Deseret News | Making a better Glenn Beck

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Making a better Glenn Beck

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Great Article | 4:27 p.m. Dec. 2, 2007

I loved the insight to this guy. My son turned me on to his show while attending BYU. I was skeptical since I am conservative and rarely agree with much on CNN. I can't say I agree with Glenn on everything, but I find him gutsy and thought provoking. Great article.

Be Objective | 4:40 p.m. Dec. 2, 2007

Glen Beck is only one man. He has good and bad things to say, and so do many other people. Isn't objectivity about listening to both sides of an argument, weighing the evidence and formulating reasonable, moderate conclusions?

If you're getting all of your opinions from any one radio host, newspaper, TV show or magazine you're opinions are going to be slanted in one direction and are probably based on your emotional response to the information presented, rather than drawing rational conclusions based on evidence.

This was a very uplifting article, though. I enjoyed it.

sb | 4:59 p.m. Dec. 2, 2007

Keep up the great work.

Comments continue below

Steve | 5:40 p.m. Dec. 2, 2007

Almost everytime I see someone put down Glen Beck, they say they have seen him once or twice. I hope nobody judges your character or work on one meeting. Is it possible to have a bad day?? I admire him because I listen to him. He is honest and not afraid to show his real self. And to compare him to Hannity, Rush or Ann Coulter of all people is rediculous. Maybe you should do your homework on those people. Then actually listen to Glen Beck with an open mind instead of a one interview conclusion. I don't find him to be slanted towards a party, just his heart.

Keep it up Glen!!

Stewart | 5:46 p.m. Dec. 2, 2007

Doug, good interview. It is interesting to read the blogs of the detractors. When they are of the liberal mindset and followers of the likes of Al Gore, Chris Matthews, Sean Penn, and the Hollywood celebs, it must be a form of self-torture to read articles like this. Makes one wonder why they do it. It is interesting to see the haters call someone else a hater. Glenn Beck is no hater, except to the extreme left wingers that are themselves haters, especially of America.

Anonymous | 6:03 p.m. Dec. 2, 2007

Being heard, having a voice, Freedom of speech is one of our greatest privileges. I admire Mr. Beck and his success in all of these areas. As a fan
I will continue to listen.

I love Beck | 6:10 p.m. Dec. 2, 2007

I DVR his TV show everyday, and listen to his radio show as often as I can... he is great! I also cant wait to see him live this weekend... Everyone has a team and I have picked mine.

American Hero | 6:43 p.m. Dec. 2, 2007

Glenn Beck is the best example to anyone that believes in the American Dream from dirt poor and homeless to a man that influences millions. That is the difinition of an American Hero and he is it!!!!

Dave | 6:48 p.m. Dec. 2, 2007

What sets Glenn apart from other radio/tv personalities is that he presents himself as a flawed individual seeking to improve himself and this great nation. But, it's not all about him. He values the next guy's opinion as much as his own. Beyond that, he is very informative and entertaining presenting data ignored by other media. I wish him well.

CJ Guy | 7:00 p.m. Dec. 2, 2007

Great Article! Of all the talk radio that I have ever listened to (both liberal and conservative), Glenn is by far the most honest and fair. He's a great example! GO GLENN!

A Saturday Warrior: Glenn Beck | 7:35 p.m. Dec. 2, 2007

What a great thing has happened in Glenn Beck.

Thank God for people who support traditional values like he, Rush Limbaugh, Sean Hannity, Ann Coulter who can point out the folly of the godless, ignorant, stupid, dangerous and secular progressive, and pseudo-intellectual culture represented in the some of the above anti-Glenn Beck comments.

Go Glenn! One of Saturday's Warriors!

D Hansen
Proud Mormon from Utah in NC

shecky | 7:47 p.m. Dec. 2, 2007

I can appreciate the changes Glenn Beck has made in his life. I think he's a decent guy. However, much like Limbaugh, Hannity, Coulter, Doug Right, and other radio blowhards, he has no credibility with me as regards political opinion.

Shecky
Proud Mormon from Utah

Cody B | 9:00 p.m. Dec. 2, 2007

Beck said of all the predential candidates, he agrees with Ron Paul the most. He jokes about it all the time. I for one, am definately voting for Ron Paul. Its time for a change!

Vanilla or Chochlate | 9:06 p.m. Dec. 2, 2007

Yeah D Hansen. Conservatives good - Liberals bad. There's some incisive thinking there!

