Empathy is at the root of treating others with dignity.
12
Boy! When Beck makes a mistake it is a beaut. And when he does it 4 times in a row...!
To one extent or another, all the groups Beck embraces adopt self-defeating, disruptive -- and sometimes vicious -- tactics in wrong causes. Wrong because they don't know what they are talking about. The Tea Party shot itself in the foot -- and the party it purported to support too -- by shutting down government and by waging a vicious internecine campaign to purge Republicans not as "pure" as them. Bernie's children's crusade and the Occupy movement are united by one ideological conviction, namely that big business aka oligarchs control our economy and are to blame for all that is wrong with it. To call that idiotic view simplistic is to flatter them. And Black Lives Matter uses riots and the harassment of their fellow citizens to peddle the monstrous lie that there is a police conspiracy to kill young blacks.
They should all get help -- or get educated. Beck should not applaud them for acting out their psychological dysfunctions and lack of self-control on the political stage. Listen to the whines: “I am not being heard,” “I don’t feel like I belong anymore,” “I have no control over my future.” Politics is not a therapy session.
In a country of more than 300 million people, anyone who thinks the system
should respond to his will just because he takes to the streets is sadly out of touch.
.Tea Party, Black Lives matter, Bernie Sanders Campaign, and Occupy?
To one extent or another, all the groups Beck embraces adopt self-defeating, disruptive -- and sometimes vicious -- tactics in wrong causes. Wrong because they don't know what they are talking about. The Tea Party shot itself in the foot -- and the party it purported to support too -- by shutting down government and by waging a vicious internecine campaign to purge Republicans not as "pure" as them. Bernie's children's crusade and the Occupy movement are united by one ideological conviction, namely that big business aka oligarchs control our economy and are to blame for all that is wrong with it. To call that idiotic view simplistic is to flatter them. And Black Lives Matter uses riots and the harassment of their fellow citizens to peddle the monstrous lie that there is a police conspiracy to kill young blacks.
They should all get help -- or get educated. Beck should not applaud them for acting out their psychological dysfunctions and lack of self-control on the political stage. Listen to the whines: “I am not being heard,” “I don’t feel like I belong anymore,” “I have no control over my future.” Politics is not a therapy session.
In a country of more than 300 million people, anyone who thinks the system
should respond to his will just because he takes to the streets is sadly out of touch.
.Tea Party, Black Lives matter, Bernie Sanders Campaign, and Occupy?
6
Mr. Beck has said something important. But, it will be of use if he puts his time where his mouth is.
Deeds matter too.
Deeds matter too.
9
There is a general recognition on the right and far right that they have gone too far and Trump is the result.
Michael Gerson, a top aide to G.W. Bush in the White House, wrote recently in the Washington Post that the right wing media apparatus much be brought into line following the presumptive loss of the presidency by Trump. There was also a startling commentary in Business Insider where right wing media talkers and bloggers admitted that they had helped to create a fact free world in attacking so called mainstream media so relentlessly. Here is a link:
http://www.businessinsider.com/conservative-media-trump-drudge-coulter-2...
As I have been writing for several years, the right in America built a perfect trap for themselves. They attacked major news outlets as unreliable, they herded or encouraged people to only get their information from the right and then pounded the drums day and night that the country was in crisis, that all Democrats are possibly traitors, that Obama was not born here and did not share American values and that, basically, everything is a conspiracy against YOU and your family. Now they are surprised that people, getting this garbage for hours every day, believe them.
Glen Beck's commentary in the Times is a sign that the right wing media apparatus, in his person and others, fully understands they have helped create a disaster for the country. What now is the question. Where will they go and how can they change and still keep their audience?
Michael Gerson, a top aide to G.W. Bush in the White House, wrote recently in the Washington Post that the right wing media apparatus much be brought into line following the presumptive loss of the presidency by Trump. There was also a startling commentary in Business Insider where right wing media talkers and bloggers admitted that they had helped to create a fact free world in attacking so called mainstream media so relentlessly. Here is a link:
http://www.businessinsider.com/conservative-media-trump-drudge-coulter-2...
As I have been writing for several years, the right in America built a perfect trap for themselves. They attacked major news outlets as unreliable, they herded or encouraged people to only get their information from the right and then pounded the drums day and night that the country was in crisis, that all Democrats are possibly traitors, that Obama was not born here and did not share American values and that, basically, everything is a conspiracy against YOU and your family. Now they are surprised that people, getting this garbage for hours every day, believe them.
Glen Beck's commentary in the Times is a sign that the right wing media apparatus, in his person and others, fully understands they have helped create a disaster for the country. What now is the question. Where will they go and how can they change and still keep their audience?
13
Glenn Beck couldn't begin to redeem himself with this op-ed, so let's try this: Forget about whatever you think of BLM as a movement or nefarious characters you think might be lurking within. Just ask yourself, DO black lives matter? If the answer is yes, then help push for the institutional changes that will make that statement true and meaningful in all areas of our country's civic life. We'll all be better off for it.
19
I'm 25 and have despised Glenn Beck for as long as I've been politically conscious. That being said, his words moved me and I now see Mr. Beck in a new light. America is divided right now. Being young I viewed Republicans as the be all end all of evil, but I enjoy the dialogue with rationale conservatives who believe in a limited government. The left side on the other has to do their research and reel in their message. They are making college degrees expensive and worthless just because it sounds good for everyone to go to college. Focusing on trade schools would help people find work without sending them thousands of dollars into debt. It may sound like the Democrats are helping and I think it's appropriate on a state to state basis to help your community, but I think the big stuff they get wrong a fair amount of times and it leaves poor people worse off.
Despite his answer not fitting into cookie cutter perfection, Mr. Beck seems to be reaching across the aisle to address an injustice. We always say, "I hope this opens a dialogue," after tragedy, but no one is willing to listen outside of their echo chamber. No one talks anymore and we all blatantly defend the wrongdoings of our camps.
Thank you Mr. Beck for reaching out to an audience you don't normally pander to. I appreciate the dialogue and hope readers discuss with friends who have opposing viewpoints.
Despite his answer not fitting into cookie cutter perfection, Mr. Beck seems to be reaching across the aisle to address an injustice. We always say, "I hope this opens a dialogue," after tragedy, but no one is willing to listen outside of their echo chamber. No one talks anymore and we all blatantly defend the wrongdoings of our camps.
Thank you Mr. Beck for reaching out to an audience you don't normally pander to. I appreciate the dialogue and hope readers discuss with friends who have opposing viewpoints.
14
Book sales matter.
7
I thought the Tea Party was ridiculous too.
4
Beck and Trump are very much alike. They look at the audience and choose what to say. Beck didn't have a change of heart, he simply misread the audience.
9
I never thought I'd be saying this, but very well said, Glenn, thank you.
14
If this excellent essay reflects where you now truly stand, I have a newborn respect for someone whose views I abhorred. Please continue on this path.
26
I believe change is possible. I think Glenn Beck has seen the light. The light of welcoming in new information and new points of view. I hope we can all be open to this. It's helpful!
16
Anyone questioning Glenn Beck's motives should go to MSNBC and watch The Last Word from about 2 weeks ago. I was stunned that I could feel something other than blind anger toward a guy who has been responsible for stirring up so much of what has harmed this country (I almost did not watch it). But on the day of the interview, Beck had a "pivot point" of his own while fielding callers on his radio show. I guess some leopards can change their spots.
6
That, or he senses that public sentiment is shifting away from the aggressive belligerance of conservative media and he doesn't want to be left behind. Rush is losing his sponsors, Ailes will no longer have the influence he did. Sean Hannity has become an object of ridicule. Beck is enough of an opportunist that he'll change his ideology right along with the changing tide.
10
Beck probably just want to plug his book and NY Times let him do it. Sad.
5
Good essay Mr. Beck. Kudos to you for meeting and empathizing with BLM members if that is what you truly did.
On another front, please keep sounding the warnings about donald trump http://www.newsmax.com/Politics/glenn-beck-trump-worse-than/2016/08/31/i...
Perhaps the next thing you should do is try to meet and empathize with Hillary Clinton. It's possible that at least part of her negative reputation is a fictitious meme promoted by conservatives like you.
On another front, please keep sounding the warnings about donald trump http://www.newsmax.com/Politics/glenn-beck-trump-worse-than/2016/08/31/i...
Perhaps the next thing you should do is try to meet and empathize with Hillary Clinton. It's possible that at least part of her negative reputation is a fictitious meme promoted by conservatives like you.
15
I don't know how to extrapolate "No duh" into several paragraphs of prose more worthy of this paper.
Welcome to the Progressives, pal.
Welcome to the Progressives, pal.
5
I'll have more respect for Mr. Beck when he gives away a good percentage of the millions he has made spreading hatred.
11
Spreading hatred: examples?
3
Do you think he lost a bet?
11
It was very surprising to read Mr. Beck's article. I have to confess that I stopped listening to anything he said a long time ago (along with Rush Limbaugh). He makes some good points, but like most commentators of his ilk he is caught up in mythologies about the real "America". As a result, he is either unable or unwilling to address the structural problems that have existed in this country since the beginning. I am referring to unequal access to essential resources and unequal protection under the law, which, according to most "conservatives" are just obstacles that are overcome by working harder and playing by the rules.
11
It's nice to see some evolution in Mr. Beck's views. I won't believe in a true conversion, however, until he takes his newest book of the market. The title, "Liars: How Progressives Exploit Our Fear for Power and Control,” is a prime example of the demonization (i.e., the total opposite of empathy) he is now arguing against.
8
The BLM movement rings hollow in this the era of Barack Obama. He is direct evidence that most Americans are not prejudiced and if they harbor it, it is rarely overt. The whole movement was borne out of a justified bonifide self defense killing in Ferguson. In that case there were black witnesses who testified that the so called "gentle giant" tried to wrest away an officers gun and then charged him. It amounted to suicide by cop and he was properly cleared although his career was ruined. Those with grievances about police brutality and the like are generally angry about life for one reason or another, be it a dead end job, bad education, broken families or drug addiction.. You can't make cops a scape goat for all of society's perceived racial ills. On the rare occasions when a rogue cops over reacts and kills an African American there are consequences. In the most grievous cases there is jail time and a lot of it. Just ask AbnerL oima's perpetrators who are doing 40 years. BLM is a political movement by and large and the motivation has nothing to do with black lives. Those who truly care about black lives are raising children in two parent households, staying in school, not cheating on their spouse, getting to work on time, staying away from the scourge of alcohol and drugs, disciplining their children, and going to church. They don't have time to march in the streets because they are busy grinding out a decent life. All lives matter.
4
How sad that American presidents have no guts anymore. BLM, but humans around the world do not? What is the problem? Let's be PC and no one will know where we stand. Is this like our Syrian "line in the sand?" We all know what happened to that
Mr Beck's musings are grounded in a simple rhetorical tactic which has utterly poisoned political discourse in this country: the false equivalence. The Tea Party, Occupy, and Black Lives Matter differ in numerous ways and are similar in very few. This gauzy "we're all people" schtick does not help anyone understand and address the very different composition of each group, and the very different concerns that motivate them.
7
Alert! Alert! NY Times.
Call in the IT team.
U just got hacked.
Roger Ailes will be next, expounding on feminist rights and every bit as convincing as Beck.
Call in the IT team.
U just got hacked.
Roger Ailes will be next, expounding on feminist rights and every bit as convincing as Beck.
9
You live long enough, and you get to see everything.
Question the timing. Is it a coincidence that Glenn Beck's ratings are plummeting and they are about to cancel his radio show?
I would rather read an Op Ed piece from Rush Limbaugh, who would at least be truthful and sincere.
Question the timing. Is it a coincidence that Glenn Beck's ratings are plummeting and they are about to cancel his radio show?
I would rather read an Op Ed piece from Rush Limbaugh, who would at least be truthful and sincere.
3
As a Vietnam veteran, may I thank you for the American flag pictured along with Glenn Beck. Nothing says "American Patriot" like Glenn Beck. Add Bill O'reilly, Dick Cheney, Rush Limbaugh and a host of right wing idiots. If I had it to do over again, I would never join up to defend my country, knowing it was going to be taken over by disgusting, unpatriotic chicken hawks. The GOP and Donald Trump: ruining the USA.
14
Glenn Beck's OP-ED piece is illuminating & totally unexpected. I admit I chose to read it because of the title. I found it intriguing coming from a well known ultra-conservative.
All too often, over the last 20-30 years, the American political right has taken absolutist positions on so many topics while casting doubt on the patriotism of anyone who disagrees with their beliefs.
This has led to an overall us versus them mentality & win at any cost attitude which for me has always felt like bullying the opinions of anyone who holds has another viewpoint.
For years it's been "here's my truth, accept it or else your a traitor" Mr. Beck & those of the same or similar opinions have clogged the airwaves with these malignant diatribes against opposing views; making meaningful discussion & debate impossible.
However, now Mr. Beck is at least professing his willingness to bring down the decibels of his vitriolic attacks to allow his ears to hear other voices. I commend him for his comments. Time will tell how real his word are.
However, I find myself agreeing with much of his premise, even though I approach it from quite the opposite opinion as he holds.
Empathy takes more than the willingness to understand. It takes compassion & the willingness to stand in another's shoes. To see the world through a new set of eyes. It means setting aside long held beliefs, ideology & prejudices. It means stepping outside of your comfort zone & enter another world to feel the pain of another.
All too often, over the last 20-30 years, the American political right has taken absolutist positions on so many topics while casting doubt on the patriotism of anyone who disagrees with their beliefs.
This has led to an overall us versus them mentality & win at any cost attitude which for me has always felt like bullying the opinions of anyone who holds has another viewpoint.
For years it's been "here's my truth, accept it or else your a traitor" Mr. Beck & those of the same or similar opinions have clogged the airwaves with these malignant diatribes against opposing views; making meaningful discussion & debate impossible.
However, now Mr. Beck is at least professing his willingness to bring down the decibels of his vitriolic attacks to allow his ears to hear other voices. I commend him for his comments. Time will tell how real his word are.
However, I find myself agreeing with much of his premise, even though I approach it from quite the opposite opinion as he holds.
Empathy takes more than the willingness to understand. It takes compassion & the willingness to stand in another's shoes. To see the world through a new set of eyes. It means setting aside long held beliefs, ideology & prejudices. It means stepping outside of your comfort zone & enter another world to feel the pain of another.
1
If we honestly seek to learn the truth about ourselves and the world we live in we will eventually evolve toward new truths that invalidate our old understandings. Too few of us are willing to admit this. After reading Ta -Nehisi Coates', "Between The World and Me" my views toward BLM evolved substantially.
3
After reading Beck's column and writing a comment, I turned on his radio show to see if, perhaps, I was wrong, that he did indeed had had an epiphany of conscience. Sadly, it was the same old Beck, out of one side of his mouth saying how we must all respect each other and then, out of the other side saying: speaking of communists, let's talk about unions. And that, right after blaming President Obama for the divisiveness of the past eight years. It's hard to believe that the Times editor who authorized this column has ever listened to Beck.
Listen to his show, and then try to keep a straight face as Beck writes, "The only way for our society to work is for each of us to respect the views of others, and even try to understand and empathize with one another. I have always tried to work toward this goal."
Perhaps I am just a cynic, but as one who listens to these radio entertainers, it seems to me that Beck is merely trying to promote his "brand" by carving out a niche somewhat different from those occupied by Rush Limbaugh, Michael Savage, Sean Hannity, and their ilk.
In this column he is talking the talk. Unless his show changes, he will certainly not be walking the walk. Why he gets this free ad in the Times is beyond me. If Beck puts into practice what he espouses here, that would be news, worthy of both journalistic coverage and, perhaps, a self-explanatory column. At this point, however, the cash-strapped Times is merely giving him free ad space.
Listen to his show, and then try to keep a straight face as Beck writes, "The only way for our society to work is for each of us to respect the views of others, and even try to understand and empathize with one another. I have always tried to work toward this goal."
Perhaps I am just a cynic, but as one who listens to these radio entertainers, it seems to me that Beck is merely trying to promote his "brand" by carving out a niche somewhat different from those occupied by Rush Limbaugh, Michael Savage, Sean Hannity, and their ilk.
In this column he is talking the talk. Unless his show changes, he will certainly not be walking the walk. Why he gets this free ad in the Times is beyond me. If Beck puts into practice what he espouses here, that would be news, worthy of both journalistic coverage and, perhaps, a self-explanatory column. At this point, however, the cash-strapped Times is merely giving him free ad space.
12
I hate it when conservatives try to legitimize themselves by quoting St. MLK.
Mr. Beck, here's what Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King said at the March on Washington For Jobs and Freedom in the summer of 1963.
"It would be fatal for the nation to overlook the urgency of the moment. This sweltering summer of the Negro's legitimate discontent will not pass until there is an invigorating autumn of freedom and equality."
For some reason, these words don't get quoted in columns like yours. I wonder why.
Mr. Beck, here's what Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King said at the March on Washington For Jobs and Freedom in the summer of 1963.
"It would be fatal for the nation to overlook the urgency of the moment. This sweltering summer of the Negro's legitimate discontent will not pass until there is an invigorating autumn of freedom and equality."
For some reason, these words don't get quoted in columns like yours. I wonder why.
7
To all the commenters saying this article is but a ploy:
That is EXACTLY what the other side says about the BLM protests. Exactly.
That is EXACTLY what the other side says about the BLM protests. Exactly.
14
While interesting that Glenn Beck even used the word empathy, he seems to have missed the real issue:
While many groups "feel voiceless" only some of the groups actually are voiceless. 92% of Congress is Christian and 80% male. 85% of the House and 96 percent of the Senate is white. 98% of congress is (apparently) straight.
Straight white men have plenty of voice. We have for a long time. Specifically, since the US first existed and only straight white landowning Christian men were even allowed to have a voice.
Glenn Becks feelings belie reality.
While many groups "feel voiceless" only some of the groups actually are voiceless. 92% of Congress is Christian and 80% male. 85% of the House and 96 percent of the Senate is white. 98% of congress is (apparently) straight.
Straight white men have plenty of voice. We have for a long time. Specifically, since the US first existed and only straight white landowning Christian men were even allowed to have a voice.
Glenn Becks feelings belie reality.
32
Thank you, Glenn. As a 79 year-old, privileged white lifelong Democrat, I have not agreed with much of what you have said in the past. But I have always believed that you have the right to your opinions and you do frequently state them in very clear terms. If you are a classical liberal ("constitutional conservative"), then I must be a classical conservative ("constitutional liberal"). Of this you can be sure: I will pass on your significant and brilliantly stated Op-Ed page comments with my endorsement to my fellow left-leaning Dems.
3
Some things never change. Beck is still a babbling loony who considers the Tea Party, the Sanders campaign and Occupy Wall Street to be "current" issues. I can't help thinking the Times was paid to print this; even if the op-ed were offered free of charge, there is no upside to publishing it.
10
You can fool some of the people all of the time and all of the people some of the time. And maybe when you accumulate enough money, it's time to start thinking about a legacy. I expect Rush Limbaugh to become similarly considerate and open minded at some point.
6
So many here agree, as I, that in this Op-Ed, Glenn Beck portrays himself, so surprisingly, at the most reasonable and human anyone has ever seen him. Take a picture folks, it’ll last longer.
I’ve watched so many of Glenn’s ‘chalk talks’ where he used his white board and old Leni Riefenstahl film clips to ‘prove’ that Hitler was a Liberal, which generally ended with his signature “…first they (the Liberals) came for the Jews and then they came for me (poor Mr. Victim of the tyranny of political correctness)…” taking the words of Pastor Martin Niemöller in vain and bringing historical negationism to levels previously unseen in established standards of scholarly research.
Mr. Beck claims he made what he thought would be “a relatively uncontroversial point about the commonalities between Trump supporters and Black Lives Matter activists”, and then he’s surprised that “the criticism was immediate and sharp.”
So what does he do? He comes running to the “Liberal Media” because he knows it is the only place he can find an audience who will, as he says “…listen to one another, as human beings, and try to understand one another’s pain.”
I’ve watched so many of Glenn’s ‘chalk talks’ where he used his white board and old Leni Riefenstahl film clips to ‘prove’ that Hitler was a Liberal, which generally ended with his signature “…first they (the Liberals) came for the Jews and then they came for me (poor Mr. Victim of the tyranny of political correctness)…” taking the words of Pastor Martin Niemöller in vain and bringing historical negationism to levels previously unseen in established standards of scholarly research.
Mr. Beck claims he made what he thought would be “a relatively uncontroversial point about the commonalities between Trump supporters and Black Lives Matter activists”, and then he’s surprised that “the criticism was immediate and sharp.”
So what does he do? He comes running to the “Liberal Media” because he knows it is the only place he can find an audience who will, as he says “…listen to one another, as human beings, and try to understand one another’s pain.”
19
OK, Mr. Beck, I hear what you say.
Now let's see what you do.
Now let's see what you do.
21
This essay should be considered only on its own merits, not on the reputation of its writer. But he missed an opportunity in not mentioning Donald Trump and many of his supporters as the primary advocates of hate in America today.
16
I have sympathy for people of have suffered under the hands of overzealous and trigger happy policing. I don't have much sympathy nor empathy for people who block freeways, destroy property, and racially harass people for being the "wrong" color. BLM had its chance to be meaningful, just like the Tea Party did, and they let themselves be taken over by the usual professional agitators who are basically idiot sociopaths, be they the right wing kind or the left wing kind.
And Beck is a ridiculous hack desperately seeking an audience for his crumbling political media empire.
And Beck is a ridiculous hack desperately seeking an audience for his crumbling political media empire.
10
I don't know if Mr. Beck is sincere or not from some of what he has spewed in the past. If he is, I'm glad he has seen the light.
11
It would be nice if we could believe him. But like Russ Limbaugh the rhetoric (aren't you starting to hate that word? I am) he has spewed all these years puts a doubt on it. Let's see him put more action into those words.
4
Really, Mr Beck, the problem cannot be solved by coming together. This institutional racism has prospered by us all coming together. This ingrained white control has been feed by us coming together. This is a white American problem that needs to be solved by white Americans. Let's put pressure on our leaders to give each citizen the right to vote and to eliminate racist laws. Black Americans can and should help us understand when the words and hidden laws affect unequally.
12
'..A flawed messenger..".
Yeah, I'd say so.
A lifetime turd farmer sends us a bouquet of roses.
Nice try, Glenn. They look like roses but smell like something else.
Yeah, I'd say so.
A lifetime turd farmer sends us a bouquet of roses.
Nice try, Glenn. They look like roses but smell like something else.
15
You lost me at believers, political insiders, and instigators.
BLM is a real grass roots organization, a group of people fearing for their lives and those of their neighbors at the hands of the police. These are not people being manipulated by clever framing of half-truths and lies by billionaires whose real agenda is no taxes for rich people, no regulation of corporations -- preservation of a societal organizational structure that farms humans to be used for certain revenue-generating activities: consuming, fighting in wars, supplying raw materials or manufacturing things for as little money as the owners of all the money can possibly pay.
The place to start talking about American society's problems is at how the money works, what government can and is supposed to do -- provide for the general welfare, for example. People have got to start seeing one another as individual human beings, stop thinking we know all about each other and spewing out a pile of stupid abstractions that demonstrate we don't, and communicating with each other as human beings.
Corporations are not human beings. Human beings need to talk about corporations with each other not to them hat in hand.
BLM is a real grass roots organization, a group of people fearing for their lives and those of their neighbors at the hands of the police. These are not people being manipulated by clever framing of half-truths and lies by billionaires whose real agenda is no taxes for rich people, no regulation of corporations -- preservation of a societal organizational structure that farms humans to be used for certain revenue-generating activities: consuming, fighting in wars, supplying raw materials or manufacturing things for as little money as the owners of all the money can possibly pay.
The place to start talking about American society's problems is at how the money works, what government can and is supposed to do -- provide for the general welfare, for example. People have got to start seeing one another as individual human beings, stop thinking we know all about each other and spewing out a pile of stupid abstractions that demonstrate we don't, and communicating with each other as human beings.
Corporations are not human beings. Human beings need to talk about corporations with each other not to them hat in hand.
22
Mr Beck, I have heard rumors about you coming to your senses and even recognizing the damage you and the right wing machine have wrought on American and civil society. I hope this is true because it isn't too late to try to undo at least some of what you did. This is a nice article. It appears you know what empathy is and that it can affect how people feel and react! Good for you.
But for me to stop having the knee jerk reaction I have whenever your name comes up, you will have to apologize. Heartfully apologize and then go on to be the new person you are. In the pages of the Gray Lady would be a good place. Then get busy doing your penance.
But for me to stop having the knee jerk reaction I have whenever your name comes up, you will have to apologize. Heartfully apologize and then go on to be the new person you are. In the pages of the Gray Lady would be a good place. Then get busy doing your penance.
7
Wow. An intelligent, sane, even-handed article by Glenn Beck. Who would have thought it? It must be very chilly in Hell today.
3
The difference between Rush Limbaugh and NPR is that NPR can admit what Limbaugh gets right, but Limbaugh will never admit what NPR gets right.
Glen Beck was a conservative in the same demagogic mode as Limbaugh; but Limbaugh could never dare to write a piece like this.
Beck gets to the heart of what is wrong with our country in this remarkable article. It should have been published in the Weekly Standard, because in the Times, Beck is preaching to the converted. There is hatred and intolerance and closed mindedness on both sides, I'm sure, but the preponderance of it comes undeniably from the right. Until this changes, we will still be a country in a civil war.
Glen Beck was a conservative in the same demagogic mode as Limbaugh; but Limbaugh could never dare to write a piece like this.
Beck gets to the heart of what is wrong with our country in this remarkable article. It should have been published in the Weekly Standard, because in the Times, Beck is preaching to the converted. There is hatred and intolerance and closed mindedness on both sides, I'm sure, but the preponderance of it comes undeniably from the right. Until this changes, we will still be a country in a civil war.
7
Also by the way, I'd recommend comparing this bit of sanctimony to Ben Carson's, yesterday, saying that Trump ought to apologize for his birtherism, and then we all ought to apologize one to another and sing kumbiya.
What's going on here is exactly the same as Trump's "outreach," to black voters, which was and is simply a tactic for appealing to Republican white women.
Neither Carson, nor Beck, means it--especially after running around with their hair on fire, going off about traitors and betrayers and closet moozlims and mezzican rapists and so in, so forth, so endlessly on, for years now.
Believe me, Beck'll be onna FOX tonight, bloviating about his "outreach," to those sneaky commies, buttering his own back with a mop.
It's a lie, folks. These guys get into power, and even their supporters are going to get a good close look at just how hypocritical they really are.
What's going on here is exactly the same as Trump's "outreach," to black voters, which was and is simply a tactic for appealing to Republican white women.
Neither Carson, nor Beck, means it--especially after running around with their hair on fire, going off about traitors and betrayers and closet moozlims and mezzican rapists and so in, so forth, so endlessly on, for years now.
Believe me, Beck'll be onna FOX tonight, bloviating about his "outreach," to those sneaky commies, buttering his own back with a mop.
It's a lie, folks. These guys get into power, and even their supporters are going to get a good close look at just how hypocritical they really are.
13
Mistrust is understandable and disdain for the man is something I can relate to.
Yet, all obvious differences and disagreements aside...
We need Beck. We need people like Beck to help banish a very disturbing element that has taken root in the right wing. There was a time William Buckley helped drive anti-semitism and the John Birch society from the conservative movement. Does it really matter if you loathe Beck's political views if he is one of the people in a good position to get white supremacist (aka alt-right) out of the conservative movement today?
We can argue later, let's support Beck's message to listen to others and seek compassion today.
Yet, all obvious differences and disagreements aside...
We need Beck. We need people like Beck to help banish a very disturbing element that has taken root in the right wing. There was a time William Buckley helped drive anti-semitism and the John Birch society from the conservative movement. Does it really matter if you loathe Beck's political views if he is one of the people in a good position to get white supremacist (aka alt-right) out of the conservative movement today?
We can argue later, let's support Beck's message to listen to others and seek compassion today.
6
How about we give it a little time before we make him the poster boy for peace, love and understanding. My guess is if his new book tanks he'll be in need of a new audience. If not he'll be back to his old ways.
3
It is my opinion that MR. BECK speech was brilliant and heart felt, He expressed his observations so eloquently. Its caring people of his caliber needed to represent America. Thank You Mr.Beck for observing this entire situation with your eyes and heart wide open as a African American this is all that's being asked too be treated with care, dignity and respect as every other american.
5
Is Glen Beck willing to read this piece on air to his listeners? Would he make it the preamble to his next silly ghost written book'o'lies? Something tells me Beck has licked his finger and stuck it out the window to see which way the wind is blowing, and it ain't towards Trumpville. I wish I was able to envision him to be sincere but that is not possible. All I can see is his chalk board diagrams and cry baby tears.
23
Gobsmacked by Glenn Beck!
Glenn,
Nicely written and well said.
Thanks.
Glenn,
Nicely written and well said.
Thanks.
My goodness, first Glenn Beck appeared on Lawrence O'Donnell's MSNBC program a couple of weeks ago wherein the two had a civilized conversation. And now this op-ed urging empathy for members of the Black Lives Matter movement!
Has the world turned upside down?
Has the world turned upside down?
OK, so many here agree, as I, that in this Op-Ed, Glenn Beck portrays himself, so surprisingly, at the most reasonable and human anyone has ever seen him. Take a picture folks, it’ll last longer.
I’ve watched so many of Glenn’s ‘chalk talks’ where he used his white board and old Leni Riefenstahl film clips to ‘prove’ that Hitler was a Liberal, which generally ended with his signature “…first they (the Liberals) came for the Jews and then they came for me (poor Mr. Victim of the tyranny of political correctness)…” taking the words of Pastor Martin Niemöller in vain and bringing historical negationism to levels previously unseen in established standards of scholarly research.
Mr. Beck claims he made what he thought would be “a relatively uncontroversial point about the commonalities between Trump supporters and Black Lives Matter activists”, and then he’s surprised that the proverbial $#!+ hit the fan.
So what does he do? He comes running to the “Liberal Media” because he knows it is the only place he can find an audience who will, as he says “…listen to one another, as human beings, and try to understand one another’s pain.”
I’ve watched so many of Glenn’s ‘chalk talks’ where he used his white board and old Leni Riefenstahl film clips to ‘prove’ that Hitler was a Liberal, which generally ended with his signature “…first they (the Liberals) came for the Jews and then they came for me (poor Mr. Victim of the tyranny of political correctness)…” taking the words of Pastor Martin Niemöller in vain and bringing historical negationism to levels previously unseen in established standards of scholarly research.
Mr. Beck claims he made what he thought would be “a relatively uncontroversial point about the commonalities between Trump supporters and Black Lives Matter activists”, and then he’s surprised that the proverbial $#!+ hit the fan.
So what does he do? He comes running to the “Liberal Media” because he knows it is the only place he can find an audience who will, as he says “…listen to one another, as human beings, and try to understand one another’s pain.”
1
Glenn, are you OK??
1
You know you've oversold your brand when....
1
How will Glenn Beck's new stance align with Donald Trump's recently revealed maneuvering to gain Black political support, and what function will Beck serve in it?
3
Good God! When Beck and his crumbling empire get tight for cash, he'll prostrate himself to any movement.
4
Yeah, keep your hands on your wallets folk...
12
These are strange times indeed when i find myself,self identified liberal, nodding in agreement with what Mr.Beck writes ...
2
Why in God's name is the NY Times giving editorial space to a clinically paranoid, pathological lying neoconservative like Beck !?!
10
Is this really the same Beck with the obnoxious radio show--the same Beck who called the economic stimulus "slavery"- who said that Obama's programs were "reparations"? You can fool some of the people some of the time, but you can't fool all the people all of the time. Beck wouldn't know empathy if it were walking in his shoes.
10
Glenn Beck remains as dangerous as ever, a semi-skilled spinner of buzzwords, cheap feel-good imagery, claptrap, and lies. Here the agenda is win over liberal hearts and minds, and the strategy is -- what else? -- to exploit the willingness of people to feel victimized. Nothing new under the sun.
Thus Mr. Beck tells liberals that they're victims because their cherished movements (Occupy Wall Street; Black Lives Matter; the Bernie Sanders Campaign) were taken away from them, co-opted by "nefarious elements" for "their own benefit." Just like Mr. Beck and all his good Tea Partiers, who suffered the same fate. See? We're not so different after all: We're all well meaning people who've been victimized by scoundrels in our midsts. Hugs all around.
