OPOIEN: Beck's mind tricks hurting, not helping United States
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Ladies and gentlemen, do you want America to be a safe country for its citizens?
Hmm, I sure do.
Are you worried about the level of protection American citizens receive from the government?
I can’t say that I feel unsafe — at least, I feel about as safe as I can in this day and age. That feeling would lead me to believe that the government is doing a decent job of protecting its citizens.
But thanks to Glenn Beck’s Fox News Channel show, I now know that this belief is wrong. Luckily for me, Glenn Beck’s guests can tell me just how much the government sucks at protecting America — and then offer brilliant solutions to this problem.
One such guest is former CIA employee Michael Scheuer. He appeared on “Glenn Beck” on July 1 to discuss border security, but after a few minutes discussing that issue — including an Obama/Osama slip-up from Beck — the conversation turned to the American government’s lack of interest in protecting … America.
Huh?
According to Scheuer, “Our government elite does not care about the future of American society or our country.”
Right, OK. So what does Mr. Scheuer propose as a solution to this perilous perceived apathy?
He thinks that in order to keep America safe — in order to make the government want to protect its people — the United States needs to be the victim of another terrorist attack.
Yes, you read that correctly. Scheuer is advocating the slaughter of American citizens, executed by none other than Osama bin Laden. Maybe we should have a sign-up list for those in favor of this plan to volunteer themselves. If they believe a terrorist attack on America would make the country safer, can’t a bunch of them just get together somewhere and wave a sign in the air — something like “Hey, Osama, strike here!”
Do you think Scheuer would put his name on the list?
He does sound pretty serious about the whole thing. Here’s his proposal in his own words.
“The only chance we have as a country right now is for Osama bin Laden to deploy and detonate a major weapon in the United States … Only Osama can execute an attack, which will force Americans to demand that their government protect them effectively, consistently and with as much violence as necessary.”
Now, I would expect that, upon hearing such remarks, a great American patriot like Glenn Beck would be outraged. For an American to suggest that America could use a good terrorist attack — why, that’s practically treason! I mean, Scheuer actually said America’s only chance lies with Osama bin Laden!
You remember bin Laden, right? He was responsible for the deaths of 2,975 Americans the last time the United States suffered a terrorist attack, way back in September of 2001.
But Glenn, that sneaky scoundrel — he threw me for a loop on this one. Could it be that Glenn Beck is changing his stripes? Throughout Scheuer’s entire pitch, Beck solemnly bobbed his head in agreement.
And then he threw in this kicker: “I was thinking this weekend. If I were him, that would be the last thing I would do right now.”
Wait a second … I think I see what’s going on here. Glenn Beck is trying to Jedi mind-trick Osama bin Laden! If he says on TV that if he were Osama bin Laden, the last thing he would do would be to attack the United States because it would actually be a good thing for Americans, then when Osama bin Laden hears that, he’ll decide not to attack America, therefore keeping America safe.
But wait… That’s not right. Glenn Beck and Michael Scheuer want bin Laden to attack America, because that’s supposed to make America safer. So maybe he’s saying that to make bin Laden think that he shouldn’t attack America, knowing that bin Laden will see through the trick and proceed to attack, because —
Oh, wow. That’s making my head spin.
How about this?
Maybe, just maybe, Glenn Beck is promoting Scheuer’s idea because of his own personal agenda, not because he’s concerned about America’s safety.
On the Sept. 9, 2005 broadcast of his radio show, “The Glenn Beck Program,” Beck discussed his hatred of Hurricane Katrina survivors in New Orleans, calling them “scumbags.” This hatred surprised him because, as he said, “I didn’t think I could hate victims faster than the 9-11 victims.”
Yes, Glenn Beck hates the Sept. 11 victims. In his words, “It took me about a year to start hating the Sept. 11 victims’ families … I’m so sick of them, because they’re always complaining.”
So in 2002, Beck channeled his hatred toward 9-11 victims’ families. Three years later, he redirected his hatred toward the New Orleans Hurricane Katrina victims.
Four years after that, he’s advocating the bin Laden-induced bloodshed of American citizens in the interest of teaching the government a lesson about protection. Could it be that Beck just needs a new class of victims to hate?
Whatever the case, calling for a terrorist attack for the good of the country is far from patriotic. It’s just despicable.
- Jessie Opoien is a sophomore in pre-journalism and mass communication from Marinette, Wis.
Hmm, I sure do.
Are you worried about the level of protection American citizens receive from the government?
I can’t say that I feel unsafe — at least, I feel about as safe as I can in this day and age. That feeling would lead me to believe that the government is doing a decent job of protecting its citizens.
