Deseret News | 'The leader we need is you,' Beck tells 17,000 at BYU

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'The leader we need is you,' Beck tells 17,000 at BYU

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What a swell guy! | 5:00 p.m. July 1, 2008

On the October 22 edition of his nationally syndicated radio program, host Glenn Beck stated, "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." Beck continued: "There are a few people that hate America. But I don't think the Democrats are those. I think there are those posing as Democrats that are like that." Beck's comment came as forest fires ravaged parts of California, leaving one person dead, four firefighters wounded, and forcing about 1,500 people from their homes.

Another neocon cult hero | 5:33 p.m. July 1, 2008

Glenn Beck referred to survivors of Hurricane Katrina who remained in New Orleans as "scumbags." Also, after acknowledging that nobody "in their right mind is going to say this out loud," Beck attacked victims of the disaster in general and the families of victims of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, saying: "I didn't think I could hate victims faster than the 9-11 victims."

Anonymous | 5:36 p.m. July 1, 2008

WOW someone sure has vendetta against Beck and other conservative voices.

Yet gives a free pass to all the liberal voices.

Sounds more like it is about politics than truth or right or wrong.

If you so concerned (as you claim) about hatred and truth,

Shouldn't you be giving equal treatment to liberals?

Politics!

And Hypocrisy!

Comments continue below

what a wonderful threesome! | 5:40 p.m. July 1, 2008

Glenn Beck.
Rush Limbaugh.
Ann Coulter.
Now there's a wonderful threesome of hate-spewing neocons that any red-blooded American from Utah can easily rally behind.

great people | 6:00 p.m. July 1, 2008

My personal favorite of that wonderful, beautiful, compassionate man, Glenn Beck is when he referred to Cindy Sheehan as "a slut."

I love conservatives!

Greatest, sweetest people on earth!

awesomeron | 6:04 p.m. July 1, 2008

Now I would not read The Deseret News if it did not have a Discussion Board. Action and interaction it the Order of the day. This Board is what is known as a Flame Board. Meaning you posts get discarded or toasted. You have to learn to paint between the lines and even then sometimes you fail. If you want to be offended go to Salt Lake Topix. If you have a difference of Opinion you are bound to offend someone. Beck offends a lot of people my self included but he is Real and I listen every day. He also gives us Joy and makes us laugh. One thing I learned from Rush was that Conservatism had nothing to do with skin pigmentation. Dr. Laura thought me Abortion is Murder. I disagree with her mightily about Divorced People with kids not getting married. But I am not going to stop listening to her over 1 issue. 20 years ago two young Elders came and knocked on my door. I let them in and I listened. We are all works in progress. Joseph Smith listened to Gods answer to his question and we are all more Blessed.

The "inviting" Glenn Beck | 6:13 p.m. July 1, 2008

Glenn Beck's bio says that "his on air presence is both commanding and inviting." Well. "Inviting" except for all the people he hates. That's right, boys and girls: we've got a hater! According to Media Matters, Glenn has referred to the New Orleans survivors as "scumbags" and has said he "hates" the families of victims of 9/11. Ouch, Glenn.

Ernest T. Bass | 6:36 p.m. July 1, 2008

People like Beck, Limbaugh, Hannity and Colter are never objective yet most of you act as if they are.
Repugs have been in the White House for 20 of the last 28 years yet they act as if neoCONS have all the answers.
The country is literally falling apart, all due to neoCON's policies and you guys just go along with it because you neoCONS aren't smart enough to see how badly Bush & Co. have failed this once great nation.

Glenn Beck a hater? | 6:43 p.m. July 1, 2008

Come on! Oldest trick in the book, take something he said out of context and blow it up! Go back and read the transcripts and you will plainly see that he called the people who were looting and shooting at cops scumbags! He also criticised the mayor who left town and didn't even send the busses around to pick up victims! By the way, how come the people in N.O. sat on their rears and waited for the government to come in and help them while other victims in Mississipi got off their butts and helped themselves! You liberals lie alot!

Liberals | 7:38 p.m. July 1, 2008

First law of liberalism: If anyone disagrees with you call them a hater! Never discuss the merits of an issue honestly, just attack the other person with insults and name calling. Take what people say out of context and lie, lie lie. The end justifies the means.