Well, Mr. Beck, I'm one of your liberal targets and I don't feel victimized that way. Maybe if you named names? If you told me WHOM, exactly, I need to fear within Occupy Wall Street, Black Lives Matter, and the Bernie Sanders Campaign? And WHY, specifically? Until you do that your argument looks like plain-vanilla McCarthyism, to me.
Mr. Beck’s cowardly deceptions may fool some of the people some or the time, but they don't fool me.
Thus Mr. Beck tells liberals that they're victims because their cherished movements (Occupy Wall Street; Black Lives Matter; the Bernie Sanders Campaign) were taken away from them, co-opted by "nefarious elements" for "their own benefit." Just like Mr. Beck and all his good Tea Partiers, who suffered the same fate. See? We're not so different after all: We're all well meaning people who've been victimized by scoundrels in our midsts. Hugs all around.
Well, Mr. Beck, I'm one of your liberal targets and I don't feel victimized that way. Maybe if you named names? If you told me WHOM, exactly, I need to fear within Occupy Wall Street, Black Lives Matter, and the Bernie Sanders Campaign? And WHY, specifically? Until you do that your argument looks like plain-vanilla McCarthyism, to me.
Mr. Beck’s cowardly deceptions may fool some of the people some or the time, but they don't fool me.
17
BLM and the Tea Party have nothing in common. BLM has real grievances, the Tea Party imagined grievances.
Beck is not trying to empathize with BLM. He's trying to legitimize the Tea Party.
Nice try.
Beck is not trying to empathize with BLM. He's trying to legitimize the Tea Party.
Nice try.
24
Should you read a comment from someone who did not read the op-ed? Perhaps not but I just could not get through the first paragraph without realizing this was just going to be another "look at me" narcissistic offering. So I bailed, not needing to find out how compassionate Beck is for trying to understand someone else. He is one of the kookiest of the kooks based on my earlier observations , I doubt that has changed much.
4
John, if you can't read the article, you are willfully locking yourself in an echo chamber. I suggest that you grit your teeth and read it, with an open mind, so that you can hear what Beck is saying. You may disagree with it, but you will know why, and it won't be just "hurray for my side."
Glenn Beck, sensing which way the wind is blowing, has decided to become a reasonable man urging reconciliation. This person made a lot of money by promoting absolutely crazy, right-wing conspiracy theories. I am very sad that he has recently been interviewed on NPR and given space in the NY Times. I believe, he wants to hedge his bets. In the event that Mrs. Clinton wins in a landslide— he'll still be able to find work. I am not falling for it.
4
Do you think Beck would have written the same editorial if Cruz was the Republican nominee?
Don't think so. Blacks would still be the enemy
Don't think so. Blacks would still be the enemy
3
Is this an "Amazing Grace" moment, or just some sort of ploy? I guess Mr. Beck's future actions will tell. It simply is hard to believe that the Great Right Wing Conspiracy edifice may be cracking, one winger at a time.
3
Ploy.
3
I would be inclined to agree with Mr. Beck and believe that he has turned over a new leaf if he would be willing to apologize for his years of lies, incitement and contempt toward Democrats, liberals and the millions of Americans he has demonized over his "career."
7
Bravo, if this is really the same Glenn Beck who used to rail against "the other". Americans of all persuasions need a big dose of this medicine.
Glenn Beck is as white as white bread, and could never have empathy. He is a fake and a phony, and it is an insult the Times even published this diatribe.
Glenn got his feelings hurt when Trump snubbed him, and now that his buddy Cruz is down and out, Beck needs friends.
The ratings on his Radio show have plummeted, and his editorial is an act of desperation.
Forget it Glenn. Leopards don't change their spots.
Glenn got his feelings hurt when Trump snubbed him, and now that his buddy Cruz is down and out, Beck needs friends.
The ratings on his Radio show have plummeted, and his editorial is an act of desperation.
Forget it Glenn. Leopards don't change their spots.
7
Thanks, NYT, for giving us the opportunity to hear from Mr. Beck in this thoughtful forum. I was interested to hear him describe himself as a "classical liberal — a.k.a. “constitutional conservative”. Most readers here might be confounded, but I think if Edmund Burke and Samuel Johnson were still alive to debate the question, they might agree. I hope that your readers will learn from Beck's advice to listen; and I hope that speaking to a very different audience than usual will introduce new inflections into his own voice.
Glad you're finally coming around, Glenn. But know that this is only a baby step in the direction that the conservative movement needs to go in order to be politically sustainable in a decade. Hopefully those who aren't already in the choir can really hear what you're preaching, and carry this momentum forward.
1
Another thank you, with the caveat I never expected to say that to Mr. Beck.
Does it matter how we get to the understanding that we need to listen to each other -- as long as we get there and stay there? Mr. Beck, I will be interested to hear how you pass this message to the people who need to hear it, who probably are the people that most of us NYT readers cannot reach. However, looking at the cynicism of some of the comments of fellow NYT readers, perhaps we all need to be reached with this message as well.
It's tough to listen to opinions with which we do not agree. I'm trying to read the Washington Times regularly, with empathy, to understand a different view point in our shared country. I confess I frequently can't bring myself to go beyond some of the inflammatory, liberal-bashing headlines....but if we're to figure out how to live together, we need to understand each others' starting points better. I appreciate hearing some of Mr. Beck's journey on these issues, and hope we travel the same road in the future.
Does it matter how we get to the understanding that we need to listen to each other -- as long as we get there and stay there? Mr. Beck, I will be interested to hear how you pass this message to the people who need to hear it, who probably are the people that most of us NYT readers cannot reach. However, looking at the cynicism of some of the comments of fellow NYT readers, perhaps we all need to be reached with this message as well.
It's tough to listen to opinions with which we do not agree. I'm trying to read the Washington Times regularly, with empathy, to understand a different view point in our shared country. I confess I frequently can't bring myself to go beyond some of the inflammatory, liberal-bashing headlines....but if we're to figure out how to live together, we need to understand each others' starting points better. I appreciate hearing some of Mr. Beck's journey on these issues, and hope we travel the same road in the future.
2
The circumstance that inner city blacks experience took 50 years of policy to unfold. This tragedy is not an orphan. For those who are inclined to pursue the evidence of how this came to be will not find in by reading the opinions of Beck or the NYT, understanding will be found elsewhere
2
Looks like someone who used to be somebody is trying to reinvent himself to get back to somebodiness.
3
That's what happens when you lock yourself into a lifestyle, then your ratings plummet.
2
As a self-proclaimed "constitutionalist" Glenn Beck says, "We cannot reconcile with those who want to tear up the Constitution or those who want blood in the street." But Mr. Beck mentions nothing about the Bill of Rights or the Fourteenth Amendment to the Constitution, which are mostly devoted to protected citizens from the police. What about the right of black men confronted by police to a trial by jury, the right to confront witnesses, and the right of due process? There is something missing from Mr. Beck's purported empathy when he mourns the slaughter of police officers but says nothing about how police have been routinely killing black suspects on the spot in retaliation for such things as refusing to show identification, struggling during arrest, or even just walking away. Conservatives say they are constitutionalists while supporting police acting as judge, jury and executioner for petty crime and even no crime at all. Black Lives Matter is about those violations of the same Constitution. How can we reconcile with right-wingers who support police officers tearing up the Bill of Rights and who want blood on the street?
3
Thanks for publishing this. I don't have to analyze Beck's background or motivation to understand and appreciate that what he's saying is relevant to all Americans. In general, the world needs more empathy and understanding, no matter which side of the aisle it comes from.
1
I do not believe that empathy is called for in all situations, I believe that is a path to madness. To what degree do we empathize with, for example, someone who believes African Americans should be sent back to Africa or that children must be beaten with sticks? At some point an objective measure of whether a group, a point of view, a belief system is either life-affirming and respectful of others or life-negating -- must be made. The KKK, for example. Not a group deserving empathy. Assessment, yes. Empathy? No.
That said, I am not a fan of any form of "Identity politics" where people form coalitions based on tenuous identity (such as race, religion, country of origin) instead of the core essentials that bond all human beings to one another, our humanity. I am not a fan of Black Lives Matter which, by accident or intent, seems to wall out the glaring truth that many Blacks are killed by Black police officers which begs the question -- which life matters more? The police are tasked to enforce the rules mandated by the elites and the powers that be, that is their job. When those rules are unjust, the police must still enforce. In recent months, as the Black Lives Matter movement has gained momentum, I have been increasingly treated as "other" in conversations with Black acquaintances who formerly spoken with me, free of prejudice. Now every conversation ends with "you don't dare speak to me, you don't get to have an opinion. You are white."
That said, I am not a fan of any form of "Identity politics" where people form coalitions based on tenuous identity (such as race, religion, country of origin) instead of the core essentials that bond all human beings to one another, our humanity. I am not a fan of Black Lives Matter which, by accident or intent, seems to wall out the glaring truth that many Blacks are killed by Black police officers which begs the question -- which life matters more? The police are tasked to enforce the rules mandated by the elites and the powers that be, that is their job. When those rules are unjust, the police must still enforce. In recent months, as the Black Lives Matter movement has gained momentum, I have been increasingly treated as "other" in conversations with Black acquaintances who formerly spoken with me, free of prejudice. Now every conversation ends with "you don't dare speak to me, you don't get to have an opinion. You are white."
Mr Beck simply sees an opportunity to draw some African Americans into the fascistic Right Wing (conservative they are not). It is but a ploy, using some obvious truths about 'we" being stronger than 'me'.
5
Mr. Beck should thank the NY Times for running this self-serving commentary. I'm sure it has made him feel better. I'm sure it has made me feel worse. It oozes the kind of hypocrisy and smarm, of pretend sincerity, that we are now hearing from far-right wing notables who want to distance themselves from Trump and remain "respectable". I was raised in the world of moderate Republicanism and miss it terribly - its willingness to compromise, negotiate, find a workable path on which government can proceed. Beck and co. are not part of that world.
6
Sound argument for working out our disagreements with civil discourse rather than recalcitrant opposition to others with opinions that we find to be disagreeable.
Glenn Beck, this breath of fresh air piece is awesome in it's insight and depth in recognizing that all of us regardless of any thing else are fellow human beings first and thus deserving of being respected, listened to, and understood. A la The Golden Rule. For sure you have evolved! Hopefully, your enlightened unitive views will reach the ears and especially the hearts of everyone on both sides of the aisle. As that old song states, "What the world needs now is love sweet love that's the only thing that there's just too little of." Thanks for this love inspired piece and it's efforts at turning the tide in that direction.
2
"As that old song states, "What the world needs now is love sweet love that's the only thing that there's just too little of.""
Beck doesn't care for that song so much since he found out its authors are Jewish.
Beck doesn't care for that song so much since he found out its authors are Jewish.
2
"Again, that’s different from empathizing with self-interested insiders and instigators. Just as I suggest a concerted effort at empathy, we must also stand together to confront the nefarious elements within our movements with equal fervor."
I agree with this sentiment. To 'confront the nefarious elements' part, however, must be constant and complete. BLM has put out lies that the uneducated and uncurious believe and then spread. Kaepernick is the poster boy for swallowing the lie, perpetuating it without any concern for the consequences to others. He, a 28 year old millionaire who certainly lives in security, has made life more dangerous every day for my 28 year old police officer son. Of course, Kaepernick will say that was not his intent but he is an adult and should be held accountable as should be those like him. Ignorance cannot be an excuse.
I agree with this sentiment. To 'confront the nefarious elements' part, however, must be constant and complete. BLM has put out lies that the uneducated and uncurious believe and then spread. Kaepernick is the poster boy for swallowing the lie, perpetuating it without any concern for the consequences to others. He, a 28 year old millionaire who certainly lives in security, has made life more dangerous every day for my 28 year old police officer son. Of course, Kaepernick will say that was not his intent but he is an adult and should be held accountable as should be those like him. Ignorance cannot be an excuse.
Well yes, we as a nation have to listen to one another's grievances and search for common ground in resolving them. Good luck with that in today's toxic political environment.
I read Glen Beck's words, I don't believe they are sincere. At a time when conservative extremist's are finding their voice in Donald Trump and individuals like Glen Beck support petty vindictive religious zealots like Ted Cruz I find this piece an disingenuous attempt to redirect attention from the political and social agenda reflected by Beck's time at Fox News. Like George Bush Jr's compassionate conservatism it is lofty rhetoric to disguise a more insidious intent & should not be trusted on its face. We as a nation are divided as much by the flagrant dishonesty and exaggeration sold like snake oil by men like Beck as by real disagreements on social & political issues. I don't know what he is trying to sell here but I'm not buying it, especially from this man or anyone like him.
7
Do you think Beck would be writing this editorial if Cruz had been the Republican nominee?
No Way! He lost all his Republican friends, and now he thinks he change his tune and rustle up some listeners before his sponsors pull their advertising.
It's a money game; pure and simple. And we are the pigeons
No Way! He lost all his Republican friends, and now he thinks he change his tune and rustle up some listeners before his sponsors pull their advertising.
It's a money game; pure and simple. And we are the pigeons
2
Surprised, but oh so gratified, to read this editorial piece. I especially appreciated his incisive (and insightful) identification of the insiders and the instigators (note the alliteration involves the letter "i"). Being empathetic requires each of us to set aside the "I" for the "we" (how interesting that "empathy "and "we" both contain the letter "e" but not the letter "i"). Our own fears can be exploited -- and have been -- and it takes courage to resist fear. So empathy is not just an act of love. It's an act of courage.
"Believers, political insiders and instigators" are better understood not by their lacck of empathy. but their excessive empathy for the opinions annd cultural support of accepted values of a social group. These people are blind and deaf to alternate views. Tea Party, self-serving politicians and religious leaders, and suicide bombers have the same common values. Beck can't equate the feelings of a sane person who actually cares for others and is generous and sincere in support of the needs of others with the selfishness and bigotry of the conservative GOP. When have these big business, small government had any empathy for the underpaid, the uninsured, the hungry?
Beck is a Trump apologist who says anything that sounds like what the helpless want to hear. Well, the helpless are no longer listening to such lies.
If it doesn't take a village, it might take a revolution to shake out the phonies.
Beck is a Trump apologist who says anything that sounds like what the helpless want to hear. Well, the helpless are no longer listening to such lies.
If it doesn't take a village, it might take a revolution to shake out the phonies.
1
When people choose the path of least resistance offered by charlatans and con men (politicians) perdition can only follow. Nothing good in life comes without struggle, faith and hard work.
Aside from the fact that Glenn Beck has never really been a friend of the African-American community, lies the fact that what he has conveniently forgotten here, is the fact that Black people have a long, and vastly different history in America than that of the Tea Party, Occupy Wall Street, or the Bernie Sanders campaign.
Had Mr. Beck taken this into consideration, there is no way he could try to make any kind of comparison or equivocation.
This article is as empty as Donald Trump's attempts to appeal to Black voters.
He's fooling no one except himself.
Had Mr. Beck taken this into consideration, there is no way he could try to make any kind of comparison or equivocation.
This article is as empty as Donald Trump's attempts to appeal to Black voters.
He's fooling no one except himself.
9
It's saddening to read comments equating hate and vitriol with not buying into the liberal, progressive line. It really is.
3
Beware of Greeks bearing gifts.
3
I'm happy you empathize, Mr. Beck. It is nice to agree with you on something.
My favorite spot in Memphis is a Blues joint named "Wild Bills" (When you do 36 hours in Memphis, it is a MUST). It is right on the edge of North Memphis (notoriously rough). I have always said it was proof racism was a choice, because in this juke joint, nothing matters but amazing blues.
All of this back and forth politically is a choice as well. We can choose to see what is normally the other side or stick to our "guns" (pun intended). This is dialogue that is positive.
My favorite spot in Memphis is a Blues joint named "Wild Bills" (When you do 36 hours in Memphis, it is a MUST). It is right on the edge of North Memphis (notoriously rough). I have always said it was proof racism was a choice, because in this juke joint, nothing matters but amazing blues.
All of this back and forth politically is a choice as well. We can choose to see what is normally the other side or stick to our "guns" (pun intended). This is dialogue that is positive.
More empathy is always good. Sure the Tea Party and Black Lives Matter people share a dissatisfaction with how things are, but it reminds me of an analogy. What is the appropriate amount of water in a glass.Both side agree that it is wrong, but one thinks there is too little and the other too much. So the only disagreement is in what the solution is.
Call Beck's bluff. Listen to his show, and then try to keep a straight face when he writes, "The only way for our society to work is for each of us to respect the views of others, and even try to understand and empathize with one another. I have always tried to work toward this goal." Or, maybe, there are two Glen Becks, the one on the radio and the one who wrote this column.
Perhaps I am just a cynic, but as one who listens to these entertainers, it seems to me that Beck is merely trying to promote his "brand" by carving out a niche somewhat different from those occupied by Rush Limbaugh, Michael Savage, Sean Hannity, and their ilk.
In this column he is talking the talk. Unless his talk show changes, he will certainly not be walking the walk. Why he gets this free ad in the Times is beyond me. If he puts into practice what he espouses here, that would be news, worthy of both journalistic coverage and, perhaps, a self-explanatory column. At this point, however, the cash-strapped Times is merely giving out free ad space.
Perhaps I am just a cynic, but as one who listens to these entertainers, it seems to me that Beck is merely trying to promote his "brand" by carving out a niche somewhat different from those occupied by Rush Limbaugh, Michael Savage, Sean Hannity, and their ilk.
In this column he is talking the talk. Unless his talk show changes, he will certainly not be walking the walk. Why he gets this free ad in the Times is beyond me. If he puts into practice what he espouses here, that would be news, worthy of both journalistic coverage and, perhaps, a self-explanatory column. At this point, however, the cash-strapped Times is merely giving out free ad space.
3
This remind me of Bill Clinton's infamous "I feel your pain." Then, please stop causing it.
1
Well how else are you to love your neighbor if you have no empathy. And you say who is my neighbor and many know the story but even if you don't, it is everyone else in the world but you, So reach out understand show some empathy and maybe you won't feel like you are alone and ignored. It is a two way street you know. Here take my hand and we shall be strong.
With recent rumors of threats to end his radio program, I sense Glenn Beck is merely trying to salvage his waning career. But he definitely has a future in infomercials for weight-loss diets, testosterone boosters, and prostate medication.
5
More than rumors. His rating have plummeted, and his sponsors are looking for an exit as soon as contracts expire.
It's a money game; and Beck did what most of these talk show guys never do; he went to the race track and put it all Cruz to WIN. Well, his horse didn't come in, and now he is just like every other degenerate gambler.
It's a money game; and Beck did what most of these talk show guys never do; he went to the race track and put it all Cruz to WIN. Well, his horse didn't come in, and now he is just like every other degenerate gambler.
1
"It is sad that I feel the need to state the obvious, but my heart bleeds blue for the men and women of our police forces."
Granted: Mr. Beck's heart, after the Dallas shootings, doubtlessly "bleeds blue for the men and women of our police forces". Will he now experience another pivot point?
Will he now, on his program, directly address one of the most widespread concerns among police officials: the ready availability of military-type weapons throughout our nation?
Granted: Mr. Beck's heart, after the Dallas shootings, doubtlessly "bleeds blue for the men and women of our police forces". Will he now experience another pivot point?
Will he now, on his program, directly address one of the most widespread concerns among police officials: the ready availability of military-type weapons throughout our nation?
2
What is hardest to swallow about Mr. Beck's piece is that while its spirit is undoubtedly sincere, its content is almost mindblowingly facile. I am sorry, but to publish the revelation that, "Wow, there are human beings who are actual activists in Black Lives Matter," is to really make a direct rebuttal towards those that would otherwise assert Black Lives Matter is comprised of nothing other than thugs and "instigators." He insinuates that those out there who, in the wake of the Dallas shooting, assumed that the Dallas shooter's parents would have been hateful, at all glad about what happened to the victims of their son's atrocity, might have been correct in starting their thought process there, by thinking the absolute least of these black Americans who must have been responsible for the hate their son fostered.
This column is hard to accept as anything other than one especially outspoken and polarizing pundit realizing that his incessant bias and ludicrous characterizations of liberals, blacks, and other contentious social cohorts - be they demographic or organizational - are overly simplistic and detrimental to civic discourse as well as actual physical wellbeing when such terrible and racially charged flare-ups do occur.
This column is hard to accept as anything other than one especially outspoken and polarizing pundit realizing that his incessant bias and ludicrous characterizations of liberals, blacks, and other contentious social cohorts - be they demographic or organizational - are overly simplistic and detrimental to civic discourse as well as actual physical wellbeing when such terrible and racially charged flare-ups do occur.
1
So, Mr. Beck, after all that effort to understand the Black Lives Matter movement, what you learned is that you are really empathetic and courageous.
Good for you, sir! Well done.
Good for you, sir! Well done.
1
Just an attempt by Beck to reach educated Republicans to get them to think that Trump (and Beck type conservatives) are not extreme racists.
2
Glenn has no credibility. Look at what he has spent his career on the air doing! He is a major reason for the problems that BLM have. He gives himself away in the the title of his book, “Liars: How Progressives Exploit Our Fear for Power and Control.”
What he said, we already know. Why the NYT published him? I guess to be open minded??? The psychotic now has legitimacy in his own eyes.
What he said, we already know. Why the NYT published him? I guess to be open minded??? The psychotic now has legitimacy in his own eyes.
3
Why would I bother reading an Op-Ed column by a guy who's only credibility is as a media celeb who uses party politics for ratings, personal gain, and maybe to garner party influence and political power? He's one of an army of political mouth pieces that have run amuck in America's news media since Washington stripped the FCC of the ability to keep party politics from distorting news.
3
All of this peace, love and understanding --- inclusion! from Trump and Beck! What's a black person to do?
2
Oh, good. Glenn's taking his meds.
'Bout time.
'Bout time.
2
Hard to take this seriously with all the memories of swasticas super imposed over Obama. On the other hand the message isn't totally wrong. But the messenger, eh.
1
Unfortunately, Black Lives Matter's focus on police actions rather than black-on-black crime, divides us even more because it diverts energy from that primary problem. EVERY YEAR about 6,000 blacks are murdered while only 258 blacks were killed in 2015 by police; most who had a gun and/or threatened the cops who were both black and white. Anyone who reads knows black-on-black crime should be the focus and "Black Fathers Matter" should be the thrust of that focus.
What Mr Beck is talking about is a goal..empathy..what he needs to share with his audience is how one goes from spewing divisive ideas and thoughts to one of empathy and understanding.
As it appears he would know the road to redemption better than anyone if his current essay is filled with truth...Mr Beck, please enlighten us how one removes hate and fear from their heart to become empathetic.
As it appears he would know the road to redemption better than anyone if his current essay is filled with truth...Mr Beck, please enlighten us how one removes hate and fear from their heart to become empathetic.
Mr. Beck:
who knew?
reading this column,
questions abounded:
who, exactly, wrote it?
were fingers crossed?
were winking eyes everywhere?
how wide was the smirk across the face?
was a ventilator nearby for resuscitation?
was the book publisher attempting to shut-down the word processor?
did the critical writing class participants disavow this marginal attempt at contempt and sarcasm?
was the therapist disavowing any knowledge?
the secretary?
are the sponsors reviewing the contracts for escape clauses?
is their mutiny among the acolytes?
will the sun rise in the east tomorrow?
hmmm
maybe if you could manage to spend, say,
a half hour or so with former President Carter,
or perhaps Pope Francis,
or....
then report back on your conditions.
until then,
the persona that you have so diligently and carefully crafted all these many years will remain as the marker of your life's drift-away from common-sense reality.
best of luck to you for a speedy and successful recovery.
Self-serving sanctimonious . . .
2
Glenn Beck (@glennbeck), a radio host and media personality, is the author, most recently, of “Liars: How Progressives Exploit Our Fear for Power and Control.”
Rich.
Rich.
1
Dear Glenn Beck,
I have doubts. How can you claim to empathize with Black Lives Matter in your column without addressing, even mentioning, any of its concerns? You went out of your way to confirm that you disagree with the movement, even as you conveyed respect and almost admiration for the members you brought on your show. The Black Lives Matter message is twofold. One: a reminder that black lives are as precious as all others. And two: a reminder that black lives have been treated as though they don't matter much, treatment that continues today even with all the civil rights progress we've made. What part of those principles do you disagree with? And why couldn't you bring yourself to even discuss them? It doesn't sound like your empathy goes farther than recognizing the value of small groups protesting large systems.
This is what I think: that your "empathy" happens to coincide with Donald Trump's sudden clamoring for black votes is no coincidence at all. It's tempting to accept your op-ed as a genuine reach across the isle, but you have a broad platform in a television show on Fox News to make that reach, and you choose not to. Can you imagine what it's like to be black and watch your television network vilify a movement that can be boiled down to a simple rallying cry- "stop shooting us"? Can you empathize with that?
Sincerely,
One of the many skeptics reading your column
I have doubts. How can you claim to empathize with Black Lives Matter in your column without addressing, even mentioning, any of its concerns? You went out of your way to confirm that you disagree with the movement, even as you conveyed respect and almost admiration for the members you brought on your show. The Black Lives Matter message is twofold. One: a reminder that black lives are as precious as all others. And two: a reminder that black lives have been treated as though they don't matter much, treatment that continues today even with all the civil rights progress we've made. What part of those principles do you disagree with? And why couldn't you bring yourself to even discuss them? It doesn't sound like your empathy goes farther than recognizing the value of small groups protesting large systems.
This is what I think: that your "empathy" happens to coincide with Donald Trump's sudden clamoring for black votes is no coincidence at all. It's tempting to accept your op-ed as a genuine reach across the isle, but you have a broad platform in a television show on Fox News to make that reach, and you choose not to. Can you imagine what it's like to be black and watch your television network vilify a movement that can be boiled down to a simple rallying cry- "stop shooting us"? Can you empathize with that?
Sincerely,
One of the many skeptics reading your column
2
Words from a crocodile shedding crocodile tears. We believe you Beck, beliieve your hypocrisy. NOT!!!
2
Um, slow claps, I guess. It's never too late to learn a lesson in tolerance, I guess. He misses the point though when he says that all these movements are saying "I'm not being heard" or "I feel like I don't belong anymore." Black Lives Matters is saying "I've never been heard" and "I've never been treated as if I belonged."
1
So this is what the NYT has come to. Yesterday, David Brooks quoted a squawk from the American Enterprise Institute in defense of Aetna's repeal from ACA, stating that the company had lost $400-some-million since January 2014. No mention, of course, that Aetna earned $60 Billion in 2015 alone (check their annual report, David).
And today the Gray Lady gives voice to the lunatic fringe on--of all things--empathy.
Memo to the Times: empathy, good; propaganda and lunacy, probably pretty bad, especially where national and international affairs are concerned.
This is not a time to play games with morons for clicks.
And today the Gray Lady gives voice to the lunatic fringe on--of all things--empathy.
Memo to the Times: empathy, good; propaganda and lunacy, probably pretty bad, especially where national and international affairs are concerned.
This is not a time to play games with morons for clicks.
4
I adore the fact that Beck writes so sanctimoniously about harmony and decency, and that the bottom of the page reminds that his last book's title is, "Liars: How Progressives Exploit Our Fears."
This is a guy who's been building his little bonfires--and getting very, very well paid for them, I might add--for decades now, and now wants us to bless his efforts.
Well, to blazes with that. I've no probs discussing whatever with reasonable people who show a little respect for my aide of the table, and even fewer probs with criticizing the Left--haven't had issues with THAT since I read Orwell's "Homage to Catalonia," some time ago.
This is a bad guy, who's pandered and lied and screamed and attacked--and as here, wept pious tears--while pulling in a ton of money for some of the stupidest, ugliest ideas in American culture. And he's got hisself paid more than millions for doing it.
Oh, and incidentally? Whatever its flaws, and there are many, Black Lives Matter was founded on non-violence and opposition to racism.
The Tea Party was founded in the opposite.
This is a guy who's been building his little bonfires--and getting very, very well paid for them, I might add--for decades now, and now wants us to bless his efforts.
Well, to blazes with that. I've no probs discussing whatever with reasonable people who show a little respect for my aide of the table, and even fewer probs with criticizing the Left--haven't had issues with THAT since I read Orwell's "Homage to Catalonia," some time ago.
This is a bad guy, who's pandered and lied and screamed and attacked--and as here, wept pious tears--while pulling in a ton of money for some of the stupidest, ugliest ideas in American culture. And he's got hisself paid more than millions for doing it.
Oh, and incidentally? Whatever its flaws, and there are many, Black Lives Matter was founded on non-violence and opposition to racism.
The Tea Party was founded in the opposite.
3
BRAVO I'm thrilled to hear you take this tack. There may be hope for us all yet!
1
What the Tea Party, Black Lives Matter, Occupy, Sanders and Trump have in common is populism- righteous, angry populism. Where'd it come from and how to outgrow it? Empathy and tolerance of divergent opinions are key. So is trust, faith and hope. To sum up, we should just be better people. I'd like to add a natural passion for understanding and an inherent curiosity for how things work to our list of self-improvement resolutions. NYT phenomenal book review on populism in America: http://www.nytimes.com/2016/06/26/books/review/what-do-this-seasons-poli...
If someone sees Glen Beck, we should let him know there is a human using his name to slander his multi-decade career anchored in good old-fashioned hate-mongering.
3
While I applaud Mr. Beck's seeming change of heart, he has profited from and helped enable the intense divisions of our country. He acknowledges that he is a flawed messenger. I hope his change of heart is sincere and that he will dedicate himself to healing the rifts he helped create.
1
For me and many other independent voters, THIS (video clip linked) was the defining moment on Black Lives Matter.
Your beloved, benevolent and beloved Hillary Clinton, "first black president Bill Clinton, the DNC, and the Congressional Black Caucus did absolutely NOTHING to stand up for Sen. Bernie Sanders who was DRIVEN OUT by BLM at this event:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QkTitIAthjA
National BLM "leadership" did NOTHING to stand up for an original, authentic member of the civil rights movement! I now have no respect for BLM.
Your beloved, benevolent and beloved Hillary Clinton, "first black president Bill Clinton, the DNC, and the Congressional Black Caucus did absolutely NOTHING to stand up for Sen. Bernie Sanders who was DRIVEN OUT by BLM at this event:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QkTitIAthjA
National BLM "leadership" did NOTHING to stand up for an original, authentic member of the civil rights movement! I now have no respect for BLM.
It ain't her fault that Bernie punked out.
1
Now Trump will never choose him as an adviser.
He's been one of the loudest anti-Trump voices for over a year. What, you didn't realize you had so much in common with him?
If I can believe Colin Kaepernick is earnest in his desire for positive change and respect for all Americans, I can believe Glenn Beck is as well. Let's talk and listen, not judge and condemn.
Empathy is a human capacity, but in general, it is something we can only experience one person at a time. You have to meet somone, know what they've experienced. Some of those who judge whole groups, on both left and right, just see a bunch of "others". Mr Beck reports that he met and interviewd people, and was moved. So, all of us should walk in anothers shoes before passing a judgement. But first you have to find the someone with those shoes, not sit at home cursing. Go meet the "other".
1
Glenn Beck has really lost it if he thinks that the Tea Party Movement shares anything with the "Black Lives Matter" or "The Occupy Wall Street Movements". Both of these groups are not grass roots by any means as they are supported by huge donations from George Soros, $650,000.00 on BLM alone. The Occupy Wall Street people were supported by the DNC, as well as the Barack Obama Campaign in Chicago as was demonstrated when a journalist knocked on their office door and saw all of Obama's Campaign signs on the wall. That was after she checked local real estate records and so who the space was rented to. This is what a real journalist does. Second of all this "Black Lives Matter" group uses bullying tactics to push a totally flawed message of police brutality and should be deemed a terrorist group due to the FACT that violence always ends up as a result of their protests and in fact, because of that, they can be linked to many police killings. If the Tea Party Movement had any kind of link like that, they would be in jail. These people are just as "Grassroots" as the movement supposedly by fast food workers to raise the minimum wage to $15.00 per hour. Every person involved in any of these three so-called movements are PAID TO PROTEST, and in the case of the $15.00 MOVEMENT, this is a project of the "Service Employees Union International" as well as their affiliiation with the Communist Workers Party of America. The billionaire George Soros is the one behind it all.
