This summer I had an opportunity to read some books, mostly (OK all) fiction and all political thrillers. Some were good, some were not so good, but I’ll give you the skinny on all three. I’ll try not to give too much away is a give my opinion and give my supporting case.
The Overton Window: By Glenn Beck—This book follows a PR agent, and an aging FBI agent on two different story lines that never really come together as they try to stop a major terrorist attack on the US. It is filled with political diatribes that pretty much give Glenn’s point of view on the world minus religion (see other Glenn Beck posts). The book was long and since I was already aware of most of his political views it tended to drag on. It was an easy read but very anti-climatic. The story had some suspense; however the character development didn’t really happen. The book does keep you guessing (mostly because there is no character development). My Rating: Three out of five stars. It was ok; I wouldn’t recommend this to friends who disagree with Glenn Beck, or to any thriller fans.
The Last Patriot: By Brad Thor: Wow! This book is probably the best political thriller I have read to date. The plot is essentially a mix of “National Treasure” and “The Da Vinci Code”. It follows several characters, an FBI agent, a former Secret Service agent (Scot Harvath) and a former Black Ops agent turned Muslim extremist. They all end up looking for the same book/manuscript, “Muhameds final Revelation” which would change the way Muslims view their faith and traditions. Lots of action and twists, enough back story to each character so that you understand how they got to where they are. There was a healthy dose of history (twisted at some points) to make the book seem more real. The ending gave me chills. My Rating: Five out of Five stars. I recommend this book to everyone.
The Apostle: By Brad Thor: This book wasn’t quite as good as The Last Patriot. The Plot was much more direct. A major presidential campaign contributors daughter is captured so, with the help of the president, she recruits Scot Harvath to go to the middle east to break out a captured terrorist to exchange for her daughter. (per the demands of the kidnapers). There is a secondary plot that I found more intriguing involving the President and the death of his former campaign manager. My Rating: Seven of Ten stars. A good book, but I would recommend “Lone Survivor” by Marcus Luttrell as a much better book on Middle Eastern combat/intrigue.
There you have it folks, those are the three books I read this summer. My current reading schedule dabbles in more non-fiction, as I am currently reading D-Day by Steven Ambrose, and I also have Founding Faith on my future read list. I am also going to be reading “Lions of Lucerne” by Brad Thor (Yes, The Last Patriot was that good).
Much Love,
Ryan
Showing posts with label Glenn Beck. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Glenn Beck. Show all posts
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
Thursday, September 2, 2010
Goodbye Glenn
I first stumbled across the Glenn Beck program in the summer of 2006, it was still airing on CNN Headline News and Glenn covered a wide range of topics from politics to pop-culture. I have followed* Glenn for the past four years and have agreed with him (for the most part) for the last four years. After the recent 8/28 rally, however, I have realized it is now time to say “Goodbye” to Glenn Beck.
One of my earliest memories of Glenn were those of him grilling a pedophile that had recently been arrested. While the authorities could not prove the pedophile did anything to children the guy had a website where he graphically detailed what he would like to do to them. Glenn grilled this guy; he put him up against a wall so everyone could see how dumb and sick this he was. I remember the pedophile was hiding behind the first amendment, saying that he could write whatever he wanted to about whoever he wanted to. Glenn asked him something to the extent of “So, would it be ok if I graphically described ways I was gong to murder you? Would it be ok if I had a website dedicated to killing you would that be ok?” The pedophile immediately backed down, and even looked a little scarred, he had no response, he said something like “Well at some point I would get law enforcement involved”. BOOM! He was pinned to the wall, and Glenn from that point on had my attention.
His show was a mix of politics and pop-culture, the “Fusion of entertainment and enlightenment” is how his radio show describes it. He would often talk about politics, global warming, and socialism etc. much as he does today, however every Friday he would interview a famous person, usually in the entertainment business. Glenn interviewed one of the stars from Penn and Teller, and “The Motor City Madman” Ted Nugent among others. My favorite interview was when Glenn interviewed Jeff Foxworthy, I guess it stuck out to me because they both loved their families dearly, and it came out in there interview. They both authentically talked about their kids and wives, and although there was a lot of laughing they spoke very respectfully and lovingly about their families. This again was another reason I chose to watch listen and read about Glenn Beck.