But thanks to Glenn Beck’s Fox News Channel show, I now know that this belief is wrong. Luckily for me, Glenn Beck’s guests can tell me just how much the government sucks at protecting America — and then offer brilliant solutions to this problem.
One such guest is former CIA employee Michael Scheuer. He appeared on “Glenn Beck” on July 1 to discuss border security, but after a few minutes discussing that issue — including an Obama/Osama slip-up from Beck — the conversation turned to the American government’s lack of interest in protecting … America.
Huh?
According to Scheuer, “Our government elite does not care about the future of American society or our country.”
Right, OK. So what does Mr. Scheuer propose as a solution to this perilous perceived apathy?
He thinks that in order to keep America safe — in order to make the government want to protect its people — the United States needs to be the victim of another terrorist attack.
Yes, you read that correctly. Scheuer is advocating the slaughter of American citizens, executed by none other than Osama bin Laden. Maybe we should have a sign-up list for those in favor of this plan to volunteer themselves. If they believe a terrorist attack on America would make the country safer, can’t a bunch of them just get together somewhere and wave a sign in the air — something like “Hey, Osama, strike here!”
Do you think Scheuer would put his name on the list?
He does sound pretty serious about the whole thing. Here’s his proposal in his own words.
“The only chance we have as a country right now is for Osama bin Laden to deploy and detonate a major weapon in the United States … Only Osama can execute an attack, which will force Americans to demand that their government protect them effectively, consistently and with as much violence as necessary.”
Now, I would expect that, upon hearing such remarks, a great American patriot like Glenn Beck would be outraged. For an American to suggest that America could use a good terrorist attack — why, that’s practically treason! I mean, Scheuer actually said America’s only chance lies with Osama bin Laden!
You remember bin Laden, right? He was responsible for the deaths of 2,975 Americans the last time the United States suffered a terrorist attack, way back in September of 2001.
But Glenn, that sneaky scoundrel — he threw me for a loop on this one. Could it be that Glenn Beck is changing his stripes? Throughout Scheuer’s entire pitch, Beck solemnly bobbed his head in agreement.
And then he threw in this kicker: “I was thinking this weekend. If I were him, that would be the last thing I would do right now.”
Wait a second … I think I see what’s going on here. Glenn Beck is trying to Jedi mind-trick Osama bin Laden! If he says on TV that if he were Osama bin Laden, the last thing he would do would be to attack the United States because it would actually be a good thing for Americans, then when Osama bin Laden hears that, he’ll decide not to attack America, therefore keeping America safe.
But wait… That’s not right. Glenn Beck and Michael Scheuer want bin Laden to attack America, because that’s supposed to make America safer. So maybe he’s saying that to make bin Laden think that he shouldn’t attack America, knowing that bin Laden will see through the trick and proceed to attack, because —
Oh, wow. That’s making my head spin.
How about this?
Maybe, just maybe, Glenn Beck is promoting Scheuer’s idea because of his own personal agenda, not because he’s concerned about America’s safety.
On the Sept. 9, 2005 broadcast of his radio show, “The Glenn Beck Program,” Beck discussed his hatred of Hurricane Katrina survivors in New Orleans, calling them “scumbags.” This hatred surprised him because, as he said, “I didn’t think I could hate victims faster than the 9-11 victims.”
Yes, Glenn Beck hates the Sept. 11 victims. In his words, “It took me about a year to start hating the Sept. 11 victims’ families … I’m so sick of them, because they’re always complaining.”
So in 2002, Beck channeled his hatred toward 9-11 victims’ families. Three years later, he redirected his hatred toward the New Orleans Hurricane Katrina victims.
Four years after that, he’s advocating the bin Laden-induced bloodshed of American citizens in the interest of teaching the government a lesson about protection. Could it be that Beck just needs a new class of victims to hate?
Whatever the case, calling for a terrorist attack for the good of the country is far from patriotic. It’s just despicable.
- Jessie Opoien is a sophomore in pre-journalism and mass communication from Marinette, Wis.
Comments
I don't understand why someone who roots against America and incites hatred against his fellow citizens could be admired by anyone.
yeah, damned shame about harry reid and dick durbin always talking down our troops and president Bush and you agreeing with them.
Yep, can't understand all that hatred-whether in context or not.
I think I saw Jon Stewart making a phony outcry about this very subject.
I doubt Jessie Opoien and Jon Stewart have even bothered to read Michael Scheuer’s books, his articles at antiwar.com, or have seen any of his other interviews. If they had, they would understand his main thesis about American foreign policy and would be able to put his remarks into context. Though I don’t watch Beck, I’m pretty sure he and Scheuer disagree on almost everything regarding American foreign policy.
(I believe the Beck show appeared on June 30th, not July 1st.)