Maddog | 9:23 p.m. Dec. 2, 2007

Men like Beck are so dividing in our time and society because they speak the truth. I don't always agree with him but admire him for playing straight up hardball. The politics of both parties should take note, follow your heart and not the polls and win or lose, you can look in the mirror at yourself in the morning. Beck has figured that out. Hang in there GB, keep swingin' for the bleachers...

Facts??? | 9:48 p.m. Dec. 2, 2007

The one thing that's constant in this world is that there is right and there is wrong. The trick is to find out which is which.

I'm often amused by those who claim they know the truth or the "facts", perhaps feel they are more educated. How do they know for sure?

I like talk radio because it gets me to think about things. I definitely don't believe that the hosts have all truth and often disagree with them (I consider my self a conservative independent traditionalist if there's such a thing). What I do appreciate is that they are putting it out there and are often vilified for it. I believe they are defending what they know in their hearts is right even though it will surely bring ridicule.

My way of finding truth is very personal and, in my belief, the only way to know what's really important in life. I try to base my life on this truth which helps me to determine my path, politically, socially, spiritually, and in all other ways.

beave2scoops | 10:09 p.m. Dec. 2, 2007

Hey, if "being short on facts" and a so-called "wolf in sheep's clothing" gets you a 5 year $50 million contract--sign me up! He is where he is today because the nation wants someone to cover the stories that others will not. Glenn, keep telling it the way you see it, and I'll continue to line your pockets by listening to your program!

To Vanilla and Shecky | 10:17 p.m. Dec. 2, 2007

"Beck has no credibility" with the liberal religion because liberals don't think with their heads, they only place blame, whine and promote victimhood. Beck accepts responsiblity for his past, defends tradional values and promotes individual potential---concepts distant and foreign to the liberal / religious left.
Vanilla and Shecky proved this point with thoughtless (though emotional) replies.

Former Utah resident sad to see it has been invaded by the godless and religious left.

Vanilla and Chochlate | 10:51 p.m. Dec. 2, 2007

To "Vanilla and Shecky",

You are hard to argue with since you are trapped in your own paradigm and don't even understand my point. "Emotional"...what? You make no sense. Come back to Utah. You belong here. I am not godless and I'm not on the right or left. My point is that all those hung up on the right/left divisiveness are arguing while your freedoms are being stolen out from under you by "both sides of the aisle".
Wake Up!

Bill | 10:55 p.m. Dec. 2, 2007

Beck is a right-wing extremist, low on facts. Give me Jesse Jackson and that wonderful Dennis Kucinich!

Lori | 11:11 p.m. Dec. 2, 2007

I personally cannot stand this guy, I think he is one of the rudest tv personalities out there.. and like my self a mormon.. I was always taught thou shall not judge and love one another.. well, if this is the case in your life Mr. Glen Beck then why are you so rude and hateful when it comes to Lationos and Illegals, including your comments on the border???? Lately every time I seem to turn on the tv he is on ranting and raving about this subject.. Just remember Illegal or Not they are people too and children of god also....

80 Mac | 11:20 p.m. Dec. 2, 2007

I like him, I am a fan. I agree with most of what he says, I watch his TV show and listen to his Radio show and try to support the companies that advertise on his programs. Thank God for Glenn Beck. The way I see it. If you Libs hate him. We are winning the battle. God Bless Glenn Beck.

BYU49er | 11:21 p.m. Dec. 2, 2007

Isn't it amazing that the focus of those who disagree with Glenn's positions all seem to attack him personally. When you actually listen to his program and evaluate the positions he makes a stand for, you find that he represents the Constitutional Platforms that this country was founded upon. The Founding Fathers did not create this nation without ongoing critical opposition from their constituents either. Often he talks about the direction the country is headed and away from freedoms guaranteed by the Constitution. He is a clear voice of warning among those who seek to destroy all the good this country stands for and I don't mean just the liberal left. Difference of opinion is a well founded means of growth when both sides can accept positive change that improves life both spiritually and physically. When either way impedes this change, it is morally wrong. Glenn constantly presents opinion and fact in such a way we are allowed to either accept or reject it. Least ways he presents a provocative dialog that stimulates thinking personal acceptance. Short on facts, where?

Without becoming political, he is a fresh insight on most everything we experience around us.

Thank you Glenn!!

bart II | 12:28 a.m. Dec. 3, 2007

Great Article!
Great example!
Great talk show host who keeps his facts "infinitely" straighter than any of the popular liberal demagogues (followed like sheep by several who have posted here) who are generally unconcerned about facts, and who with purpose promote lies as fact, and ridicule and defame those they cannot defeat through truth.