1
Roy, You do realize that federal minimum wage of $7.25 per hour has half the buying power that minimum wage had in the 1980s? And that Walmart is the only employer in town so workers have no choice? At what point would you consider a movement to raise the minimum wage not tantamount to communism? When it reached a quarter of that needed to live? When it reached zero? Movements to regulate capitalism are not communist conspiracies -- is that what Glenn Beck has been preaching to y'all? -- $15 per an hour of good hard work is just plain decency.
2
A lot of people are commenting and saying that they are so surprised by Mr. Beck's column since he has up to now, to them, been a beacon of hate in the media. Is it not possible that these commentators simply heard 'hate' from Mr. Beck in any comment he made that disagreed with their own? Like the kids on the campuses today who cannot abide opinion if it differs from their own? Like the Times Opinion Page running an Op-Ed by Mr. Beck, who up to now has been anathema to anyone on the N.Y. Times Editorial Board? Oh, wait a minute, this time he is saying something that the Board agrees with, so is it now completely understood by the zombies who read the Times every day that the only thing you have to do to get an Op-Ed piece into the Times is to agree with their position entirely on whatever matter you are writing about?
Oh, now I've got it. (By the way, the new Public Editor seemed to come down a few times against the Times editorial or newsroom excuses for dishonest journalism. Unless I'm having senior moments, I haven't seen anything by the Public Editor in about two weeks now. Vacation or punishment? Just asking.)
Oh, now I've got it. (By the way, the new Public Editor seemed to come down a few times against the Times editorial or newsroom excuses for dishonest journalism. Unless I'm having senior moments, I haven't seen anything by the Public Editor in about two weeks now. Vacation or punishment? Just asking.)
1
This is just another load of fine sounding hooey from Beck, who has been trying to steal the legacy of Martin Luther King for many years. It has no more credibility that Donalld Trump's absurd foray into Detroit. I'm surprised that the Times published it. As always, readers should consider the source and his track record.
8
Cliff's Notes: Glenn Beck wonders [without a hint of irony], 'Why can't we all just get along?'
2
Oh, this is rich: Glenn Beck comes in from the cold. But no, the Glenn Beck we all know and "love" is right here, hiding in plain sight. For example:
"Again, that’s different from empathizing with self-interested insiders and instigators. Just as I suggest a concerted effort at empathy, we must also stand together to confront the nefarious elements within our movements with equal fervor."
Love the classic Beckism "nefarious elements." Yep, like the communists of old, hiding under our beds, they're "within our movements." Scoundrels Everywhere!! The Horror. Yes, we must "stand together" by all means. And do bring your "fervor," good people.
I wonder who gets to define/identify these nefarious elements, and who gets to prescribe their just punishment? No I don't wonder that at all. Not for one moment. Good try, however, Mr. Beck (naah -- just kidding.)
"Again, that’s different from empathizing with self-interested insiders and instigators. Just as I suggest a concerted effort at empathy, we must also stand together to confront the nefarious elements within our movements with equal fervor."
Love the classic Beckism "nefarious elements." Yep, like the communists of old, hiding under our beds, they're "within our movements." Scoundrels Everywhere!! The Horror. Yes, we must "stand together" by all means. And do bring your "fervor," good people.
I wonder who gets to define/identify these nefarious elements, and who gets to prescribe their just punishment? No I don't wonder that at all. Not for one moment. Good try, however, Mr. Beck (naah -- just kidding.)
3
Glen Beck has as much to answer for as any of the instigators he chastises. What a nasty little piece hypocrisy this is.
8
As empathetic as Mr. Beck is here, his sweet words have to be taken with a teaspoon of salt. His past words and deeds make false, or appear to, his present stand. Is a "classical liberal" really a "constitutional conservative"? What does that even mean? Are you now a middle of the road "constructionist" where you can be both liberal and conservative as the wind shifts? When even Fox News cancels your show, one has to wonder which side of wacky has he fallen.
His words here are very strong and seemingly heart felt, but his past is getting in the way of his message. Maybe we all need to step back like he seem to have and look at our real feeling to reassess them. Mr. Beck was a vocal opponent of Obama's these last eight years, and maybe if he had pushed this 'meeting in the middle' approach sooner more would have gotten done.
His words here are very strong and seemingly heart felt, but his past is getting in the way of his message. Maybe we all need to step back like he seem to have and look at our real feeling to reassess them. Mr. Beck was a vocal opponent of Obama's these last eight years, and maybe if he had pushed this 'meeting in the middle' approach sooner more would have gotten done.
3
So now we've decided that deriding everyone but white males, and tinfoil hat conspiracy theories are probably a bad business strategy so now we're going to "pivot" a little in response to the changing sentiments and demographics of America? Sorry, Glenn. You have a lot more work to do to atone for your past transgressions. One op-ed in The New York Times does not a human being make.
3
Well, Glen, talk is cheap. I would be more impressed if you were living some of these things. There is no evidence in your actions towards humanity that indicate you do so. Comparing BLM with the tea party completely misses the motivation of each. BLM is concerned for liberty and justice for All. The tea party is concerned for themselves, as are you.
5
Don't read too much into this. Glenn is taking very little risk by writing this opinion piece for the NYT, since his constituents avoid reading the NYT, which they consider liberal trash. I would guess that if he voiced these sentiments on his program, his ratings would go down and he would probably lose his situation.
9
What Beck conveniently fails to mention is that his radio program has served as a platform for right-wingers who regard Black Lives Matter as a terrorist organization. On July 8th, Beck hosted Brad Thor, who declared: ""I think the problem here is that the progressives love to divide people because that's how they conquer the country...We need more people standing up and demonizing a group like Black Lives Matter that calls for the killing of police. At this point, I think Black Lives Matter ought to be labeled a terrorist organization." Beck has a decades-long reputation for lying, confabulation, and conspiracy theories. Even this editorial does not accurately reflect Beck's ideas about race, the Tea Party, and Black Lives Matter when compared to what he says on his radio show when he thinks he's talking to the like-minded. To contextualize Beck's self-serving editorial, the NYT ought to run a detailed story about Beck's crumbling media empire, the numerous lawsuits, and his apocalyptic convictions.
6
Glen Beck's latest contribution to "making Republicans seem reasonable again", right out of Preibus' playbook, expect a lot more of this in the weeks to come...
7
Empathy for rioters and assassins of cops, mindless agitation propagandists who glorify brutish thugs?
Sure, whatever you say.
Sure, whatever you say.
Wow, that Glenn Beck fella cleans up real nice when he writes op-eds for the Times, don't he?
Too bad this plea for empathy comes from the author of, most recently, "Liars: How Progressives Exploit Our Fear for Power and Control."
This guy's show is called "The Blaze", for the love of god. He's an arsonist, not a first responder. I can't think of a worse person to be invoking the "message and method" of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King. Having watched his show, I think he's one of the most unprincipled cynics in the cesspool of cable news and right-wing hate-mongering. For GB to be telling the left through the imprimatur of the NY times that we all need to find empathy is beyond rich, it's insufferable.
Too bad this plea for empathy comes from the author of, most recently, "Liars: How Progressives Exploit Our Fear for Power and Control."
This guy's show is called "The Blaze", for the love of god. He's an arsonist, not a first responder. I can't think of a worse person to be invoking the "message and method" of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King. Having watched his show, I think he's one of the most unprincipled cynics in the cesspool of cable news and right-wing hate-mongering. For GB to be telling the left through the imprimatur of the NY times that we all need to find empathy is beyond rich, it's insufferable.
3
Now I'm the one having a coughing fit. Tea Party is suddenly anti-racist? He's trying to put a good face on it. But the rank and file is out there still, saying Obama isn't an American, Hillary is a criminal lesbian, and the FLOTUS looks like a gorilla. Who does this guy think he's kidding?
4
Holy cow! Do I see an evolution ? This is not the. Glenn Beck I've come to know & loathe!
Call Beck's bluff. Listen to his show, and then try to keep a straight face when he writes, "The only way for our society to work is for each of us to respect the views of others, and even try to understand and empathize with one another. I have always tried to work toward this goal." Or, maybe, there are two Glen Becks, the one on the radio and the one who wrote this column.
Perhaps I am just a cynic, but as one who listens to these entertainers, it seems to me that Beck is merely trying to promote his "brand" by carving out a niche somewhat different from those occupied by Rush Limbaugh, Michael Savage, Sean Hannity, and their ilk.
In this column he is talking the talk. Unless his talking show changes, he will certainly not be walking the walk. Why he gets this free ad in the Times is beyond me. If he puts into practice what he espouses here, that would be news, worthy of both journalistic coverage and, perhaps, a self-explanatory column. At this point, however, the cash-strapped Times is merely giving out free ad space.
Perhaps I am just a cynic, but as one who listens to these entertainers, it seems to me that Beck is merely trying to promote his "brand" by carving out a niche somewhat different from those occupied by Rush Limbaugh, Michael Savage, Sean Hannity, and their ilk.
In this column he is talking the talk. Unless his talking show changes, he will certainly not be walking the walk. Why he gets this free ad in the Times is beyond me. If he puts into practice what he espouses here, that would be news, worthy of both journalistic coverage and, perhaps, a self-explanatory column. At this point, however, the cash-strapped Times is merely giving out free ad space.
2
It's important to remember that folks like Glenn Beck, Ann Coulter, and Rush don't sell news or even opinions - they peddle entertainment. Their "commentary" is as phony as a WWE body slam from the top ropes. They don't actually believe everything they say, but a section of the public loves it and it has made them rich, so the show goes on.
The problem, of course, is that this has been extremely damaging to how we treat one another. Clearly, Glenn Beck the living breathing person - not the persona - is struggling with his role in it all. He should. He's become fabulously wealthy by poisoning the democracy he truly loves. A nice op-ed can't change that, only years of dedication and personal sacrifice to atone for the wrongs he committed can. Glenn, if this is the start of a sincere effort, then you have my support. If not, just enjoy your dirty money and put the wrestling mask back on, huckster.
The problem, of course, is that this has been extremely damaging to how we treat one another. Clearly, Glenn Beck the living breathing person - not the persona - is struggling with his role in it all. He should. He's become fabulously wealthy by poisoning the democracy he truly loves. A nice op-ed can't change that, only years of dedication and personal sacrifice to atone for the wrongs he committed can. Glenn, if this is the start of a sincere effort, then you have my support. If not, just enjoy your dirty money and put the wrestling mask back on, huckster.
1
I always thought empathy was an emotional detachment. Yes, we understand but......No buts, we need action and we need it now more than ever.
I've seen enough of Mr. Beck to know that he is part of the problem, not the solution. Talk is cheap but it sure pays off when you are selling books and have your own TV show...
I've seen enough of Mr. Beck to know that he is part of the problem, not the solution. Talk is cheap but it sure pays off when you are selling books and have your own TV show...
3
While I appreciate the Grey Lady's attempt to broaden her palette of social thinkers....
...I think it is very passive aggressive to choose to give - what many of we conservatives agree - is a right-wing wacko - a precious soapbox.
...I think it is very passive aggressive to choose to give - what many of we conservatives agree - is a right-wing wacko - a precious soapbox.
3
Maybe this piece is a sign that Mr. Beck feels badly for the country he has helped drive to extremes and he is ready to find a solution.
5
"Glenn Beck (@glennbeck), a radio host and media personality, is the author, most recently, of “Liars: How Progressives Exploit Our Fear for Power and Control.”"
Ha-ha-ha-ha-ha! Currently, all copies are being recalled, to be reissued with the new title: "Come Let Us Reason Together"
Ha-ha-ha-ha-ha! Currently, all copies are being recalled, to be reissued with the new title: "Come Let Us Reason Together"
8
Reading Mr. Beck's thoughtful comments I went to the Fox site and watched his interview with Megyn Kelly on August 24. While I don't agree with him 100% on everything, who does agree with everyone 100% of the time, I found the interview enlightening and on-target.
This life-long liberal is somehow agreeing with Glenn Beck. He suggests we look at the under-ticket seriously. And by this I presume he means the VPs. With that in mind, it's no contest, I love Tim Kaine. We have family in Richmond and they give him the highest ratings. And he's Jesuit-trained, we need that type of morality in our Oval Office. Glenn Beck, you surprised me today, thank you.
This life-long liberal is somehow agreeing with Glenn Beck. He suggests we look at the under-ticket seriously. And by this I presume he means the VPs. With that in mind, it's no contest, I love Tim Kaine. We have family in Richmond and they give him the highest ratings. And he's Jesuit-trained, we need that type of morality in our Oval Office. Glenn Beck, you surprised me today, thank you.
I read the column twice, trying to find evidence that Beck, a purveyor of bigotry and hatred for progressives and marginalized groups for years, has truly found his inner humility. It was a difficult task, given his history and the fact that he is a bad writer who reeks of self interest. I want to believe that he has seen the light, but when, in his last paragraph, he speaks of "... the hate we are about to unleash," not only is he vague about the specifics, but he conveniently ignores the contempt he has been spewing all these years. "About to unleash?" Seriously? He has profited from hate mongering, making life more difficult for those of us who are in the margins and who are working for equity and justice. If the NYT wanted a great column about reconciliation and the need for humility and understanding, this wasn't it. Slipping in his line, ""I am a flawed messenger" at the end of his column hardly makes up for the damage he has done.
3
Glenn Beck, as one poster here wrote, "talks a good game."
I would note, however, that his method of categorizing the people with whom he SAYS he seeks to empathize is useful mainly for Mr. Beck's own purposes.
Within each group (Occupy, Bernie Sanders supporters, Black Lives Matter .... ) he identifies "believers, insiders and instigators."
"Believers" he can find common ground with -- they are, he says, "decent, hard-working, patriotic Americans."
But "insiders" and "instigators," who are as a group "self-serving" and "self-interested," are only out to take control of the movement "to their own benefit." He's not about to try to seek common ground with THEM. No, he wants to ally with the "decent" people in the movement against these "nefarious elements."
Note that it's Mr. Beck who will decide whether an element is "nefarious" or not.
It's still Mr. Beck's subjective judgement whether any particular member of a movement is one of the good guys, or one of the evil insiders and instigators.
How convenient for him!
I would note, however, that his method of categorizing the people with whom he SAYS he seeks to empathize is useful mainly for Mr. Beck's own purposes.
Within each group (Occupy, Bernie Sanders supporters, Black Lives Matter .... ) he identifies "believers, insiders and instigators."
"Believers" he can find common ground with -- they are, he says, "decent, hard-working, patriotic Americans."
But "insiders" and "instigators," who are as a group "self-serving" and "self-interested," are only out to take control of the movement "to their own benefit." He's not about to try to seek common ground with THEM. No, he wants to ally with the "decent" people in the movement against these "nefarious elements."
Note that it's Mr. Beck who will decide whether an element is "nefarious" or not.
It's still Mr. Beck's subjective judgement whether any particular member of a movement is one of the good guys, or one of the evil insiders and instigators.
How convenient for him!
1
Mr Beck we are happy you have seen the light. However writing this editorial in the NY Time kind of defeats the purpose. This op-ed should of been written in publications that have nurtured your hateful rhetoric over the years. These are the people you need to preach to.
4
pandering for the sake of increased clicks this morning, are we, NYT? if the news business is so bad, why not just sell the paper, instead of doing disservice to your country?
2
It's a shame that Glenn Beck hasn't limited himself to writing, which he does quite well, instead of getting in front of a camera and going nuclear.
Dear Glenn,
LOVE the new book title. “Liars: How Progressives Exploit Our Fear for Power and Control.” That just SCREAMS empathy.
I'm thinking of writing a new book myself. "Hucksters: How Conservatives Exploit Fear of Progressives for Money and Fame."
LOVE the new book title. “Liars: How Progressives Exploit Our Fear for Power and Control.” That just SCREAMS empathy.
I'm thinking of writing a new book myself. "Hucksters: How Conservatives Exploit Fear of Progressives for Money and Fame."
6
Empathy without a willingness to act towards compromise is useless. Nice try Glenn.
2
Yes, the Trump propaganda machine kicks into high gear. What's next, an article from David Duke on "Hispanics are people too>
3
Oh man, I think I just time-warped back to the seventies and am on a mind-blowing acid trip because I believe I just agreed with every word Glenn Beck wrote in this article.
Now, if someone could come over and talk me down...
Now, if someone could come over and talk me down...
2
Haha! I'm also feeling a little disoriented!
1
Perhaps I'm missing something, but this remarkable and empathic essay seems to have been written by a different person than the one who penned, per NYT notation, "Liars: How Progressives Exploit Our Fear for Power and Control.” and the individual who authored quotes that include:
"This president, I think, has exposed himself as a guy -- over and over and over again -- who has a deep-seated hatred for white people. . "
"When I see a 9/11 victim family on television, or whatever, I'm just like, 'Oh shut up' I'm so sick of them because they're always complaining"
"I’m thinking about killing Michael Moore, and I’m wondering if I could kill him myself, or if I would need to hire somebody to do it. … No, I think I could. I think he could be looking me in the eye, you know, and I could just be choking the life out. Is this wrong?”
Now, I think that Mr. Beck should be encouraged to write and speak along the lines of his current essay. It displays care, empathy, balance and temperance. But I would also like to know where the old Glen Beck is buried and whether he is going to rise again.
"This president, I think, has exposed himself as a guy -- over and over and over again -- who has a deep-seated hatred for white people. . "
"When I see a 9/11 victim family on television, or whatever, I'm just like, 'Oh shut up' I'm so sick of them because they're always complaining"
"I’m thinking about killing Michael Moore, and I’m wondering if I could kill him myself, or if I would need to hire somebody to do it. … No, I think I could. I think he could be looking me in the eye, you know, and I could just be choking the life out. Is this wrong?”
Now, I think that Mr. Beck should be encouraged to write and speak along the lines of his current essay. It displays care, empathy, balance and temperance. But I would also like to know where the old Glen Beck is buried and whether he is going to rise again.
5
I was thinking the same thing! This essay speaks about empathy, a trait sorely missing in Glenn Beck before this. In fact, nothing in it sounds even remotely like words or thoughts he has previously shared!
However it came about, if Glenn Beck DID write this, and actually feels this way, this is amazing! Makes me think about miracles...
However it came about, if Glenn Beck DID write this, and actually feels this way, this is amazing! Makes me think about miracles...
1
I cannot listen to Mr. Beck's, supposed, reasoned tone until he apologizes for all the horrible lies he has told over the years. I would expect that the NYT has other people more qualified to educate us about empathy besides this man who has shown a complete lack of empathy during his career.
2
Glenn Beck on the op-ed page of the New York Times. Such an esteemed forum assigning such a measure of credibility to such a reactionary, ignorant, paranoid windbag. A depressing day. I am sure Mr. Beck's sentiments were lovely and thoughtful but I was unable to get past the horror of that byline.
4
And that, in a nutshell, is his whole point.
2
This message speaks to what is so often missed in our national discourse: we are all one.
One reasonable criticism of Black Lives Matter which Mr. Beck didn't mention was its condemnation of only one country on the planet, Israel. This bit of bigotry may be seen in the BLM national platform. The world's sole Jewish State is singled out for evisceration while the likes of Sudan, Saudi Arabia, Syria, Iran, China etc. are not cited.
It's sad to see this in what purports to be the latest incarnation of the Civil Rights Movement and it, alas, reflects the widespread anti-Semitism manifest today in the African American community. (See the latest ADL study among numerous others.)
This is difficult to understand. Jews were blacks' foremost white allies during the height of the Civil Rights Movement and the great Martin Luther King frequently praised Israel. As a Jew who was involved in that struggle, it pains me to see BLM focus upon Israel as the single nation it deems worthy of condemnation. How sad to see bigotry from those who have experienced it pointed at another minority...
It's sad to see this in what purports to be the latest incarnation of the Civil Rights Movement and it, alas, reflects the widespread anti-Semitism manifest today in the African American community. (See the latest ADL study among numerous others.)
This is difficult to understand. Jews were blacks' foremost white allies during the height of the Civil Rights Movement and the great Martin Luther King frequently praised Israel. As a Jew who was involved in that struggle, it pains me to see BLM focus upon Israel as the single nation it deems worthy of condemnation. How sad to see bigotry from those who have experienced it pointed at another minority...
1
our failure to communicate is only a symptom of a crisis of faith, our faith in the constitution...we seem rather addicted to persuasion than attentive to cooperation...in mid 20 th century films ("the hucksters," "a face in the crowd" and "network" among examples), we were warned graphically of our vulnerability to persuasion and the anxieties that go with the effort rather to control opinion than facilitate debate...the words of the preamble, the promise of promotion of "...the general Welfare..."
have lost their meaning, and, so too, our belief that the constitution is the path thereto.
have lost their meaning, and, so too, our belief that the constitution is the path thereto.
Glenn Beck seems to have missed what his protégé Tomi Lahren said about the topic which you can watch in the video linked below:
https://youtu.be/c9FnzJ-4erw
While I don't think everyone along the same political spectrum has to agree on everything, even if these two people are both part of the same media enterprise, Beck owns The Blaze, which is where Lahren's videos are hosted. It's worth considering and thinking how they can be so opposite about what one says vs. the other and why they have separate messages.
Beck's tone here surely wouldn't be fitting of The Blaze, which makes you wonder how authentic he's being either here or there. Perhaps I'm overthinking this, but, it's an interesting dynamic.
https://youtu.be/c9FnzJ-4erw
While I don't think everyone along the same political spectrum has to agree on everything, even if these two people are both part of the same media enterprise, Beck owns The Blaze, which is where Lahren's videos are hosted. It's worth considering and thinking how they can be so opposite about what one says vs. the other and why they have separate messages.
Beck's tone here surely wouldn't be fitting of The Blaze, which makes you wonder how authentic he's being either here or there. Perhaps I'm overthinking this, but, it's an interesting dynamic.
3
All this peace, love and understanding---inclusion, first from Trump, then from Beck. What's a black person to do?
3
This is just Beck at his con artist best. The country is in trouble indeed, and in large part it is because of people like YOU, Glen Beck. In the great Mormon tradition of wanting to help but still sticking the black man in the cellar of the church. Nobody needs your kind of ambivalent help. The knife in the back is often right around the corner. He will peddle whatever sells this week. Don't ever be fooled.
3
Whatever you're smoking Glen, smoke more.
Okay, where is Glenn Beck and what have you done with?
1
Thank you Glenn Beck. This is an essay that I plan to show to my kids.
It's kind of strange to see liberals sound so much like the Glenn Beck they know in the comments section, quick to dismiss, turn off dialogue.
Perhaps they really hate themselves, similar to the Florida nightclub shooter.
I don't agree with Glenn Beck on many things, but he seems more mellow these days, at least when he had Glenn Greenwald on his show. It seemed strange at first but I and many others agreed with a lot what was said.
When you reach across, you really do find a lot more in common. The media including NYT and a radical segment of its subscribers like to whip up a storm and stir the emotionally distressed melting pot to make money. Journalism, calm, rational thinking is pretty dead. this is refreshing commentary from someone so many think of as scum of the earth. In a way, there's a Glenn Beck in all of us.
Perhaps they really hate themselves, similar to the Florida nightclub shooter.
I don't agree with Glenn Beck on many things, but he seems more mellow these days, at least when he had Glenn Greenwald on his show. It seemed strange at first but I and many others agreed with a lot what was said.
When you reach across, you really do find a lot more in common. The media including NYT and a radical segment of its subscribers like to whip up a storm and stir the emotionally distressed melting pot to make money. Journalism, calm, rational thinking is pretty dead. this is refreshing commentary from someone so many think of as scum of the earth. In a way, there's a Glenn Beck in all of us.
This IS who Glenn Beck is. Anyone who will actually listen to how he comes to his viewpoints knows this. He wants to understand why and how others think.
i don't see Me. Beck as flawed. I see him as a human being and all human beings have their faults. He often says you can't conquer darkness with hate.
He's right.
i don't see Me. Beck as flawed. I see him as a human being and all human beings have their faults. He often says you can't conquer darkness with hate.
He's right.
Wow. A "road to Damascus" moment? If so, its time to remove those books calling "progressives" liars seeking power and control from the store shelves!
2
LOL notice all the bourgeois SWPL Marxists praising Glenn Beck for choosing to double down on cuckservativism.
Glenn, you are a loser. Your flailing and self-flagellation will be remembered as part of the death throes of conservatism.
You America is gone because cowards like you allowed the founding stock of this country to be dispossessed and displaced.
Glenn, you are a loser. Your flailing and self-flagellation will be remembered as part of the death throes of conservatism.
You America is gone because cowards like you allowed the founding stock of this country to be dispossessed and displaced.
2
This is either an April Fool's joke or an Onion article. Or perhaps Mr. Beck has received a personality transplant. Unbelievable. I pray that he has written this sincerely from the bottom of his soul, and it is not just another cynical ploy to get African-Americans to vote for Trump. Mr. Beck, African-Americans are way too smart for that.
2
I completely agree with everything that was said in this article. People need to take the time to try and understand where another person is coming from before they retaliate and try to personally attack one another based on their beliefs or race. On twitter, people responded to the hashtag "#BlackLivesMatter" with one that said "#AllLivesMatter". Yes, all lives do matter, however, the Black community feels as though they are being treated differently than everyone else. They are not saying that black lives are the ONLY lives that matter, they are just trying to get recognition and have their voices heard in order to make a change. People seem not to understand that ALL lives can't matter unless Black lives matter as well. The Black Lives Matter website (blacklivesmatter.com) states that the movement is only trying to gain respect and justice while fighting anti-Black racism. Some people in this country are so stuck in their ways that it will be nearly impossible to change their minds, but this movement is a way for the Black community to shed light on the fact that they are all contributing members of society and they deserve the same treatment as everyone else in the nation. If people would take the time to empathize with the Black Lives Matter activists and imagine themselves in the activists' shoes, I believe that people will eventually begin to realize the wrong in their actions and begin to support the movement. Remember, all lives can't matter until Black Lives Matter.
1
For a fellow who even Faux News Network couldn't stomach, this comes as quite a surprise, Mr. Beck. I agree that a person's views can evolve—even yours—but I would add that I'm keeping my powder dry.
Go out and publicly get your right wing colleagues like Rush, Bill, Ann, Laura, and especially Hannity to reconsider their non-stop spewing of vitriol which, in my opinion, has poisoned the atmosphere in a way which I've never seen in 60 years of observing American politics.
We will all go down hating each other or figure a way out of this mess we're in. Your piece here is right on the mark.
Go out and publicly get your right wing colleagues like Rush, Bill, Ann, Laura, and especially Hannity to reconsider their non-stop spewing of vitriol which, in my opinion, has poisoned the atmosphere in a way which I've never seen in 60 years of observing American politics.
We will all go down hating each other or figure a way out of this mess we're in. Your piece here is right on the mark.
1
Dear NY Times,
Yours is the only online paper (any paper for that matter) that I read and compared to all the other major papers I have trusted your judgement. However, when you publish clods like Beck it's upsetting. He has his own forum - Fox. I simply don't want to read his drivel in the NY Times and it has no place here. And for the people who are saying Thank you, Glenn, you are being played. He is using you and probably laughing as he reads your sympathetic comments. His is not a liberal in any way, shape or form, no matter what he says and if you believe him you are being taken.
Yours is the only online paper (any paper for that matter) that I read and compared to all the other major papers I have trusted your judgement. However, when you publish clods like Beck it's upsetting. He has his own forum - Fox. I simply don't want to read his drivel in the NY Times and it has no place here. And for the people who are saying Thank you, Glenn, you are being played. He is using you and probably laughing as he reads your sympathetic comments. His is not a liberal in any way, shape or form, no matter what he says and if you believe him you are being taken.
2
As a chaplain aren't we all flawed. But with age comes a different kind of knowing, what we call wisdom. And a someone who works with prison inmates, I am continually amazed as I watch this process work. Thank you for your beautiful reflection of what I see as this process in your own life. God knows it took me 65 years to come to where I am now, and its so inspiring to read your example of that process.
I trust your sincerity about as much as I trust Trump's.
3
As citizen and classical Liberal, I applaud the NY Times for giving Beck space and voice. Thank you for that. I don't always agree with Glenn Beck but admire him for his ability to think, with reflective powers, about his own views and national issues. Compared to Rush and some other far right radio talk show hosts with their shrill anger, Beck offers hope that self reflection, compassion and love of nation and its people can provide a person with growth and maturity.
2
Can someone please explain to me (us...) how to address the logical fallacy here: "Empathy is not acknowledging or conceding that the pain and anger others feel is justified." Somehow, after reading Glenn's piece, I think he may be interested in comments about the problems contained in it. If he thinks that feeling the pain of another genuinely while denying the truth of the other's lived experiences is as far as he is willing to engage, then it seems to me that he remains part of the problem that is represented by Donald Trump. For what it's worth, as someone interested in US politics and history, I am concerned that we are witnessing the acting out of resentments originating between the North and South from the time of the Civil War, and perpetuated by the Military-Industrial Complex through the manipulation of the financial system by many international actors.
1
He's right on one point. With the assent of the Trump candidacy, we have turned the corner in the U.S. and it will only get worse from here. These are desperate people chasing a train that left the station 100 years ago. Many Jews supported the Nazis in 1932 after Hitler spent 10 years of trying to get control. How did that work out?
1
I have boundless disgust and anger at Glenn Beck. He does nothing but snark his way through his radio program, fomenting discord and promoting charlatan ideas which he himself does not believe.
Here he writes reasonably. I agree with him about the two sides coming together. I don't know if he is just feeling wonderful this week or what.
Here he writes reasonably. I agree with him about the two sides coming together. I don't know if he is just feeling wonderful this week or what.
1
It's all well and good to talk about togetherness in a single op-ed for the Times. The proof is in the every day rhetoric which is consistent with the talk.
1
You can hear the smile in come people's voice. When Glenn Beck speaks, I hear the smirk. Nevertheless, as long as he doesn't run for office, he may think and say what he pleases.
1
Wow, Glen, those are great meds! Keep taking them. You might almost became human. You must be on drugs to be able to find any commonality between the far right hate and filth you spew and BLM's call for fair policing and the end to targeting Blacks.
2
Pardon my skepticism, Mr. Trump, but who wrote this for you and what's your angle?
1
I wonder if any of Beck's "followers" read the NYT? Doubtful. Maybe that is why he wrote this for the NYT hoping his followers will not notice while trying to moderate our impressions of him.
"Empathy," as we all know, is a dirty word to the right wing.
Indeed, how much "concerted effort at empathy" and understanding of Progressives do you write about in your new book "Liars ..."?
"Empathy," as we all know, is a dirty word to the right wing.
Indeed, how much "concerted effort at empathy" and understanding of Progressives do you write about in your new book "Liars ..."?
What a load!
When Beck owns his own mega phone, why does he need more space? I commend the Times for giving him the space, but we really need to hear more about the others who don't own television programs.
When Beck owns his own mega phone, why does he need more space? I commend the Times for giving him the space, but we really need to hear more about the others who don't own television programs.
Glenn
Your just having the website theblaze.com says EVERYTHING about you!
The comments that YOU allow are vile, venomous, bigoted, and racist. I tried a few times to read it and was appalled.
YOU led these creeps to post such horrific comments about all women, blacks, browns--well ALL people who aren’t white and consumed by hatred.
The Blaze--a fire that consumes everything decent in America.
You started out as a stand-up comic--thanks for your new “routine" today!
Your just having the website theblaze.com says EVERYTHING about you!
The comments that YOU allow are vile, venomous, bigoted, and racist. I tried a few times to read it and was appalled.
YOU led these creeps to post such horrific comments about all women, blacks, browns--well ALL people who aren’t white and consumed by hatred.
The Blaze--a fire that consumes everything decent in America.
You started out as a stand-up comic--thanks for your new “routine" today!
2
"Empathy from the Devil" ?
Maybe the Stones can do something with that title, but I ain't buying it, sorry.
Maybe the Stones can do something with that title, but I ain't buying it, sorry.
2
Mr. Beck, how much empathy did you have for Mrs. Clinton when she had an unfortunate and embarrassing coughing spell at a rally on Labor Day? None. On your radio program yesterday, you and your associates spent the first ten minutes playing clips of the episode and laughing at and ridiculing her. How do you expect to be taken seriously when you behave in this childish, wholly un-empathetic manner?
2
Sorry, I haven't perused too far down the comments list but has anyone yet pointed out that the title of this article should read Glenn Beck: Empathy for Black Lives Matters?
Glenn Beck?
Is Alex Jones next?
How about a Holocaust denier and a Flat Earther for the Sunday Magazine Section?
Legitimizing wing nuts like Beck is to discredit The New York Times.
I expected better of you.
Is Alex Jones next?
