Beck speaks at UVU

OREM — Americans can make a difference, conservative radio and television talk show host Glenn Beck told an audience at Utah Valley University on Saturday.

Beck, whose speech was sponsored by the Utah Valley Chapter of the Brigham Young University Management Society, devoted parts of his speech to the nation's economic crisis and the upcoming election.

He said some people call him crazy but the world and its leaders "have come unhinged."

"When you look at both of these candidates for president, you say, 'really?'" Beck said.

As for the nation's financial situation, Beck cited bad choices in the mortgage industry by both borrowers and lenders.

"With all the negativity surrounding us," he said, "there is not a shortage of money in the banks; there is a shortage of trust."

Part of the solution, Beck said, is to have faith in God.

"In the Civil War the United States began putting 'In God We Trust' on our coins; our trust is in God," he said. Beck predicted some type of big event is going to happen to the United States, although he didn't know exactly what it would be.

"For two years I have been saying something wicked this way comes," he said.

But he cautioned not to fear but trust in God.

Beck compared to the financial crisis to his struggle with being a former alcoholic.

"Eventually I got it. We're going to survive. We're going to pull ourselves back up and survive and thrive. First we have to admit we have a problem, then we have to make different choices," he said.

Beck also criticized the government's $700 billion bailout plan.

"It's like curing cancer with cancer. it's not a good idea and it's not going to work," he said.

The problem with America was that it has become a nation of consumers.

"We're addicted to spending," he said. Also Saturday night, Beck became the first recipient of the BYU Management Society's Pioneer in Leadership Award, recognizing those who exemplify the pioneer spirit of courage and leadership in times of adversity.

---

E-mail: rhardy@desnews.com