In a Washington Post op-ed last month, Simon Greer — the president and CEO of Jewish Funds for Justice, an organization that helps people achieve social and economic security by investing in healthy neighborhoods — bluntly rebuked Glenn Beck for his war against social justice.
“Mr. Beck, you are a con man and America is not buying it,” Greer wrote. “When churches, synagogues, mosques, and other houses of worship across this country advocate for social justice, advocate for the common good, advocate for America, they, and we, walk in God’s path.”
Yesterday on his radio station, Beck responded the only way he knows how — with hyperbolic, extreme rhetoric referencing Nazi imagery. Beck said that Greer’s advocacy for the common good and social justice “leads to death camps.” “A Jew, of all people, should know that,” Beck added. “This is exactly the kind of talk that led to the death camps in Germany.” (Media Matters has the audio.)
After hearing Beck’s radical rant, Greer responded with this statement yesterday afternoon:
Glenn Beck has a history of recklessly invoking Nazi Germany and the Holocaust in order to advance his political agenda. But never before has Beck accused Jews – including survivors of the Holocaust and their children and grandchildren – of paving the way for fascism. Through his comments, Beck has demonstrated that he has no idea what leads to fascism. Jews and others, who were victims of the Holocaust, do not have the luxury of his ignorance.Mocking Beck’s Nazi obsession, Comedy Central’s Lewis Black commented, “Glenn Beck has Nazi Tourette’s.”
Beck’s reflexive hatred for government is rejected by Americans of all backgrounds, who have seen the powerful role government can play in providing us with greater freedom, security, and opportunity. I am proud of the work we do at Jewish Funds for Justice, where our belief that we are all made in the image of the divine compels us to petition private enterprise, charities, and yes, the government, to do their part to ensure our shared divinity.
And this from Media Matters:
If you wondered how long it would take Glenn Beck to make his simulation of President Obama pouring gasoline on a person look comparatively tame, the answer is about 13 months. Welcome to the meltdown. It isn't pretty.
Apparently feeling pressure from an investigation by Rep. Anthony Weiner into his promotion of Goldline and ongoing scrutiny from Media Matters and others, Beck uncorked an impressively paranoid conspiracy theory this week. According to Beck, the SEIU, AFL-CIO, Van Jones, Jim Wallis, the White House, Rep. Weiner and Media Matters are engaged in "Alinskyite" plots that seek to "destroy" him, his family, Fox News, Christianity, and the Founding Fathers.
Though all facets of this conspiracy theory are equally absurd, it's worth noting that Beck's call to "leave the families alone" rings especially hollow when viewed in light of the fact that earlier in the same radio show he suggested that Sasha and Malia Obama think "Jews are destroying the world" because they were exposed to Rev. Jeremiah Wright. Later in the week, he mocked 11-year-old Malia for several minutes on his radio show by impersonating her voice and saying things like "Daddy, why do you hate black people?" He proceeded to attack "the level" of Obama's daughters' "education." Despicable -- and entirely in character. While Beck subsequently apologized for his comments mocking Malia Obama, he has yet to address the balance of his attacks against the first family.
Earlier this week, while lauding his supposed Nostradamus-like ability to predict future atrocities, Beck suggested that his detractors merely rely on labeling him crazy, rather than factually debunking his paranoid ranting. Trying to "factually" debunk ideas like a widespread progressive effort to destroy Beck's family and the Founding Fathers is akin to trying to debunk the conspiracy theory that the world is actually controlled by shape-shifting lizard people: It is self-refuting ridiculousness.
And while the idea that nobody can refute Beck on factual issues is a good line for his viewers, it simply isn't true. Here are several examples just from this week.
Yet, Beck's factual inaccuracies pale in comparison to his recent use of violent rhetoric. Starting with his speeches at Liberty University and the National Rifle Association two weeks ago, Beck's fearmongering about impending violence from progressives has reached a fever pitch.