For a clear understanding of Scheuer and his thesis, see this outstanding conversation from a Berkeley interview:
YouTube - Conversations With History - Michael Scheuer
Harry Selby: "I don't understand why someone who roots against America and incites hatred against his fellow citizens could be admired by anyone."
You mean rooting against America and inciting hatred like Reverend Wright and Bill Ayers and yet being admired by Obama? Is that the kind of America-bashing hate and hypocrisy that you were talking about, Harry? Contemptible, isn't it?
Where was your commentary on Janeane Garofalo when she called people attending tax protests "racist rednecks"?
More drivel from the future of journalism...sigh.
Interesting youtube link Brian, thanks.
...still waiting for someone to defend Beck...
You mean something like, "Garofalo accurately labels some tea baggers as racist rednecks"?
Here are examples of what some people's signs read:
"Obamanomics Monkey See Monkey Spend"
"Obama What you Talkin about Willis!"
A little racism with your tea? | KBOO Community Radio
"Obama's Plan White Slavery"
Matthew Yglesias » The Tea Party Message
"Stand Idle While Some Kenyan Tries To Destroy America? WAP!! I Don't Think So!!! Homey Don't Play Dat!"
Scenes From the DC Tea Party: More Photos! | The Washington ...
He was not advocating an attack, simply saying that we have become complacent and need a wake up call - something that is arguably true. Look, Jessie, Beck is a commentator, and free to say and host whoever he wishes. As an opinion writer, I am surprised by your outrage at someone's right to comment on society as well. Sure, you are upset about how he feels. Great - so what this column is essentially doing is simply complaining. People do not want to hear other people complain, they want to hear alternative solutions to problems. So, what is your solution? Do not simply complain about their ideas for border security - offer up your own. And, if you have a problem with people speaking from a conservative viewpoint, what is your solution to that problem - censorship? No, I doubt you have any real solutions to these problems - you just do not like people who disagree with your liberal perspectives...oh the irony.
Were Either Beck or Scheuer saying we should be or deserve to be attacked or where they saying that only another attack would wake up our government to the seriousness of the threat? Did anyone actually watch this broadcast in its entirety (I didn't) to fully understand the context or is this just more mind numbed political bantering between minions of the hardline left and right?
Oh and Janeane Garofalo? Really Harry, did she say just some???
YouTube - Jackass Janeane Garofalo, Hypocrite on Dissent: Sh...
YouTube - Janeane Garofalo declares Tea Party attendees raci...
Is it really a revolutionary statement that a show on FOX News Channel has an agenda? It is owned by Rupert Murdoch, a staunch conservative. You expect them to support our country when Democrats have the White House and both houses?
As Beck nodded in agreement, Scheuer said, "The only chance we have as a country right now is for Osama bin Laden to deploy and detonate a major weapon in the United States."
Olbermann was discussing the rallys and the racist and hateful messages people were spewing. In that context, Garofalo said, ". . . this is racism straight up. That is nothing but a bunch of teabagging rednecks."
She was wrong not to qualify her remarks by inserting "some." At least she didn't root for an attack on Americans.
Drew Magstadt: "Is it really a revolutionary statement that a show on FOX News Channel has an agenda? It is owned by Rupert Murdoch, a staunch conservative. You expect them to support our country when Democrats have the White House and both houses?"
What would be really revolutionary would be for liberals to admit the liberal agenda of all the major networks rather than rail than one lone network rejects the politically correct line that leftists demand everyone follow. Liberals simply hate free speech when it disagrees with them. Their fascist pipe dreams is total conformity of thought. Thank goodness there is a Rupert Murdoch to break that lockstep conformity of the liberal media.
I don't care much for Glenn Beck, who is merely a right wing version of Bill Maher, both of them too smug and shrill and ignorant of the issues. However, it is passing strange that Obamabots who pooh-poohed Bill Ayers terrorism are aghast at Glenn Beck, who never bombed nor wounded nor killed anybody. It's typical leftist hypocrisy.
While their point was badly made, they are quite correct to point out that Obama is relaxing our defenses while the Islamists continue their jihad against America and the world. When Carter relaxed our defenses against the Soviet Union and dismissed the threat of Communism as paranoia, the Soviets invaded Aghanistan and set off a long, tragic string of events. Now Obama is doing the same with respect to Russian and the Muslims. This will not end well. It will provoke our enemies to do us evil.
Here's one for you Steve;
I was listening to Ed Schultz-think of it as "enemy intelligence collection"- and he was PISSED! absolutely pissed, that some supposed radical right wing group from Maryland compared Obama to-gasp!- HITLER!!
Imagine comparing a president to Hitler! Wait, Schultz, Olbermann and other libs never complained and actually endorsed the idea Bush and Cheney were Hitler-esque figures, but NOW they are outraged!