How about a Holocaust denier and a Flat Earther for the Sunday Magazine Section?
Legitimizing wing nuts like Beck is to discredit The New York Times.
I expected better of you.
2
The only difference, Mr. Beck, is that the Tea Party is mostly racist and Black Lives Matter is not ... but you can't see beyond your own nose ...
4
And yet, a majority of Americans think you have that exactly opposite of reality.
But let's look at facts. The Tea Party stands for "taxed enough already" and was formed in response to massive growth in government and taxation proposed by Obama in the 2008 election.
Black Lives Matter was formed in response to a minutely small number of high profile killings of unarmed black males with a clear intent to deceive the public and blame it all on racism and allegedly racist cops. It was largely based on lies - especially the "hands up don't shoot" lie perpetuated by BLM and by the media after Ferguson. It was also based on the lie that Michael Brown's shooting had anything whatsoever to do with his race, rather than the fact he'd assaulted a police officer and was in the act of assaulting him again when he was shot.
So forgive me for pointing out that I'm with those who agree that you have it exactly backwards. The Tea Party is not and never was racist or having anything to do with race, while BLM is and always has been about falsely claiming that white cops are out to kill unarmed black men - which is racist.
But let's look at facts. The Tea Party stands for "taxed enough already" and was formed in response to massive growth in government and taxation proposed by Obama in the 2008 election.
Black Lives Matter was formed in response to a minutely small number of high profile killings of unarmed black males with a clear intent to deceive the public and blame it all on racism and allegedly racist cops. It was largely based on lies - especially the "hands up don't shoot" lie perpetuated by BLM and by the media after Ferguson. It was also based on the lie that Michael Brown's shooting had anything whatsoever to do with his race, rather than the fact he'd assaulted a police officer and was in the act of assaulting him again when he was shot.
So forgive me for pointing out that I'm with those who agree that you have it exactly backwards. The Tea Party is not and never was racist or having anything to do with race, while BLM is and always has been about falsely claiming that white cops are out to kill unarmed black men - which is racist.
Such an unexpected article. However, the nuance and and thoughtful humanity you display are somewhat undermined by the short bio posted underneath:
"Glenn Beck (@glennbeck), a radio host and media personality, is the author, most recently, of “Liars: How Progressives Exploit Our Fear for Power and Control.”
"Glenn Beck (@glennbeck), a radio host and media personality, is the author, most recently, of “Liars: How Progressives Exploit Our Fear for Power and Control.”
2
Give me a chalkboard and some chalk and let me show you how this man is yanking your chains...
1
Constitutional Conservatism is Constitutional Orginalism and would not outlaw voting for women but would also keep slavery legal. Yes, indeed, Black Lives Matter has something in common with donald trump and his no-nazi fellow-travelers like Glen Beck - they are on the receiving end of constitutional conservative lieing, cheating and stealing from African American and other minorities - and women - in this country! It's time for glen beck to take his filthy brown shirt off and get with the program: Bill of Rights!
'Glenn Beck ... is the author, most recently, of “Liars: How Progressives Exploit Our Fear for Power and Control.”'
1
Mr. Beck, you're preaching to the choir here. Why don't you express these sentiments in the WSJ to reach the people who need to hear you say these things?
1
As the anniversary of 9/11 approaches, let's not forget Mr. Beck's `empathy' for the victims of that horrible day.
“It took me about a year to start hating the 9/11 victims’ families… I’m so sick of them because they’re always complaining… We did our best for them… ''
Glenn Beck, an op-ed contributor in The New York Times? Really?
“It took me about a year to start hating the 9/11 victims’ families… I’m so sick of them because they’re always complaining… We did our best for them… ''
Glenn Beck, an op-ed contributor in The New York Times? Really?
2
Tea party is against all taxes and regulation
Black lives matter wants to shine sunlight on Police brutality, discrimination, and inequality
Not the same thing at all and I don't know how Beck even got there. Does this kind of thing work at conservative sites?
Black lives matter wants to shine sunlight on Police brutality, discrimination, and inequality
Not the same thing at all and I don't know how Beck even got there. Does this kind of thing work at conservative sites?
3
Sorry, but I can't take anything "rodeo clown" Beck says seriously, even if under the guise of sanity. Remember this is the same man who called President Obama a racist, with a deep-seated hatred for white people, even though Obama is part white. And many believed Beck (and others on the fringe), so much that some (whites) may now view themselves as being persecuted. Beck stoked the fire for years and now he allegedly wants to put the fire out when the house is already burnt to the ground. Should we empathize more? Of course, but it's hard to empathize with other people's views when you're obsessed with your own self-preservation. And if you believe those "others" should not benefit more than you from the American Dream.
1
Wow! I can't believe that's Glen Beck writing a sane and logical op/Ed piece. My has the world turned upside down? Fellow Times readers perhaps you protest too much! Give the guy a break he's trying. Believe me I found it hard to believe I agreed with this heartfelt and hands across the aisle commentary.
Is this more proof that we have been visited by aliens? Has some devious shapeshifter taken on the form of Glenn Beck to deliver us this rational piece of political thought? All kidding aside, if Mr. Beck has made some kind of change in his thinking it is to be applauded. However, I, like other commentators, noticed the title to his latest book, so we're somewhat skeptical at this point. We'll see what fruits your thoughts bear in the future Mr. Beck. Platitudes are fine, actions are better.
1
Beck gets it right? Hardly. Comparing BLM to the Tea Party is like comparing the Civil Rights Movement to the Cliven Bundy group.
2
If you have listened to Mr. Beck over the years, it is obvious that he is not a "hate monger", shouter etc. He has been thinking and evolving. Something all of us should continuously do.
2
Let's get one thing straight this is not just about "they . . . black Americans who feel disenfranchised and aggrieved" it's mainly about Black men feeling as if they are being slowly exterminated under color of law. Politics and business and War are not the same --- people don't usually fear being killed at business/political events!
2
Let's get another thing straight. Maybe instead of pretending that the risk of black men being exterminated by law enforcement is not astronomically lower than the real risk of being exterminated by another black male, we might someday be able to speak freely and honestly and to address the real reasons for their very real extermination and resulting fear.
Imagine being threatened by some of your own kind and the police . . . Amping one deadly situation does not dampen the other but clearly instant action is needed --- not denial. Both police and criminals are suppose to be unique not part of a pattern of threating citizens. Before technology (Video) all police actions were assumed to be justified --- now we see differently.
1
Yasir Arafat used to make speeches that said one thing in Hebrew and another in Arabic. I'll believe Mr Beck when I hear him presenting this message, day after day, on his radio program.
1
Let's not forget that Glenn Beck once said on television: "I'm not calling the president (Obama) a racist, I'm just saying he has a deep-seated hatred of white people."
Don't take anything from this piece of human garbage seriously.
Don't take anything from this piece of human garbage seriously.
1
Remarkable. The arsonist who set the church on fire is now breathlessly warning the town that there is a fire and we must rally to put it out. "Hero!" we all cheer.
What would we do without the thoughtful, endless commentary of visionaries like Mr. Beck. The self-styled patriots who interpret the Constitution for us, direct our morals and happily identify the demons living among us.
Go away, Glenn. You are a fraud just like Limbaugh, Alex Jones, Hannity and all the rest polluting the airwaves. If you want to be of service to your country, just get lost and let us get on with putting the fire out.
What would we do without the thoughtful, endless commentary of visionaries like Mr. Beck. The self-styled patriots who interpret the Constitution for us, direct our morals and happily identify the demons living among us.
Go away, Glenn. You are a fraud just like Limbaugh, Alex Jones, Hannity and all the rest polluting the airwaves. If you want to be of service to your country, just get lost and let us get on with putting the fire out.
1
Too little, too late. Mr. Beck has built a career and made a fortune on spreading misinformation through his books and on the air and stokes the fires of bigotry. Now, suddenly, we're supposed to believe he just wants us all to get along? Sorry. I don't buy it one bit. Let's hear him disavow his friends, the Koch brothers, as a first step. Let's hear him apologize to Muslims for spreading lies about Islam. Let's hear him apologize for calling President Obama a racist. Let's hear him apologize to the families of 9/11 victims, who he said "made him sick" because "they're always complaining." This column reeks of dishonesty, and Beck is despicable.
2
I think we are in the "end days" when the Times lends it columns to GLENN BECK.
2
Wow. The Supreme Emperor of hateful incivility is growing an educated, diversified, and empathetic ear?
Here's a question for the man who apparently has rediscovered his soul:
*How are you going to undo the damage you did to the level and tone of publc debate and discourse across this country?*
Some of the setback in race relations in recent times is due to the hardening and debasing of the Right Wing Mind, caused by you and Rush and a well paid elite cadre of Right Wing "Thought Leaders" - who used your media bully pulpits to spew fantastic myths and venom at any and all who were outside a very narrow definition of the ideologically pure.
Also... No! You are not a "Classical Liberal." It's yet another far more enlightened term you have altered to meet a skewed, warped, and unheathy purpose, and to hold up to enhance your personal self regard. Sadly, one more of the Crosses the decent majority have to bear is when those on the Radical Right take a term/definition and twist it to their own private meaning - and then take ownership. The words "Christian" and "Patriot" come to mind...
Here's a question for the man who apparently has rediscovered his soul:
*How are you going to undo the damage you did to the level and tone of publc debate and discourse across this country?*
Some of the setback in race relations in recent times is due to the hardening and debasing of the Right Wing Mind, caused by you and Rush and a well paid elite cadre of Right Wing "Thought Leaders" - who used your media bully pulpits to spew fantastic myths and venom at any and all who were outside a very narrow definition of the ideologically pure.
Also... No! You are not a "Classical Liberal." It's yet another far more enlightened term you have altered to meet a skewed, warped, and unheathy purpose, and to hold up to enhance your personal self regard. Sadly, one more of the Crosses the decent majority have to bear is when those on the Radical Right take a term/definition and twist it to their own private meaning - and then take ownership. The words "Christian" and "Patriot" come to mind...
1
Ahhh...love the display of liberal tolerance - or your version of it anyway.
Please re-read your own diatribe laced with invective, venom, and dripping with hate for those who don't think like you do.
Then come back and tell us what you plan to do to remedy this clear problem; thanks!
Please re-read your own diatribe laced with invective, venom, and dripping with hate for those who don't think like you do.
Then come back and tell us what you plan to do to remedy this clear problem; thanks!
While I disagree with Glenn Beck politically, I am
1
Me, too!
Glenn Beck - thanks for your Op-ED, "Empathy for Black Lives Matter". Yay for your plea for empathy, but face it, Black Lives have nothing in common with the Republican Tea Party. Facts are facts. We can understand each other's pain and anger, but reconciliation with hate-mongers, no matter how much they preach and appeal to empathy, is a non-starter. Signed E Pluribus Unum, not Deaf Ears.
1
sound idea, but pretty coy as mea culpas go.
It is saddening that he needed to meet and get to know BLM activists to understand that their message is the same as any other message from an oppressed group in history. That he couldn't understand the plight that is explained over and over again in multiple formats that people just want a fair shot in life, not to be shot at in life.
Which poses a bigger threat to black communities: Racism? Or the absence of fathers? Drawing on a sea of official data and his own upbringing, talk-show host Larry Elder shows just how important black fathers are in turning boys into responsible and happy men--and how their absence has had a tragic impact on millions of black Americans.
======================
I wish liberals, i.e. modern day "non-classical" liberals would open their eyes.
======================
I wish liberals, i.e. modern day "non-classical" liberals would open their eyes.
4
Mr. Beck: Your words here are well-crafted. But given the incendiary and belligerent right-wing speech you often employ on your radio show, aren’t you similar to the arsonist who suddenly finds empathy for the people put out of doors by the fires he starts?
3
Nice article. It reminds me of an old logical fallacy: "the law of the excluded middle." This flawed principle says that every statement is either True or False - no middle ground. We have all heard the leaders of many movements who claim to know what is right: "If you aren't with us, you are against us." In other words, don't think.
If we lived in a benevolent monarchy, this "with us / against us" rhetoric might be acceptable. But not in a democracy.
If we lived in a benevolent monarchy, this "with us / against us" rhetoric might be acceptable. But not in a democracy.
What, does Glenn Beck have a terminal illness, or something else that prompted this "come to Jesus" moment? I'm having major cognitive dissonance, and looking for the catch. There has to be a trick in here somewhere.
On the other hand, I've long suspected that Beck, and O'Reilly (but not Ann Coulter) were delivering a cleverly contrived shtick aimed at the dullest of Americans, and laughing all the way to the bank. Does this op-ed piece Herald Beck's retirement? There has to be an explanation. Perhaps soon the truth will out.
On the other hand, I've long suspected that Beck, and O'Reilly (but not Ann Coulter) were delivering a cleverly contrived shtick aimed at the dullest of Americans, and laughing all the way to the bank. Does this op-ed piece Herald Beck's retirement? There has to be an explanation. Perhaps soon the truth will out.
4
This is a man who compared Obama (at least his methods) to Hitler at least once. And the NYT believes he's worthy of being featured in its paper? Anything for a phony controversy, huh?
4
Why is this man being given column space to lie in the NY Times? Doesn't Fox News give him ample airtime to send his loathsome vitriol out to do its work in the world?
Beck and his fellow travelers have maligned President Obama for 8+ years and caused the situation that has allowed the brownshirts to rise openly in the Republican party. All the while, laughing their way to the bank.
It's bad enough you give Ross Douthat a chance to write here, but I can stand that in that allows this paper to be, you should pardon the expression, "Fair and Balanced." But the only place for Beck in this paper is perhaps as a reader, though probably only so he can twist its words some more to continue to hoodwink the poor schlemiels who've made him very, very wealthy.
Beck and his fellow travelers have maligned President Obama for 8+ years and caused the situation that has allowed the brownshirts to rise openly in the Republican party. All the while, laughing their way to the bank.
It's bad enough you give Ross Douthat a chance to write here, but I can stand that in that allows this paper to be, you should pardon the expression, "Fair and Balanced." But the only place for Beck in this paper is perhaps as a reader, though probably only so he can twist its words some more to continue to hoodwink the poor schlemiels who've made him very, very wealthy.
3
So you look at the NYT - a newspaper - as your very own safe space?
Nah, that's not dangerous and an end to civilization in America. Honest.
Nah, that's not dangerous and an end to civilization in America. Honest.
1
i paid $2.50 of my hard earned money this morning for a copy of the paper to find...G Beck ?
I really don't need to hear what Mr Beck has to say; his track record is good enough
PS: N Y Times, while you are at it why don't you address all the complaints about clinton rules ?
I really don't need to hear what Mr Beck has to say; his track record is good enough
PS: N Y Times, while you are at it why don't you address all the complaints about clinton rules ?
1
A wolf in sheep's clothing?
2
Beck is the man that called President Obama a racist, "a man who has a deep seated hatred for white people". I listened for two weeks to Beck claim that FEMA was building concentration camps, " to be used against US citizens". Beck is one of the original incubators for the likes of Donald Trump. You know we're not in Kansas anymore when Beck is "looking to understand".
2
I never in my life ever thought I would agree with Glenn Beck. However, with this piece he hits the nail right on the head. Thanks Glenn!
I want to like this. I really do. And at first read, I did – Glenn Beck in the New York Times preaching empathy?! Fantastic! We need more voices like his! More reasonable, measured, understanding perspectives. More civility in our disagreements. You go, Glenn!
But then...the byline, reminding us of his new book, "Liars: How Progressives Exploit Our Fear for Power and Control." In the very title, the exact monolithic dichotomy he purports to oppose in his op-ed. And framed by an accusation against "progressives" to boot.
Come on, Glenn!! I'm trying not to be cynical here. Are you actually going to walk the talk? Or are you just sowing false hope? Maybe I should just take what I can get?
But then...the byline, reminding us of his new book, "Liars: How Progressives Exploit Our Fear for Power and Control." In the very title, the exact monolithic dichotomy he purports to oppose in his op-ed. And framed by an accusation against "progressives" to boot.
Come on, Glenn!! I'm trying not to be cynical here. Are you actually going to walk the talk? Or are you just sowing false hope? Maybe I should just take what I can get?
2
Words don't have any meaning if they are not backed up with a reputation of action. Mr. Beck and others have shown time and time again to disregard the lives of minorities. To now conflate the lives of those minorities ( that are being killed ) to that of white folk that want to take their country back to a time when minorities had no power is well...
obscene.
obscene.
3
Surprising to read Beck make "empathy" a virtue without hedging to parry the sort of responsive attacks he and his fellows launched on Obama during the Sotomayor hearings. Coburn, Kyl, and Grassley, must be fuming.
https://nwlc.org/blog/sotomayor-hearings-when-did-empathy-become-dirty-w...
https://nwlc.org/blog/sotomayor-hearings-when-did-empathy-become-dirty-w...
1
Glen Beck says we need to listen to one another and understand another's pain, but he shows no indication that he has done that with the Black Lives Matter people who appeared on his show. His op-ed is meaningless. He wants to surprise us, and show off, by saying that with regard to the Black Lives Matter movement, but his statements are meaningless, unless he can show that he truly did listen and does truly understand. Mr. Beck, tell us, did you hear anything more from the Black Lives Matter movement, other than that they feel disenfranchised and aggrieved, no different from a Tea Partier.
It is difficult to read the words "But as people, wouldn’t we all benefit from trying to empathize with people we disagree with?" in an article penned by Mr. Beck. You sir, spent many years profiting handsomely by propagating the very recalcitrance and lack of engagement that this Op Ed espouses. These Mr. Beck are the fruits of the seeds that you and your colleagues Messrs. Murdock & Ailes assiduously nurtured over the last 10+ yrs. via the 24/7 streaming of divisive rhetoric into the hearts and minds of disenfranchised blue-collar white Americans. To say that you have "always tried to work toward [the] goal" of fostering empathy is as ludicrous as it is disingenuous. It a shame for our nation that you've had your "come to Jesus" moment far too late... you can no longer control the dragon of hatred and bigotry that your years of spewing hatred on-air have unleashed. God help us all.
1
Conservatives label Black Lives Matter as anti-police. That is the furthest thing from the truth.
BLM is just saying that police need to be trained to treat blacks the same as they do whites when it comes to confrontations and arrests. Don't shoot to kill as the first action.
It boggles the mind that some Americans disagree with them.
BLM is just saying that police need to be trained to treat blacks the same as they do whites when it comes to confrontations and arrests. Don't shoot to kill as the first action.
It boggles the mind that some Americans disagree with them.
2
It boggles the mind of most Americans that you continue to claim blacks are shot more often by cops than whites - despite all sorts of recent research disproving this false claim.
Just as with the "hands up don't shoot" lie that brought BLM to prominence, any organization whose premise is based on lies cannot and should not survive.
Just as with the "hands up don't shoot" lie that brought BLM to prominence, any organization whose premise is based on lies cannot and should not survive.
Three things:
1. what BLM is saying sure has morphed in the past 2 years. Honest people will admit that it most definitely DID start out protesting the alleged and claimed "murder of unarmed black men by cops" - blaming racism. Now that evidence has proven that to be false, it's suddenly about differences in how they are treated during arrests. That's progress, I suppose, but certainly not what BLM claimed in its beginning.
2. Members of the hundreds of Tea Party groups nationwide are not racist either, but that is how the left (and the media) has chosen to dishonestly portray them for 8 years. Perhaps it's time you considered that this oft-repeated claim "is the furthest thing from the truth" as well.
3. Are there fringe elements of both groups? YES. With BLM there is a faction that clearly hates cops and wants to harm them. They marched in the streets of NYC calling for "dead cops now", remember? But I sure don't recall much outrage from anyone in the media, nor from BLM supporters.
I recall seeing a Chicago Tea Party clip where a CNN reporter found ONE racist sign amidst thousands of people - many carrying respectful ones. And what did she focus on and try to portray the whole group as being? That's right - like the one guy carrying the one inappropriate sign.
Please wake up and try to understand that those in power in this country thrive on hate and division and even lies. Don't be a part of it.
1. what BLM is saying sure has morphed in the past 2 years. Honest people will admit that it most definitely DID start out protesting the alleged and claimed "murder of unarmed black men by cops" - blaming racism. Now that evidence has proven that to be false, it's suddenly about differences in how they are treated during arrests. That's progress, I suppose, but certainly not what BLM claimed in its beginning.
2. Members of the hundreds of Tea Party groups nationwide are not racist either, but that is how the left (and the media) has chosen to dishonestly portray them for 8 years. Perhaps it's time you considered that this oft-repeated claim "is the furthest thing from the truth" as well.
3. Are there fringe elements of both groups? YES. With BLM there is a faction that clearly hates cops and wants to harm them. They marched in the streets of NYC calling for "dead cops now", remember? But I sure don't recall much outrage from anyone in the media, nor from BLM supporters.
I recall seeing a Chicago Tea Party clip where a CNN reporter found ONE racist sign amidst thousands of people - many carrying respectful ones. And what did she focus on and try to portray the whole group as being? That's right - like the one guy carrying the one inappropriate sign.
Please wake up and try to understand that those in power in this country thrive on hate and division and even lies. Don't be a part of it.
I am astonished the NYTimes would give this hackneyed idiot a forum.
4
As long as you're calling people idiots, Dean, you might want to check on the meaning and usage of "hackneyed."
O.K. you have made a relevant start. i have never been able to stand your politics. . i congratulate you on this article. we need a lot more of this attitude and we will survive.
1
Glenn Beck looking for relevance after stoking the fire of hatred and distrust for years. I'm not going to even bother reading the piece. I'm surprised it doesn't come with a "Buy Gold!" ad insert.
2
BLM is a Political group avoiding real Black Community issues. It is not Cops killing Blacks. It is Blacks killing Blacks. Numbers are staggering. When will BLM focus efforts in this area? Not enough media coverage? This is a CRIME!
1
No. Both are crimes, and both need to be talked about more so that viable solutions can be found. There is one significant difference however: Police on black killings is the power of the state being used with impunity against a certain racial group.
Another difference: if the perpetrator of a black on black crime is caught, he is likely to be punished. A policeman who kills a black goes free most of the time, whether the shooting was actually justified or not.
Police are able to "justify" killing with impunity and use the system to get away with it. There is no other "advanced" country in the world where such a thing is allowed to occur.
Another difference: if the perpetrator of a black on black crime is caught, he is likely to be punished. A policeman who kills a black goes free most of the time, whether the shooting was actually justified or not.
Police are able to "justify" killing with impunity and use the system to get away with it. There is no other "advanced" country in the world where such a thing is allowed to occur.
2
The title of his book listed at the end of the column completely discredits him. I wish I could believe he was sincere, but I fear he's lost in the partisan swamp and simply flailing now.
40
Wow Mr. Beck you address this topic now, just at the time when your man Mr. Trump needs some minor votes to take him to a presidency? After Nov 8, I am not sure where this message will go in your priority list, with all the minority-thrashing, hate-talk to cover for your base!
4
Mr. Beck:
who knew?
reading this column,
questions abounded:
who, exactly, wrote it?
were fingers crossed?
were winking eyes everywhere?
how wide was the smirk across the face?
was a ventilator nearby for resuscitation?
was the book publisher attempting to shut-down the word processor?
did the critical writing class participants disavow this marginal attempt at contempt and sarcasm?
was the therapist disavowing any knowledge?
the secretary?
are the sponsors reviewing the contracts for escape clauses?
is their mutiny among the acolytes?
will the sun rise in the east tomorrow?
hmmm
maybe if you could manage to spend, say,
a half hour or so with former President Carter,
or perhaps Pope Francis,
or....
then report back on your conditions.
until then,
the persona that you have so diligently and carefully crafted all these many years will remain as the marker of your life's drift-away from common-sense reality.
best of luck to you for a speedy and successful recovery.
5
SJ, very nicely written !
1
My goodness, here is Glenn Beck using the fifth column line of attack in a New York Times column.
5
Wow, I'm speechless, first Bill O'Reilly looking at trump in incredulity and, dare I say, disgust when that idiot (Donald not Bill) was on his show talking about his plans for Muslims (check YouTube).
Now this.
Are these rabblerousers finally realizing the monster they created is now out of hand?
Your bed, you lie in it.
Unfortunately, the sane of us are going to go down with you.
Now this.
Are these rabblerousers finally realizing the monster they created is now out of hand?
Your bed, you lie in it.
Unfortunately, the sane of us are going to go down with you.
6
Talk about the poster boy of instigators! This is the same charleton that organized that hatefest at the Lincoln Memorial a few years ago.
8
The word is "charlatan". And the word for someone who calls everything they disagree with "hate" is "intolerant bigot".
Oops, I meant the "phrase"!
If what you're saying is true, it's definitely a pivot.
1
If I had never heard of Glenn Beck, this piece would make me think, "what a decent,logical, and truly compassionate conservative! Wow; some DO still exist."
But we've already heard a lot from Glenn Beck and this just dpesn't square with any of it. What's going on? Is he on better medication?
If this is a sincere change of viewpoint, I commend Mr. Beck. It's never too late to change for the better. But if it is, I dare him to say this sort of thing, consistently, in his on-air programs and books. Does he really have it in him or is this just for the safe, fact-based, and rational confines of the NYT?
But we've already heard a lot from Glenn Beck and this just dpesn't square with any of it. What's going on? Is he on better medication?
If this is a sincere change of viewpoint, I commend Mr. Beck. It's never too late to change for the better. But if it is, I dare him to say this sort of thing, consistently, in his on-air programs and books. Does he really have it in him or is this just for the safe, fact-based, and rational confines of the NYT?
3
Another marcher enters the parade of "a liberal point of view only has merit when a hair-on-fire rightwing conservative acknowledges it." No one asked for your empathy, no one needs you to legitimize. Go home, Glenn.
6
Is today April 1?
5
An insightful piece. Glen Beck is about as relevant to me as Rush, Levin and numerous other wingnuts. But here it is, a thoughtful and prescriptive piece. Thanks for publishing it.
2
Glenn Beck's entire piece was about attempting to understand the other side and the top-rated comments here are all some variation of "shoot the messenger."
You are all part of the problem. Try listening for once.
You are all part of the problem. Try listening for once.
I respect you're unexpected point of view. I also appreciated your "all pies matter" metaphor. But I can't help but think your comments are insincere and media driven. They are a way to break through when so many other conservative pundits have also become acrimonious name-callers. We only have to look at the title of your book to question your sincerity: Liars: How Progressives Exploit Our Fear for Power and Control.” That's hardly a title designed to promote empathy.
6
I wish I had read about his book before making my comment.
You all think the original American sin is Black slavery? The original American sin is and ever will be the brutal conquest of the original inhabitants of this country prior to Jamestown.
1
Sorry, Glenn, you cannot be a dogmatist and pragmatist at the same time. You've made a very good living being the former. Why let that 'degrading chimera called conscience' get to you now?
3
Glen Beck tells us in this column that "We need to listen to one another, as human beings, and try to understand one another’s pain." Here's how he "listens" and "understands." Go to the credit at the bottom of this very same column. Here is the title of his latest book: “Liars: How Progressives Exploit Our Fear for Power and Control.” "Liars." "Fear." "Exploit." This is how he "listens". These are his words. The truth (not something with which Beck is familiar) is that he is a leader among those who have created the current chasm of hatred and division in our politics by pushing political discourse over the boundary into the land of de-legitimization. Obama is Kenyan. Hillary is a criminal. Liberals are liars. Let us celebrate the fact that, because Beck is a has-been, most of us no longer have to "listen" to the clap trap spewed by this crass, cynical, shabby man.
6
Is sounds like your ears are formed by supposition rather than humility.
1
What an appealing petition for empathy and understanding! I agreed with every word. Then I got to the bio:
"Glenn Beck ... is the author, most recently, of 'Liars: How Progressives Exploit Our Fear for Power and Control'.”
I guess he wrote it before his epiphany.
"Glenn Beck ... is the author, most recently, of 'Liars: How Progressives Exploit Our Fear for Power and Control'.”
I guess he wrote it before his epiphany.
2
For lack of a better term, I "troll" right wing websites like Breitbart when I have the time. By which I mean I post facts that oppose the views of the majority of the users, and I usually try to do it in a humorous way. I get called names kinda often, people often accuse me of being a paid DNC representative, or they claim I'm an idiot, but...even so...I hardly ever feel any genuine malice or downright hatred.
That's not the case with Glenn Beck, tho. The overwhelming majority of the people who comment actually despise the man. They feel his backing of Cruz and repudiation of Trump has been a stab in the back to the conservative movement. And more than once I've read the ninth circle of Hell is reserved for betrayers. They love to quote internet traffic numbers of Mr. Becks website and discuss how soon it will go under. And - oddly enough - a few days ago one man even suggested that Beck was such a changed man that he would soon be writing a column for that liberal rag, the NY Times. He was right about the column, of course, but I doubt Beck has changed in the slightest. He will do or say anything to stay relevant. Whether that means whipping up hatred of the left, slathering his face with cheetos, or writing a platitude-filled column for the Times.
That's not the case with Glenn Beck, tho. The overwhelming majority of the people who comment actually despise the man. They feel his backing of Cruz and repudiation of Trump has been a stab in the back to the conservative movement. And more than once I've read the ninth circle of Hell is reserved for betrayers. They love to quote internet traffic numbers of Mr. Becks website and discuss how soon it will go under. And - oddly enough - a few days ago one man even suggested that Beck was such a changed man that he would soon be writing a column for that liberal rag, the NY Times. He was right about the column, of course, but I doubt Beck has changed in the slightest. He will do or say anything to stay relevant. Whether that means whipping up hatred of the left, slathering his face with cheetos, or writing a platitude-filled column for the Times.
2
Fox News is all about denigrating the other. That's what Fox News is. If you want to heal this nation talk to Rupert Murdoch and the new management team. Ask them to become real journalists, not just party hacks who laugh at and shout down guests who disagree, because Republicans in Congress and Republicans at our dinner tables behave the same disrespectful, close-minded way. Glenn Beck and Fox News have poisoned politics so arrogantly and gleefully that it is impossible to take Glenn Beck seriously.
1
Beware of the wolf in sheep's clothing! Not buying this one iota!
4
Beck's more like a sheep in wolf's clothing
Didn't have empathy for the Tea Party in it's hey day, don't have empathy for Black Lives Matter now, both are pretty misguided if you ask me.
I welcome Mr. Beck's calls for empathy, humanity, mutual respect, and reconciliation. I am somewhat suspicious of his motives, because of his long history of instigating hostility -- I remember a book jacket a few years ago with him wearing a nazi-style uniform, in an intentionally provocative appeal to what is now known as the 'alt-right'. But he is making the sane-sounding right noises, so I will listen ...
1
Thank you, Glen Beck. It seems strange coming from you. I think you are partly responsible for the political wasteland that is the GOP. But thank you for saying something constructive.
3
The readers of the New York Times are largely already on this page. If Mr. Beck wants to make a real difference of his new enlightenment, he will work hard to promote this new perspective with his radio audience and others of his long-time followers who are more accustomed to a very contrary attitude and message from him.
Now that would be a rare legacy.
Now that would be a rare legacy.
3
This smarm has the familiar ring of The Rolling Stones'-Sympathy For The Devil'.
2
Mr Beck: So why is the name of your book "Liars" and some dig about progressives exploiting fear for power and control or somesuch? Maybe your editor is one of those pot-stirrers you mention. Your essay sounds more reasonable than your book.
3
Glenn Beck has always been an odd duck. Most of the stuff that comes out of his mouth is rubbish and so when he has these moments of lucidity and logic it makes me wonder what his agenda is. Having said this, I will choose to ignore my cynicism and embrace his message, since it is one that myself and most friendly international observers have been saying for years now.
My problem with this great sounding article is much the same as I feel towards Trump's political flip flopping for political gain. It is a matter of trust. Is Mr. Beck just trying out Trump's next speech on us or is his new found heart genuine? I would tend to give a hesitant applause to Mr. Beck for he will not be our next President and his words are worth exploring. The same can not be said for those of Donald Trump who can not convince me that he is not a con artist. So Mr. Beck thank you for these words of understanding, but in the words of your hero Ronald Reagan, trust but verify.
2
I will never forget the parody of Glenn Beck at the hands of Jon Stewart. Jon hopping around the white board madly drawing with colored pens while pontificating gibberish.
Oh, how I long for Jon Stewart's take on the op-ed. Perhaps he would play Beck behind closed doors with his producers discussing falling ratings. "Glenn, you need to build up your audience." Beck responds, "Yes. Let me work on attracting liberals by sounding sane. I'll start with an op-ed in that biased NYTimes."