During a tear-soaked, unhinged commencement speech at Liberty, Beck told graduates that they "have a responsibility" to speak out, or "blood ... will be on our hands." His advice for graduates (as well as his daughter) included "shoot to kill." He also claimed that God installed an "alarm bell" in people that is telling them that "your rights are being taken." If you were wondering which rights these might be, he cleared up any confusion later that night during his speech at the NRA, when Beck agreed with Mao Zedong that "power comes from the barrel of a gun," and then asked the audience, "Why do you think they want to take yours away?"
Amazing as it may be, we have bloggers amongst us who hang on every word Beck says. That cult called Liberty University having Beck as commencement speaker, speaks volumes about the insanity coming from wingnuts these days. The things this man says in public, his inciting violence is getting worse. So you righties who believe this insane lying mother fucker has every right in our free country to spew hate, you are the ones with blood on your hands! The Beckster has it wrong, the progressives are the peaceful party just working to help America get back on her feet, his party is the violent party! Unfuckinbelievable, when I read that idiots words over and over, I'm horrified some Americans applaud him and believe him. It's like they see God playing with plastic toy soldiers and he wants us to be his soldiers and murder each other. These people are SICKOS and they are soon to be "Murders for God". That will be their defence, God told them to do it.....
33 comments:
I have yet to see where any legislation is set to "take the guns away", yet this continues to be the mantra of the right.
As for rights being taken away... I still have to ask the same question over and over...... Where were you when Shrub was taking away the rights of American's by disappearing them in the name of terror... sending them to Jordan and Syria where they could be tortured and some killed... all because they were doing something they objected too...
Where were you when he said the Constitution was just a "damn piece of paper" and then he wiped his butt and feet on it and did away with Habeaus Corpus and had to be reigned in by the same Conservative Supreme Court that gave him the presidency.
I could go on and on but why, the righties won't listen... and you all know what I mean....lol
Thanks Sue for keeping us updated... I can't tolerate listening to or even seeing that punch me face Bleck...
I find it amazing that people find Beck entertaining, let alone believe the things he says. It speaks volumes for the intellectual and moral level of fans. I guess it is OK to advocate violence as long as it is against those you hate -- or are told to hate.
Hi Annette and Jerry,
I can't stomach a Beck show either but caught a glimpse of his "Founding Fathers" show the other day. Some here, and we know their names, love Beck and quote him often. It boggles my mind too. Just goes to show you the truth to the statement, liberals have more brains then conservatives. Good 'ole common sense too!
So how does all of this end in mass murder?
That part was a little murky...
damn I hate that a smarty pants rightie had to point that out cuz I have been looking at it all day thinking it was a bit much. Then again, with Beck inciting violent rhetoric in the NRA speech you never can tell who might be listening and pull another Oklahoma City stunt. You know those rightwing nuts are listening to Beck and God.....
It's OK Sue. Blogger's license. I often invoke it myself. ;)
Beck said that Greer’s advocacy for the common good and social justice “leads to death camps.” “A Jew, of all people, should know that,” Beck added. “This is exactly the kind of talk that led to the death camps in Germany.”
Well, yes, of course, because that's what the Nazis were best known for -- their advocacy of social justice. That's why they murdered all those millions of people and started the biggest war in history. Because they were into social justice.
Well, why not, when we've already had it explained that if we stop lunch counters from discriminating against black people, the result will inevitably be Stalinist totalitarianism.
It is kind of hard to logically refute this stuff. Logic can only be used to address things that make at least some tiny bit of sense.
I have been looking at it all day thinking it was a bit much.
Sue, I wouldn't worry about it. If Glenn Beck has been saying that social justice will lead to mass murder, how can he complain if you say that Glenn Beck will lead to mass murder?
Seriously, the way the man has been whipping up paranoid hysteria, it will be hard to be surprised at anything that happens.
notice that glenn blechhh never invites any of these people on his show where they can have an honest debate. he's deathly afraid of anyone smarter than he is (anyone over the age of 18 months, with the exception of his intellectual equal, princess sarah palin).
thanks for coming by on a holiday weekend! I feel horrible about not getting around to visit. I'm gonna try tonight for sure!
