rock on Glenn.
I like Glenn about 98% of the time. I hate his professor act and at least he has toned that down otherwise there isn't much I disagree with him on. I wish do more on illegal immigration and expose not only our lame gooberment but the major businesses that cater to the employment of illegals.
and the red phone hasn't rung once…hmmm…
I wish more of the congressional members would have joined his re-founders…I think he got a total of 3 or 4…sad that more won't grow a spine and take a stand!!
I concur. At times, Beck drives me crazy with his sarcasm and theatrics but his intent and humility is without question.
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I began my personal journey back to my Conservative roots about five years ago. At the age of 57, I returned to college to major in history, only to find that the Marxist professors had taken over the system and history was no longer being taught. I don't need a degree because my only interest is learning the truth as nearly as possible. Good and bad. Beck has been a wellspring for my personal growth, and David Barton has become my cherished mentor on the pathway to my freedom.
those damn chalkboards drive me crazy, or maybe it's the camera men's lack of ability to know
when to zoom in. Even if it was scripted, Beck is such a spaz he probably couldn't slow down
his delivery to coincide with the camera shot.
I always wondered about that. You know how clever Matt and Trey are. Why did they have a total idiot like Barbrady say that? If they actually believed that, wouldn't they have the smart one, Kyle, say it? ??That's why I love that show!
You have to consider the entire episode in context.
It is about teaching Barbrady, and everyone else, of the importance of reading. When the first thing he is given to read is something as atrocious as Atlas Shrugged, how else should he respond? Embrace it because he is a total idiot? Or reject it because he has been empowered to read, and thus think and learn for himself?
I KNOW I have heard Glenn casually mention some type of independent party. The Tea Party movement is changing the R party back to it's original platform that it adopted in 1854–keeping America a Republic. It will take several elections to do this, if we don't collapse first.
We do not register party affiliation and our primaries in VA are open. I am however and will stay a Conservative Republican. I would NEV ER vote for a Democrat. Independents rarely if ever win elections.
I think that's why I am more of a Rush fan. I do learn a lot from Glenn but I didn't appreciate the way he dumped on the 912 site last summer. He could have hired more people and let us keep that venue so we can "vent" our frustrations. That was a bad move IMO.
Sometimes he looks at the wrong camera too. But none of that bothers me at all. I'm more interested in what he has to say.
I agree with you about Ayn Rand. I feel like I'm one of about ten Conservatives in the world that think she's not much better than the Progressives she attacked in Atlas Shrugged. Having said that, I've read Witness and I'm not sure that Whittaker Chambers is the guy I want to tie my wagon to either. His story is powerful, but I came away from it asking if he would have recognized the evils of Communism had his friends not been killed in the Great Purge brought on by Josef Stalin. When I answered my own question, I decided that he probably would have continued to sell out this country, and that notion does not make him a patriot in my book. As for Beck, I was very excited about his show until I realized who his heros are. My excitement has greatly diminished.
Changing someone's ideology is a slow and arduous process. In reality, the work in changing belongs only to the one changing: they have to recognize that what they believe might be wrong, and they have to have the courage to their beliefs in order to change.
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I have all but lost my 27-year old daughter to the far left ideology. She announced the other day that she was a socialist and was looking forward to the fall of our nation as a superpower. It was all I could do to contain my vast array of emotions, mostly relating to anger. This is the little girl I raised to love her country, who was turned around by six years of college under the constant barrage and re-education from Marxist college professors. And now, she's a young woman who has a useless advanced degree in a social science major, Global Studies, that she can only use to indoctrinate (educate) others.
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All I have is my truth to sustain me.
Yeah, it's one of those idiots for sure. Yep, I'm just chillin' out today–reading a novel and watching movies.
Ditto that. I can't STAND to even listen to Lindsey ( that name alone is effeminate for a guy IMO) Grahmnesty is a traitor and a sell out. McCain isn't much better. I wish we would've had Sarah run as Prez. in 2008. If Amnesty is passed, we are toast in terms of a fair election. Fire all Rinos.
The BP Funds=SEIU campaign slush fund for 2010.
How are the elections looking in your neck of the woods Goo? Any hope out there for November??
We are stuck with our stooopid Senators Webb and Warner for another election cycle yet.
O'Reilly has his good points, but he seems to bend over backwards to rationalize the "other side" sometimes, sounding more like he's making excuses for Obama and the Dems, et al. I want to barf sometimes when he gets on those devil's advocate tares.
I agree with you. Though, I'll say, that at least Atlas Shrugged is a novel, and is recognized as such, and used as a tool as such. Marx's writings, on the other hand, are incoherent ramblings that usually end in racism. In short, he sounds like a crazy eugenics enthusiast. His writings have been selectively used and censored to push varying agendas all over the world. Atlas Shrugged on the other hand (and Ayn Rand in general) was trashed when it was published, and can hardly be pointed to as the basis of any government around the world. Having said that, neither philosophy is compatible with America.
And Sons of Bitches, I might add (pardon my French).
Lol!
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