And so it goes.
Oh, how I long for Jon Stewart's take on the op-ed. Perhaps he would play Beck behind closed doors with his producers discussing falling ratings. "Glenn, you need to build up your audience." Beck responds, "Yes. Let me work on attracting liberals by sounding sane. I'll start with an op-ed in that biased NYTimes."
And so it goes.
7
Prescription for doing your bit to improve the fracturing of our society: Find someone who disagrees with you and LISTEN to what they have to say. Don't interrupt. As my father told me when I was a child, while you are talking, you are not learning anything.
2
Beck is right. The far right (Tea Party and Beck) and the far left (BLM and the regressive left) have a great deal in common. They share an authoritarian philosophy, a disregard for logic, and a disrespect for free speech. I think it is a pretty classic tenet of political science that the fringes of the right and left (Hitler and Stalin for instance) tend to meet as the ends of a circle come together.
Looks like the right wants to capture the middle even as the left has ceded it. The middle is where the voters are, y'all.
2
Anyone else wonder if the curious death of Darrin Seals isn't already creating a strange opportunity to put an empathetic fork in BLM?
Wow, "I am a flawed messenger", coming from Glenn Beck that's certainly an understatement. I guess now that Trump has created a path, Glenn may think he has a way forward.
2
Unfortunately, Black Lives Matter is terribly misguided. It's like swatting flies while a python is wrapped around us. EVERY YEAR about 6,000 blacks are murdered while only 258 blacks were killed in 2015 by police; most of whom had a gun and/or threatened the cops-- who were both black and white. Black-on-black crime should be the focus and "Black Fathers Matter" should be the thrust of that focus.
5
If this Op-Ed was written anonymously the last name to guess would be Glenn Beck. Despite the stretch of connecting different aggrieved Americans under one common tent, he calls for what many of us believe America needs.
What a bizarre political climate in America. Republicans against republicans, Democrats against democrats, rising third party candidates, foreign intrusion in our politics, weak presidential candidates, battles over who can vote in our great democracy, and a growing national zeitgeist of anger and fear.
Well, it has been said before..."It's the economy stupid"
What a bizarre political climate in America. Republicans against republicans, Democrats against democrats, rising third party candidates, foreign intrusion in our politics, weak presidential candidates, battles over who can vote in our great democracy, and a growing national zeitgeist of anger and fear.
Well, it has been said before..."It's the economy stupid"
1
While some people try to get change by protesting, the Koch brothers build schools that teach their idealogy to the next generations of Americans. Yeah, they are Billionaires, but education does not have to come with a price tag; TEACH your children!
3
Glenn Beck, you have officially joined the Chutzpah Hall of Fame. Practice what you preach, dude.
7
"... the greatness of our country lies in our founders’ creation of a system that allows and encourages all voices to be heard"
Perhaps the main point of the Black Lives Matter movement is that many of the founding fathers, including George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, and Benjamin Franklin owned slaves, and the "great" system that these founding fathers created did not give them a voice at all. And that decision has reverberated through the ages.
Perhaps the main point of the Black Lives Matter movement is that many of the founding fathers, including George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, and Benjamin Franklin owned slaves, and the "great" system that these founding fathers created did not give them a voice at all. And that decision has reverberated through the ages.
4
Mr. Beck, your Opinion article is very refreshing, and it would be nice if you are really gaining understanding and turning around... but you and the other spin doctors have been using the best propaganda techniques to influence and create our current dysfunctional society. IMHO you and your fellow spin doctors are responsible for the polarization, the hate and anger, the distrust, the lack of civility that is tearing our great nation apart. If you are truly turning over a new leaf, only your follow up actions will verify your new, enlightened view of life and society. Your actions from today will speak louder than words...
3
I guess pigs will finally fly. My apologies, Mr Beck, but it was the first phrase that came to mind. Anyone can have a spiritual awakening, so I hope you are sincere. Of course, a mea culpa for your years of spewing and ranting would have been welcome.
3
Roll Camera. Roll sound. Que single tear. Action!
You know things are bad when Glenn Beck is reaching out to Black Lives Matter. Tuck in Occupy Wall Street and Bernie Sanders for good measure. We all just have so much in common with the Tea Party. For instance, we're all Homo sapiens sapiens. Now I'm running out of ideas.
Like always, Glenn Beck is whatever message he thinks the audience wants to hear. Once that's covered, he can plug the agenda, radio show, and book. Most recently “Liars: How Progressives Exploit Our Fear for Power and Control.” I'm sure that's chock full of empathy towards BLM, OWS, and Sanders. Can't someone find a muzzle for this guy yet?
You know things are bad when Glenn Beck is reaching out to Black Lives Matter. Tuck in Occupy Wall Street and Bernie Sanders for good measure. We all just have so much in common with the Tea Party. For instance, we're all Homo sapiens sapiens. Now I'm running out of ideas.
Like always, Glenn Beck is whatever message he thinks the audience wants to hear. Once that's covered, he can plug the agenda, radio show, and book. Most recently “Liars: How Progressives Exploit Our Fear for Power and Control.” I'm sure that's chock full of empathy towards BLM, OWS, and Sanders. Can't someone find a muzzle for this guy yet?
5
Glenn Beck writes: "We need to listen to one another, as human beings, and try to understand one another’s pain."
Who is Glenn Beck?
"Glenn Beck (@glennbeck), a radio host and media personality, is the author, most recently, of “Liars: How Progressives Exploit Our Fears of Power and Control."
From the title of his most recent book, I'd suggest it's not brimming with empathy and understanding.
Who is Glenn Beck?
"Glenn Beck (@glennbeck), a radio host and media personality, is the author, most recently, of “Liars: How Progressives Exploit Our Fears of Power and Control."
From the title of his most recent book, I'd suggest it's not brimming with empathy and understanding.
10
I am no fan of Glenn Beck but when he said his message would probably fall on deaf ears he wasn't kidding. Even though his message is late in the game at least it shows he's willing to listen unlike some of my fellow progressives who resort to name calling. When you complain about the other side not listening but then you don't listen yourself when they are trying to hear you it shows that you're nothing but a hypocrite. We need to move forward and unfortunately we still have a lot of ignorant people on both sides who hurt progress.
I am taking Mr Beck's words with a huge grain of salt. He's like the parent who withheld food from his children and then is shocked, SHOCKED!! that they are malnourished. For years, he stoked the fires of paranoia, disinformation, and anger and now is shocked, SHOCKED!! that people listened, lapped it up, and internalized it. It's all given him a nice portfolio, wealth amassed by selling gold & freeze dried food to people whose fears he fermented like a fine wine, and apparently he's feeling a bit bad about it.
Maybe he has turned over a new leaf, but fool me once...well, you know.
Maybe he has turned over a new leaf, but fool me once...well, you know.
9
I am so glad that the program is helping you, Glenn. You are seeing the world a little differently. Metanoia, this kind of conversion is called in the NT.
1
Glenn Beck in reconciliator role? Glenn Beck quotes Martin Luther King? This is obviously a very special election season! I think all movements have strong commonalities, like both Nazis and Bolsheviks liked to organize big marches, and put political opponents in concentration camps. But other than that they were of course very different just like the Tea Party, Occupy Wallstreet, and Black Lives Matter. The evolved Beck sounds more humane, though. It is a good start.
I may not agree with much of anything Glenn Beck says but I do agree with his disdain of Donald Trump. I'll give him credit for sticking to his conservative principles while other lapdogs like Sean Hannity and the motley crew at FOX "News" kiss the Donald's be-hind. They will go down with the S.S. Trump happily. They are a "news" organization in much the same way that Trump "university" was an actual college.
DD
Manhattan
DD
Manhattan
3
I seem to remember surfing the TV channels and came across Mr. Beck's show. There was a cardboard cut-out of Nancy Pelosi and if memory serves, he was trying to serve her a wine glass of poison liquid. He has helped promote a culture of intolerance and violence and we are supposed to listen to/believe his plea of empathy for others? Put your money where your mouth is, Mr. Beck, and model this OpEd on your show everyday.
3
Ok Glen give away all your savings. Sell your home and possessions. Dress up as a homeless person and have a makeup artist have you look totally as a black person. Experience life like that trying to get a job hail a cab be served at a restaurant walk into a police station with a complaint. Drive with a broken tail light and get stopped at 3 am.
Now you as a rich dominant privileged person with no future no equality no voice and no help begin to know what you have done to further racism to solidify the new Jim Crow and to make allot of money doing so
Now you as a rich dominant privileged person with no future no equality no voice and no help begin to know what you have done to further racism to solidify the new Jim Crow and to make allot of money doing so
3
Glenn Beck, I applaud you for having the courage to write these thoughts that I believe absolutely on target. Thank you!
1
This is an act of selfish contrition. Finally realizing that all the hate you, Mr. Beck, have spewed on this country for years, you have now decided you don't want that to be your legacy when the country goes down the toilet. I commend you for the sentiment, but where is the blame? To say you are a "flawed" messenger" is like saying the Titanic had a flawed design. The ship has sailed and you were there for the send off, so spare us your absent apology.
4
I think these last bits sum up how appropriate it is that this message is coming from this source:
"If we don’t [cultivate emapthy], what we have seen this year will be just the beginning of the hate we are about to unleash. America, and the world, has one path to 'united we stand and divided we fall.' Which path will we take? Which one will you?
Glenn Beck (@glennbeck), a radio host and media personality, is the author, most recently, of 'Liars: How Progressives Exploit Our Fear for Power and Control.'"
I make no further comment.
"If we don’t [cultivate emapthy], what we have seen this year will be just the beginning of the hate we are about to unleash. America, and the world, has one path to 'united we stand and divided we fall.' Which path will we take? Which one will you?
Glenn Beck (@glennbeck), a radio host and media personality, is the author, most recently, of 'Liars: How Progressives Exploit Our Fear for Power and Control.'"
I make no further comment.
2
The Black Lives Matter movement is many decades in the making. Since blacks won their 'Civil Rights' fight back in the 60s white elite society has continued to control and hold blacks down. The War on Drugs is the perfect example. Cops legally have targeted black and minority communities to 'round up' easy prey to add arrest money to their police coffers when it has been proven that whites use just as much if not MORE drugs than minorities. However, white communities have never been targeted. Blacks are arrested for drug-related crimes many more times than whites and their communities have been the brunt of an endless cycle of police brutality, killings, violence, and death that has made for distrustful cop-community relationships. When blacks get out of jail for drug crimes (usually after long sentences) they are LEGALLY discriminated against in employment, housing, educational opportunities, and can't even vote - how is someone supposed to rise up and become a productive member of society when they are constantly having to struggle against the rigged 'system' ?? Over 20 millions ex-cons - most of whom are African-American - are in society and most are unable to find decent LEGAL employment.
Understand that the main reason any elite is talking about 'criminal justice reform' is because the opiate and heroin epidemic has decimated WHITE middle and upper class communities. Now all of a sudden drug prison sentences are too long, punishment too harsh. See what I am saying?
Understand that the main reason any elite is talking about 'criminal justice reform' is because the opiate and heroin epidemic has decimated WHITE middle and upper class communities. Now all of a sudden drug prison sentences are too long, punishment too harsh. See what I am saying?
1
Conservatives don't seem to understand that there is an unbroken thread that runs from slavery, through the end of Reconstruction, then continues during Jim Crow and on to today's resistance to equal education opportunities, equal employment opportunities and all the other attempts by black people to assimilate within American society.
Black people know the truth, however. It's in their faces every day. Understand this, If you are on your knees and someone is still kicking you, it is not necessary for you to see the face of the one who is kicking you to know who the kicker is. You can tell by his rhetoric.
So, Mr. Beck, your empathy is not enough. What you need to do is acknowledge that your politics IS the problem. And that it always has been.
Black people know the truth, however. It's in their faces every day. Understand this, If you are on your knees and someone is still kicking you, it is not necessary for you to see the face of the one who is kicking you to know who the kicker is. You can tell by his rhetoric.
So, Mr. Beck, your empathy is not enough. What you need to do is acknowledge that your politics IS the problem. And that it always has been.
4
Huh. So the scales have fallen from Glenn's eyes and now he espouses loving his neighbor. I thought that was in the conservative playbook already, seeing how they use God's word to squash social change, etc. Or, maybe Glenn finally read the New Testament, especially the "judge not" part. *sigh
3
Some titles of Glenn Beck books:
* Liars: How Progressives Exploit Our Fears for Power and Control
* Arguing with Idiots: How to Stop Small Minds and Big Government
* Cowards: What Politicians, Radicals, and the Media Refuse to Say
* It IS About Islam: Exposing the Truth About ISIS, Al Qaeda, Iran, and the Caliphate
* America's March to Socialism: Why we're one step closer to giant missile parades
* Idiots Unplugged
... and a couple quotes from Mr. Beck;
"Progressivism is the cancer in America and it is eating our Constitution, and it was designed to eat the Constitution..."
"The most used phrase in my administration if I were to be President would be 'What the hell you mean we're out of missiles?'"
"This president I think has exposed himself over and over again as a guy who has a deep-seated hatred for white people or the white culture....I'm not saying he doesn't like white people, I'm saying he has a problem. This guy is, I believe, a racist."
"When I see a 9/11 victim family on television, or whatever, I'm just like, 'Oh shut up' I'm so sick of them because they're always complaining."
"Sir, prove to me that you are not working with our enemies." (to Muslim Rep. Ellison)
"I'm not saying that you and I are going to, you know, meet each other next week in a concentration camp in southern Utah. I am saying that there are elements with connections, with government officials that have positions in the government now."
So, what was that about provocateurs?
* Liars: How Progressives Exploit Our Fears for Power and Control
* Arguing with Idiots: How to Stop Small Minds and Big Government
* Cowards: What Politicians, Radicals, and the Media Refuse to Say
* It IS About Islam: Exposing the Truth About ISIS, Al Qaeda, Iran, and the Caliphate
* America's March to Socialism: Why we're one step closer to giant missile parades
* Idiots Unplugged
... and a couple quotes from Mr. Beck;
"Progressivism is the cancer in America and it is eating our Constitution, and it was designed to eat the Constitution..."
"The most used phrase in my administration if I were to be President would be 'What the hell you mean we're out of missiles?'"
"This president I think has exposed himself over and over again as a guy who has a deep-seated hatred for white people or the white culture....I'm not saying he doesn't like white people, I'm saying he has a problem. This guy is, I believe, a racist."
"When I see a 9/11 victim family on television, or whatever, I'm just like, 'Oh shut up' I'm so sick of them because they're always complaining."
"Sir, prove to me that you are not working with our enemies." (to Muslim Rep. Ellison)
"I'm not saying that you and I are going to, you know, meet each other next week in a concentration camp in southern Utah. I am saying that there are elements with connections, with government officials that have positions in the government now."
So, what was that about provocateurs?
12
The irony, of course, can be found in the byline of Mr. Beck's largely charming article: he's the author of "Liars: How Progressives Exploit Our Fear for Power and Control." Remember, Mr. Beck, "[n]o movement is monolithic."
4
I assume he's speaking of the same "Blaze" that hosts the video of Tomi Lahren using Colin Kaepernick's protest as a surrogate for the entire black lives matter movement so that she can undermine its entire message.
Glenn, if you honestly believe what you're saying here, then you need to disown that video and the awful woman who used it to attack every black American who has a legitimate grievance against their government.
Glenn, if you honestly believe what you're saying here, then you need to disown that video and the awful woman who used it to attack every black American who has a legitimate grievance against their government.
3
Glenn Beck discovers "empathy" for the first time and he gets to write an Op-Ed. What is next? Ann Coulter locating her heart? Sarah Palin accidentally opening a dictionary to find the word "logic"? Keep these wondrous Op-Eds coming, for this has been one head-scratching election season. Perhaps the White House should relocate to Coney Island.
5
I'm not sure I understand. I could use some help. Is this a mea culpa, or, in more current terms, a pivot? How am I to take this rather appealing op/ed?
This commentary could sound reasonable and uplifting if it wasn't written by Mr. Beck, who's byline states that the title of his latest book is: "Liars: How Progressives Exploit Our Fear for Power and Control."
These words aren't a mea culpa for all of the intransigence, xenophobia, rejection of facts, and hatred of others taht you fomented over many years. Rather, it's all just sheer hypocrisy.
These words aren't a mea culpa for all of the intransigence, xenophobia, rejection of facts, and hatred of others taht you fomented over many years. Rather, it's all just sheer hypocrisy.
3
If you believe a word of this then I have a bridge in Brooklyn to sell you. When the inimitable Casey Stengel was asked why he pulled a player from the lineup he replied, " I seen what he done." Actions, Mr. Beck speak louder than words and your actions mark you clearly as a bigot. When Glenn Beck says BLM resonates with him and when Kenneth Starr lauds Bill Clinton you know we've crossed a dimension and are now living in upside-down world.
2
I have never agreed with Glenn Beck on anything, but I agree with him on this.
13
I try to take a man at his word, Mr. Beck. Give him the benefit of the doubt.
Your show on Fox was a bit much for me. I could stand the theatrics for only so long before changing the channel. Don't take it too personally, though, I can't think of a show on that network that I can stomach from opening theme to closing credits.
But this piece is well done and, unless you have completely pulled the wool over my eyes, sincere. My opinion of you is open to softening. Now, can you give us your thoughts on the immigration issue without demonizing Democrats?
Your show on Fox was a bit much for me. I could stand the theatrics for only so long before changing the channel. Don't take it too personally, though, I can't think of a show on that network that I can stomach from opening theme to closing credits.
But this piece is well done and, unless you have completely pulled the wool over my eyes, sincere. My opinion of you is open to softening. Now, can you give us your thoughts on the immigration issue without demonizing Democrats?
3
I think we can all agree on one thing. He is indeed a flawed messenger. Too flawed, really.
5
You should take this message to your community, i.e. Rush Limbaugh, Sean Hannity, Michael Savage, Mark Levin and all the others on right wing radio or TV that encourage hate and intolerance of the other.
5
As a gay man married to my partner of 34 years...oh wait...THOSE lives still do not matter. Right, Mr. Beck?
6
What self-righteous sniveling! Google Becks other writings before you praise him.
Beck has made his mark as a racist hatemonger and now he is trying to cover it up with the help of the gullible Editors of the Times. Glen Beck is a hate filled nut and one little op-ed piece in the Times isn't going to change that.
Beck has made his mark as a racist hatemonger and now he is trying to cover it up with the help of the gullible Editors of the Times. Glen Beck is a hate filled nut and one little op-ed piece in the Times isn't going to change that.
7
This almost sounds like an apology for birthing Donald Trump. Excuse my cynicism, Mr. Beck, but you've earned it. I tried listening to the "other" side and you scared the hell out of me. Is your audience beginning to scare the hell out of you, too ?
14
The people who need to read this are over at the Fox News website.
9
Mr. Beck, well stated. Thank you for your opinion, i really enjoyed and I hope that after this awful presidential election, we can begin to listen and understand each other.
Life is too short for hate
Life is too short for hate
3
Thank you Mr. Beck. I have never listened to your show, but I may start to.
2
I disagree with Glenn Beck. Thank you.
1
Wow! Mr. Beck must be back on his meds. And this from a firebrand instigator who thrives on controversy??
4
I'm not surprised to see a Conservative try to encourage his supporters to understand liberals. What I never see are liberals trying to get their supporters to understand a Conservative point of view. Thank you Mr. Beck to showing that Conservatives are a lot more nuanced than most NY Times readers probably think we are.
1
Please continue on this path, Mr. Beck. It would help our country if you would use your ability to talk non-stop to bring the country together instead of divide it. You have had a hand in what you now see as a "country in trouble". But, please try. Everybody on both sides needs to try.
5
Glenn Beck as the voice of empathy? Seriously??
The End Times MUST be near! "Flawed messenger" is the understatement of the year...from a man who has been a reliable messenger of bigotry, of one kind or another, his whole career.
And what's up with the Times, allowing this platform to such a man? Is this an infomercial for his show? An attempt to rehabilitate his public image? (Without apology for mast misdeeds--merely an Allison to them.) As he should know, if any of his vaunted religiosity is real, forgiveness requires sincere repentance--honest remorse.
God knows we need more empathy...but I can't imagine a more dubious messenger for it than Glenn Beck!
The End Times MUST be near! "Flawed messenger" is the understatement of the year...from a man who has been a reliable messenger of bigotry, of one kind or another, his whole career.
And what's up with the Times, allowing this platform to such a man? Is this an infomercial for his show? An attempt to rehabilitate his public image? (Without apology for mast misdeeds--merely an Allison to them.) As he should know, if any of his vaunted religiosity is real, forgiveness requires sincere repentance--honest remorse.
God knows we need more empathy...but I can't imagine a more dubious messenger for it than Glenn Beck!
7
After years of fomenting hate, you are now asking us all to reach out and understand one another?
"...I am a flawed messenger..." You sure are Mr. Beck.
"Which path will we take? Which one will you?" Which path will you take Glenn? Perhaps I should buy your latest book and find out.
"...I am a flawed messenger..." You sure are Mr. Beck.
"Which path will we take? Which one will you?" Which path will you take Glenn? Perhaps I should buy your latest book and find out.
5
He yells "fire" in a crowded theater for all these years and NOW he wants to discuss how to put it out?
8
Members of the Tea Party aren't getting shot on a daily basis. Beck alsp makes no mention of the massacres that happen in Chicago every day or the grieving parents of those victims. Is he to be applauded for talking to a handful of BLM guests on his show? Does he really think he's experienced an ounce of that reality in a way that justifies making that struggle equivalent to the Tea Party movement. Glenn Beck isn't the cure for our struggles, he is the ignorant reason for them. The Tea Party is a political party, the BLM is an extension of the civil rights movement that sadly is being held back by the same beliefs Beck has promoted on all his various shows for years.
65
I don't care if it came from Beck, Trump, Hitler, Jesus or Mickey Mouse. When someone is calling for empathy, understanding, and for people to come together regardless of their differences or grievances, I will applaud that person.
Weak argument, Mr. Beck. The message of shared humanity is fine, but the comparison between BLM and the Tea Party is difficult. Both are ethnocentric movement, sure. BLM worries about basic opportunities and survival in a black community. The Tea Party worries about loss of white entitlement and guarantees. Like others have commented, "empathy" from podium seems like extreme hypocrisy.
2
Gee Glenn -- this is all so very high-minded of you. Have you had some sort of epiphany? Really? Where was this attitude for so many years? Where was the respect for people who disagree with you ... like President Obama? Remember "oligarhy?" if not, let me remind you:
http://www.mediaite.com/online/glenn-beck-accuses-obama-of-starting-olig...
That brainless, fact-free rant is your trademark ... incompetent spelling and all.
http://www.mediaite.com/online/glenn-beck-accuses-obama-of-starting-olig...
That brainless, fact-free rant is your trademark ... incompetent spelling and all.
3
Who can doubt that empathizing with others--even people we radically disagree with--is the key to healing our body politic? The fact that Glenn Beck said it doesn't mean it's wrong.
Mr. Beck has given us ample reason over the years to doubt his sincerity. But here's a radical idea: let's set aside our skepticism, give him the benefit of the doubt, and invite him to lead the movement toward empathy he is proposing. I will join it.
Maybe it does take a Nixon to go to China. We have nothing to lose in suspending our skepticism and everything to gain.
Mr. Beck has given us ample reason over the years to doubt his sincerity. But here's a radical idea: let's set aside our skepticism, give him the benefit of the doubt, and invite him to lead the movement toward empathy he is proposing. I will join it.
Maybe it does take a Nixon to go to China. We have nothing to lose in suspending our skepticism and everything to gain.
1
The tag at the end of the column says it all: "Glenn Beck ... is the author, most recently, of 'Liars: How Progressives Exploit Our Fear for Power and Control.'"
Not sure what Beck's game is in this op-ed (or why the NYT would ever publish anything by this con artist), but it's hard to take seriously a plea for unity and understanding from a guy who writes books about how evil progressives are exploiting the poor, honest folks who ... pay money to buy his books, feed his advertising revenue, and buy the gold he's hawking.
Maybe he's just trying to get the "moderate" slot on Trump TV after Trump loses in November.
Not sure what Beck's game is in this op-ed (or why the NYT would ever publish anything by this con artist), but it's hard to take seriously a plea for unity and understanding from a guy who writes books about how evil progressives are exploiting the poor, honest folks who ... pay money to buy his books, feed his advertising revenue, and buy the gold he's hawking.
Maybe he's just trying to get the "moderate" slot on Trump TV after Trump loses in November.
2
The ad hominem attacks being expressed by the bulk of the "Reader's Pick" comments illustrate what is an increasing problem in this country. I may or may not agree with Mr. Beck on a number of issues, but his piece was well thought out and reasonable.
To those commenters critical of the NYT for publishing it should be ashamed of themselves.
To those commenters critical of the NYT for publishing it should be ashamed of themselves.
Glenn Beck is a professional liar. He is so bad at it he was fired from Fox (Fox!!) for lying. Recently Scott Simon of NPR put Glenn Beck on his show and got hammered for it. The NYTimes is now putting Glenn Beck in its newspaper as a contributor and is rightfully getting hammered for it. Exactly when did NPR and the NYTimes enter "The Twilight Zone"?
5
There is a category that Glenn Beck leaves out in his characterization of populist groups: the leeches that learn to exploit the movements for personal gain. That's the category Gleen Beck belongs to - he dosn't believe a single word he has ever said - very much including this "empathy" NYT Op-Ed piece - his brand is based on saying outrageous things - very much the arsonist starting or stoking the fire - and then claiming that he is fighting the fire with some pseudo-intellectualism like his laughable claim that he is a classical liberal - with one and only one goal: how to monetize on our national divide and pain to make more millions for Glenn Beck. The Trump presidential run has caused huge fissures the right-wing hate machine Beck belongs to - it's Hannity vs. Beck, for example. Everyone on the alt right or just whacked out right is figuring out how to best profit in the new landscape once things settle down. Beck's character, which is all it is, is to be unpredictable - always part of his routine - and fake empathy for BLM fits right into the territory Beck is cynically carving out for himself.
2
Flawed messenger indeed, and yet, I think it would be a challenge for any right thinking human being to argue with your message…in this instance. Are you sincere? I hope so, but you will forgive us for being skeptical given your history. Still, one need only peruse the comments that accompany this article to realize how deeply divided both the left and the right are, and at the same time, how similar in their tone deafness. Unfortunately, those of us in the middle are the ones that get taken along for the ride.
2
Reading this piece was an extraordinary experience - somewhat hallucinatory.
Mr. Beck, for you to express these thoughts given your background is somewhat akin to Dr. Laura becoming the national morality nag without acknowledging her own extremely checkered past. At least you make a reference to being a flawed messenger, which is more than she ever did.
Kudos to the N.Y. Times for publishing your piece. I suspect the people who need to read it, however, go to other publications to enjoy with their breakfast. This needs to be published in red states, most notably those in the Old Confederacy.
Mr. Beck, for you to express these thoughts given your background is somewhat akin to Dr. Laura becoming the national morality nag without acknowledging her own extremely checkered past. At least you make a reference to being a flawed messenger, which is more than she ever did.
Kudos to the N.Y. Times for publishing your piece. I suspect the people who need to read it, however, go to other publications to enjoy with their breakfast. This needs to be published in red states, most notably those in the Old Confederacy.
3
Your words are appreciated, Glenn Beck. Peace be with you.
2
I had heard enough of Glenn Beck years ago to write him off as just another voice of division. After this column and a recent appearance of his on TV I have to think that he has had a conversion. Although many might think it unlikely, he must be given the benefit of the doubt. Such transformations do occur and are very important. In the New York Times he is preaching to the converted. If Mr Beck can convert his base audience and bring empathy to a movement that is known more for hatred, real change could be around the corner. Glenn, keep up this good work!
3
Mr. Beck's ongoing reinvention con now includes the temerity to use Black Lives Matter as one of his many, convenient wash rags. But the stains of his political and social commitments won't wash off so easily. Mr. Beck is a hack, as a cover of a major business magazine some years ago made clear (Beck was shown drawing dollar signs on his suit jacket with a piece of chalk). Beyond that, his loony statements across a range of topics (30 Rock is a "communist building," said Beck -- you can find this doozy on YouTube) should be enough to limit his many silly ideas and opinions to the pages of comic books, not find their way into respectable organs of news and learned opinion. Go away, Mr. Beck, and run your con elsewhere if you must do so at all. But, alas, the country is filled with those ready to be played (as you and your feigned nemesis, Mr. Trump, know well), and so I assume you'll always have an ample supply of suits, and chalk -- and $$$. Such is the world we live in.
6
Is Mr. Beck on the road to Damascus, or angling for a new gig? We shall soon find out. But it is a first step.
2
Anyone that wants to discuss coming together, reconciliation, and empathy has my attention. I sometimes listen to Mr. Beck's show to try and understand his point of view. I'm glad to read he's trying to do the same thing.
Good one Mr. Beck!
Good one Mr. Beck!
2
These thoughts coming from Glenn Beck are rather incongruous with his body of work up to this point, as we are reminded by his bio at the end. He confesses to being a flawed messenger which sets up this op-ed as being a mea culpa or completely disingenuous.
The "right" words often come too easily. Not to say that Mr Beck is lying here, but how genuine is this op-ed? Is this really an acclamation of an epiphany with a new heart and mind that is anxious to find empathy with the Believers of progressive causes? Or is he simply trying to sell himself on the pages of the left-leaning New York Times?
Like all of us, Glenn Beck is a political creature. Politics is the definitive term for how humans sell themselves to each other in order to establish their role and status in a group, society, or state. Proclaiming empathy with Believers is not outside of politics, it is at the heart of it and as equally political as de-humanizing those he historically opposed.
So are Mr Beck's motives pure? No one can know for sure, but including an apology for publishing “Liars: How Progressives Exploit Our Fear for Power and Control” would have been a powerful indicator of a true epiphany.
The "right" words often come too easily. Not to say that Mr Beck is lying here, but how genuine is this op-ed? Is this really an acclamation of an epiphany with a new heart and mind that is anxious to find empathy with the Believers of progressive causes? Or is he simply trying to sell himself on the pages of the left-leaning New York Times?
Like all of us, Glenn Beck is a political creature. Politics is the definitive term for how humans sell themselves to each other in order to establish their role and status in a group, society, or state. Proclaiming empathy with Believers is not outside of politics, it is at the heart of it and as equally political as de-humanizing those he historically opposed.
So are Mr Beck's motives pure? No one can know for sure, but including an apology for publishing “Liars: How Progressives Exploit Our Fear for Power and Control” would have been a powerful indicator of a true epiphany.
1
The point that all voices should be heard is a little stupid. This is not what the founders envisaged. No, all reasonable voices should be heard. But not all voices should be heard.
1
"A flawed messenger?" That is being kind. You didn't have much empathy for the 20 million Americans who can now go to the doctor thanks to a President and a Congress that you vilified in the worst ways possible. You helped create a divide that is now unbridgeable. Our political system is hopelessly broken because of that. Investigations that lead nowhere. Demonizing your opponents. Ignoring real health threats while pushing fake science. Letting the work of our grandfathers crumble, so the Koch Brothers can have more money. Now, these scoundrels are trying to steal our public lands that have been protected from our greed for generations. These fools ignore climate change, want a hot war with Iran and a trade war with China, while buddying up to Putin by weakening NATO, and letting him rebuild The Soviet Union. There is so much at stake. We are divided and the old world order is crumbling before our eyes. What can we as individuals do? Vote. Your grandchildren will ask you about this election. I hope you can answer them without hiding you eyes in shame.
5
A lot of lefty comments here about media folks I suspect they have listened little to. Their attitude is "we are correct, and they are all wrong. They have nothing of worth to say". These are the people who shout down speakers, insist on only political views they espouse. Actually both sides have something to say that makes sense if you can listen. Compromise is what we need, not entrenched dogma. Dogma causes wars.
2
is this article intended as satire? Considering the fact that Beck is one of the most divisive personalities on the airways what else can it be?
2
Everybody believes that they are right. Only the truly wise seek to understand why those they disagree with feel that they are right.
2
Most commenters trend left in this paper as I do. Some are able to acknowledge Beck's point, some are not. The latter, ignorant of their own bias, feel the need to trash Beck. After all, if they don't have someone to castigate for being biased, they might have to start acknowledging their own.