This 'take your guns away' BS has got to stop. One of these wingnuts is going to take this seriously and then Beck, Palin, et. al., will have blood on their hands. Not that they'll admit it.
Well, there has already been this.
Lisa it's one of their main "pour more fuel on the fire" talking points. It's more lies and fearmongering that riles up the hatefilled gun-lovin, Bible-thumpin' righties.
Yup Infidel that was a good post from TC. Another outrageous incident because of fear, twisting the minds of clear thinking people and turning them into psychos. That's kinda Hitler like......
Great post Sue. I think its great that the right has a nut job like Beck as their spokesman and the foundation to the GOP. It's almost like painting a picture, you need the dark (Beck) to see the light (Dems).
And if Beck isn't at the microphone then THEY always have the other fear mongerer Limbaugh to go to for the GOP mantra. Either way it ends up with a fractured GOP and that is a good thing.
Hugs at ya sis and happy Memorial Day.
I think some people are so lazy...including some of my good friends, that they prefer to listen to Beck than do the research themselves. I don't have the heart to tell them this, so I hang out with them...and just let the shit flow...they love Beck. Honestly if people valued America enough to not have a closed mind about what Beck and Rush says, and in turn what Dems say; thinking their words are always wrong, I think America could regain some of her lost Honor and power that the Bushies just threw away non-chalantly.
Sue I just wanted to wish you a GREAT memorial day my Dear friend...Hugs and smiles Gl♥ria
one of my dearest blogging friends from way back... Gloria you are the best!! oxxoxo
Sue - If you have taken the time (which I doubt you have) you know I find some of Beck accurate and some off the wall.
But I must say your title on this one is a bit much. As is some of the commentary.
It fuels exactly that which you purport to despise.
Other than that a good post.
Great post, Sue. The Lewis Black bit slays me! But it wouldn't be so funny if it weren't so true.
It's just plain easier to accept that someone is a scapegoat for all that's wrong in a wingnut's life than it is to educate oneself about an issue. It's easier to take the entertaining Beck's words as gospel when you don;t have to question anything using rational thought. It is a terrifying thing, but easier is better to some folks, even if it's not true.
Nice work, my friend. I appreciate your post - will pass it on!
RN a few of my intelligent commenter's said the title was fine, I did have my doubts about it too though. I had the two L's in mind when I referred to bloggers who follow and believe Becks every word. As for mass murders, all we have to do is look at the sickos who murdered innocents in Oklahoma City and Ft Hood. It can very well happen with the violent talk coming from righties who are put on a pedastal and can't shut their big fat mouths.
I can't wait to see the reaction of all these hysterical people in 2016 when the world is still here and Obama completed his 2 terms and all is well in this country of ours.
mommaP you are always so kind! Yes the lazy and delusional do find it easier to believe people like Beck. I guess it's his "sincerity and tears"! UGH...
What can we say about Beck that hasn't been said already?
The depressing aspect to his rise to cable news prominence in this country is that so many people actually take the bozo seriously, when he himself has said no one should do so, and that he considers himself a clown.
He's a manipulator of people's emotions--people who, sadly, have no critical thinking skills and accept the drivel that comes from his unfortuate little mind.
BTW, Sue, have you seen this?
I would say that anything that invokes fear risks inciting violence, albeit in this case, it's not as direct as Becks calls for violence against Democratic leaders.
When churches advocate for social justice, I believe they are fulfilling the role that Jesus intended for his followers.
Sue - I hope your dream comes true... I really do. But I ain't holding my breath.
Beck is intentionally inciting a revolt.
it's true Gene, it would please him greatly.
Shaw I looked at that video and some more of the same subject, so sickening!
This is the most ridiculous blog I've ever seen. Full of hate and whackadoos. Thank God you're in the minority (but you'll refuse to believe that).
sorry you hate real truthful blogs anon. AND no liberals are NOT the minority, sorry you are so close-minded...
Sue what you didn't understand is Anonymous thinks you're a minority which because every conservative is a bigoted racist means you are ipso facto ridiculous.
Keep it up Sue! You're strong and brave to put up with these anti-American anti-democracy anti-human attacks daily!
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