Glenn Beck rallies patriots nationwide

by lounsbury | August 25, 2009 at 07:12 am

1249 views | 22 Recommendations | 42 comments

Once upon a time in the United States of America we understood the role of federal government. At the time that the Constitution was ratified there were two camps: the federalist and the anti-federalists. The difference of opinion was about the role of the federal government and how expansive it's power would be.

The federalists wanted a fiscally sound and strong nationalistic government, where the anti-federalists believed that the central governing authority of a nation should be equal or inferior to, but not having more power than, state governments. The disagreement was about how large and powerful that our federal government should become.

Eventually the nation began to splinter over this core disagreement until the north (the federalists) and the south (the anti-federalists) could no longer settle their disagreements by settling them politically. A stalemate had developed along clear battle lines that evenly divided the nation between north and south, coincidentally (not really) it mirrored the list of slave and free states. Although a moral issue, slavery was more importantly (politically) an issue of state sovereignty to use the lingo of the day.

After the matter had been settled by war the United States were no longer really united. The south had been defeated and was powerless to continue with their belief in self determination (as free states), and soon to follow were post Civil War reconstruction Amendments that would later be used to expand the role, power and authority of the federal government even farther. Specifically the 14th Amendment has been used to cite federal authority in local matters whenever the issue of civil liberties became the topic. In an ironic twist of fate, it was a northern state that was attempting to infringe on the rights of Jehovas Witnesses who were handing out religious tracks. Several such cases landed on the doorstep of the Supreme Court and a precedent was set that expanded the post Civil War reconstruction amendment (the 14th Amendment) to reach into local (state) matters because the offender of the individual civil liberties was the state itself.

From this starting point the slow and steady march away from the concept of state sovereignty had begun, and another "good cause" was not far off in the future as the 17th Amendment delivered the death blow to anti-federalism.

The 17th Amendment was ratified to address deadlocks in some legislatures and accusations of bribery, corruption, and suspicious dealings in some elections. Nine bribery cases were brought before the Senate between 1866 and 1906, and 45 deadlocks occurred in 20 states between 1891 and 1905, resulting in numerous delays in seating Senators. The fix was to change the selection of Senators from state assemblies, to direct election by the people. The effect was the death knell of the power of states in our federal government.

Lost in this mix of historical happenstance and bloodshed was the idea of what the United States was supposed to be... The "United States" of America. It is simple and fundamental to who and what America is, that it is actually difficult to explain to folks who are historically ignorant of the chain of events described earlier, that brought us to where we are right now.

The problem with how we evolved in a nation controlled by a federal behemoth is that after the good causes had been served and satisfied, government did what government does best... it serves itself, expands itself and solidifies it's power base.

Fast forward to the present Administration and we see a form of government that is so far from who and what we are as a nation, that an interesting thing has happened that the Obamaphiles pushing an American version of national socialism don't know how to deal with...

America, Americans, have rediscovered the country we once were and are looking at where we are and are not happy at what they see. Most of them don't know the aforementioned historical context for why they feel the way they do, but they know that things have gotten out of control.

Glenn Beck recently started tapping into this political phenomena and his army of followers is swelling to proportions that have liberals in particular shaking in their boots. They don't know what to make of these peasants with pitch forks, so they call them names such as "racists" and "extremists". This week the Glenn Beck show is addressing this specific issue as it explores what Beck is calling "Reasonable questions for unreasonable times" which you can read here:

http://www.glennbeck.com/content/articles/article/198/29631/

To my conservative readers I suggest that you stop for a moment and begin to address how this applies to you too. For example since WWII we have not gone to war ONCE by a declaration of war by Congress. To you too I suggest that you examine "good causes" that have caused us to drift from our baseline of national existence, and pull out your scalpel and get to work performing a little self surgery.

If America, the America we were founded as, is to survive Obama's brand of national socialism in this country (some call Obamanuism), we will need to fire up we the people who listen to Glenn Beck, attend Tea Parties, go to Town Hall meetings and write blogs all over the internet. The Democrats and Republicans who refuse to look in the mirror and see who and what their beloved really have become, are for now lost. But we the actual majority of this nation, the 37% of Independents who Democrats and Republicans suck up to every time they want our vote, are in a place in our nation's history to slap our brethren awake and to re-invent America into the "United States" of America.

Issues such as health care reform are completely within the lanes of the states that we live in. Issues such as interrogating prisoners plucked foreign battlefields should be addressed by asking our government a simple question: "Where is your Constitutional declaration of war?" The issue of national debt is the cancer that consumes us, and feeding the behemoth, no matter how good the cause, is no more productive than it is to feed cancer with nutrients. It just doesn't make any sense, does it?