3
Wrong, Mr. Beck. The Tea Party might be screaming that "I don't feel like I belong anymore." But the Bernie Sanders campaign was about changing a system that is rigged for the wealthy. We feel we belong, we just want positive change for all Americans.
5
Glenn Beck has spent years nurturing the monster we are facing as a nation. Now, without decrying his role he has experienced some sort of epiphany. No mea culpa. He is merely positioning himself for whatever round of post Trump spewing he is anticipating. Glenn Beck on the op ed page? Feh.
6
Well - at the end of the article it says this: "Glenn Beck (@glennbeck), a radio host and media personality, is the author, most recently, of “Liars: How Progressives Exploit Our Fear for Power and Control.” After reading this, it's my opinion Mr. Beck is just a Trump surrogate trying to sway independents and moderates into the Trump camp.
4
Glenn, my compliments on your reclaiming your Christian values in a "What Would Jesus Do" fashion. The first abolitionists in the US were Quakers and Unitarians, and even today empathy for others is still seen in religious institutions. Unfortunately, a disease of blindness seems to have affected a lot of heartland churches who have a peculiar affinity for political personalities who are in almost every way anti-Christ.
2
I'm sure I'm not the only one who notes the irony in the title of Beck's book in his bio. Writing an op-ed on empathy is a bit of a schizophrenic turn of phrase when you are promoting a book whose title is literally a character assassination of an entire political ideology.
5
That most recent book of yours? Conservatives use fear for purposes of control far more than progressives do.
5
I believe that there has been any change within Glen Beck as much as I believe that there's a nicer, kinder and more compassionate Donald Trump.
8
I am all for empathy. But now take decisive action. Recall your books like Samsung recalled their phones. Take a loss but practice what you preach. Actions speak louder than words, for sure, in this path towards unity.
6
If I thought for a moment about taking this article seriously, it ended with:
"In their own ways, they say: “I am not being heard,” “I don’t feel like I belong anymore,” “I have no control over my future.” "
Are you kidding me? The women's and various minority and immigrant movements have never felt as if they "belong" or that they've been "heard", or that they had much control over their futures due to the decks being stacked against them. And sorry, the Tea Party doesn't qualify. Progress for women and minorities have been doled out bit by bit so they don't "get too much" and after 40+ years of trying to be heard, they are all still second class citizens to white men. Now that the 1% has rigged the system so that average white men can't get ahead, either, we're supposed to buy into the idea that the struggle is even and we should not expect anything for our communities because now white men are suffering too?
All the "But what about meeee!" whiners should be embarrassed. Comparing their struggles to the Black Lives Matter movement is nonsensical. It is NOT the same.
"In their own ways, they say: “I am not being heard,” “I don’t feel like I belong anymore,” “I have no control over my future.” "
Are you kidding me? The women's and various minority and immigrant movements have never felt as if they "belong" or that they've been "heard", or that they had much control over their futures due to the decks being stacked against them. And sorry, the Tea Party doesn't qualify. Progress for women and minorities have been doled out bit by bit so they don't "get too much" and after 40+ years of trying to be heard, they are all still second class citizens to white men. Now that the 1% has rigged the system so that average white men can't get ahead, either, we're supposed to buy into the idea that the struggle is even and we should not expect anything for our communities because now white men are suffering too?
All the "But what about meeee!" whiners should be embarrassed. Comparing their struggles to the Black Lives Matter movement is nonsensical. It is NOT the same.
6
Too much "I" in this piece. Beck makes some valid, albeit frequently used points that many others have invoked over many years. Nothing original there. What is dubious is how self centered his writing is, as if this question is about him or that he has any genuine influence on what "truly matters." He does not speak for the vast majority of people, and it calls into question why the Times would deign to allow this mediocre pundit some real estate on its Op-Ed page.
4
Mr. Beck's plea that "what the world needs now is empathy, sweet empathy" will not fall on deaf ears, at least not in my case.
I do wonder, however, what sort of ears Speaker Ryan and Majority Leader McConnel will bring to Mr. Beck's message.
I do wonder, however, what sort of ears Speaker Ryan and Majority Leader McConnel will bring to Mr. Beck's message.
4
If they were sharpened to points, one would be in danger of being blinded by the use of the word "I" so continuously in this article. Mr. Beck is simply trying to reclaim his spotlight; he wants attention, period. He has absolutely no credibility, and he maintains this well by beginning with a claim that he is a "classic liberal". That is absurd.
Beck and his neo-con Tea Party ilk are the root cause of the resurgence of overt racism and sexism in public discourse. A pox on him. His words do not warrant serious consideration, despite any sense that is made regarding unity of Us and Them. If one's entire world view is "us" and "them" there will never be unity.
Beck and his neo-con Tea Party ilk are the root cause of the resurgence of overt racism and sexism in public discourse. A pox on him. His words do not warrant serious consideration, despite any sense that is made regarding unity of Us and Them. If one's entire world view is "us" and "them" there will never be unity.
5
"I got to know them as people."
This is how conservatives and reactionaries typically find out about empathy: someone they encounter personally puts a human face on a political condition. Perhaps a cousin or colleague has a loving relationship with a partner of the same sex, for example. Perhaps a beloved daughter needs an abortion.
Empathy, Mr. Beck, is a human capacity to understand and be sensitive to the feelings, experiences, and situations of others whom we do not personally happen to meet. The Syrian children in refugee camps, the families who have lost someone to gun violence or police violence, are suffering whether you interview them on your show or not. Our policies are adding to their suffering, whether you have an opportunity to judge if they are "good people" or otherwise.
I applaud your effort here. It's a good first step. But you have a bit of work to do still.
This is how conservatives and reactionaries typically find out about empathy: someone they encounter personally puts a human face on a political condition. Perhaps a cousin or colleague has a loving relationship with a partner of the same sex, for example. Perhaps a beloved daughter needs an abortion.
Empathy, Mr. Beck, is a human capacity to understand and be sensitive to the feelings, experiences, and situations of others whom we do not personally happen to meet. The Syrian children in refugee camps, the families who have lost someone to gun violence or police violence, are suffering whether you interview them on your show or not. Our policies are adding to their suffering, whether you have an opportunity to judge if they are "good people" or otherwise.
I applaud your effort here. It's a good first step. But you have a bit of work to do still.
8
Glenn, it shouldn't have taken so long for America and we the Americans to come to our senses that we're all ONE, living under one God and under one nation.
But what we've witnessed over the years and throughout the history of this country is that America is fragmented.
Divided into many different cells or organisms just like our doctors and scientists look inside our bodies when they look through a microscope.
Under the microscopes all our blood in general look the same. First red. Then they see different colors and different smell when the doctors cut up our body.
John doe looks no different than Jane doe when we're skinless or featureless.
But while we're alive and living in America in different neighborhoods, attending different schools or colleges and different churches or synagogues or temples or mosques, we tend to look different and hate others who're different .
But it shouldn't be that way.We're supposed to love everyone whether we're White, Black, Yellow or totally tanned, we're all Americans .
But what we've witnessed over the years and throughout the history of this country is that America is fragmented.
Divided into many different cells or organisms just like our doctors and scientists look inside our bodies when they look through a microscope.
Under the microscopes all our blood in general look the same. First red. Then they see different colors and different smell when the doctors cut up our body.
John doe looks no different than Jane doe when we're skinless or featureless.
But while we're alive and living in America in different neighborhoods, attending different schools or colleges and different churches or synagogues or temples or mosques, we tend to look different and hate others who're different .
But it shouldn't be that way.We're supposed to love everyone whether we're White, Black, Yellow or totally tanned, we're all Americans .
4
My head just exploded after reading this. But I think almost anyone, even Glenn Beck, is capable of genuine humility. I applaud this column. It appears honest and seems to reflect true introspection and self-examination.
Like many of you, I was shocked to see an op-Ed authored by Glenn Beck. Yet, thankful to get some insight on his thoughts and opinions. To truly appreciate news, information, and politics you need to understand what you don't agree with. I don't like his politics, but that doesn't mean I won't, at times, agree with him. We as a people have forgotten the twin Democratic values of conciliation and compromise. We want to "win" and win at all costs. Yet, what does that mean in the gray zones of politics? Instead of pointing fingers of dispute, grievance, and abject hatred usually conceived through ignorance, why don't we actually take time to understand what we oppose. Open dialogue, and return to governing through compromise. I applaud Glenn Beck for, in this instance, recognizing what is right and what needs to be done to heal what ails us as citizens of this great nation. I also applaud the NYT for publishing this message of reconciliation and hope in an ugly election season. We are the land of the free, the home of the brave. We need to use that freedom to cure ignorance through learning, and be brave enough to embrace those we disagree with. That, in essence, is the foundation upon which makes our nation great!
Glenn, give the pronoun/capital letter "I" a rest. There are ultimately a finite number of them so please be conservative and share them because Obama has 135 days left.
excellent column. the BLM movement, while it has done many things that i don't approve of, has to be given credit for the widespread use of body video cameras on police which is a major step towards better police and better police-citizen interactions (it not only helps catch bad cops and stops them from behaving improperly; it also protects good cops from unjust accusations).
A good message. However, empathy is warranted only for true suffering rather than complaints made out of hate or spite.
1
When I saw the name Glen Beck I assumed it had to be a different Glen Beck from the one knew and in case it wasn't I skipped over it. My curiosity led me back to read it. What does that say about me and my willingness to hear others? This was a fine, if surprising, piece of writing. Many commentators demised it and went on to list all the wrongs they felt he committed in the past. This column should stand on its own for Mr. Beck has articulated an important message. He did well in referring to President Lincoln's words of 'united we stand, divided we fall'. Mr. Lincoln was prescient and we as a nation have failed to heed his words.
1
I would like to think that Mr. Beck has finally seen the light but I fear this is more of a classic con artist radio personality attempt to seem wise and artful.
2
The bottom lines for most humans are fear and hope, and there are those of us who fail to see that, who continue to generalize toward biased, narrow thinking and self-absorption.
Well said. The polarization and hate, and creating "other" has gone too far. May we each strive to at least hear each others' views, listen with curiosity, empathy and respect.
Would be super if Beck could maybe lead by example for a minute before acting like he is some wise sage.
Quite a few words here that say absolutely nothing. "Classical liberal"? Maybe had Glenn actually taken a leadership role after Tamir Rice was shot, this call for empathy might have merit. Seriously, how difficult would it have been to take a position to say that it was wrong for the police to kill that 12 year old boy in less than three seconds?
5
I'm not in the habit of learning about empathy for the victims of families rendered homeless by forest fires by a guy I've seen on TV acting like a pyromaniac.
3
How genuine is Mr. Beck’s protests here? He is the author of a book that calls those who disagree with his politics liars in another book he calls them cowards. That is hardly a title a sincere analysis of the motivations behind a disagreement should get, unless of course your goal was to defame your opposition and not to understand them. If Beck wants us to believe he has empathy for opposing views, then he should start demonstrating it with real actions instead of empty protests like this one.
2
I question the impact that Mr. Beck's epiphany will have. It will not effect those read the NY Times, that "Liberal Rag" that already encourages the notion the we should listen to the other side with empathy. Even if it is read by his usual supporters, it will be ignored, because those supporters have listened to his nonsensical screeds of the past that they agree with. Too bad.
1
This is a kind of "I feel your pain" sentiment. It's something, but let's wait & see.
One of the things that bother me most when I listen to his show his on-air endorsements of companies that make survival kits for when civil society collapses. This is not someone with a capacious sense of the civic realm.
One of the things that bother me most when I listen to his show his on-air endorsements of companies that make survival kits for when civil society collapses. This is not someone with a capacious sense of the civic realm.
2
Glenn Beck is speaking from a position of power and influence. His Tea Party controls the House and has nominated Donald Trump. Black Lives Matter (and all civil rights groups) and peace advocates and economists who favor anti-trust action -- the rest of the country, in other words -- controls nothing. He can say anything he wants to and get it published. He's as good an example of white privilege out there. and not saying that when
4
"We must follow the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s message and method and move away from a pursuit of “winning”"
Yet you continue to pursue an iron-fisted and single-minded focus on "winner-take-all" economic policy.
Dude, access that brain!
Yet you continue to pursue an iron-fisted and single-minded focus on "winner-take-all" economic policy.
Dude, access that brain!
5
The cynic in me says I will believe Glenn Beck when I see him put his new found empathy for those who don't agree with him into action, when he ends his "trumpian" rhetoric and really begins to listen to all and discuss issues without hostility.
3
Fool me once? Shame on you. Fool me twice? Won't get fooled again.
Count me among the cynics. For a man who descries the insiders and instigators, of which he is one for sure (instigator) and by dint of being given voice here, almost certainly an insider as well, I'm reluctant to embrace what Beck offers up. One problem is that this creates the standard false equivalency, that we should empathize with the likes of white supremacists when they are out and out odious. BLM has legitimate concerns about equal treatment under the law and whether they can survive a traffic stop, a stop all too often made under false pretenses of being a traffic stop. Many of Trump's supporters are simply ignorant crybabies complaining about lost privilege, about an uneven playing field being made marginally more even. Beck is among those who created this new American ethos. And now he wants to play Pilate.
Count me among the cynics. For a man who descries the insiders and instigators, of which he is one for sure (instigator) and by dint of being given voice here, almost certainly an insider as well, I'm reluctant to embrace what Beck offers up. One problem is that this creates the standard false equivalency, that we should empathize with the likes of white supremacists when they are out and out odious. BLM has legitimate concerns about equal treatment under the law and whether they can survive a traffic stop, a stop all too often made under false pretenses of being a traffic stop. Many of Trump's supporters are simply ignorant crybabies complaining about lost privilege, about an uneven playing field being made marginally more even. Beck is among those who created this new American ethos. And now he wants to play Pilate.
6
It is hard to reconcile Mr. Beck's thoughtful comments and healing tone with the title of his most recent book, “Liars: How Progressives Exploit Our Fear for Power and Control”. Perhaps he now feels some remorse, but his business is to create and disseminate divisive rhetoric by the truckload. Right message, wrong messenger.
68
thanks for making my comment for me! as I read this I wondered if Beck had been taken by aliens and a human being substituted.
Yet another venom spewing conservative now wants to present himself as being empathetic toward the plight of those he has so maligned? I wish it were so, but Mr. Beck's actions have long told the story of who he truly is.
1
Beck is right about a few things and I give him credit for that but race relations are not at the top of the list. As a black man in Minnesota the majority of my friends are white we don't have any issues.
Most of what is in the media is manufactured non sense to cover up what is really going on and that is the economy which is about to go back into recession if it really ever made it out. Black lives matter can't do anything for anyone and neither can any other SJW movement they are simply pawns. As they say follow the money.
Most of what is in the media is manufactured non sense to cover up what is really going on and that is the economy which is about to go back into recession if it really ever made it out. Black lives matter can't do anything for anyone and neither can any other SJW movement they are simply pawns. As they say follow the money.
It would be nice if The Times allowed black, brown, and yellow people as much space to analyze their situations as it allows white males to comment on them. The racism is so deep that even an outlet with pretensions of high-mindedness continues to serve white males and allow their thoughts on the lives of The Others to appear with monotonous regularity.
I'm white, but this media racism is appalling to me.
I'm white, but this media racism is appalling to me.
2
Funny, this morning I had the same thoughts regarding empathy, communication, and conciliation. When my mind was clear and light the same ideas emerged. Maybe my recent interest in the life of Benjamin Franklin might have something to do with it.
Glenn Beck: "We need to listen to one another, as human beings, and try to understand one another’s pain."
If only that sentiment was representative of more people's thoughts, especially folks at a Trump rally.
If only that sentiment was representative of more people's thoughts, especially folks at a Trump rally.
3
I find it ironic that Glenn Beck is explaining the concept of empathy to readers of the NYT. In all of his platitudinous words here, Beck doesn't come anywhere close to even obliquely acknowledging the centuries of white dominion, suppression and terrorism that in many unseen ways - and some painfully obvious ones - still exists today, locally, nationally and globally.
Also interestingly, he references MLK, who as many should know, was almost universally reviled by white America during his own lifetime. I'm fairly sure Beck would've sat firmly, and vociferously, in that camp during that time.
Also interestingly, he references MLK, who as many should know, was almost universally reviled by white America during his own lifetime. I'm fairly sure Beck would've sat firmly, and vociferously, in that camp during that time.
2
I was ready to be convinced that Mr. Beck had reached a pivot point, earnestly encouraging Americans to cultivate empathy for one another, insisting that "If we don’t, what we have seen this year will be just the beginning of the hate we are about to unleash" until I got to the bio and saw that the title of his latest book is “Liars: How Progressives Exploit Our Fear for Power and Control.”
The take-home message here? If you want to sell an op-ed piece to a mostly liberal audience, try empathy. If you want to sell a book to conservatives, try hate.
The take-home message here? If you want to sell an op-ed piece to a mostly liberal audience, try empathy. If you want to sell a book to conservatives, try hate.
Good column on the surface. If only he had as much 'empathy for' the millions who have no voice except (now) Trump, to break thru the war chests of the Clinton-Bush incestuous dynasty we're stuck with for the last 24 years.
I read an article last night and had read others at the end of the primaries, about how his media empire and fortune are crumbling due to his mania of campaigning for Cruz. Beck needs viewers and is getting some here, if only for a day.
I read an article last night and had read others at the end of the primaries, about how his media empire and fortune are crumbling due to his mania of campaigning for Cruz. Beck needs viewers and is getting some here, if only for a day.
1
Even a broken clock is right twice a day. This must be Mr. Beck's hour.
It sure took him long enough to recognize his lack of empathy. Let's hope that this revelation truly marks a turn of direction for him and not just a conversion of convenience. He might start in this new direction by recanting the title of his most recent book (and, I assume, most of its contents).
It sure took him long enough to recognize his lack of empathy. Let's hope that this revelation truly marks a turn of direction for him and not just a conversion of convenience. He might start in this new direction by recanting the title of his most recent book (and, I assume, most of its contents).
3
Fair enough but all grief is unique. You should not compare one kind of grief with another. Remember the story about the dinner party where one guest responds to a story of divorce with another about being a widow? The point about empathy is to respect something for what it is, not to analyse, compare and judge. People want to be heard, not cured.
Wow--Glenn Beck has a heart. I'm so relieved to read this editorial as i Know many people follow his lead. Perhaps he's as frightened as many of us liberals (AKA democrats) by the civil war we watch each night on our TVs, with the media as the battleground and two sides assaulting one another with words. Words that become more divisive as the election grows closer and the candidates' polls show them neck and neck. I can't imagine Beck voting democrat, but suddenly I have hope he acknowledges the danger in supporting a Republican party that is no more.
1
Well, I never!
I never thought Glenn Beck to be an empathetic thinking person.
He has always appeared to me as a robot with conservative positions.
Tea party blamed everything on Obama that is going on in the Nation. Including good things like health care for all which should have been celebrated not condemned.
Black LIves Matter is at least focused on the real problem, we do have systemic bigotry in our Nation and it gushes out when cops who should be protecting US are killing US.
I never thought Glenn Beck to be an empathetic thinking person.
He has always appeared to me as a robot with conservative positions.
Tea party blamed everything on Obama that is going on in the Nation. Including good things like health care for all which should have been celebrated not condemned.
Black LIves Matter is at least focused on the real problem, we do have systemic bigotry in our Nation and it gushes out when cops who should be protecting US are killing US.
1
Amazing, Mr. Beck got some grace and, in essence, apologized here for his past behavior. He surely realizes that the ratings for his show are going to tank, and the cynic in me wonders if it has enriched him enough that he can now retire comfortably. Or perhaps this is a replay of Lee Atwater's deathbed confession but one hopes it is more like Colson's conversion from Nixon hatchet man to founder of Prison Fellowship, to which he devoted the last 40 years of his life and donated all of his speaking fees, book royalties and the million dollar Templeton prize he was awarded in 1993. Tough act to follow, Glenn. Sincerely hope you're headed down the same path.
1
As Montreal Moe wrote, I never thought I would write the words, "I agree with Glenn Beck." We do need to listen and learn from people who are different from us or hold different views instead of lashing out with hate or dismissing "the other."
Mr. Beck also points out that the problems in America affect all of us. Income inequality hurts struggling black and white people. Ultimately income inequality will even hurt the 1%. Instead of pointing fingers, it's time for people to come together and solve common problems.
Mr. Beck also points out that the problems in America affect all of us. Income inequality hurts struggling black and white people. Ultimately income inequality will even hurt the 1%. Instead of pointing fingers, it's time for people to come together and solve common problems.
I am as surprised, as most readers obviously are, that Glenn Beck has taken a position that is thoughtful and not extreme. I admire his call for empathy and unity as a nation.
Then, at the end of the op-ed, is a reminder that what he writes today about unity is not what his recent book title promotes. "Liars: How Progressives Exploit Our Fear for Power and Control" It is divisive book titles like this and others that demonize the "liberal", "left", or "progressive" citizenry that have played a role in the ideological conflict this in which this nation finds itself embroiled. Even to those who never buy the book but walk past this inflammatory statement on the book racks, the title delivers a message that progressives are evil liars and are dangerous.
Unity? Nice try, Glenn.
Then, at the end of the op-ed, is a reminder that what he writes today about unity is not what his recent book title promotes. "Liars: How Progressives Exploit Our Fear for Power and Control" It is divisive book titles like this and others that demonize the "liberal", "left", or "progressive" citizenry that have played a role in the ideological conflict this in which this nation finds itself embroiled. Even to those who never buy the book but walk past this inflammatory statement on the book racks, the title delivers a message that progressives are evil liars and are dangerous.
Unity? Nice try, Glenn.
6
Commentators are afraid to point out that the Black Lives Matter movement is based on a false premise. It blame the racial disparity in police shootings on racism rather than on the racial disparity in violent crime. Blacks make up about 13 percent of the U.S. population, but about 25 percent of police shooting fatalities. The BLM movement uses this statistic to proclaim that police target blacks, but this is not the relevant statistic. The relevant statistic is that blacks make up about 37 percent of those arrested for violent crimes and about 25 percent of those shot and killed by police. The New York Times recently published a front-page article about a new study (“An Empirical Analysis of Racial Differences in Police Use of Force”) that shows no racial disparity in police-involved shootings. Each racial and ethnic group make up about the same percent of police shooting fatalities as they do of arrests. By attributing the racial disparity in police shootings to racist cops rather than its true cause—the disparity in violent crime rates—BLM activists create the type of racial animosity that led to the Dallas and Baton Rouge police ambushes.
I appreciate the sentiments Beck expresses. It is another interesting side of this man who seems not to have a face that one can "learn" and recognize the next time one meets him.
I had to wonder, as I read the well-meaning, but not particularly unique, and certainly not well written words of Beck, if the same essay sent in by some "unknown" writer would have gotten a second look. BECK was the hook that caught the editor's eye.
I had to wonder, as I read the well-meaning, but not particularly unique, and certainly not well written words of Beck, if the same essay sent in by some "unknown" writer would have gotten a second look. BECK was the hook that caught the editor's eye.
What an insightful and revealing op/ed article. To humanize all the more radical organizations like the Tea Party, etc. and to offer a different way of thinking of them as individuals who feel disenfranchised. Thank you for opening my mind.
Beck's latest book is “Liars: How Progressives Exploit Our Fear for Power and Control,” but he's going to pretend to take a liberal position of tolerance, understanding, and self-effacement? And people will buy that disingenuousness as real?
78
Of course they will, people buy Trump's too.
You mean that I can put up a Trump sign or bumper sticker on my car ...and NOT expect a tolerant liberal to rip it off ...
HA HA
HA HA
you can fool some of the people.......
Glenn Beck is frequently misunderstood. Listen to his radio program before you condemn him. I say this as a liberal who is increasingly embarrassed to be a liberal. Glenn Beck is an authentic original. Those who caricature him know little if nothing of the man and the range of his views. He's also entertaining in ways that liberals seem incapable of. He's searingly honest and forthright about his flaws--qualities often lacking in today's liberals.
There is nothing, but nothing, about Glenn Beck that is in the teeniest fashion original. Nor is it "courageous," to get onna FOX and make serious bank for telling a crowd of bigots and idiots that they're right.
1
If we were to make a list of the 10 individuals most responsible for the atrocious state of American political and social discourse, for the misperceptions, half-truths and outright lies perpetuated by conservative media, and for the hatred, intolerance and close-mindedness fomented in middle-class America, Glenn Beck would surely make the list. So instead of pandering to the converted in the op-ed pages of the NYT, Mr. Beck should put his mouth where his money is and start sending this message out to his traditional base. Looking forward to a similar piece in The Blaze Mr. Beck.
4
Does Mr. Beck stand by his critique of President Obama for suggesting empathy as a desirable trait in Supreme Court judges? The one in which he compared the President to Hitler and then concluded, "Empathy leads you to very bad decisions many times."
2
Thank you Mr. Beck. I watched you on CNN and I was moved by your sober, self-critical analysis and your response to Donald Trump's rise. I hope that readers can find that interview, because viewing the whole of a person's message in words, tone of voice, and body language makes a difference.
Years ago, I was shocked when you made disparaging comments about churches dedicated to social justice. Without a means to act, empathy leads to depression. By working for a better future we not only strengthen ties to our fellow human beings, we strengthen our own emotional health.
This article is an act of social justice, and I thank you for it. You have just made me feel much more positive about our future.
Years ago, I was shocked when you made disparaging comments about churches dedicated to social justice. Without a means to act, empathy leads to depression. By working for a better future we not only strengthen ties to our fellow human beings, we strengthen our own emotional health.
This article is an act of social justice, and I thank you for it. You have just made me feel much more positive about our future.
I see a lot of responses pointing out what a hypocrite Mr. Beck is....
He clearly states, "I am a flawed messenger." His message, however, is spot on.
He clearly states, "I am a flawed messenger." His message, however, is spot on.
Black lives matter concerns itself with international politics in a most bizarre way. It claims that the freest country in the Middle East, Israel is racist. Nothing can be farther from the truth.
Palestinians living on the Israel side of the border do well. Haj Amin Al-Husseini, the person most culpable for starting the conflicts between Jews and Arabs in the region was a documented friend of Hitler. I don't think Hitler loved black people.
A tired old Beck is reaching for new life. He needs to go back to the second amendment and AK-47's !
Palestinians living on the Israel side of the border do well. Haj Amin Al-Husseini, the person most culpable for starting the conflicts between Jews and Arabs in the region was a documented friend of Hitler. I don't think Hitler loved black people.
A tired old Beck is reaching for new life. He needs to go back to the second amendment and AK-47's !
2
The grifter pothead had now graced the NYT editorial page. Wow. Didn't see that coming. Anyone else not fooled by this? (Same way we weren't fooled by Trump's "outreach" and "listening.")
4
Measured and thoughtful. Is this piece or his on air ranting the real Beck? Sadly it doesn't matter. The Limbaughs, Breitbarts and Becks of the world knowingly inflame and cop out by saying they're only entertainers. The real damage has been done. Those of us who wish to live in a "fact based" world pay the ultimate orice.
2
Great article Glenn. While 'everyone' matters.....the Black Lives Matter movement has helped us all confront some feelings and thoughts inside our minds. The movement should not be criticized; if it's important to black people, we should respect and listen. We have a large segment of the American population that's trying to be heard, to be recognized, to be loved.
1
Glenn Beck on empathy in 2009:
"Hitler, decided that it was the only empathetic thing to do, is to put this child down and put him out of his suffering. It was the beginning of the T4, which led to genocide everywhere. It was the beginning of it. Empathy leads you to very bad decisions many times."
http://mediamatters.org/video/2009/05/26/beck-cites-hitler-example-to-st...
"Hitler, decided that it was the only empathetic thing to do, is to put this child down and put him out of his suffering. It was the beginning of the T4, which led to genocide everywhere. It was the beginning of it. Empathy leads you to very bad decisions many times."
http://mediamatters.org/video/2009/05/26/beck-cites-hitler-example-to-st...
2
And, this is where the Trump candidacy has brought us. Every old right-winger and crack-pot radio-jock is now treated as a 'normal' journalist. I cringed when Hugh Hewitt started showing up as someone 'reasonable'. The "Red State" guy another - even Steve Deace. The ratings-grabbers on MSNBC (sigh) are fools - these are the people who will take their jobs AND we've not seen anything yet in the long march downhill of our 'news' media.
1
You know you must have entered the Twilight Zone when Glen Beck starts to make sense.
1
Why on Earth is GB published in the NYT?
He was on Lawrence O'Donnell talking with a similar come to Jesus moment regarding Trump. I cannot reconcile this Beck with the chalkboard loon with a visceral hatred of Obama who was ousted from Fox. Sorry - very suspicious .
1
Beck gives BLM too much credit. BLM views the police as some racist conspiracy to oppress blacks. It's actually trained Americans, of all colors, just trying to keep everyone's neighborhoods safe. The fact that some cops are black should give BLM pause. Again, that is giving them too much credit.
2
Among Beck's many serious sins: encouraging his audience to remain ignorant, and to sound off when they've no idea what they're talking about.
1
It's amazing how different Glenn Beck sounds when he's writing for free (today's op-ed) and when he's writing for profit (one of his book titles: "Arguing with Idiots," now available in hardcover on Amazon for $19.58). If Mr. Beck genuinely believes what he's written today, then his entire career has literally been a sell-out.
4
" ...but the criticism was immediate and sharp: How dare I try to understand the “other side”? "
There is the crux of the matter Mr. Beck. You and your elk see people who do not conform to your mold as "Others" not worthy of even hearing out. It is never diverse opinions among us rather it is always "us vs. them."
It is hard for me to be persuaded by Glen Beck because of his inconvenient history of being one who sees people like me as "one of them others," among other reasons.
But baby steps are good. Keep trying.
There is the crux of the matter Mr. Beck. You and your elk see people who do not conform to your mold as "Others" not worthy of even hearing out. It is never diverse opinions among us rather it is always "us vs. them."
It is hard for me to be persuaded by Glen Beck because of his inconvenient history of being one who sees people like me as "one of them others," among other reasons.
But baby steps are good. Keep trying.
1
Of course! Clickbait!
1
I only know Beck by reputation; I haven't listened to his show. This column was good, though. Makes me wonder if he has started therapy with a client-centered therapist, or been to a workshop teaching basic counseling skills. Listening and trying to put oneself in others' shoes makes life and the world of people rich, deep, and wide. Usually he would probably fit in his typology as a self-interested insider or an instigator or both; with this column he may be a curious outsider.
I like it when in doing (or writing) something positive, people surprise me. Thanks, Dude.
I like it when in doing (or writing) something positive, people surprise me. Thanks, Dude.
As Frank Rich pointed out in the NY Times on August 28, 2010 in "The Billionaires Bankrolling the Tea Party" the Tea Party was created by the Koch Brother's and Rupert Murdoch propaganda machine. Other reputable sources since have detailed their continuing influence in the organization and the contributions of big oil and tobacco to the "movement" (see Time Magazine April 5, 2016). The Tea Party is an AstroTurf organization who's purpose is to fight for the "rights" of large corporations at the expense of this county's citizens. It has allowed the Koch brothers and their allies to take over control of the GOP and essentially controls the House and Senate. Black Lives Matter is true grassroots movement with no real leadership or financial backing which arose as a reaction to the killings of unarmed black citizens at the hands of the police. It has very little actual power beyond the power of ideas. By falsely equating the two, Beck's column gives legitimacy to an organization (the Tea Party) that deserves none. A brilliant and subtle piece of propaganda Mr. Beck, I can see why you are worth 28 million a year. Bravo!
94
You are so ill-informed it's not funny. Just as Occupy Wall Street was not an astroturf organization as the left repeatedly claimed, but rather one funded by Soros, so is Black Lives Matter not an astroturf organization.
Do some research. They've received tens of millions of dollars from leftwing foundations and donors - including George Soros.
Do some research. They've received tens of millions of dollars from leftwing foundations and donors - including George Soros.
I am so sorry the NYT published your phony retreat from the racism which led you to call President Obama a racist. You are irrelevant to everything, especially your analysis of social justice matters.
8
Oh baloney Beck. Is this the first time you realized that all movements are composed of people, and have similar core structures. It's true that most protest movements exist because their members feel they aren't being heard through conventional venues; it does not mean the similarities go any farther, or that some of them aren't composed of people that really shouldn't be heard because their ideas are dangerous or ludicrous. You know, like the tea party or the Christian identity movement, a white power organization. Funny you never seriously mentioned or acknowledged the many people wrongly killed by the police, yet stepped up with the fact that a lone gunman, not a member of BLM, had killed police, finishing by saying that the group shouldn't be defined by the worst of its members.