Glenn’s politics have always been something I enjoyed and probably the main reason I followed him for so long. He was always for personal responsibility and against big government. He believed (and still believes) that by lowing taxes you can stimulate the economy and that the private sector does most things better than the government. He almost always tries to do the right thing, even when it is hard. Most recently, in the case of Shirley Sherrod, a member of the NAACP was accused of making racist remarks in a speech given several years ago. Glenn stood up for her and said that she should not have been fired, he said that we should hear the whole story before we start making rash decisions. It was later revealed that the tape had been doctored. Glenn (as well as I) have very differing views on political philosophy than Ms. Sherrod, so for him to stand up for here said a lot about his character. The fact that I agree with Glenn politically and the fact that Glenn tries to be a man of character are probably the main reasons I have followed him for so long.
Early 2007 I discovered, through Wikipedia, that Glenn Beck was a Mormon. I was surprised, and didn’t know how to take it at first. Glenn had mentioned his faith from time to time but he never went in depth. During the early years I could care less what Glenn believed, he didn’t talk about it that much and it wasn’t like he was trying to convert people to Mormonism. I let it slide, and tuned him out when he spoke of theological issues. Lately, however, Glenn’s answer to all of our countries problems has been turning to god, which I agree with (assuming it is the Christian God and Jesus Christ). Glenn however has just used “god” in a very general sense, implying that he doesn’t care if you turn to the Jewish god, the Islamic god, the Mormon’s god, or the Christian God. He seems to think that they are all essentially the same thing and America needs to get back to it. This I have a problem with, because my God is above ALL other god’s, and if it doesn’t matter what god you turn to then it denies my God because if it doesn’t matter what god you turn to then it essentially states that all god’s are equally powerful, which is false. Glenn recently illustrated these universalist beliefs at his 8/28 rally where he had religious leaders from all faiths pray together.
Why does Glenn want people to get back to God? I believe that he authentically wants to unite the country. While I do believe that the country should unite, and that a united country would be better for everyone I also believe that doing this is secondary to believing in the one true God. As Glenn has put what god you believe in as secondary to living in a united country I believe he has put country over God. This is something I disagree with whole heartedly, and because this has become a central theme in his show I can no longer in good concience continue to follow his show.
I will miss Glenn’s sarcastic humor, and his viewpoints on politics and current events. I may even check in on him from time to time. I will definitely pray for him and his family that they may come to know the one true God. It is with a heavy heart that I am saying “Goodbye Glenn Beck”.
Much Love,
Ryan
*Follow in the sense of watching his TV show/reading his articles/listening to his radio program, NOT in the sense of following him as a religious or political leader.
One of my earliest memories of Glenn were those of him grilling a pedophile that had recently been arrested. While the authorities could not prove the pedophile did anything to children the guy had a website where he graphically detailed what he would like to do to them. Glenn grilled this guy; he put him up against a wall so everyone could see how dumb and sick this he was. I remember the pedophile was hiding behind the first amendment, saying that he could write whatever he wanted to about whoever he wanted to. Glenn asked him something to the extent of “So, would it be ok if I graphically described ways I was gong to murder you? Would it be ok if I had a website dedicated to killing you would that be ok?” The pedophile immediately backed down, and even looked a little scarred, he had no response, he said something like “Well at some point I would get law enforcement involved”. BOOM! He was pinned to the wall, and Glenn from that point on had my attention.
