The book is aptly titled. Common sense around the Beltway appears to be in uncommon short supply these days. The first few pages of Beck’s book were directed at people like me, people who work hard, do the right thing, and who are still getting royally screwed by our government. Here he’s preaching to the choir. It’s not known if anyone else who’s getting screwed by the government (like everyone else who isn’t a politician, isn’t married to a politician or is without a politician in his/her hip pocket) has read the book or is affected by it.
Unlike Barack Obama who writes like the angelic orator he is, Beck’s writing is like his speaking voice. It comes at the reader from all sides and all at once. There was so much information packed into so little space, and while it took me only an hour to read, I was thoroughly exhausted by the end of it. I then needed a cool glass of lemonade and an Olde English dictionary to tackle Thomas Paine.
The one thing worthwhile thing that I take away from his raves is that despite the direction, this is still a free country. We are free to voice our opinions even if our voices are those of dissent. In fact, we should all wake up and ask "why" – often and with gusto. We are not mindless sheep to be led down the garden path by a collection of herders with bloated law degrees.
Beck, who also does stand up comedy, might be better served to take his message to the indie screen, a la Al Gore. He would need an expert handler who can rein in the enthusiasm and channel the message to keep it on track.
Article comments
1 - Horace Mungin
Why?
2 - Baronius
I haven't heard Beck often, and I've never seen him. He seems ok, although he was awfully enthused about Romney, a fellow Mormon. I admit I have a bad impression of Beck just because people that like him also like Michael Savage, who is terrible and crazy.
3 - Dr Dreadful
'Political Punditing'. This would make a good series for BC, I think. Each one focusing on a different idiot... I mean maniac... I mean pundit. Sorry.
Don't worry, Joanne. I'm not volunteering you. The series wouldn't have to have a single author.
Wotcher all fink?
4 - Baronius
Dread, it'd be a great idea. For one thing, it would bump "On The Road To 2008" off the features list, which makes this site look antique. The topic would be pretty interesting too. Dave could write about that Jones guy, and Glenn and Obnoxious could do pro- and con- Chris Matthews articles. Sounds fun.
5 - Christine
I like Glenn Beck, he seems real and makes a lot of sense. Thanks for the insight to his book, Joanne.
6 - Baritone
Beck is naive, hysterical and not particularly bright.
BTW - Are we sure that the photo that is currently on the left below here that of Doc Watson, or could it be Dave Letterman moonlighting as a blues singer?
B
7 - Baritone
Sorry, Doc has apparently moved on.
B
8 - Joanne Huspek
Actually, I'm in the process of interviewing a local pundit, very interesting guy. I hope to have the article complete by next week.
9 - Baronius
There is a real difference between conservative talk radio hosts. This morning I tuned into Laura Ingraham's show. I normally enjoy her, but she was really angry and making over-the-line insults about Obama. We get to the commercial break, and sure enough, a voice announces that Tammy Bruce is filling in for Laura today.
I'd say that there are two camps. Limbaugh and Ingraham are reasonable. Hannity and Bruce are nuts. I don't know where Beck falls.
10 - Silas Kain
Come listen to me Thursday night on BlogTalk Radio, Baronius. I've got an agenda and the GOP ain't gonna be happy!
11 - Cindy
Silas, I want to hear your show. Is that 11:00 pm EST?
12 - Silas Kain
Yes, Ma'am. 11 PM on the East Coast, 8PM on the West. And if Bill O'Reilley's minions are reading this (as I hear they do), get ready. Bill-O is going Down-O
13 - Joanne Huspek
11 PM? Good God, I'm asleep by 8:30.
14 - Silas Kain
As they say at the local Kingdom Hall, "AWAKE!"
15 - Cindy
Good deal. I will be there.