Here's the difference Mr. Beck, lone gunmen, as bad as they are and as terrible as it is to kill police, do not do what they do under the direction of the 'state', but the police do, and they couldn't do it if they didn't have weapons you've advocated for. When individuals that may have some common core grievances kill, movements such as BLM step up and disavow them, and offer sympathy to the victims. That is not what police do. They block, obfuscate, protect their own, and threaten to stop working if charges are brought...and thus far, they don't stop the killing.
Here's the difference Mr. Beck, lone gunmen, as bad as they are and as terrible as it is to kill police, do not do what they do under the direction of the 'state', but the police do, and they couldn't do it if they didn't have weapons you've advocated for. When individuals that may have some common core grievances kill, movements such as BLM step up and disavow them, and offer sympathy to the victims. That is not what police do. They block, obfuscate, protect their own, and threaten to stop working if charges are brought...and thus far, they don't stop the killing.
69
Will there be others of the Beck-like condemnation of the diversity of this country who will step up and make similar comments? Will there be some of the prominent pastors and ministers who will get out of the political arena and return to the message of faith, hope, charity and love that their religions profess to want?
I won't hold my breath.
I won't hold my breath.
Glenn Beck is a self described entertainer is he not? So why are we giving such a large stage (ny times op-ed space) to the political opinion of an entertainer? Shouldn't this stage be reserved for people who take honesty and intellectual integrity seriously, rather than for those who's primary goal is selling whatever they consider to be 'entertaining' for profit, irregardless of the actual facts or truth behind what they're saying? Or is this a sign the NYTimes is also moving more towards entertainment and away from real journalism as well? Maybe one of the NY Times editors can agree to appear on the Glenn Beck comedy hour to reciprocate? That would seem to be a fair trade off of entertainment for profit to me.
4
I remember walking into a small business a few short years ago where Fox News blared nonstop on a television. The woman who owned the small grocery had a rack of Glenn Beck books for sale. There was also a stack of Constitution booklets on the counter, similar to the one Kizhr Khan famously brandished at the Democratic Convention. I hadn't read it since school and took one. The owner looked approvingly and said "I just think we need to get back to what the Founding Fathers intended." "You mean when slavery was legal and only white male property owners could vote and hold office?" "Well, maybe not that far back."
76
And from that short conversation you judge her to be a racist. Thought Patrol on the march.
1
Someone on the extreme right needed to break the stand still. The extreme right was taking the entire Republican party down as a party of failed promises and limited action. I have felt from day one that "burn it down" was not a strategy. Did I think Glenn Beck would be the one that would pivot? He makes more sense than the Fox News crew and Limbaugh. Notwithstanding their poor performance over the last 8 years, the Right still wants the power and wants to be elected. Glenn Beck's pivot on behalf of the extreme right, might be an attempt at mea culpa, and a message to the voting body....."we will now start to govern for everyone not just our white male rich and corporate constituents."
"The only way for our society to work is for each of us to respect the views of others, and even try to understand and empathize with one another. I have always tried to work toward this goal,". Glenn Beck always tried to work toward this goal? I'm sorry but that's a baldfaced lie and it makes me doubt the sincerity of any of the noble sentiments he went on to state. I just have to think he's looking for a new audience.
The current penchant for rants in social media, protests, pitchfork populism, aggrievement campaigns all promoted by an increasingly biased press and media leads not to solutions but simply drive by accusations, twitter length admonishments and further polarization. A national debate is not a national fight club but that is what our media is producing. BLM falls prey to this problem. Trump is evidence of this. We will not make progress on matters of policy, national consensus, and improvement in the opportunity for the broadest groups as long as the approach to the solution is warfare.
Yes, yes, and yes. Thank you Mr. Beck for taking a lead on this - we truly have devolved as a nation in our ability to empathize, tolerate, accept those with differences. Yet it is truly vital to the betterment of our nation to be able to do so. I agree with Glenn Beck on virtually nothing, but can absolutely support him on this, and I do my part to forward the notion, and practice of learning and empathy. I know he will get blowback on this, but I do hope his fans and followers who look to him, and trust him, to represent their needs and interests and to lead some of their efforts, will take a moment and consider looking to him and trusting him to lead on this as well.
The sentiments expressed in this piece would be much more convincing if they weren't followed by the title of Beck's latest book.
2
I agree 100%. An interesting parallel between the Tea Party and Black Lives Matter---They certainly are on opposite poles politically but about in the same relative position one on the right and one on the left.
My problem with both positions but especially with Black Lives Matter is that both positions want to find somebody to blame for what they see as unfair. For Black Lives Matter it is the "white establishment". For The Tea Party it is the "government". Both the white establishment and the government share some of the responsibility for the mess we're all in but so do the Black Lives Matter and Tea Party participants. Remember we're all in this together. It's always easier to play the victim and blame someone else for your problems rather than fix things on your own and take the initiative. I'm not saying protest is improper---it definitely has its place. But at some point if you really want to get anything constructive done you have to stop playing the victim and work to get things fixed. We need more workers to get stuff done on both the right and the left rather than more protests to point out the problems. We know what the problems are already. What we need is positive effort and work not words and promises. And that really won't come from any of the candidates but rather from the voters themselves. If you want change roll up your sleeves and get to work on something positive.
My problem with both positions but especially with Black Lives Matter is that both positions want to find somebody to blame for what they see as unfair. For Black Lives Matter it is the "white establishment". For The Tea Party it is the "government". Both the white establishment and the government share some of the responsibility for the mess we're all in but so do the Black Lives Matter and Tea Party participants. Remember we're all in this together. It's always easier to play the victim and blame someone else for your problems rather than fix things on your own and take the initiative. I'm not saying protest is improper---it definitely has its place. But at some point if you really want to get anything constructive done you have to stop playing the victim and work to get things fixed. We need more workers to get stuff done on both the right and the left rather than more protests to point out the problems. We know what the problems are already. What we need is positive effort and work not words and promises. And that really won't come from any of the candidates but rather from the voters themselves. If you want change roll up your sleeves and get to work on something positive.
We are watching the birth of a new Orwellian trope in this piece: "constitutional conservative." When people like Glenn Beck self identify as constitutional conservatives, they are referring to the ahistorical version of the constitution as promoted by Justices Scalia and Thomas and the Federalist Society. We have them to thank for such things as Bush v. Gore, Citizens United, the Hobby Lobby, and the Heller decisions.
Once those decisions are overturned, Beck et.al. will go back to railing against "judicial actvism."
Once those decisions are overturned, Beck et.al. will go back to railing against "judicial actvism."
I have seldom agreed with Mr. Beck on most of his conclusions and assertions about the "good" America.
However, his writing of this date is the proper prescription for the disease that is killing the American spirit of community. The US is afflicted with a "stone deafness" that is undermining the very idea of The United States of America. All Americans take political positions that they believe proper and genuine empathy requires honest listening .
We are one people and may Mr. Beck's statement not be a one time thing.
However, his writing of this date is the proper prescription for the disease that is killing the American spirit of community. The US is afflicted with a "stone deafness" that is undermining the very idea of The United States of America. All Americans take political positions that they believe proper and genuine empathy requires honest listening .
We are one people and may Mr. Beck's statement not be a one time thing.
1
I am asking myself what would it be like if this had been written by Trump. I shudder to think. I can see something like this as a Hail Mary to con the American electorate into believing that Trump is no longer an exploiter. With due respect to Beck, I keep telling myself that no matter what Trump says his politics will tell in the end and they are not much different than those of his GOP predecessors and he would be just as bad as the two GOP candidates most recently rejected by us. So no matter what Trump says he is toxic and should never be President.
1
While I disagree with Mr. Beck's politics, his point regarding empathy is critical to our future as a democracy. We should debate vigorously with each other, but we must stop demonizing those with whom we disagree. Democracy depends upon compromise and a sense of civility in order to succeed.
"My illness helped me to see that what was missing in society is what was missing in me: a little heart, a lot of brotherhood. The '80s were about acquiring—acquiring wealth, power, prestige. I know. I acquired more wealth, power, and prestige than most. But you can acquire all you want and still feel empty. What power wouldn't I trade for a little more time with my family? What price wouldn't I pay for an evening with friends? It took a deadly illness to put me eye to eye with that truth, but it is a truth that the country, caught up in its ruthless ambitions and moral decay, can learn on my dime. I don't know who will lead us through the '90s, but they must be made to speak to this spiritual vacuum at the heart of American society, this tumor of the soul."
Lee Atwater
It took a brain tumor, then.
What'll it take now?
Lee Atwater
It took a brain tumor, then.
What'll it take now?
5
Recently, I have been receiving sharply dissonant pings of pure humanity from Glenn Beck. Most recently we have Beck's call to understanding and conciliation in this most villainous organ of leftist orthodoxy, The New York Times. Prior to that, there was an interview with Lawrence O'Donnell where Mr. Beck presented himself as a thoughtful human being, which I now hopefully suspect he is.
I applaud this development and hope to emulate it, understanding that my political views will never align very well with Mr. Beck's. So be it. I don't have to hate him, or he, my political kind. In an era when civility of discourse reflecting miles walked in other people's shoes, is outright derided, Mr. Beck's words are refreshing and much needed.
One of my deepest fears for our American future rests in our national flight from civility. While our highly-profiled celebrity politics are role-modeling for our young, we are teaching the behavioral values that directly contradict any notion of decency verbalized by our parents, teachers and pastors. We have a presidential candidate for a major Party that prizes indecency of all conceivable forms as his core brand. And he is hardly alone.
Young and old pick these cues up and run with them. This is what our national home is becoming and who we may soon be. This presidential campaign is a tipping point. Mr. Beck can help us from falling over the edge. Let's join him.
www.endthemadnessnow.org
I applaud this development and hope to emulate it, understanding that my political views will never align very well with Mr. Beck's. So be it. I don't have to hate him, or he, my political kind. In an era when civility of discourse reflecting miles walked in other people's shoes, is outright derided, Mr. Beck's words are refreshing and much needed.
One of my deepest fears for our American future rests in our national flight from civility. While our highly-profiled celebrity politics are role-modeling for our young, we are teaching the behavioral values that directly contradict any notion of decency verbalized by our parents, teachers and pastors. We have a presidential candidate for a major Party that prizes indecency of all conceivable forms as his core brand. And he is hardly alone.
Young and old pick these cues up and run with them. This is what our national home is becoming and who we may soon be. This presidential campaign is a tipping point. Mr. Beck can help us from falling over the edge. Let's join him.
www.endthemadnessnow.org
2
"I like to believe that people in the long run are going to do more to promote peace than our governments.
Indeed, I think that people want peace so much
that one of these days, governments had better get out of the way and let them have it."
~ Dwight D. Eisenhower
Indeed, I think that people want peace so much
that one of these days, governments had better get out of the way and let them have it."
~ Dwight D. Eisenhower
2
We are faced with an election where, I fear, hate and rejection of empathy may prevail. Will this entreaty by Glenn Beck - the heretofore poster boy of the ultra-right - be heard and considered by his audience or is his epiphany too little, too late?
I can only imagine as a liberal how difficult it must be to put yourself in the heart and minds of the other side. I cannot bring myself to that point. I'll go so far as to say that while I think I am open minded, I am really only open to what I wish to be - which does not include making attempts to see opposing views through the eyes of a conservative. I guess we can all take a look in the mirror with regards to our part in this great political and social divide.
1
I read Mr. Beck's piece looking for the trick.
I know Mr. Beck as a firebrand, on-air emotional wreck spouting unsupportable right wing inanities while entrancing the more gullible and less educated among us (otherwise known as 'his viewers').
And yet, what he says here is entirely correct. At the very bedrock of our American society is a willingness to accept what is different between us as quite OK. Beck seems to be saying that he is willing to give credence to those who don't believe as he does and I applaud him for that.
What is most infuriating about the right wing is their absolute conviction that their views (as disparate and irreconcilable as they may be) are the 'American' views and everyone else has it wrong.
Beck seems to be saying something different here. I hope it is genuine. And I hope that other Americans on the right wing pick up on why this is important to our continued success as a nation.
I know Mr. Beck as a firebrand, on-air emotional wreck spouting unsupportable right wing inanities while entrancing the more gullible and less educated among us (otherwise known as 'his viewers').
And yet, what he says here is entirely correct. At the very bedrock of our American society is a willingness to accept what is different between us as quite OK. Beck seems to be saying that he is willing to give credence to those who don't believe as he does and I applaud him for that.
What is most infuriating about the right wing is their absolute conviction that their views (as disparate and irreconcilable as they may be) are the 'American' views and everyone else has it wrong.
Beck seems to be saying something different here. I hope it is genuine. And I hope that other Americans on the right wing pick up on why this is important to our continued success as a nation.
1
I think his message is a good one.
That given, he has built a career within a broader context of intolerance, so he risks being perceived as an example of "even the Devil can quote Scripture". His book title doesnt help.
Maybe he had a brief moment of clarity into what he himself has poured into the public well all these years and had a pang of conscience.
That given, he has built a career within a broader context of intolerance, so he risks being perceived as an example of "even the Devil can quote Scripture". His book title doesnt help.
Maybe he had a brief moment of clarity into what he himself has poured into the public well all these years and had a pang of conscience.
2
Quite the unexpected editorial from Glenn Beck, someone with whom I disagree on every conceivable political issue. But then I saw at the end of the article the title of his most recent book, "Liars: How Progressives Exploit Our Fear for Power and Control," and that little ray of hope for a meeting of the minds vanished into thin air.
108
Ruth, instead of knee-jerk closing your mind, try reading his book first.
You might actually get something out of it, if you can suspend your obvious bias.
You might actually get something out of it, if you can suspend your obvious bias.
Beck stated he is "a classical liberal, AKA a constitutional conservative."
Liberal and conservative sit on opposite poles from each other, regardless of how you adjectify the terms. Since Beck is using language creatively, I'm going to follow him on that one point.
I applaud efforts to promote empathy for human lives, regardless of whether the empathy is based on color, ethnic group, national origin, religion, social class, job, income, educational level or on unborn status in the womb.
That we have such racial polarity and violence not seen in more than 50 years greatly worries me.
As a (white) child of (white) parents, who grew up in a Western state that had been a segregated territory before it became a state, which was then segregated by geography (and income) in the 60s, I helped my mother make the voting rights act to become law.
I carried placards. I went with her to the black ghetto and went to the Trinity AME church with her friends. I invited my (white) 6th grade teacher and classmates to join me, only to be rebuffed (that's not our concern, my white classmates said).
But for Beck to use "liberal" and conservative" in the same sentence, as if they are synonyms -- well, they're not.
The message that Beck stated he is "a classical liberal, AKA a constitutional conservative" imparts disingenuous reasoning and purpose.
I haven't been a devotee of Beck. Looks like that's not going to change.
Liberal and conservative sit on opposite poles from each other, regardless of how you adjectify the terms. Since Beck is using language creatively, I'm going to follow him on that one point.
I applaud efforts to promote empathy for human lives, regardless of whether the empathy is based on color, ethnic group, national origin, religion, social class, job, income, educational level or on unborn status in the womb.
That we have such racial polarity and violence not seen in more than 50 years greatly worries me.
As a (white) child of (white) parents, who grew up in a Western state that had been a segregated territory before it became a state, which was then segregated by geography (and income) in the 60s, I helped my mother make the voting rights act to become law.
I carried placards. I went with her to the black ghetto and went to the Trinity AME church with her friends. I invited my (white) 6th grade teacher and classmates to join me, only to be rebuffed (that's not our concern, my white classmates said).
But for Beck to use "liberal" and conservative" in the same sentence, as if they are synonyms -- well, they're not.
The message that Beck stated he is "a classical liberal, AKA a constitutional conservative" imparts disingenuous reasoning and purpose.
I haven't been a devotee of Beck. Looks like that's not going to change.
2
The main problem with Glenn Beck's communications has always been a far too loose association with clarity. The contradictory phrases and unintelligible expositions could be the result of his own internal inconsistencies, honest in a sort of murky way. In this piece he admits, or confesses, to his own fallibilities as a messenger. But sentences like "But we can and must reconcile of our own free will with our neighbors and friends." are impossible for me to decipher.
Perhaps Beck's peculiar style comes from an unusual disconnection between the emotional and logical portions of his brain. In any case, experience shows us that he cannot be considered reliable or coherent.
Perhaps Beck's peculiar style comes from an unusual disconnection between the emotional and logical portions of his brain. In any case, experience shows us that he cannot be considered reliable or coherent.
1
I have heard the conservatives' bloviation that they care about the law. The constitution. The bible. And they care about these things to an extreme that places those concepts above their fellow man.
I read a cogent comment yesterday in these pages by a fellow blogger that started: "A funny thing happened on the way to church..."
Perhaps a funny thing happened to Glenn Beck on the way to church this morning. First, he realized that the king and the grail are one - there is no king without that there are people who make him so. There is no law without that there are people who make it so. Second - belief is acceptance of something as truth without validation - which in of itself is an admitting that belief does not make something truth. Science is truth in that the premise of science is one experiment done by one person some one place, can be repeated with identical results by another person in another place. It doesn't require belief.
Belief does not create truth, neither with global warming deniers, or the Tea Party zealots, or the Black Lives Matter anti-brutality backlash. There is no law without that there are people who abide it, and who apply it.
At the end of the day - the least common denominator is the people. Care for the people, and you'll find the essence of from where all these disparate movements are universally identical.
Perhaps Mr. Beck has come to that conclusion.
Or, perhaps his failing celebrity has lowered him to our midst.
I read a cogent comment yesterday in these pages by a fellow blogger that started: "A funny thing happened on the way to church..."
Perhaps a funny thing happened to Glenn Beck on the way to church this morning. First, he realized that the king and the grail are one - there is no king without that there are people who make him so. There is no law without that there are people who make it so. Second - belief is acceptance of something as truth without validation - which in of itself is an admitting that belief does not make something truth. Science is truth in that the premise of science is one experiment done by one person some one place, can be repeated with identical results by another person in another place. It doesn't require belief.
Belief does not create truth, neither with global warming deniers, or the Tea Party zealots, or the Black Lives Matter anti-brutality backlash. There is no law without that there are people who abide it, and who apply it.
At the end of the day - the least common denominator is the people. Care for the people, and you'll find the essence of from where all these disparate movements are universally identical.
Perhaps Mr. Beck has come to that conclusion.
Or, perhaps his failing celebrity has lowered him to our midst.
1
Beck's editorial warrants a skeptical reading, to say the least. But actions speak louder than words. If Beck really means what he says, the proof will be in a change of tone in his program, an attempt at atoning for his years of decisiveness, and a genuine attempt at fostering reconciliation between opposing parties. We'll see.
1
Beck has become a "Progressive," a collectivist nihilist, an opponent of individual rights. "I believe the greatness of our country lies in our founders’ creation of a system that allows and encourages all voices to be heard." Note clearly that he evades mentioning individual rights. "All voices" is ambiguous between rights and egalitarianism. Thus Beck's evasion of the collectivist nihilism of Black Lives Matter.
"I consider myself a 'classical liberal' — a.k.a. “constitutional conservative”
Notice the evasion of the basic value of the Enlightenment, i.e., reason. As he says, Beck is a conservative, an opponent of reason, of man's independent mind. The Constitution is the Enlightenment protection of man's independent mind, the main enemy of both Progressives and conservatives. For conservatives, the Constitution is mere concrete tradition, sentiment, institution, practice or ritual, not an idea. For Progressives, the Constitution is an arbitrary, changeable social agreement. Both reject individual rights as a fact of reality. With no rights, man will constantly need empathy, the new pseudo-morality for dissolving man into politically correct emotions.
See _Atlas Shrugged_ for the rational alternative.
"I consider myself a 'classical liberal' — a.k.a. “constitutional conservative”
Notice the evasion of the basic value of the Enlightenment, i.e., reason. As he says, Beck is a conservative, an opponent of reason, of man's independent mind. The Constitution is the Enlightenment protection of man's independent mind, the main enemy of both Progressives and conservatives. For conservatives, the Constitution is mere concrete tradition, sentiment, institution, practice or ritual, not an idea. For Progressives, the Constitution is an arbitrary, changeable social agreement. Both reject individual rights as a fact of reality. With no rights, man will constantly need empathy, the new pseudo-morality for dissolving man into politically correct emotions.
See _Atlas Shrugged_ for the rational alternative.
1
Even if, for a brief moment, we can suspend our disbelief in his legitimacy and honesty, does Beck's attempt here reflect the "empathy" he claims? If he were truly empathetic, he'd try to stand in the other's shoes and hear how he comes across: self-indulgent and fearful for his comfortable, safe societal bubble. Unfortunately, he represents millions of similarly un-empathetic, self-absorbed, privileged Americans, unaware how transparent they are in their self-serving efforts to "calm" unrest.
2
Unfortunately Mr. Beck lost me at the beginning of the third paragraph when I got caught up on his label of himself and its contradiction to this essay.
"I consider myself a “classical liberal” — a.k.a. “constitutional conservative” — and I believe the greatness of our country lies in our founders’ creation of a system that allows and encourages all voices to be heard."
Our Founding Fathers created an unequal system, devaluing one race while raising the sex of another. So, does a "constitutional conservative" throw away this aspect of the document/formation of our country, but stop there? Do we move forward as our understanding of equality expands, or limit ourselves to equality of the races?
Mr. Beck may be trying to sow seeds of unity, but his past and his self-label make for a rocky road. I wish him and everyone (including me) all the grace and understanding in the world as we attempt to forge a more perfect and less divisive union - something about "together".
"I consider myself a “classical liberal” — a.k.a. “constitutional conservative” — and I believe the greatness of our country lies in our founders’ creation of a system that allows and encourages all voices to be heard."
Our Founding Fathers created an unequal system, devaluing one race while raising the sex of another. So, does a "constitutional conservative" throw away this aspect of the document/formation of our country, but stop there? Do we move forward as our understanding of equality expands, or limit ourselves to equality of the races?
Mr. Beck may be trying to sow seeds of unity, but his past and his self-label make for a rocky road. I wish him and everyone (including me) all the grace and understanding in the world as we attempt to forge a more perfect and less divisive union - something about "together".
1
A quick tip.
You can't spend years as a megaphone for every crackpot conspiracy theory, all forms of economic and social Chicken Little hysteria, and divisive, fear-based rhetoric and then turn around and say "Peace, brother! Peace!" once the demographics and the tables start to turn.
That's not how empathy works. It's hard to take these words to heart when the author spent the entirety of President Obama's first term spreading all kinds of innuendo and smoke and mirrors, all while gleefully helping to twist the knife of austerity against an economically beleaguered American public.
Equating Black Lives Matter and Occupy Wall Street with the Tea Party would be laughable if it weren't so offensive. Black Lives Matter is a legitimate reaction and movement against systemic racism and police brutality. Occupy Wall Street was the first grassroots push against the recklessness, and corrupting toxicity, of Wall Street's greed. The Tea Party is nothing but a faux-populist movement, bred and bankrolled by skinflint billionaires pursuing their financial self interest at the expense of the rest of us. That the author cannot tell the difference, whether intentionally or not, is rather telling.
You can't spend years as a megaphone for every crackpot conspiracy theory, all forms of economic and social Chicken Little hysteria, and divisive, fear-based rhetoric and then turn around and say "Peace, brother! Peace!" once the demographics and the tables start to turn.
That's not how empathy works. It's hard to take these words to heart when the author spent the entirety of President Obama's first term spreading all kinds of innuendo and smoke and mirrors, all while gleefully helping to twist the knife of austerity against an economically beleaguered American public.
Equating Black Lives Matter and Occupy Wall Street with the Tea Party would be laughable if it weren't so offensive. Black Lives Matter is a legitimate reaction and movement against systemic racism and police brutality. Occupy Wall Street was the first grassroots push against the recklessness, and corrupting toxicity, of Wall Street's greed. The Tea Party is nothing but a faux-populist movement, bred and bankrolled by skinflint billionaires pursuing their financial self interest at the expense of the rest of us. That the author cannot tell the difference, whether intentionally or not, is rather telling.
4
One problem is that we just see "two sides" to everything" Republican vs. Democrat. Good vs. Bad. Us and The Other. Right vx. Wrong. Black or White. Life and people are much more complicated. There are many points of view. We seem to be locked into a rigid way of looking at everything, seeing the differences, rather than the commonalities. It is only when we have a more nuanced view of everything that we can truly understand and respect one another. I remember years ago, going to a community meeting in San Francisco. I believed in a woman's right to choose control over her own body, and thought the "right to life" people were a bunch of fanatics, nuts. At the meeting, a nun spoke about her feelings, diametrically opposite to mine. But, for some reason, for the first time, I was able to hear. Although I still disagreed with her, I was touched by her sincerity and feelings. We tend to demonize the "other." Maybe our school's emphasis on the "right" answer to everything needs to be changed.....
1
I know my political allies will take umbrage at my defense of Glenn Beck but today's op-ed gives me pause to empathize with Glenn Beck and his political allies.
The late 18th century was a time of great political upheaval and nowhere more than in the British Empire. The two great champions of liberalism and conservatism were Edmund Burke for the liberals and Samuel Johnson for the conservatives. They both staked out positions on the American Revolution and Burke's liberals were victorious.
Samuel Johnson was a lexicographer and a literary critic and provided us with a language that now has little currency in America but it is obvious that Glenn Beck understands that it is difficult to reconcile being an 18th century liberal with a conservative mindset is difficult.
The constitution is a liberal document written by liberals in the language of evolution and change.
The constitution is written in a language that conservatives do not or cannot understand. The Magna Carta was written in Latin a precise legal language that means in 2016 what it meant in 1215. The American constitution is written in the language of Samuel Johnson who wrote not only the only dictionary but the literary criticisms that gave meaning to Milton Shakespeare the English metaphysical poets and all of those who chose to write in our language which continues to evolve.
Glenn Beck is the first conservative I have seen willing to confront the impossibility of a conservative perspective on our constitution.
The late 18th century was a time of great political upheaval and nowhere more than in the British Empire. The two great champions of liberalism and conservatism were Edmund Burke for the liberals and Samuel Johnson for the conservatives. They both staked out positions on the American Revolution and Burke's liberals were victorious.
Samuel Johnson was a lexicographer and a literary critic and provided us with a language that now has little currency in America but it is obvious that Glenn Beck understands that it is difficult to reconcile being an 18th century liberal with a conservative mindset is difficult.
The constitution is a liberal document written by liberals in the language of evolution and change.
The constitution is written in a language that conservatives do not or cannot understand. The Magna Carta was written in Latin a precise legal language that means in 2016 what it meant in 1215. The American constitution is written in the language of Samuel Johnson who wrote not only the only dictionary but the literary criticisms that gave meaning to Milton Shakespeare the English metaphysical poets and all of those who chose to write in our language which continues to evolve.
Glenn Beck is the first conservative I have seen willing to confront the impossibility of a conservative perspective on our constitution.
1
Urging empathy for the anguish of those with whom one disagrees is unexceptionable and, presumably, a way to preliminarily understand the extent and basis of disagreement. But it is not inevitably more than a condition to the possibility of reconciling with them, which is a coequal recommendation.
But reconciliation may - despite the good will and best efforts of all - ultimately be unattainable. An example of at least apparent impossibility is the issue of abortion. Further, even the author gives examples of "non-negotiable" items: "...tear[ing] up the Constitution" and "blood in the street..."
But one comment urges - not implausibly - significantly revising the Constitution, and even just wars result in blood in the streets.
In brief, the piece's recommendations are good as far as they go, and doubtless noteworthy because of the self-described shift of the author in favor of empathy and reconciliation. But whether it will be helpful concretely depends on whether it engenders the desire to try to empathize and reconcile in the author's followers, away from whom he has pivoted.
But reconciliation may - despite the good will and best efforts of all - ultimately be unattainable. An example of at least apparent impossibility is the issue of abortion. Further, even the author gives examples of "non-negotiable" items: "...tear[ing] up the Constitution" and "blood in the street..."
But one comment urges - not implausibly - significantly revising the Constitution, and even just wars result in blood in the streets.
In brief, the piece's recommendations are good as far as they go, and doubtless noteworthy because of the self-described shift of the author in favor of empathy and reconciliation. But whether it will be helpful concretely depends on whether it engenders the desire to try to empathize and reconcile in the author's followers, away from whom he has pivoted.
I am a lifelong democrat, I don't have deaf ears. The message Mr. Beck conveys is one that is and has been needed in Washington and I am glad to read his contribution. I don't know why he didn't talk about the videos of the black men killed at the hands of police--walking away, on the ground being cuffed, with little attention to medical assistance. These horrors--not necessarily expressed conventionally the way it has been for the horrible murder of the police officers--are all the more soul-crushing. But I digress...regardless--how does Mr. Beck align his call for dialog and understanding with Republicans' refusal to deliberate and engage on the matters of deep disagreement--immigration and gun control for two?
Regarding the deaths of persons in or pending custody--there used to be a phrase "dead or alive" which was reserved for only the most dangerous of criminals. Is "dead or alive" now an implied order behind every single engagement of an officer with a civilian--whether for illegal sale of cigarettes or a broken headlight? When is it better for everyone--police included--to let the perpetrator of a low-level crime get away for possible re-engagement another day? If the issue is self-defense of police (we know that's how it is consistently portrayed in court) how many injurious and deadly shots are fired simply because in the heat of the engagement the suspect 'wasn't following orders..' and a battle of wills and egos becomes a tragedy.
Regarding the deaths of persons in or pending custody--there used to be a phrase "dead or alive" which was reserved for only the most dangerous of criminals. Is "dead or alive" now an implied order behind every single engagement of an officer with a civilian--whether for illegal sale of cigarettes or a broken headlight? When is it better for everyone--police included--to let the perpetrator of a low-level crime get away for possible re-engagement another day? If the issue is self-defense of police (we know that's how it is consistently portrayed in court) how many injurious and deadly shots are fired simply because in the heat of the engagement the suspect 'wasn't following orders..' and a battle of wills and egos becomes a tragedy.
I have never been a Glenn Beck fan, but I have to say that I truly appreciate this article. Thank you, Glenn Beck, for being an advocate for empathy and for making an effort to understand the other point of view. It is the only path to tolerance and unity in this country of widely differing cultures and opinions. Witnessing the polarization brought about by the 2016 presidential election I have wondered who can possibly bring us together after it is over. The fact that you are such a celebrated and strong voice for the political right makes this article especially important. I hope that other equally strong voices from the left will acknowledge this article and speak similarly.
1
It would be presumptuous to think I understand Glen Beck. Having said that my personal interpretation of these comments may be near to some of my own which drew criticism from my own "tribe". We must recognize our connection, and commonality to achieve peace, stability, and a sustainable world. I wouldn't want to read too much into this, but it wold be great to feel we are arriving at a moment of change where even the most desperate voices recognize the need to acknowledge our shared humanity. Tribalism is a dead end in our time.
1
Much of the polarization in this nation has its roots in the careless magnification of difference and grievance on the very platforms that Mr. Beck has so artfully exploited.
Hate sells. And the masters of our fragmented media have profited handsomely by building walls of suspicion and exalting ignorance.
Can they undo the mess they've made? It will take more than one contrite opinion piece.
Hate sells. And the masters of our fragmented media have profited handsomely by building walls of suspicion and exalting ignorance.
Can they undo the mess they've made? It will take more than one contrite opinion piece.
84
In the very late 1990s and early years of this century, I worked for a small company in one large room. We were - I was - forced to listen to Mr. Beck's violent and disturbing invective daily on his radio show, until I quit the job in despair. Depressed, de-personalized, dehumanized (since I am a woman and educated) by his constant attack-dog attitudes. He was so far from purveying empathy he might as well have been at the other end of the earth. Thanks to his hysteria, one of our number began hoarding and building guns to protect himself from the hoards of leftist-government types who "wanted his stuff." So you can imagine that this essay is a great surprise for me. If he is sincere, and I must say he sounds it, then bless him. Understanding and empathy are really the only direction we can take to save our nation. And if we are successful on that personal front, Mr. Beck, know that we will have to drop our insistence that all people go along with our ideas - culture, religion, education, skin color - or we will never be able to face our greatest common problem: saving our air, our water, our very planet. Can you manage that, Mr. Beck?
84
It's fascinating to see a modern liberal insisting that it's the "others" who need to be more tolerant of others when it comes to their views on culture, religion, education, and skin color.
Truly. Fascinating.