Second law of liberalism: If you don't like the truth, just reinvent it. Redefine everything.

Third law of liberalism: Get people in the lower economic classes to hate everyone else. After all, people who succeeded in life did it by cheating, not by hard work and being inovative and creative. If someone has one more dollar than you, they got it at your expense! We must therefore punish anyone who gets ahead in this country. Tax the "rich"

Fourth Law of liberalism: Anything goes. Nothing is either wrong or right. Religion is mind control and if a person professes faith, they are idiots and need to be re-educated. It depends on what "is" is.

Wow.... | 8:28 p.m. July 1, 2008

this area of speaking is new then huh?........NOT....Sounds like a typical common sense speech, given by Motivational Speakers all over the globe...

Anonymous | 8:40 p.m. July 1, 2008

Pretty cool talk

Dear Ernest T. Bass | 9:08 p.m. July 1, 2008

They are no achievable because too many politicians are not smart enough to look past their own political bias and remember that they were voted to represent the needs of the people, not their own needs.

Beck on Jesus and Hitler | 9:55 p.m. July 1, 2008

BECK: I think Jesus Christ and Hitler had a lot in common, and that was they could both look you in the eye and say, ï¿½I`ve got an answer for you, follow me.ï¿½

Anonymous | 10:48 p.m. July 1, 2008

I think the liberal media greatly misunderstands Glenn Beck. He is not a Sean Hannity or a Rush Limbaugh. He is not a shill for the Republican Party but to me a good common sense conservative.

His speech was awesome and inspiring! He is right, WE THE PEOPLE, are the solution to our problems, not Washington. There is hope and "All is Well."

I challenge all liberals and or left leaning people to find this broadcast on KBYU and actually listen to his words rather than taking Al Franken's or Jon Stewart's or Keith Olberman's position on the man. Really listen to what he says. He wants to bring America together. He believes in America and the American people. He is man of great humility (a bit of an ego as well I must concede but he's in Talk Radio) at one level, more so then many of the individuals I've mentioned, Right or Left.

But again, it would take some effort for liberals (and one dictionary definition for liberal is "open minded"), so in the good spirit of the word "liberal", find this speech (or even a full length broadcast of his radio show), then judge the man...

Betsy | 10:51 p.m. July 1, 2008

I am both amazed and apalled that people would take offense at the idea that the people of America is what makes this country special. I am also stunned by the hypocrisy of those having hissy fits that Glenn Beck stepped foot on BYU's campus. So did Harry Reid those same people are mute. I can't imagine why ? I believe America is special. Why because I believe the words of the Book of Mormon that teach that. The more pride the greater fall that will happen. America can choose to be humbled or be compelled to. Regardless of who the next President is I believe it will bring America to its knees. About the founding fathers the Doctrine and Covenants teaches these men were raised up by God. As for the founding fathers regardless of what faith they were then. They are Latter Day Saints now.

Anonymous | 11:02 p.m. July 1, 2008

Conservative voices have never claimed to be objective.

They have point view which they believe is correct.

The exact same as liberal voices.

By complaing about conservatives voices and yet ignoring the hate and vitriol of liberal voices,

Is that objective?

My two cents... | 11:06 p.m. July 1, 2008

Maybe Beck is wrong, we are a country in TROUBLE, just reading these blogs, left and right, are enough to make one sick. We are a deeply divided country (and even State) and perhaps beyond hope.

I love the guy up there that says BYU students don't have high IQ's. Great thinking and reasoning going on buddy. So you know, the average ACT score of a BYU student is 27, pretty good on anyone's standards and I don't even like the place.

But that post, among many, is the reason that this country is going down the tubes. Our Founding Fathers had extreme disagreements and theories on governance, but somehow, some way they forged a new government and could compromise. Not perfectly, but generally, they attacked people's positions rather the person.

On the record, I was at the big event in question. I don't know if Beck is really a hypocrite in his personal life but I liked the speech and the message (and the message to me was hope and that WE THE PEOPLE) can effect positive change to our troubles.

Also, as a Mormon, I thought the opening prayer given by the Rabbi was beautiful!