His show was a mix of politics and pop-culture, the “Fusion of entertainment and enlightenment” is how his radio show describes it. He would often talk about politics, global warming, and socialism etc. much as he does today, however every Friday he would interview a famous person, usually in the entertainment business. Glenn interviewed one of the stars from Penn and Teller, and “The Motor City Madman” Ted Nugent among others. My favorite interview was when Glenn interviewed Jeff Foxworthy, I guess it stuck out to me because they both loved their families dearly, and it came out in there interview. They both authentically talked about their kids and wives, and although there was a lot of laughing they spoke very respectfully and lovingly about their families. This again was another reason I chose to watch listen and read about Glenn Beck.
Glenn’s politics have always been something I enjoyed and probably the main reason I followed him for so long. He was always for personal responsibility and against big government. He believed (and still believes) that by lowing taxes you can stimulate the economy and that the private sector does most things better than the government. He almost always tries to do the right thing, even when it is hard. Most recently, in the case of Shirley Sherrod, a member of the NAACP was accused of making racist remarks in a speech given several years ago. Glenn stood up for her and said that she should not have been fired, he said that we should hear the whole story before we start making rash decisions. It was later revealed that the tape had been doctored. Glenn (as well as I) have very differing views on political philosophy than Ms. Sherrod, so for him to stand up for here said a lot about his character. The fact that I agree with Glenn politically and the fact that Glenn tries to be a man of character are probably the main reasons I have followed him for so long.
Early 2007 I discovered, through Wikipedia, that Glenn Beck was a Mormon. I was surprised, and didn’t know how to take it at first. Glenn had mentioned his faith from time to time but he never went in depth. During the early years I could care less what Glenn believed, he didn’t talk about it that much and it wasn’t like he was trying to convert people to Mormonism. I let it slide, and tuned him out when he spoke of theological issues. Lately, however, Glenn’s answer to all of our countries problems has been turning to god, which I agree with (assuming it is the Christian God and Jesus Christ). Glenn however has just used “god” in a very general sense, implying that he doesn’t care if you turn to the Jewish god, the Islamic god, the Mormon’s god, or the Christian God. He seems to think that they are all essentially the same thing and America needs to get back to it. This I have a problem with, because my God is above ALL other god’s, and if it doesn’t matter what god you turn to then it denies my God because if it doesn’t matter what god you turn to then it essentially states that all god’s are equally powerful, which is false. Glenn recently illustrated these universalist beliefs at his 8/28 rally where he had religious leaders from all faiths pray together.
Why does Glenn want people to get back to God? I believe that he authentically wants to unite the country. While I do believe that the country should unite, and that a united country would be better for everyone I also believe that doing this is secondary to believing in the one true God. As Glenn has put what god you believe in as secondary to living in a united country I believe he has put country over God. This is something I disagree with whole heartedly, and because this has become a central theme in his show I can no longer in good concience continue to follow his show.
I will miss Glenn’s sarcastic humor, and his viewpoints on politics and current events. I may even check in on him from time to time. I will definitely pray for him and his family that they may come to know the one true God. It is with a heavy heart that I am saying “Goodbye Glenn Beck”.
Much Love,
Ryan
*Follow in the sense of watching his TV show/reading his articles/listening to his radio program, NOT in the sense of following him as a religious or political leader.
Thursday, August 26, 2010
An Opinion on an Opinion Concerning Glenn Beck
This morning CNN.COM posted an article by Will Bunch, titled “Glenn Beck rewrites civil rights History”. The editor’s note indicated that the author was part of Media Matters and an author of several progressivist books. Pretty much the guy is a hardcore Liberal/progressive. With that in mind I proceeded to cautiously read the article. I am a staunch conservative bordering on Libertarian in my views, (just so you know) I am also a fan of Glenn Beck.
My expectations were that Mr. Bunch would make factual arguments that Glenn has made over the past few weeks or months showing that he was revising history, or re-writing it (as the title suggests). What I was looking for as far as an argument was “Glenn bed said x, but the truth is y”. I was greatly disappointed. While he shares his opinion in several places, he never really shows that Mr. Beck is twisting or re-writing history.