Brian | 7:18 a.m. Dec. 3, 2007

I am huge fan of Glenn. I watch his show whenever I get the chance. I think for him to admit to his problems like this and try to correct it is so incredibly great of him. I think it it is because of people like him that make this country great. To all those who mock or ridicule Glenn, I think you people should step back and see what he is trying to do- reunite this country. He speaks from the heart, and does what is right, which so few people do nowadays. I think if more people were like that, unafraid of political correctness, willing to do what is right, unafraid to say what you are thinking, this could be a better place. God Bless you, Glenn. Please keep up the great work.

Dan in Utah | 8:02 a.m. Dec. 3, 2007

I lived in Tampa, FL when Glen first started there. He was so hilarious that one time I thought I was going to have to pull the car over I was laughing so hard. He would use sound effects and stuff much like Stewart and Colbert do on their TV shows. Once he went national, he got sucked into all the serious issues of the day and has lost some of that humor that made him so amazing in Tampa.

rien | 8:23 a.m. Dec. 3, 2007

It's nice to see the D NEWS fixed its "most important/impertinent son" flub this time.

Thanks for a great article!

Glenn's honesty is why he is, and will continue to be, a rising media phenom. Politically, that's what people are starved for. Good for him and his success.

Beck fan | 9:51 a.m. Dec. 3, 2007

He is awesome!

Nice Article | 9:52 a.m. Dec. 3, 2007

Great article Doug Robinson. It is interesting to see what makes a person tick and their journey in this life. Beck's story is inspiring to all.

JWK | 10:02 a.m. Dec. 3, 2007

Glen Beck in an exceptional person who is more honest than any other radio host I have heard. I have listened to all of them, including the hosts of Air America, and I have found him to be superb in his comments.

I have seen the same facts used on both sides of the issue so when people say he is not factual then I want to know what facts they are using and how they spin them.

I may not agree with all things he says but that is the great thing about this country. We can say what we want. He is not a hate or war monger. I like his statement 'I'm a thinker.' That is how we all should be, thinkers.

DMK | 10:26 a.m. Dec. 3, 2007

Glen Beck in my opinion is just a watered-down version of conservative guru, Rush Limbaugh.

Another one of those "Right is right" guys that are causing so much uncivil discourse today.

Telling Comments | 10:28 a.m. Dec. 3, 2007

Wonderful, human article. It's interesting to see how much hatred and faux intellectual superiority the angry liberal commentators have when the article doesn't attack them in any way.

Maybe those posters should take a look at and acknowledge their flaws just like it appears Beck is doing.

Aron | 10:29 a.m. Dec. 3, 2007

I think that most people look at the world and life in general through a sort of mirror, meaning that every aspect of life is viewed as it includes the viewer. When presented with information from beyond this viewpoint, such as when removing personal experience from your perception of truth, it is viewed as foreign or hostile because it discounts the viewer as not a part of the viewed. Glenn (in my opinion) seems to be able to remove his OWN prejudice for a time to actually consider and/or question topics in a fundamental way. This is the lesson in much of philosophical study. Men do not affect truth, truth affects men. There are truths that are contrary to the beliefs of many men, that affect men in ways they do not even see, but can be obvious to some who are willing to search for truth beyond the experience of men. I know this sounds arrogant and I certainly do not claim to be all-knowing, but an awful lot of the previous posts seem silly in their shallowness and selfishness. Sometimes you need to look deeper into AND outside of yourself when you are disturbed by what you hear.

AmericanPatriot | 11:25 a.m. Dec. 3, 2007

I have been a listener of Glenn Beck since the beginning of his radio talk show. Admittedly, Glenn is an acquired taste- either you get him or your don't. No one should question his integrity or courage for being willing to speak out against the evils that face our country today. He may be regarded as divisive by some, but that divisiveness is targeted at those that are trying to destroy America. Thank God for Glenn Beck. He is an inspiration and proof that God lives and forgives and still sends prophets in our times. American better listen up and rise up.

L Broderick | 11:35 a.m. Dec. 3, 2007

To all of you out there that are missing the big picture. The big picture is what the gospel of Jesus Christ has done for Glenn Beck, and his family. Isn't that what is really important? He was lead to the Church of Jesus Christ of Later Day Saints. He is what he is, but he is trying to become a better person, and that is what the gospel can do to all of us. We all have opinions about his comments, and his opinions, but what does that matter. He is doing his part to improve his life, which can help us improve our lives.