Rep/Dem | 11:32 p.m. July 1, 2008

My plea to the people who read this is that we all study objectively and realize that there is no real difference between the two major political parties. Republicans are Pro-Life and yet for 6 years they controlled the White House and both houses of the Congress. Did they ever overturn Roe vs. Wade?

Also the Democrats have had 2 years of supremacy in the House and Senate to stop funding the Police Action in Iraq and bring the troops home as they pledged, yet they have done no such thing. They continue to fund and therefore support the Iraq Police action.

Can we not see that polarizing ourselves to one political party does nothing but blind us? We stop looking at things objectively and start playing favorites.

We need to support the Constitution of the united States of America. If we read and understand this document we can then vote and support people who will not violate our rights.

Vegas Mormon | 11:49 p.m. July 1, 2008

The pursuit of who is right, not what, is the true definition of pride. Pride destroys men and countries.

Using negative and inflammatory tactics to assasinate the character of any individual who is intent on making things better, the evidence of which is a well crafted speech which is the result of untold hours of genuine investment, not only diminishes the person you attack, but the spirit and truth of the message.

We are all blessed with discerning spirits that are uniquely qualified to feel and extract the truth of any principle, regardless of who says it, or how it is said... even if it is improperly presented.

The spirit of truth rarely stays in a contentious evironment. It usually allows instead, this recurring lesson: blowing out your neighbor's candle certainly makes yours appear brighter, but it makes the world a darker place.

Until we redirect our purposes from seeking who is wrong to a unified assembly to clarify what is right through unanimous agreement, we will continue to diminish our collective social capacity to determine what the truth really is, no matter who it is that says it.

No man owns or has independent rights to the truth.

Ridgerunner | 2:17 a.m. July 2, 2008

Good news seems to be bad news to others. I wonder why? If someone is optimistic about our country, there seems to be no shortage of people who will say, it ain't so, things are terrible and it is all (fill in the blank's) fault. I prefer to live my life looking for the positive, because positive thinking has always brought me positive results and visa versa. Thanks for the uplifting, encouraging aritcle. For the rest of you, I am sorry your life is so terrible!

Anonymous | 9:23 a.m. July 2, 2008

Beck optimistic of our country?
You've got to be kidding?
Neocons act as if the end is near and have been doing that for decades.
Who is ridgerunner trying to fool?

Ted | 10:01 a.m. July 2, 2008

How is Beck intent on making things better? All he does is spout off the same old neocon rhetoric about how the rich are rich because they earned it and deserve to be, and the poor and marginalized in society are that way because they are lazy and deserve to be poor and marginalized. It is all about blaming the victims! People's lives are ruined because rich and powerful members of society make greedy decisions that exploit others, and all Beck can do to make it "better" is to say we need fewer Government programs (that give people a chance), and more big oil, big corporations, and more religiously based fanaticism and bigotry!

What a freak show this guy is! What a sorry example of what neocons are all about! He is a poster child for everything BAD about neocon thinking!

@ Anon 9:23 | 10:04 a.m. July 2, 2008

I have to agree, I listened to Glenn Beck, but all I heard was how awful things were and how the U.S. was going to die a slow horrible death. So much so that I quit listening to him. Then he comes here and it's suddenly sunshine, lollipops and rainbows. Even his own website comments about hios doom and gloom commentary on the front page! Not what I would call an optimist. Maybe if so many people in Utah and especially Utah County listen to this guy, it might answer the question of anti-depressant usage numbers in Utah being so high.

Chuck Kremke | 10:25 a.m. July 2, 2008

I can't believe so many people don't know what a neo-con is and refer to any conservative as one. I suppose they need an insult word and accuracy doesn't matter.
By the way, I don't post anonymously.

Twists stories like Limbaugh | 11:12 a.m. July 2, 2008

First time I listened to Glenn Beck was on CNN, on his show. He was talking about some missing Egyptian students. The way he made fun of their names, the place they come from, portraying them as some camel riding terrorists shocked me so much that I havenï¿½t missed a show of his since. I know he kept on saying, ï¿½I am not saying that they ARE terroristsï¿½ but the way he twisted the whole story to favor the terrorist theory made it clear what his objectives were.