Mr. Bunch does quote Dr. King once, “Famously, King lashed out at the Alabama governor -- George Wallace -- who had "his lips dripping with the words of 'interposition' and 'nullification' " -- a reference to claims by Wallace and other segregationists that states' rights trumped the power of Washington to promote integration.” Really what I think Dr. King was more concerned was the fact that Governor was twisting and misusing what interposition* was originally meant for. The declaration of Independence clearly states “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights…” The Governor of Alabama at that time clearly misused interposition, and that was what Dr. King was referring to. I think Dr. King cared more about ending segregation than states rights vs. federal rights, he simply wanted to get the job done and I don’t think he cared who did it. Even with that being said the 8/28 rally isn't even about race or Dr. King, it is about honoring our armed forces, Glenn Becks website re-inforces this.
What bothers me most about this article is that it doesn’t contain facts proving the premise true. I understand that this is an opinion piece, but I think Mr. Bunch would have been much better off titling his piece “Glenn Beck and Tea Parties Suck”. But that is my opinion, and I think unjustified phrases such as... “bending the history of 20th-century America like a Philadelphia soft pretzel.” And “Beck has led his loyal followers on a journey not just to "reclaim" civil rights but much more audaciously to rewrite the sweeping narrative arc of American history from the time of the Founding Fathers forward” proves my point.
This is my opinion of an opinion piece, I have no doubt that Mr. Bunch has a great deal more of an education that I do and is a far superior writer, but then again so does and is Mr. Beck.
Much Love,
Ryan
* Interposition, in the context of the Kentucky and Virginia Resolutions, refers to an asserted right of U.S. states to protect their individual interests from federal violation or any abridgement of states' rights deemed by those states to be dangerous or unconstitutional. In the words of the Virginia Resolution of 1798 – Wikipedia.org
My expectations were that Mr. Bunch would make factual arguments that Glenn has made over the past few weeks or months showing that he was revising history, or re-writing it (as the title suggests). What I was looking for as far as an argument was “Glenn bed said x, but the truth is y”. I was greatly disappointed. While he shares his opinion in several places, he never really shows that Mr. Beck is twisting or re-writing history.
Mr. Bunch does quote Dr. King once, “Famously, King lashed out at the Alabama governor -- George Wallace -- who had "his lips dripping with the words of 'interposition' and 'nullification' " -- a reference to claims by Wallace and other segregationists that states' rights trumped the power of Washington to promote integration.” Really what I think Dr. King was more concerned was the fact that Governor was twisting and misusing what interposition* was originally meant for. The declaration of Independence clearly states “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights…” The Governor of Alabama at that time clearly misused interposition, and that was what Dr. King was referring to. I think Dr. King cared more about ending segregation than states rights vs. federal rights, he simply wanted to get the job done and I don’t think he cared who did it. Even with that being said the 8/28 rally isn't even about race or Dr. King, it is about honoring our armed forces, Glenn Becks website re-inforces this.
What bothers me most about this article is that it doesn’t contain facts proving the premise true. I understand that this is an opinion piece, but I think Mr. Bunch would have been much better off titling his piece “Glenn Beck and Tea Parties Suck”. But that is my opinion, and I think unjustified phrases such as... “bending the history of 20th-century America like a Philadelphia soft pretzel.” And “Beck has led his loyal followers on a journey not just to "reclaim" civil rights but much more audaciously to rewrite the sweeping narrative arc of American history from the time of the Founding Fathers forward” proves my point.
This is my opinion of an opinion piece, I have no doubt that Mr. Bunch has a great deal more of an education that I do and is a far superior writer, but then again so does and is Mr. Beck.
Much Love,
Ryan
* Interposition, in the context of the Kentucky and Virginia Resolutions, refers to an asserted right of U.S. states to protect their individual interests from federal violation or any abridgement of states' rights deemed by those states to be dangerous or unconstitutional. In the words of the Virginia Resolution of 1798 – Wikipedia.org
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