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Susan Marie Kovalinsky

at 07:26 on August 25th, 2009

Although my views are not in tune with your own, this is very well written and researched. Very original and scholarly, and I enjoyed reading it. You critisize and analyze extremely well.

Karen Hatter

at 07:38 on August 25th, 2009

Also at NowPublic :

The Politics of Fear

lounsbury

at 08:15 on August 25th, 2009

What are you afraid of Karen?

Karen Hatter

at 09:41 on August 25th, 2009

Lounsbury, the link to the article entitled Politics of Fear refers to the tactics being used by conservative Republicans and Right Wing elements in the United States as their response to being voted out of power.

lounsbury

at 10:03 on August 25th, 2009

I agree that the Democrats were EXTREMELY effective in preaching fear and hatred against President Bush. It was amazing to behold! They guy wasn't even runnng for President and they managed to capitalize on it. FYI and speaking of being voted out of power... Obama is nose diving in the polls and experts are already predicting a historic sweep in 2010 as America tosses out up to 25 Democrats from office. When the balance of power wings back to Republican will you still be of the opinion that Democrats shouldn't use fear as a tactic and that they should just agree with Republicans because they hold a majority?

In this article I proposed that a new wave of Americanism is on fire across this land. Glenn Beck has simply discovered what already exists... the American people want the Constitutional Republic back, and whoever stands in thier way is going to get run over. Because Democrats are in power and are being brazen (as you have shown us), they are the ones feeling the majority of the wrath of we the people.

Karen Hatter

at 12:00 on August 25th, 2009

The Republican Party and the Right Wing, day by day, have been/are engaging in ever increasing xenophobic, paranoia behavior, the likes of which have been unparalleled in recent memory.

lounsbury

at 12:18 on August 25th, 2009

By "xenophobic, paranoia behavior" what do you mean? Is it anything similar to the lunatic left screaming blood for oil for 8 years? Or do you just hate another voice than the ones you agree with that you are labelling "xenophobic and paranoid".

Edoc (not verified)

at 07:47 on August 25th, 2009

Translation of this article: Obama won the election! Waaaaah! Where were you prior to 2008? I'm quite certain you weren't organizing tea-parties then. When a Republican massively expands the federal govt, the federal debt, tanks the economy and starts global wars. But when a Democrat has the White House, suddenly it's a call-to-arms. Obama wants to improve healthcare, it's time for all true patriots to flood the streets with torches and pitchforks (and firearms, of course)!You should educate yourself on the term socialism. If you think it means a large government and high taxes, you're about as smart as lunatic crybaby Glenn Beck, who is unqualified to pontificate on any subject pertaining to government and economics.

Albert Milliron

at 12:30 on August 25th, 2009

Have you read Pres Obamas own books? If one is intellectually honest, one would read his own words of socialist ideology. It is clear for all to see. Since it is is own words, it is hard to twist.

lounsbury

at 13:24 on August 25th, 2009

What Obama says and does are two entirely different things. I love listening to him speak! He makes me feel good and gives me the impression that all is well. But then again so did my ex-wife, and then I found out what was really going on... she was having an affair. Say and do are different things.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uDTluWDUBEY

Your thoughts on Obama's words?

Karl Gotthardt - albertacowpoke

at 14:51 on August 25th, 2009

Talk is cheap - Whiskey costs money:)

lounsbury

at 08:07 on August 25th, 2009

Does this article need translation? What language do you speak, I would be glad to find a linguist to assist you if need a translator.

Sarcasm aside thanks but I wrote that article mostly off the top of my head and it was a result of a lot of research, personal research.

In regards to you false claim that I only take issue with the left... did you read the article or did you just read the headline and comment?

lounsbury

at 08:24 on August 25th, 2009

That was not true, in fact dripping with hatred and personally insulting. Do you have anything intelligent to say about what I actually wrote? Or did you stop by just to insult me?

lounsbury

at 08:41 on August 25th, 2009

Actually Beck is growing in popularity DESPITE the silly attempts to shut him up. So I take it that you can't intelligently address what I wrote and just stopped by to hate Glenn.

The headline is: "Glen Beck's Popularity Skyrockets After Leftist Campaign Against Him", I hope you enjoy the article!

SweetPea79

at 13:45 on August 26th, 2009

as they say any publicity is good publicity.

all this media, has just pushed him into the lime light. if thats good or bad, i think there is enough discussion in the thread to debate that.

roger l. (not verified)

at 08:40 on August 25th, 2009

Try to imagine someone arguing a point by referencing Michael Moore and maybe you'll understand why some people feel the way they do about you and your post, lounsbury.Elections have consequences. We sat through 8 long years of this country torturing and putting up with a President who lied about the domestic terror threat level for political purposes and approved warrantless wiretaps on our own citizens, among other things.I'm pretty sure you can make it through at least 4. Hey now, would you look at that? Rush has been on for 45 minutes. Better run..

lounsbury

at 08:46 on August 25th, 2009

I remember the 8 year long temper tantrum, how could I forget that?