Poster-boy Beck | 11:20 a.m. July 2, 2008

Glenn Beck is a poster-boy for the modern American conservative movement and their backwards, backwoods redneck ideology.
No wonder the movement is all but dead.
This is 2008 - not 1950.

Embarrassing to LDS folk | 11:26 a.m. July 2, 2008

On Glenn Beckï¿½s show, he just interviewed the author of a book which claims that university professors are ï¿½brainwashingï¿½ students because the majority of professors (some 80% of them) identify themselves as liberal. Thatï¿½s an interesting leap in logic (itï¿½s interesting how, if the most educated people in the country tend to be liberal, some people blame education rather than wondering if thereï¿½s something to this whole ï¿½liberalï¿½ idea), but hereï¿½s the kicker: Mr. Beck spent 5 minutes assailing them for not giving both sides of every story. And then, when he interviewed the author, his idea of an interview question was ï¿½You are so smartï¿½ and ï¿½How did you get such a big brainï¿½ (Iï¿½m not kidding; he actually said these things). Isnï¿½t Mr. Beck at least obligated to make even a token attempt to present the other side of this argument, after just having spent five straight minutes ranting about how professors are all brainwashers because they donï¿½t present both sides of every story?

sixpacktr | 11:28 a.m. July 2, 2008

The libs are the enemies of this country, as treasonous as any that have lived in the world. They have put us in danger of being completely brought to our knees by our external enemies because of their absolute hatred for this land. Why do they stay? They have seen all of their stupid little social experiments fail in Europe, but still they cling to their delusions.

Glen Beck rocks. He is in a unique position to spread the teachings of the church (food storage, chastity, the divine origin and purpose of this country, etc) in a way that is unavailable to any of us. Perhaps he is one of the 'elders' the Joseph spoke about saving the Constitution when it hangs by a thread. If it isn't a thread yet, it can't be more than twine right now!

Anonymous | 11:28 a.m. July 2, 2008

I have heard Glenn Beck say some of the most hateful things I've ever heard anyone say about someone else when he refers to Barack Obama. How can he say he's a good christian, living by the gospel and say the things he says about his fellow man? To me he is nothing but an alcoholic whose only reason for hating senator Obama is that he's a racist.

Like a barstool loudmouth | 11:29 a.m. July 2, 2008

While Beck political spiel falls in line with the armies of right-wing talk hosts who infest the American AM dial, heï¿½s best known in talk radio circles for routinely making outrageous and psychopathic offhand remarks and discussing world issues in a rather cheeky jingoistic manner. A reformed alcoholic, Beck is reminiscent of a barstool loudmouth with a mean streak. However, instead of just being a tavern nuisance, Glenn Beck is broadcasting to a national audience. And now, the once respected cable news giant CNN has seen fit to add Beckï¿½s flip sophomoric hyperbole to their prime time line-up.

LL Cool K | 11:35 a.m. July 2, 2008

sixpacktr,

You deserve Beck and Beck deserves you.

Take your fanatic religious hate speech and go somewhere where it will be appreciated--like North Korea, or the Taliban!

lowest common denominator | 11:43 a.m. July 2, 2008

Limbaugh/Beck
Beck/Limbaugh
Same thing.
Both appeal to the lowest common denominator in our society.

Anonymous | 11:56 a.m. July 2, 2008

Such bickering. Not very helpful to anyone. I agree with Beck that we all need to stand up and do something. We need to wake up the sleeping giant - namely the "Silent Majority". The majority of people in this country are god-fearing, conservative and sick and tired all the garbage that is going on in this country, but still somewhat silent. So good for Beck in calling us out. It's time to step up and do something, let our voice be heard. And stop criticizing each other and judging each other.

Do as I say mentality | 12:07 p.m. July 2, 2008

Nonsense!
Beck is one more far-righter with political ambitions and a willingness to cram the conservative's authoritarian ideology down everyone's throats.
The do as I say mentality is wearing thinner and thinner as we get closer and closer to November.

Vegas Mormon | 2:19 p.m. July 2, 2008

The rate of venom production in a venomous snake is determined by how often it uses it. When usage increases, production increases proportionally... But it has to use whatever it makes.