Form and Style | 11:43 a.m. Dec. 3, 2007

I think we are talking about the differences in style and form.

In my opinion, I view the excitable Beck the same way I view the excitable Limbaugh.

Both a bit too manic for my tastes.

AdjustableSpanner | 11:47 a.m. Dec. 3, 2007

L. I'd say that the big picture is what Glenn Beck has done for his wallet by co-opting the gospel. Claim Jesus and I guess you can get away with any sort of blasphemy these days, at least in the eyes of men. My recollection of the New Testament is that those who loudly proclaimed their holiness on street corners were the Pharisees, and Jesus didn't think much of them.

Windbags | 11:48 a.m. Dec. 3, 2007

Glen Beck and Rush Limbaugh are windbags. I agree with them on most stuff but they are still windbags. I don't have the patience to listen to them endlessly pontificate.

Russell | 11:58 a.m. Dec. 3, 2007

Thank you, Glen Beck.

Shay | 12:46 p.m. Dec. 3, 2007

This is the same guy who asked an elected member of congress to prove to him he wasn't a terrorist. He also said "I think there is a handful of people who hate America. Unfortunately for them, a lot of them are losing their homes in a forest fire today." Yeah, he's a real swell guy.

SLC gal | 1:01 p.m. Dec. 3, 2007

Glenn, if you read this.... THANK YOU for being so real!!! THANK YOU for all the truth you expose!!!!!! THANK YOU for being an amazing representative of the church. I mean it all very sincerly. The church has far too many "oh my heck" Osmonds representing them. Seeing someone like you, not afraid to call bluff is refreshing!!!! IMO, the world needs more newscasters JUST LIKE YOU!!!! THANK YOU!!!!!!

another one | 1:23 p.m. Dec. 3, 2007

Another caustic journalist who gives Mormonism a bad name.

Ruscular | 2:45 p.m. Dec. 3, 2007

Great article. If only the rest of us would be as honest and open about our own issues, then we could deal with them.

Charles J Vorwaller | 2:52 p.m. Dec. 3, 2007

Thanks, Glenn, for providing a sensible off-set to the caustic and often hateful comments of Rush Limbaugh who is promoting a dangerous and derisive fracture in the Country by pitting "the conservatives" against "the wacky liberals". Your efforts to identify good people on both sides is refreshing and sensible. The constant barrage of hate from Limbaugh has a detrimental impact on marriages, parenting, communities, individuals -everyone! It must be stopped! You can do it Glenn!

AmericanPatriot | 3:04 p.m. Dec. 3, 2007

America - you may not like Glenn - for many reasons.

BUT - please listen to his message- We the People MUST stand together against all the wrongs being done to us. Unless we stand united, we will break apart and the demise of the UNITED States will occur. Don't think for a minute it couldn't happen.

It already is.

What? | 3:06 p.m. Dec. 3, 2007

To "Ruscular" -
Do you mean admitting you are a conservative talk-show guru addicted to OxyContin while you flop around on camera making fun of a person with an incurable disease (Michael J. Fox) is okay in your book?

Jill Brown | 3:07 p.m. Dec. 3, 2007

It's nice to have someone on our side fighting for the truth whether it is political, spiritual or events happening in our world. Thanks Glenn for all you do for all of us!! I've listened to you across the country from Memphis to Salt Lake City. We need your voice keep the words flowing!!!

Beck is for Beck | 3:30 p.m. Dec. 3, 2007

If Glen Beck was fighting for the truth he wouldn't ridicule the 911 truth movement and he wouldn't ridicule Ron Paul. Keeping the corporate bosses is the most important thing for Glen. Prove me wrong and I'll eat my hat. I much prefer Jeff Beck to Glen Beck.

Watching Beck | 3:51 p.m. Dec. 3, 2007

To "Charles J Vorwaller:

Limbaugh has no affect on me whatsoever.
He may at one time have been a voice for conservatism, but today he is a mere people-hater adored by people-haters and an obvious stooge for the GOP. It's the old divide-and-conquer game.

I'll be watching Beck closely to see if and when he too may go too far.

patnzak | 3:54 p.m. Dec. 3, 2007

Way to go Glenn. What a great example of turning one's life around and learning to listen to our Maker! Thanks for being willing to share that with the world.

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Jennifer Ackerman, Deseret Morning News

Glenn Beck's life is all about talk - the radio and TV host has made a career of sharing his opinion of the world with the world.

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Making a better Glenn Beck