Think Progress
And in true liberal fashion, they take offense at the 'name-calling' by then doing more name-calling in a much more vicious manner. i don't care, they are free to say what they want -both sides are- no matter how stupid, but for libs to get mad when they themselves called Bush "Hitler" for 6 or 8 years is the height of hypocrisy.
and so far, that "test" Biden said obama would face after 6 months of being in office is not going too well, unless apologizing and bowing to Saudi kings and bending over to tyrants like Chavez, Putin, Iranian ayatollahs, and third world tin-horn dictators is what you consider "success".
That's a matter of opinion based on the fact that most of the major networks don't tow the right-wing ideological line. Fox News is a major network. Do you disagree that they have an agenda?
One does not need to love what someone says to agree they have the freedom to say it.
Furthermore, you don't know the meaning of free speech. The government cannot abridge free speech, but we citizens are free to criticize racist and hateful speech.
Just because a person disregards the importance of Bill Ayers doesn't mean they endorse what he did. On the other hand, thank goodness there is a Rupert Murdoch to make a mountain out of nothing in order to inflame the unhinged right.
And for the record, Bill Ayers never wounded or killed anybody.
Obama has done no such thing. Typical right-wing lies.
Notice how Craig didn't provide any evidence that either Schultz or Olbermann compared Bush to Hitler. Also notice how Craig doesn't seem to have a problem with comparing Obams to Hitler. Typical hypocrisy.
Former FBI Informant Reveals Truth About Bill Ayers & We...
************************************************************************
“The FBI report on the Weather Underground states, under the title of ‘WUO Bombings and Attempted Bombings,’ that on February 16, 1970, ‘A bomb detonated at the Golden Gate Park Branch of the San Francisco Police Department killing one officer and injuring a number of other policemen.’
"Newspaper accounts at the time put the number of people wounded at nine. Riddled with shrapnel, Sgt. Brian V. McDonnell died two days later at San Francisco General Hospital. A memorial was held for him in February 2007. He was a young man with his whole life ahead of him. But to Ayers and Dohrn, he was a “pig.”
"Grathwohl reveals that Ayers himself knew how to make bombs and didn’t care about people being killed. At one point, he says, Ayers displayed a diagram of a bomb, with dynamite and a fuse. The plan was to bomb a police station but an objection was raised that it would also destroy a nearby restaurant. “We’ll blow out the Red Barn restaurant,” Grathwohl said. “Maybe even kill a few innocent customers―and most of them are black.”
Tribune Covers for Obama’s Terrorist Friends
**********************************************************************
What I found were youtube postings that I did not include. Olbermann is pretty crafty about skirting that line but not really crossing it, unlike Rep. Jim Moran (D-VA) and Rep. Keith Ellison (D-MN) who openly compare Bush to Hitler. Ed Schultz, well, he's so irrelevant I couldn't find much on him, period. I do listen to his show periodically on 1590 AM KWBG and his favorite target has been Sen. Charles Grassley as of late. But I found thousands of liberals comparing Bush to Hitler quotes.
Olbermann and Schultz say so much you really have to read the whole context to find what they are saying-if they even make sense which is rare- and I was afraid you'd get distracted harry. My main point was that liberal loudmouths are pissed about obama/hitler comparisons but no one-especially schultz and olberamann especially- did ONE THING- stop the rhetoric that compared Bush to Hitler.
In response to Grathwold's quote, Ayers said, "Never said it. Never thought it. And again, Larry Grathwohl, I don't know him today, but certainly the FBI was an organization built on lies,"
abclocal.go.com/...
Concerning the San Francisco bombing: "According to a source familiar with the probe, who spoke on condition of anonymity, investigators have found no evidence that links the Weather Underground to the bombing."
S.F. police union accuses Ayers in 1970 bombing
I would suggest not providing information from a clearly biased source like PipeLineNews.org where their caption is "The RIGHT News...RIGHT Now."
BTW, Larry Grathwohl works for a right-wing organization called America's Survival. His credibility is no better than Ayers's. Grathwohl's information and actions have been known by the FBI for decades. The FBI's infomation on the Weatherman Underground can be found here: Federal Bureau of Investigation - Freedom of Information Pri...
You found no evidence of Ed Schultz or Keith Olbermann doing so (as you falsely claimed).
WOW Jessie! You really are trying hard to sit at the "Big Kids" table for the holidays, oops I mean non-religious celebrations of genocide of the indigenous peoples, aren't you?
Here's what happens when someone with a different opinion calls in to his radio show:
[YouTube - Beck "Lose[s]" His "Min...](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGeZQrpZbjI)
What a freak!