The difference is that although Bush was a very poor example of the type of leader I wrote about (true Constitutionalist), Obama is in a league of his own. Obama is the quite possibly the death knell to democracy as we knew it in America. However if Beck and Moore got together, perhaps we could rally the troops and save her before she sinks.

Albert Milliron

at 12:34 on August 25th, 2009

Thanks. I am tired of the left saying where were we in the last 8 years. How many years did the left control congress in those 8 years? What did you all do about the power grabs. Guess what? Many on the right spoke about Bush, you were not reading or interested because the left was getting its daily talking points from Moveon.org and Media Matters.

The_Cynic

at 14:44 on August 25th, 2009

Another right-wing nut.

*sigh*

lounsbury

at 14:46 on August 25th, 2009

Excuse me? I'm neither right wing, nor a "nut"

The_Cynic

at 15:26 on August 25th, 2009

From what you spout above - you're both.

lounsbury

at 16:13 on August 25th, 2009

Mighty shallow and judgmental of you, you must be a liberal. It's probably why I don't have as much issues with conservatives... they are always polite to people with whom they disagree. Telling the truth isn't rudeness (e.g. pointing out that a person is a conservative or liberal with facts), being rude is.

lounsbury

at 16:11 on August 25th, 2009

You should watch his show this week.

lounsbury

at 16:58 on August 25th, 2009

Beck's questions today were:

Are you hateful if you ask:
• 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?

Is that crazy?

Hateful?

Paranoid?

Delusional?

Or are they valid questions?

Those are the questions that Beck asked. So far all I have seen from most of you (liberals) have been smoke screens and straw men.

Here's a novel concept...

Just answer the questions or explain to us all how and why they aren't valid, rational questions.

GANGE

at 18:17 on August 25th, 2009

We need not forget ~ That some of our colleagues have been assigned to be here.

You can hear some of their voices here among us everyday. They are on a mission... Their own mission to instigate hatred, conflict, discord to disrupt the process and ultimately to destroy Democratic process.

You might ask... Why would they do that?

The Answer is.... Because, A Democracy is not a "Republic".

lounsbury

at 18:21 on August 25th, 2009

What does it mean that "some of our colleagues have been assigned to be here"?

GANGE

at 18:49 on August 25th, 2009

It is like everything in life... you either understand it or you don't.

lounsbury

at 19:04 on August 25th, 2009

Well if I understand it, you believe that folks here are like political operatives?

Rory Cripps

at 19:36 on August 25th, 2009

lounsbury: Do you actually believe, in your heart of hearts, that people like Glen Beck have the right to say the things that they say? A lot of people think that guys like Beck are screaming "fire" in a crowded room . . . . I don't agree with Beck on many points, however, I will defend his right to say whatever he want's to say. And I will defend the right of all those, who oppose what Beck says, to say whatever they want about Beck.

It's obvious that there are all too many people in America, today, that are only willing to stand up in defense of the first amendment to the U.S. Constitution only if what they hear conforms to their ideology.

They came for the Communists, and I didn't object - For I wasn't a Communist;
They came for the Socialists, and I didn't object - For I wasn't a Socialist;
They came for the labor leaders, and I didn't object - For I wasn't a labor leader;
They came for the Jews, and I didn't object - For I wasn't a Jew;
Then they came for me - And there was no one left to object.

- Martin Niemoller, German Protestant Pastor, 1892-1984

The American political pendulum swings both ways--and it's swinging farther and farther in each direction. If it does happen to swing far to the right, because President Obama and his policies are overwhelmingly rejected in the 2012 election, those on the left, that are now gung-ho in their attempt to stifle free-speech are going to get paid back in kind--big time.

I'm an independent and impartial observer here . . .I have no axe to grind or ideology to espouse. I'm just calling it like I see it.

GANGE

at 21:58 on August 25th, 2009

36 COMPANIES LEAVE GLENN BECK

"ColorofChange.org: 36 companies have now dropped ads from Beck August 24, 2009 6:26 pm ET by Media Matters staff From an August 24 ColorofChange.org press release: Facing increased pressure..."
http://current.com/items/90776331_36-companies-leave-glenn-beck.htm
" VOTED / TOO OVER CAFFEINATED FOR NETWORK TELEVISION !!! "