Glenn Beck, in an article written today, 2-23-09, claims that WE Surround Them. After several hours of deep meditation on these three words, I've reached the conclusion that the "WE" doesn't include ME. "WE" is them Republicans, and ME is part of the surrounded "Them."
Appealing to those who believe America is going in the wrong direction and feel powerless to stop it, Beck is calling for REVOLUTION, beginning March 13 on....where else....FOX Network.
How do people become part of this revolution? If you agree with 7 of the 9 "principles" listed on Beck's site, and the 12 values he espouses, you can become a revolutionary by.......drumroll.....sending your digital picture to FOX. Yes, it's a photo revolution. Presumably, all of us "Thems" will see the pictures of the "We" group on TV on March 13 and be scared shitless. Or something.
Beck wasn't too clear about how Them Dems are going to respond to his REVOLUTION.
So Beck lists nine principles, and anyone who agrees with at least seven of them qualifies to send their picture to FOX for the March 13th revolution. If you're excited about being a revoutionary, and thrilled at the thought of having your picture displayed on FOX, let's see if you agree with some of these nine principles:
1. America is good.
I sort of agree with that, except for the times when America tortures, illegally invades other nations, ignores the needs of her own citizens and turns a blind eye to human rights violations around the world.
2. I believe in God and He is the Center of my Life.
We're just at #2 and already a huge number of Americans are disqualified. Am I wrong to suspect Beck of trying to appeal to the Republican Party's fundamentalist base of Palin-worshippers? I also suspect this statement disqualifies anyone of any religion who doesn't believe the Bible exactly as Pat Robertson does.
3. I must always try to be a more honest person than I was yesterday.
Oh, like George W. Bush and the previous Administration? Alberto Gonzalez? Karl Rove? Dick Cheney?
4. The family is sacred. My spouse and I are the ultimate authority, not the government.
I don't know about calling families "sacred," but is Beck supporting gay marriage here? If so, hurray for Glen! Yes, the government SHOULD remove every impediment to gay marriage/adoption so everyone and his/her spouse can indeed have equal rights.
5. If you break the law you pay the penalty. Justice is blind and no one is above it.
Yes, he really said this. I agree, and I have two words for lawbreakers in high places: The Hague.
6. I have a right to life, liberty and pursuit of happiness, but there is no guarantee of equal results.
Ah, what a clever way to deny food, housing, and health care to Americans who don't "deserve" these benefits. How disingenuous of you, Mr. Beck.
7. I work hard for what I have and I will share it with who I want to. Government cannot force me to be charitable.
Another variation on #6. Oh, but wait.......don't all these people who believe in God WANT to be charitable? Didn't Jesus command people to love and bless others? Why is this principle even included if Beck is addressing people who claim God is the center of their lives?
8. It is not un-American for me to disagree with authority or to share my personal opinion.
HAHAHAHA! I get it. It's only unAmerican when Democrats disagree with the government. Now that Republicans are the minority, all the rules have changed, and true patriots are those who REVOLT.
9. The government works for me. I do not answer to them, they answer to me.
Yes, we certainly learned that over the past eight years, didn't we?
Damn, I don't think I'm going to qualify for fame and fortune on FOX. They'll probably throw my picture in the trash, along with yours.
I didn't cover the "Twelve Values." You'll have to check out Beck's article for yourself. But here's a hint: All twelve values are qualities that the Republicans believe we Dems are lacking.
I guess I'll have to pass on this REVOLUTION. How about you?