So it is with mankind's use of negative energetic communication. Each time a person uses negativity to enforce their perspective, they are forcing those within earshot to accommodate and internally reconcile the negative energy. Since we are selfish by nature, we usually find a way to do our part in the resultant chain reaction by spewing the learned venom, coupled by additional negativity we throw in with it, on any non-threatening object capable of expressing the counterfeit reaction that appears to alleviate the burden.

Doomsayers are good at this, but even better at creating the magnetism of, and profiting from listening ears. Yes, I have heard and been sickened by Glenn Beck's employment of these tactics. Notwithstanding, he got this one right, nearly to perfection.

Those of you who are inclined to reject and perceptionally corrupt valid messages that are designed for, and capable of healing broken hearts and minds, simply because you have developed a predjudice against the presenter, are depriving yourselves from receiving its unique empowerment.

Daniel | 4:07 p.m. July 2, 2008

Vegas Mormon,

That you, Oh mighty one, for such a poetic, patronizing, arrogant, and foolish little speech.

Negative energy? What are you, Deepak Chopra? You have attained to the higher level of existence and now you wish to impart your wonderful wisdom to us low-lifes?

I suppose you did NOT condemn and reject Bill Clinton's message simply because he was not faithful in his marriage relationship, even though his marital fidelity has nothing to do with his leadership abilities or his vision for political change?! I suppose you just overlook Thomas Jefferson's philandering because he has such a good message about liberty, huh?

Only a fool fails to consider the source of a message. Are you such a fool?

Beck's message is corrupt and bigoted because Beck as a human being is corrupt and bigoted. He is a hatemonger and exploits people's fanaticism to make a buck. There is nothing honorable or decent about such a person, and his messages are insincere as a result.

Anonymous | 4:12 p.m. July 2, 2008

Beck is typical of the far-right.
To the ultra-conservatives it's:
"The world is going to [bleep] in a handbasket and here is what you must do - vote Republican!"
A propagandist by any other name ...

Anonymous | 4:33 p.m. July 2, 2008

Why are some people so jealous hearted and envious of other people. When I heard Glenn Beck talk I at first thought he was too opinionated and my husband voiced the same. Then I started to really listen what he was saying and I starting thinking. I like this guy, I like what he stands for he should be a mormon and then found out later he was and is. He is a very special individual and would do a lot of people a world of good to quit critizing and giving their radicals opinions and being motor mouths them selfs> Stop! Listen you might feel something you never felt before and you might enjoy his conversations and you might be a better person for it. Our God uses people like Glenn Beck because he is intelligent and understand the ways of the world but hasn't gone the ways of the world becasue there is a better place to be. It is a shame that so many people are so stubborn and think they know it all and are to shallow to learn and to admit they are wrong. I am LDS also and I appreciate his concerns. GO!

Barblynn21@yahoo.com | 4:44 p.m. July 2, 2008

Of course Glenn Beck was not paid for talking at this event at BYU. If you would do just a little bit of research you would realize the LDS church is the ONLY church on the face of this earth that is NOT a paid ministry. This men dedicate their lives to serving ou Father In Heaven and do not ask for money as everyone else in the world seems to do. Every thing some one does thinks they need to be paid for it. Get back to the basic's as to why we are here in the first place. "Where did you come from?" "Why are you here on earth?" "Where are you going when you die?" Find these questions out and you will finally not be wondering aimlessly thru this life but will have finally found the purpose of life. Thank you Glenn Beck for being strong and speaking up and defending our right as people of American and of this universe. I hope you are close by when all this comes down because you are a great leader and I hope to be in your company when the going gets rough. I mean every word.

Anonymous | 4:59 p.m. July 2, 2008

Dear moderator:

You really need implement a registration system rather that allowing one person to rant on and on in post after post under different name after differnet name.

He even has converstions with himself.

Just look at the last twenty posts.

Any one with brain can see they are all from one source.

Get a registration system, please!

