Glenn Beck and Ron Paul

On Tuesday, December 18, 2007, libertarian Presidential candidate Ron Paul accepted a challenge by CNN's Glenn Beck to appear on his television program and field the "tough questions." It turns out that the tone presented by this interview would be a little different than the one Beck had been promising during his many months of uncompromising sarcastic criticism. The theme had mysteriously transformed into one of "Honest Questions."

The significance of this interview is that it represents a total reversal of Glenn Beck's nasty attitude and consistent mischaracterization of Ron Paul and his political views.

Prior to this interview, Beck took every opportunity, on radio and television, to harshly criticize, and even childishly ridicule, Ron Paul with sneers and innuendo.

This edition of Glenn Beck's television program on CNN, however, was a love-fest (Beck even said that he would wet-kiss Ron Paul). Glenn Beck tripped over himself trying to backtrack on his position on Paul. This was a complete, gushing about-face.

I anticipated that Beck would capitulate by moderating his tone somewhat and treating this Presidential contender with respect; especially in light of his having broken all single-day fundraising records by raking in over six million dollars in one day. But this turnabout went further that I expected. It was surprising, humorous, and even embarrassing to see Beck proclaiming his philosophical brotherhood with the candidate he so consistently and unfairly berated as a marginal kook with just enough entertainment value to boost himself in the ratings.

Other critics will have to take note of Beck's soft-ball, love-fest interview and perhaps begin a similar journey back to reasonableness. Let's hope they have the same good sense exhibited by Glenn Beck and get off their petty, short-sighted and over-the-top anti-Paul jag.

The bottom line is that Beck is a smart guy. He's smart enough to know when his betters have called his schoolyard bluffs and smart enough to make the appropriate course correction with aplomb and dignity.

Bravo Beck.



FURTHER READING

"Ron Paul on War" By John Stossel, December 19, 2007.

"Confessions of a Defecting Democrat -- Why Ron Paul is the Perfect Candidate, and How Left Media Will be USED to Attack" By Bill Douglas, December 19, 2007.

VIDEO

Ron Paul and Internet Politics, "NOW" Weekly News Magazine, PBS, December 14, 2007.

Neil Cavuto Interviews Ron Paul, Fox News, December, 19, 2007.

Ron Paul on Meet The Press, 12-23-07:
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4

War Is Over!

In connection to the proposed poem for the Asheville Veteran Memorial, my good friend Bill Fishburne stated on the Matt Mittan radio program that "the veteran has earned the right of free speech."

I'm sorry, but no individual has to do anything to earn their individual rights.

Every person who has ever been born has earned all the rights that are due to sovereign individuals: the right of free speech, freedom of religion, freedom of the press, freedom to assemble, the right to vote, and so on.

Regarding the proposed poem, it appears to pit military service members against the individual with fallacious assertions.

It is the VETERAN, not the preacher, who has given us freedom of religion
It is the VETERAN, not the reporter, who has given us freedom of the press
It is the VETERAN, not the poet, who has given us freedom of speech
It is the VETERAN, not the campus organizer, who has given us freedom to assemble
It is the VETERAN, not the politician, who has given us the right to vote
It is the VETERAN
Who salutes the flag
Who serves under the flag
Whose coffin is draped by the flag.
Thank you Veterans.

It's as though the implied opening assertion is: "Contrary to what everybody has been saying..."

I object to this poem, in any version, being permanently inscribed on a veteran memorial; primarily because it is defensive and reactionary. It mysteriously refers to claims that have not been made and attempts to answer them angrily.

This is not how I think of veterans. I think of veterans as a noble class of warriors who have volunteered to defend their nation and it's values; regardless of the folly in to which service they are pressed.

Unfortunately, very few military engagements can claim a legitimate national defense purpose. The current war in Iraq is only the most current example.

As the great anti-war activist John Lennon used to say: War is over, if you want it.



FURTHER READING

"Veterans withdraw controversial poem, propose new inscription" by David Forbes, Mountain Xpress, 12/21/2007.

PODCAST

Ron Paul on the Stephanie Miller Radio Show, December 6, 2007.