Truly. Fascinating.
We will, as I say, ALL need to drop our intolerances. They do not, in the final analysis, get us anywhere. Can we all manage that? I hope I can. Can you? I seem somehow to have ruffled your fur. . .
1
I've always wondered why conservatives, at least the populist ones, didn't have more sympathy for Black Lives Matter. The "State" has developed a way to kill black citizens without any penalty except in cases where the circumstances are too egregious to ignore and no-one on the right speaks up ? More importantly , populist movements are rising up with the Tea Party being the first but by no means the last by the feeling that we are taking the responsibility but not reaping the rewards of economic shifts. Setting aside the agenda of those who have captured these movements , that commonality is worth noting and will likely repeat itself soon
The only thing more infuriating than this wildly hypocritical op-ed is the commentary from fellow readers. To those of you who think Glenn Beck has turned over some kind of empathetic leaf, did you even read the piece? Note the lines: "Empathy is not acknowledging or conceding that the pain and anger others feel is justified. Empathy is acknowledging someone else’s pain and anger while feeling for them as human beings — even, and maybe especially, when we don’t necessarily agree or understand them."
This is essentially the same thing as punching someone in the face and then saying, "I'm sorry you're upset that I hit you." How about practicing this so-called empathy by striving to understand the pain of others? Empathy without understanding is just another buzzword.
This is essentially the same thing as punching someone in the face and then saying, "I'm sorry you're upset that I hit you." How about practicing this so-called empathy by striving to understand the pain of others? Empathy without understanding is just another buzzword.
8
The New York Times is plumbing new depths..
3
On one hand, I applaud Mr. Beck's willingness to consider these issues and not demonize the Black Lives Matter movement.
On the other hand, it is dishonest to equate the legitimacy of Black Lives Matter with the Tea Party. One group is borne out of a history of lethal institutional discrimination, while the other group is borne out of a sense of eroding entitlement.
So yes, there are some structural commonalities between the two groups. Both groups feel unheard and are seeking a voice. That doesn't make them both legitimate.
On the other hand, it is dishonest to equate the legitimacy of Black Lives Matter with the Tea Party. One group is borne out of a history of lethal institutional discrimination, while the other group is borne out of a sense of eroding entitlement.
So yes, there are some structural commonalities between the two groups. Both groups feel unheard and are seeking a voice. That doesn't make them both legitimate.
7
I expect that his newly evolved position that "it's not about winning etc" might have something to do with the impending rout of the conservative vote.
1
I think this statement by Beck says it all:
"After the massacre, I invited several Black Lives Matter believers on my show. I got to know them as people..."
Why do I get the feeling that Beck figures it is time for another makeover to hopefully bring those audiences back and those big paychecks soaring.
Straight from the Elmer Gantry playbook:
"I pray, knowing my words will likely fall on many deaf ears as I am a flawed messenger, that cultivating empathy for one another, in our communities and in the news media, from our politicians and in our politics, is the path we must choose as a nation."
Please spare us and just go away and leave us alone.
"After the massacre, I invited several Black Lives Matter believers on my show. I got to know them as people..."
Why do I get the feeling that Beck figures it is time for another makeover to hopefully bring those audiences back and those big paychecks soaring.
Straight from the Elmer Gantry playbook:
"I pray, knowing my words will likely fall on many deaf ears as I am a flawed messenger, that cultivating empathy for one another, in our communities and in the news media, from our politicians and in our politics, is the path we must choose as a nation."
Please spare us and just go away and leave us alone.
8
tt appears Mr Beck has been speaking with Mr. Brooks. Welcome to the ambiguous grey zone, Mr. Beck.
1
I've only listened to a few snippets of Mr. Beck, over the years. What I heard was rude and offensive. I will listen in one more time to see if their is a new Glen Beck, or if this is merely a stunt.
3
For a Fox Infotainment bloviator talking head like Beck, who has poisoned the airwaves with his undiluted rants as a racist and a hate mongerer to say he wants to "understand" the tenets of BLM is both a joke, and another example of how little he understands people. No thinking person takes you seriously Beck - you are the doughy emperor with no clothes. What's next ? a promise to at least try to "understand" the science behind climate change?
8
The empathy you yearn for has not manifested itself in our politics. It has totally failed to encompass our 320 million American brothers and sisters.
Nice try.
Nice try.
3
"I consider myself a “classical liberal....I am not looking to condemn, I am looking to understand" ---Glenn Beck
I consider Mr. Beck to be a classical lunatic. That aside, if he was truly looking to understand he should have done so well before now. Its a matter of condemn first, ask questions later with Mr Beck and his fellow travelers. This Op-Ed is simply another disingenuous publicity stunt designed to place a veneer of fairness his otherwise undistinguished body of work.
I consider Mr. Beck to be a classical lunatic. That aside, if he was truly looking to understand he should have done so well before now. Its a matter of condemn first, ask questions later with Mr Beck and his fellow travelers. This Op-Ed is simply another disingenuous publicity stunt designed to place a veneer of fairness his otherwise undistinguished body of work.
9
Is it the message or the messenger that so upsets many commentors about this opinion piece? If the latter, how can we ever begin to listen to each other?
38
It seems to me the message of the piece is: Be more empathetic, like me! Look at me!
So I have a problem with both message and messenger.
So I have a problem with both message and messenger.
2
Given his history, I find nothing of value in this man's opinions. He has caused too much damage to this country.
Comparing BLM to the Tea Party is inane on every level. It's an insult to blacks, and it's an insult to American history.
Comparing BLM to the Tea Party is inane on every level. It's an insult to blacks, and it's an insult to American history.
4
The tide has turned and here is Beck, on of the first to be jettisoned from Fox, thrashing to stay afloat. I still remember your "I put poison in [Nancy Pelosi's] drink!" sketch Glenn. Have some permanent doubts that your intentions extend beyond a desire to extend your relevance.
7
Oh, how I wish I could believe him. The words sound so good. the thoughts so rational. "We need to listen to one another as human beings"; "reconciliation"; "empathy"; "neighbors and fellow citizens"; "classical liberal".
I know he is trying to have a new iteration, a public "born again", a dipping in the water of the river of those who see.
It is very hard for me to buy, given the hurt, and harm, and havoc he has reaped over decades that lead directly to the Tea Party, and the "alt-right" and Donald Trump as the nominee for the Presidency of the GOP.
Too little too late. No creds. Nice try. Forgive me for being skeptical and unforgiving.
You and yours have had too many decades to come to your senses before this debacle happened. You aided and abetted. You knowingly paved the way.
You and yours were so arrogant that you thought you could keep on pricking the beast, confident you could contain it once it was aroused - you actually thought it wouldn't be aroused - the American Blue collar would never wake up. Shame on you.
As you sow, so shall you reap - welcome to the Trump decade, GOP.
I know he is trying to have a new iteration, a public "born again", a dipping in the water of the river of those who see.
It is very hard for me to buy, given the hurt, and harm, and havoc he has reaped over decades that lead directly to the Tea Party, and the "alt-right" and Donald Trump as the nominee for the Presidency of the GOP.
Too little too late. No creds. Nice try. Forgive me for being skeptical and unforgiving.
You and yours have had too many decades to come to your senses before this debacle happened. You aided and abetted. You knowingly paved the way.
You and yours were so arrogant that you thought you could keep on pricking the beast, confident you could contain it once it was aroused - you actually thought it wouldn't be aroused - the American Blue collar would never wake up. Shame on you.
As you sow, so shall you reap - welcome to the Trump decade, GOP.
6
Well I never! I never really liked the way Mr. Beck presented himself. To me, he was only self serving. But I will stand next to him arm in arm for what he just expressed. Thank you!
2
Oh Jon Stewart, please come back and comment on this article! Forget it Glenn, us "oldies" know your history.
3
God, make him go away, please!
4
There is much to be applauded in Mr. Beck’s reasonable-sounding article. Thank you, Mr. Beck.
How do you square your reasonableness with the following, gleaned this morning from your website?
“Is Obama Trying to Transmit Something to Vladimir in the G20 Class Photo?”
“Can Somebody Please Get a Freaking Cough Drop for Hillary?” From the body of the piece: “I don’t know if she has tuberculosis or what, but if she would have put a napkin up to her face and it was splattered with blood afterwards, I wouldn’t have been surprised,” Glenn said.
Headline from an ad sporting Mr. Beck’s face that promotes buying gold from a company called Goldline: “I’ve said this before. Collapse is coming.”
You’re the author of “Liars: How Progressives Exploit Our Fear for Power and Control”. I guess you know the territory.
I found your empathy shocking but laudable. I will look for more, starting with “Liar: How Donald Trump Exploits Our Fear for Power and Control”. And then move, in your flawed messenger way, to “Liar: How Glenn Beck Does the Same”.
How do you square your reasonableness with the following, gleaned this morning from your website?
“Is Obama Trying to Transmit Something to Vladimir in the G20 Class Photo?”
“Can Somebody Please Get a Freaking Cough Drop for Hillary?” From the body of the piece: “I don’t know if she has tuberculosis or what, but if she would have put a napkin up to her face and it was splattered with blood afterwards, I wouldn’t have been surprised,” Glenn said.
Headline from an ad sporting Mr. Beck’s face that promotes buying gold from a company called Goldline: “I’ve said this before. Collapse is coming.”
You’re the author of “Liars: How Progressives Exploit Our Fear for Power and Control”. I guess you know the territory.
I found your empathy shocking but laudable. I will look for more, starting with “Liar: How Donald Trump Exploits Our Fear for Power and Control”. And then move, in your flawed messenger way, to “Liar: How Glenn Beck Does the Same”.
6
Nice sentiment, Glenn. But the title of your book listed at the end of your article completely discredits the message. Any book that uses name-calling in the title is not working to foster empathy - you clearly continue to be part of the national problem. The monetization of partisan hackery is a plague and you are a founding father.
6
This man is dishonest and evil. And despite being uneducated, he is very canny. Like a used car salesman. You need that undercoat and extra warranty, trust him. Note the little tricks he plays: juxtaposing talking to the bereaved families of tragically shot police in Dallas, then pivoting to Black Lives Matters interviews. Thus he uses contrast to imply that BLM was involved (which is not the case: why is it a "lone wolf" when a white nut shoots stuff up, as in Charleston, SC, but it's part of a black movement when a black nut shoots stuff up, in Dallas? This guy in Dallas acted alone, and was a veteran, another tragedy for another day.) Simultaneously Beck sets himself up as the great communicator and bridge builder.
Want more examples? OK: “I consider myself a “classical liberal” — a.k.a. 'constitutional conservative'" 1) Wait, what? There’s a little historical jujitsu. And 2) the man who promulgates the xenophobic tea party gives us a kumbaya moment? Talk is cheap, and actions speak louder than twisty words.
At the root, he promotes himself. The Blaze (his yellow tabloid bastion of fear mongering and American Exceptionalism), and his own “honest” weepy self. He’s only become very wealthy by doing so. And we should believe anything that ever comes out of this guys mouth? He's just another entrepreneur of self, like a different flavor of Rush Limbaugh.
Want more examples? OK: “I consider myself a “classical liberal” — a.k.a. 'constitutional conservative'" 1) Wait, what? There’s a little historical jujitsu. And 2) the man who promulgates the xenophobic tea party gives us a kumbaya moment? Talk is cheap, and actions speak louder than twisty words.
At the root, he promotes himself. The Blaze (his yellow tabloid bastion of fear mongering and American Exceptionalism), and his own “honest” weepy self. He’s only become very wealthy by doing so. And we should believe anything that ever comes out of this guys mouth? He's just another entrepreneur of self, like a different flavor of Rush Limbaugh.
3
I read this op-ed piece and my jaw dropped. Beck actually said: "We are a country in trouble, and we have only one way out: reconciliation. We must follow the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s message and method and move away from a pursuit of “winning” and toward reclaiming our shared humanity. " Really? In the context of his candidates telling people that under him we will "win so much you will get sick of it." Where is Donald's empathy towards Mexicans, Muslims, Blacks, disabled, women, and on and on. Maybe even Mr. Beck is realizing that tolerance and empathy, inclusiveness rather than divisiveness, are what our founders, and, indeed Emma Lazarus, meant about what truly makes America great. I have nothing for praise for Mr. Beck as it must have been very difficult for him to essentially publically rebuke his candidate for all the right reasons.
Beck has been harshly critical of Trump for quite some time.
Nice message Mr. Beck. Unfortunately, after years of talking nonsense and playing the provocateur, it's difficult to take anything you say seriously. I agree that empathy matters, but don't think comparing what AA have been through to the Tea Party's perceived grievances are equivalent. As a mouth piece for Fox, you were most certainly not advocating empathy or reconciliation. Just look at the title of you new book. You're accusing Progressives of lying and exploitation? Seriously? And now you speak of reconciliation? You, Mr. Beck, are part of the problem.
3
It seems that many of the commentators could be a little moe sympathetic towards Mr. Beck. His commentary is quite thought provoking and reasonable. You do not have to agree with his politics to apply what he is saying. I personally do not listen to his show, and I suspect many of the commentators do not either. But, I will try to apply the good lessons he preaches in this piece.
3
Wow. I never thought I'd get anything out of anything communicated by Glenn Beck but I am glad I read this. Glenn's suggesting that the Tea Party and Black Lives Matter groups have something in common might be true. For instance, many Tea Party People protested that we are less free because of the social safety nets/socialist systems put in place due to the work of the "Liars and Progressives" Beck writes about in his latest book. Of course, behind the great need for a large social welfare system is the reality that freewheeling corporations built their wealth with US workers who they now displace with lower paid workers in third world countries. Similarly, the BLM people evolved from an economic system in which they found themselves displaced from their jobs, true - UNPAID jobs, in that great American system that built the nation's capitol and the economy of the south. Both the Tea Party people and the BLM people have been divided from each other probably by the lying progressives who point the finger at greed, bigotry and classism. I thank the universe that we have Glenn Beck to tell us otherwise.
1
I would agree in some part with Mr. Beck's Op-Ed. We do need to try our best to empathize with a side different from our own. However, part of that empathy is not just saying, "I know you feel this way, but you have no reason to". To really open your mind to another's point of view is the see the whole truth. As my grandfather used to say, "There are three sides to every coin, your truth, my truth, and THE truth."
1
O.K. What have you done with Glenn Beck? Where are you hiding him? The author of this piece is not the man I hear on the radio. This author is sane, reasonable , empathetic and, dare I say it, likeable.
Seriously though, to paraphrase Loyd Benson, 'You, sir, are no "classical liberal". I know liberals, and you are no liberal, "classical" or otherwise. Liberals do not write books titled Liars: How Progressives Exploit Our Fear for Power and Control. On the other hand, certain conservatives WOULD use the NYT and a national tragedy to plea for reasonableness while hawking himself and his media empire.
Seriously though, to paraphrase Loyd Benson, 'You, sir, are no "classical liberal". I know liberals, and you are no liberal, "classical" or otherwise. Liberals do not write books titled Liars: How Progressives Exploit Our Fear for Power and Control. On the other hand, certain conservatives WOULD use the NYT and a national tragedy to plea for reasonableness while hawking himself and his media empire.
4
Glenn Beck actually sounds "normal", as he did recently when I heard him interviewed by Lawrence O'Donnell. And he is absolutely correct to remind us of our shared humanity. I was intrigued a few years ago by the No Labels movement which unfortunately has not gotten much traction. I am pleased to see Glenn Beck evolving into a uniter and encouraging mutual respect even if we have different viewpoints. We should welcome him and refrain from criticizing him for his past mistakes (which he seems to be owning) or for his differing opinions. And besides, he is a #NEVER TRUMP!
If Beck had actually lived by these words over the last decade we would not need them nearly as much as we do today.
130
Mr. Beck's comment is admirable and reinforces my belief that there is an angel hidden in every man and which is waiting to be nurtured and brought out should that man make the effort to do so. Congrats Mr. Beck.
24
Or maybe, by trying to sound like a reasonable and caring human being, he's trying to broaden potential readership for his book, "Liars: How PROGRESSIVES Exploit our Fear for Power..." to include those very people whom the title of his book already vilifies.
This piece is fatally flawed by the statement that even though Glen Beck feels the pain of grieving white folks, he still doesn't agree that they, or any others have suffered from undue systematic abuse, probably because he believes that communal violence is "in the genes" of "some people"...
"I believe the greatness of our country lies in our founders’ creation of a system that allows and encourages all voices to be heard."
By the way, that system allows and encourages those voices to be heard by voting. Please pass that on to your friends in North Carolina, Texas, etc.
By the way, that system allows and encourages those voices to be heard by voting. Please pass that on to your friends in North Carolina, Texas, etc.
6
A lot of self-congratulation ... so you recognize African-Americans are individuals. Ok, good for you, finally (trusting you are sincere.) So you say you've found a new willingness to listen, but at the same time dig in and say there's much you can't agree on. What good is listening without hearing?
5
Though I disagree with many of your statements in the past and I am a liberal Democrat, I believe you have hit the nail on the head of a basic issue in our country. We have lost the ability to have reasoned and respectful discourse in the press, television media and social media. This has become a cornerstone of how we talk, legislate and simply deal with one another. We must shout over, interupt and hone in on one word or phrase of those we disagree with and use it as a sledge hammer. Civility is something that can be taught but more importantly , we should lead by example. President Obama always appears to be measured, listens and does his best not to make his comments to those on the opposite side, personal. Time will tell if your words in this Op-Ed are a true measure of a "change" in your approach and understanding of others or if your next program or book will be more of the "old" Glenn.
1
Glenn, I don't agree with all you said here and almost nothing of what you say elsewhere but really hope this is a first step in you becoming a thoughtful commentator.
3
Excellent OpEd. I'm not a Glenn Beck fan, but anyone who calls for empathy and focuses attention on our shared humanity - even towards those we disagree with or are ideologically opposed to - has shared a message I'm totally on board with. Enough vitriol and poison has been sprayed on everyone: let's start moving towards being civilized and understanding.
1
Luckily for America, all Black, Hispanic, female, Muslim, elderly, young, educated voters are educated by Republican scorn for them and their issues these past 7 years. Pretending that these voters have common ground with Trump supporters are blind stupid. But make no mistake, Republicans have embraced stupidity. From equality, to climate change, to evolution, to white supremacy, to sex education, to Zika funding, to tax reduction for the rich, to more war in the Middle East stupidity shines forth. Mr. Beck and Rush and O'Reilly, sell snake oil to the same audience who clamor for more despite the fact that it is snake oil. With luck, we will be relieved of these hucksters when their boy Trump goes up in smoke. To all of their followers and Trump supporters: suckers!
6
Mr. Beck, thank you for writing with your views, and in return, I am speaking on behalf of a strong supporter of yours, an elderly acquaintance who has been watching your show, and feels that you have always been right in your forecasts.
It was an act of courtesy on my part to turn on the T.V. and take a look at what you had to say. Your presentation was brief, outlined on a blackboard, and by the time you finished addressing your audience, it sounded as if President Obama was responsible for all our ills.
Apparently you have had a hard life. I understand, and so does my friend, who suffered dire poverty and dropped out of High School to support his family. He has a reading disorder but he is married to a fine woman. Together they are happy after many years, but he is feeling depressed over the state of our Country.
Now. Having worked in the Humanitarian Community for two decades, many of my colleagues and friends are African, with a first generation of offspring on American soil. I love them all, and feel privileged to be invited to stay with them at their home, where they spoil me and make a fuss because they have wonderful manners.
Dignity and a certain nobility, hard to describe, it hurts that a friend of my age ( I carry her photo with me for inspiration), decided on retiring to go home to her French-speaking country), a devout Muslim, she will not call from Queens this year at Christmas to find out if I am in good spirits for the Holiday.
What are we doing?
It was an act of courtesy on my part to turn on the T.V. and take a look at what you had to say. Your presentation was brief, outlined on a blackboard, and by the time you finished addressing your audience, it sounded as if President Obama was responsible for all our ills.
Apparently you have had a hard life. I understand, and so does my friend, who suffered dire poverty and dropped out of High School to support his family. He has a reading disorder but he is married to a fine woman. Together they are happy after many years, but he is feeling depressed over the state of our Country.
Now. Having worked in the Humanitarian Community for two decades, many of my colleagues and friends are African, with a first generation of offspring on American soil. I love them all, and feel privileged to be invited to stay with them at their home, where they spoil me and make a fuss because they have wonderful manners.
Dignity and a certain nobility, hard to describe, it hurts that a friend of my age ( I carry her photo with me for inspiration), decided on retiring to go home to her French-speaking country), a devout Muslim, she will not call from Queens this year at Christmas to find out if I am in good spirits for the Holiday.
What are we doing?
2
I honor your intention and your good will, though I ask if justification isn’t irrelevant to the existence of pain? Regardless, empathy is the gateway to compassion, it’s understanding another feels pain and trying to feel that pain.
Compassion is empathy in action. Studies have have shown compassion increases positive emotions “linked to increases in a variety of personal resources, including mindful attention, self-acceptance, positive relations with others, and good physical health.” And studies have shown positive emotions eliminate bias.
“May they be happy. May they be safe. May they healthy. May they be free from suffering.” Repeating a simple meta meditation is an easy form of compassion.
As a recovering alcoholic you’ll see the similarities to a story in the BB of a clergy’s writing on resentment: “…if you will pray for the person or the thing that you resent, you will be free. If you will ask in prayer for everything you want for yourself to be given to them, you will be free. Ask for their health, their prosperity, their happiness, and you will be free. Even when you don’t really want it for them and your prayers are only words and you don’t mean it, go ahead and do it anyway. Do it every day for two weeks, and you will find you have come to mean it and to want it for them, and you will realize that where you used to feel bitterness and resentment and hatred, you now feel compassionate understanding and love.”
Compassion is empathy in action. Studies have have shown compassion increases positive emotions “linked to increases in a variety of personal resources, including mindful attention, self-acceptance, positive relations with others, and good physical health.” And studies have shown positive emotions eliminate bias.
“May they be happy. May they be safe. May they healthy. May they be free from suffering.” Repeating a simple meta meditation is an easy form of compassion.
As a recovering alcoholic you’ll see the similarities to a story in the BB of a clergy’s writing on resentment: “…if you will pray for the person or the thing that you resent, you will be free. If you will ask in prayer for everything you want for yourself to be given to them, you will be free. Ask for their health, their prosperity, their happiness, and you will be free. Even when you don’t really want it for them and your prayers are only words and you don’t mean it, go ahead and do it anyway. Do it every day for two weeks, and you will find you have come to mean it and to want it for them, and you will realize that where you used to feel bitterness and resentment and hatred, you now feel compassionate understanding and love.”
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I am trying to pin down what bothers me about this essay and I am sincerely hoping it is more than my reaction to the name Glenn Beck.
I can't and won't argue with the thesis that we'd all be a lot better off with less mouth and more empathy.
I think what bothers me is Beck's terminology for those with whom he doesn't agree: he calls members of BLM "Believers." It is as if he is saying, "I know what you feel and experience is something you believe, and I can respect your belief, but I know it isn't fact."
But empathy comes from really putting yourself in another's shoes - not tolerating them because they are humans, but understanding their grief and outrage by trying to understand their experience. If you do that, you don't call them "believers." For me, empathy can be summed up in the horror I feel at the idea of telling my son the rules he should follow to avoid getting shot at a police stop. The empathy I feel for any parent who faces more than the general anxiety we all feel when our teens are out and about.
At that point, I don't think of other families as "believers." Instead I think of their pain from their experience - and that is a lot closer to empathy
I can't and won't argue with the thesis that we'd all be a lot better off with less mouth and more empathy.
I think what bothers me is Beck's terminology for those with whom he doesn't agree: he calls members of BLM "Believers." It is as if he is saying, "I know what you feel and experience is something you believe, and I can respect your belief, but I know it isn't fact."
But empathy comes from really putting yourself in another's shoes - not tolerating them because they are humans, but understanding their grief and outrage by trying to understand their experience. If you do that, you don't call them "believers." For me, empathy can be summed up in the horror I feel at the idea of telling my son the rules he should follow to avoid getting shot at a police stop. The empathy I feel for any parent who faces more than the general anxiety we all feel when our teens are out and about.
At that point, I don't think of other families as "believers." Instead I think of their pain from their experience - and that is a lot closer to empathy
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I think "believer" is a good term here. He is talking about people who join the movement not cynically or from boredom or a chance to stir up stuff, but because they truly believe the movement offers a necessary correction to whatever is causing their pain.
This is really a thoughtful, and to me a beautiful, comment. Thank you.
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These are very conciliatory remarks. I would consider them almost thoughtful if Beck hadn't failed to reflect on the role of right wing commentators, including himself in encouraging his supporters to consider Black Lives Matter as the “other side”. In the aftermath of Dallas shootings, President Obama travelled there and gave a magistral speech begging all sides to feel for each other. Did Beck compliment then him for ideas similar to those in this article (actually Obama went much further)? I doubt it. This seems like another Kellyanne Connelly effort to "put lipstick on a pig."
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Beck has the ability to rewrite history on a par with Dick and Liz Cheney. Soon, they'll be asking he Pope to make Richard Nixon a saint, based on his wonderful way with people!
The tea party is a backroom K Street smoke screen concocted by the likes of Dick Armey and his Freedom Works cabal of several dozen cohorts. It was no movement. Armey left the organization with a reported $8 million. It was a "movement" gig that paid well.
If Black Lives Matter owes its origin to a handful of insider politicos stoking racism in order to meet their financial and political power objectives, well, please tell us more about who its leaders are.
The tea party is a backroom K Street smoke screen concocted by the likes of Dick Armey and his Freedom Works cabal of several dozen cohorts. It was no movement. Armey left the organization with a reported $8 million. It was a "movement" gig that paid well.
If Black Lives Matter owes its origin to a handful of insider politicos stoking racism in order to meet their financial and political power objectives, well, please tell us more about who its leaders are.
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I never realized that Mr. Beck and I are so similar.
I too believe in the constitution...particularly that part about having to be a male land owner in order to vote.
I guess that's why we're both "classical liberals".
I too believe in the constitution...particularly that part about having to be a male land owner in order to vote.
I guess that's why we're both "classical liberals".
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Is that really in the Constitution? I don't think it is. Doubtless it was status quo in many if not all states, but I do not believe that the Constitution ever limited voting rights to male landowners.
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Yes'm. Unfortunately it was there. Check it out.
And even worse, all indications point towards one of the national parties and their nominee apparently not being too unhappy were it to be back there again.
And even worse, all indications point towards one of the national parties and their nominee apparently not being too unhappy were it to be back there again.
Buttercup, I don't think the Constitution limits voting to male landowners.
http://www.archives.gov/exhibits/charters/constitution_transcript.html
Can you point to where?
http://www.archives.gov/exhibits/charters/constitution_transcript.html
Can you point to where?
Author's intentions may seem good, and it is important to stress effort to reach out to the other side and to empathize."Comprendre c'est tout pardonner!"We all know this, and most of us try to practice this in our daily lives,but his editorial is a restatement of the obvious, and does it merit space on the op ed page of a great newspaper? Recall interviews by Mr. Beck and his staff in which the interviewee accused adversaries of his of being Nazis, and never was there a denial forthcoming from Beck. Also recall his self righteous criticism of Trump and of Grover Nordquist, whom he alleged was involved in nefarious plots with Muslim activists who did not wish us well. GB also supported Cruz, one of the most mean spirited men in politics who was invited to the G0P convention only to disavow the presidential candidate.Remember his plea to conventioneers to "vote your conscience?"
Since Mr. Beck is a self confessed former alcoholic, let me say this about that, having attended a few AA meetings myself. No one nastier, more spiteful and bitter than a reformed juice hound.They can tell you date and time of their last drink. Bitterness at not being able to enjoy John Barleycorn is manifested in pettiness towards others Knowing the real Glenn Beck, I find his appeal for empathy and understanding paradoxical and hollow.
While he was writing his "cri du coeur",he might have informed us when Deray Mckesson, head of BLM, plans to start training for the Dallas police force.
Since Mr. Beck is a self confessed former alcoholic, let me say this about that, having attended a few AA meetings myself. No one nastier, more spiteful and bitter than a reformed juice hound.They can tell you date and time of their last drink. Bitterness at not being able to enjoy John Barleycorn is manifested in pettiness towards others Knowing the real Glenn Beck, I find his appeal for empathy and understanding paradoxical and hollow.
While he was writing his "cri du coeur",he might have informed us when Deray Mckesson, head of BLM, plans to start training for the Dallas police force.
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"Black Lives Matter" is a response to a police practice of shooting and killing blacks indiscriminately. Tea party is a different ball of yarn: Racists and white supremacists unified against the duly elected black president, and some who were hurt by the drastic change in economic landscape joined them. I did not bother to read your drivel, but I do remember your ugly image foaming in the mouth and looking mentally deranged and all the while inciting the malcontents.
Now, you act like the big thought leader, and constitutionalist that you are trillion light years are away from.
By the way you still have Rasputin like crazy look to you. Good luck with your new schtick.
Now, you act like the big thought leader, and constitutionalist that you are trillion light years are away from.
By the way you still have Rasputin like crazy look to you. Good luck with your new schtick.
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That's what you get to not spouting "Conventional" Wisdom---as cynically demonstrated by the manipulative atrocities of the both the Republican and Democratic conventions, ahd the surreal and almost SNL scarey-hilarious product that they collaborated on and "instigated: TRUMP vs Mrs. Bill Clinton. Where is Ralph Nader when US need him----or, better yet, George Carlin, Lenny Bruce, Will Rogers, Mark Twain---or the daddy of them all, Citizen Tom Paine?
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Perhaps you will also come to realize that you yourself, with your conspiracy peddling, contempt for standards of evidence, and demonization of your fellow citizens, have done more to give us Trump and his alt-right mobs than almost anyone else.
But you've sold, and are continuing to sell, an awful lot of books.
But you've sold, and are continuing to sell, an awful lot of books.
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Words I never expected to write: thank you Glenn Beck.
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I've tuned in to Glenn Beck's show from time to time, and I think the negative comments here about what he has said in the past are fairly accurate.
however...
Isn't what he is attempting now exactly what my fellow liberals claim they so deeply respect - an honest, sincere attempt at empathic understanding of those who may have different views or live different kinds of lives?
however...
Isn't what he is attempting now exactly what my fellow liberals claim they so deeply respect - an honest, sincere attempt at empathic understanding of those who may have different views or live different kinds of lives?
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Then he shouldn't be using this opportunity to hawk a book that reflects his usual hate mongering.
If I thought it was honest and sincere I would react as such, but my guess is the only purpose for this 'op ed' is to get that one line plug at the bottom for his book in the NYTimes. If he really cared about improving the discourse he wouldnt've picked that title for his book. I'm sad the NYTimes fell for yet another dishonest move by Mr Beck.
Empathy is a two way street. That's what I think Glen Beck is trying to say. It's not a question of right or wrong. It's a matter of knowing how someone else is feeling. Getting out of your clothes and getting into the clothes of someone else.
Empathy is listening with your heart not your mind and being able to feel what someone else is feeling. Our minds and heart need to be retrained to appreciate and understand a point of view that may not be our own. Glen Beck has it right. When we stop being defensive and unite as a nation we will all be stronger and our world will be a much more desirable place. Thanks Glen for your wisdom and refreshing words.
Empathy is listening with your heart not your mind and being able to feel what someone else is feeling. Our minds and heart need to be retrained to appreciate and understand a point of view that may not be our own. Glen Beck has it right. When we stop being defensive and unite as a nation we will all be stronger and our world will be a much more desirable place. Thanks Glen for your wisdom and refreshing words.
I never thought I'd say this, but this was a pretty insightful column by Glenn Beck.
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President Obama spelled out the broader anger and frustration part that BLM addresses: the belief - for whatever reason - that police target them in a way nobody else can understand. Sure, black on black crime is a huge problem; but a subset of that is the endless cycle that begins when young black kids end up with criminal records early in life and know they're automatically out of the parade.
Maybe part of it is hype in the sense that I'm a white conservative but as a student with shoulder length hair, I also heard the "ka-chunk" of electric door locks being activated lots of times standing on street corners. White folks were afraid of me but as soon as I threw on a suit jacket, I became invisible both to suburban types and the cops.
And simply because young blacks are more likely to commit crimes than their white counterparts doesn't excuse everyone from trying to take a step back from themselves and assessing what they do on a daily basis.
It's way overdue, the prehensile tail of a legacy of slavery and almost a hundred years of Jim Crow.