Barbara Larson | 5:10 p.m. July 2, 2008

Beck you are surely an inspiration to many of us. I admit when I first heard you, my husband and I both said that you were egotistical and didn't pay much attention to you. Then I started haring what you were saying and now enjoy your comments. Why are some so jealous and stubborn?? You talk over some of us heads and they decide they don't like you because you are such an intelligent person. ADMIT IT PEOPLE!!! Some of you are so aimlessly wondering thru this life and until you can grasp, "Where did you come from?", Why are you here?","Where are going when you die?" you will not have the slightest idea what wonderful people like Glenn Beck is saying. Like he says its not about the oil, the money, the home, the land, or anything else accept yourself. Be true to yourself and the one that counts the most(GOD). We need leaders like Beck and I hope when the going gets rougher and it will, I hope Glenn is close by because I will be honored to be in association with him.The integrity, and leadership this man will have for the human race.

now they want censorship | 5:15 p.m. July 2, 2008

Conservatives are indeed in deep trouble.
They can blast away at liberals like their new folk hero Glen Beck does all day long, but when the spotlight is turned back on themselves they whine to the moderator for censorship.
Can't wait until November to put these sad, deluded neocons into mothballs - until next election.

Lucifer sang at this event | 5:23 p.m. July 2, 2008

Coolness!! A gentle reminder to get to the temple this month, y'all.

Re: Barbara Larson | 5:43 p.m. July 2, 2008

Glenn Beck attacked victims of the disaster in general and the families of victims of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, saying: "I didn't think I could hate victims faster than the 9-11 victims."

And THIS is the type of person Barbara Larson wants "to be in association with."

She'd most likely WORSHIP Rush Limbaugh and Ann Coulter then.

Beck not MY hero | 5:47 p.m. July 2, 2008

Right-wing blowhard Glenn Beck didn't make any friends in Southern California recently. Media Matters caught him in flagrante delicto on his talk radio show, declaring, "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."

No thanks Barbara Larson. This kind of slime is not MY hero.

Hal | 6:58 p.m. July 2, 2008

Barbara,

What planet are YOU living on? If I didn't know better (and maybe I don't), I would think you consider Beck one of the Apostles or something!

Dude has had some severe brain damage from all that drinking! It is a known fact that the part of the brain that is damaged from alcoholism is also the part that facilitates social conscience. Beck lacks the sense of a person with a social conscience. In that way, he is most closely related to sociopaths who are out of touch with reality and social norms. Isn't that obvious?

Vegas Mormon | 11:49 p.m. July 2, 2008

Daniel,

It appears I have offended you. I apologize. I re-read my post and can see why it could be misunderstood, and it was.

Simply put, there is good in everyone and you will find, good or bad, what you are looking for. If you want to associate the sin with the sinner, that is your choice and I will not condemn you for it.

Since my own sins will keep me out of heaven to the same magnitude yours will, I don't feel inclined to suggest that yours are any worse than mine have been and will continue to be.

I admire your passion and obvious socio-intellectual gift, so I wish you would use it in a manner that would elicit positive exposure of my weaknesses. I choose to feel for the good in your intent, albeit difficult, as it appears that you have little intention of making friends (I realize that I could be wrong).

One thing you may wish to consider is that all of us, including myself, you, Glenn Beck and Bill Clinton are equally dependant upon our Savior's intervention.

Anyway, for what it is worth, I didn't intend to appear any holier than you are.

a good crier | 7:07 a.m. July 3, 2008

Glenn Beck is just one more far-right propagandist joining the ranks of those other neocons: Limbaugh, Hannity, Coulter, all writing books that bash liberals and duping the lowest common denominator of our society.
His claim to fame is that he can cry on cue - which pleases this culture immensely.

Daniel | 9:54 a.m. July 3, 2008

Vegas Mormon,

You claim not to intend to appear any holier than others, but the funny thing about self-righteous people is that they are truly blind to their own hubris! Others can see it as clear as day (even in your response), but you cannot see it yourself. That is why self-righteous arrogance is so dangerous, because it is fundamentally self-deceiving.

And everyone can clearly see how blinded by his own arrogance and judgmental self-righteousness Beck is! I mean, really, look at that picture! What a pathetic display! What a big ACT (yes, crying on cue). He is a performer, not a leader. He is an actor, not an intelligent, thoughtful person. He thrives on stirring people up in their own self-conceit and righteous indignation, but only tears apart society by so doing. He is obviously divisive, hateful, bigoted, and arrogant.

Having said all that, I do appreciate your attempt at reconciliation.

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