The Problem with Glenn Beck’s Theorizing on Egypt

[Valin]

Contentions:

Alana Goodman
02.07.2011

Conservatives are divided over how to view the situation in Egypt. Some have taken the more prudent stance that the U.S. needs to help steer a strong transitional government in Egypt until democracy can be ensured. Others have taken an optimistic position closer to President Bush’s second inaugural address, arguing that the U.S. has a responsibility to support and encourage the will of the Egyptian people as it currently stands.

Both perspectives have their own merits, and both have been argued persuasively in recent pieces by Bill Kristol and Charles Krauthammer.

But as Americans grapple with these ideas, there’s one thing that is especially unhelpful to the discussion — and that’s the distribution of blatant misinformation. Glenn Beck, instead of taking a hard, sober look at a situation that will have major ramifications for the U.S., has been using his high-profile FOX and radio shows to, in fact, misinform. The new theory Beck appears to be pushing is that the Egyptian revolt is being controlled by an alliance between leftist American organizations and Islamists.

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[Valin]

Like most misguided ideas, this theory is based in some truth. Leftist groups like ANSWER and Code Pink have inserted themselves into the Egyptian uprising, and there are indications that they’ve been reaching out to Islamist organizations. But so what? Many leftist groups are anti-American. Islamist groups are anti-American. That they’ve reached out to each other is not a particularly surprising, or significant, development.

 

The danger of Beck’s theorizing is that he’s spreading the misconception that the uprising in Egypt was initiated by anti-democratic groups, and that it’s Islamist at its core. While there’s no doubt that the Muslim Brotherhood and socialist organizations have become involved in the protests, they didn’t start the uprising, and that’s not what the protests are about.

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[Rokke]

Glen Beck plays on my local talk radio while I drive home. I can usually last 5 minutes. The guy is just plain loony. A nice loon. But the constant paranoia and conspiracy talk is ridiculous.

[Valin]

Glen Beck plays on my local talk radio while I drive home. I can usually last 5 minutes. The guy is just plain loony. A nice loon. But the constant paranoia and conspiracy talk is ridiculous.

 

 

I wouldn't call him Plain Loony, but IMO he's never seen a conspiracy he didn't like.

 

I did like the Red Phone, and the show he did with conservative Blacks...but sometimes he (how shall I put this) skirts the edge of reality.

[SrWoodchuck]

Prophets are called to comfort the afflicted & afflict the comfortable. Beck seems to have great research capabilities & he frames his news product with facts, [often facts, straight from the mouths of his targets] comedy and a small amount of mania.

 

What does it take to motivate todays American citizen? Sex? Blood? Money?

 

IMO: Beck lights a fire, but he uses logic & facts. Is it propaganda? Yes it is. Is it untrue? Not in my belief. Beck is a caricature, for the show; but with good instincts, logic & facts

[Sanguine]

Prophets are called to comfort the afflicted & afflict the comfortable. Beck seems to have great research capabilities & he frames his news product with facts, [often facts, straight from the mouths of his targets] comedy and a small amount of mania.

 

What does it take to motivate todays American citizen? Sex? Blood? Money?

 

IMO: Beck lights a fire, but he uses logic & facts. Is it propaganda? Yes it is. Is it untrue? Not in my belief. Beck is a caricature, for the show; but with good instincts, logic & facts

 

Well said.

 

And, as Beck says ad nauseum throughout his show - don't believe him; check the facts for yourself.

 

I do disagree with the propaganda statement though. If it's true, and not distorted to obscure the truth, then I don't think it's propaganda.