Beck apologizes for Hypocrisy by AnthonyT

Freedom is Important because People are Important

Hello,

When people say something vile and revolting, or just plain unintelligent, they are seldom willing to acknowledge it. I'm glad to see this apology. I do not think Mr. Beck had an unassisted epiphany as to the wrongness of his words. I also do not think he cares one whit for what citizens in the opposing political party might think of his despicable behavior.

Rather, I believe that enlightened members of his own audience were so repulsed by what they heard, that they felt compelled to complain. I believe the outcry was so large, that he was motivated by self-interest to recant.

And that means that there are decent people even on the extremes of politics. Hope for us all.

--Anthony

"On this matter, make no mistake. I want you to go fuck yourself long and hard, as well as anyone who agrees with you. I got no use for you." --Auraptor

"This vile and revolting malice - this is their true colors, always has been, you're just seeing it without the mask of justifications and excuses they hide it behind, is all. Make sure to remember it once they put the mask back on." --Fremdfirma

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Saturday, May 29, 2010 6:03 AM

WHOZIT

Quote:
Originally posted by AnthonyT:
Hello,

When people say something vile and revolting, or just plain unintelligent, they are seldom willing to acknowledge it. I'm glad to see this apology. I do not think Mr. Beck had an unassisted epiphany as to the wrongness of his words. I also do not think he cares one whit for what citizens in the opposing political party might think of his despicable behavior.

Rather, I believe that enlightened members of his own audience were so repulsed by what they heard, that they felt compelled to complain. I believe the outcry was so large, that he was motivated by self-interest to recant.

And that means that there are decent people even on the extremes of politics. Hope for us all.

--Anthony

"On this matter, make no mistake. I want you to go fuck yourself long and hard, as well as anyone who agrees with you. I got no use for you." --Auraptor

"This vile and revolting malice - this is their true colors, always has been, you're just seeing it without the mask of justifications and excuses they hide it behind, is all. Make sure to remember it once they put the mask back on." --Fremdfirma

There is no hope for us, the libs at MSNBC and Bill Maher will make sure of that. Did Billy ever say he was sorry for calling the Pope a "Nazi"? And don't forget Letterman shooting his mouth off about Sarah Palins kids, even his own viewers turned on him. That's why he's 3rd in his timeslot behind "Nightline", and it's the one w/o Ted Kopple! Nope we're doomed, give up

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Saturday, May 29, 2010 6:11 AM

Gettin' old, but still a hippie at heart...

It's good to hear that, Anthony, thank you. I agree with you about the motivation, except I think it was more a matter of his audience complaining and the Guys Upstairs directing him to apologize because of the bad PR image (which essentially is the same thing, except that what his audience thinks wouldn't mean diddly to Beck himself, I don't think).

Forced or not, I'm glad to hear. I didn't know about the "skit", all I knew about was his knocking Obama for quoting Malia in the first place. That second instance goes waaaay beyond the pale!

(by the way, I love your signature. Good to keep in mind.)

"I'm just right. Kinda like the sun rising in the east and the world being round...its not a need its just the way it is." The Delusional "Hero", 3/1/10

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Saturday, May 29, 2010 6:55 AM

Freedom is Important because People are Important

"Did Billy ever say he was sorry for calling the Pope a "Nazi"?"

Hello,

I wasn't aware that such a thing was said. If so, it is lamentable and inaccurate. I remember reading that the Pope was involved with a Hitler youth program, but he can hardly be held accountable for what his government did to twist an impressionable young mind. At worst, the Pope is a criminal enabler who has worked to shield child predators from prosecution, allowing them to prey on new, unsuspecting victims.

Which is to say, I consider him to be among the most reprehensible human beings in the world. But not a Nazi.

--Anthony

"On this matter, make no mistake. I want you to go fuck yourself long and hard, as well as anyone who agrees with you. I got no use for you." --Auraptor

"This vile and revolting malice - this is their true colors, always has been, you're just seeing it without the mask of justifications and excuses they hide it behind, is all. Make sure to remember it once they put the mask back on." --Fremdfirma

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Saturday, May 29, 2010 7:22 AM

AURAPTOR

America loves a winner!

So, just be clear, the President can use his own kids ( or anyone else's, I'm guessing ) in the most egregious manner, as a sappy political prop, but no one is allowed to even comment on it ?

O.K. We got the memo now.

Bones: "Don't 'rawr' her!"
Booth: "What? she'rawred' me first."

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Saturday, May 29, 2010 7:24 AM

PIZMOBEACH

... fully loaded, safety off...

Quote:
Originally posted by AnthonyT:

Rather, I believe that enlightened members of his own audience...

Bigfoot... 'Nelly... Military Intelligence...

Scifi movie music + Firefly dialogue clips, 24 hours a day - http://www.scifiradio.com

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Saturday, May 29, 2010 7:27 AM

What is there to say about Glen Beck? He's a self-proclaimed Libertarian-really-Republican party puppet that they use to fire up the republican constituency. I wouldn't mind at all if the leaders of the Republican party were actually good for the small government arguments Beck makes. But they're not, or at least they only care about the welfare of their big business buddies, so it's manipulation of the most base kind.

The few times I agree with Beck and think what he's saying makes sense (and I'm not even sure he believes what he's saying then), he quickly loses me by trying to tie it into a rant that simply DOES NOT FOLLOW. Or even blatantly contradicts himself. His logic tends to induce a

and angrish from me.

His comments about Malia, therefore, are not surprising in the slightest for me, and I can only respond with the same vague sense of dislike and contempt I normally feel about Beck's comments. No, I don't think his apology was sincere, any more than Letterman's apologies were sincere. Good holy goats, they made Letterman apologize twice because his first one was so sarcastic. They're all assholes. They spew out hypocrisy of the worst kind, and their managers forcing them to behave now and then like decent human beings doesn't really win them any pity points from me.

The fact that this conversation is turning into "Beck's comments were all right because Obama was using his daughter and Letterman is a horrible human being," "well Palin uses her children too and Letterman's jokes at least had some basis" kinda just underlines how ridiculous this all is. This country is so divided, for no good reasons I can see, and I don't understand it at all.

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Saturday, May 29, 2010 7:32 AM

Gettin' old, but still a hippie at heart...

You're right. However, there are many conversations going on, this is just one of them. Nonetheless, you're right.

"I'm just right. Kinda like the sun rising in the east and the world being round...its not a need its just the way it is." The Delusional "Hero", 3/1/10

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Saturday, May 29, 2010 7:34 AM

Freedom is Important because People are Important

"That second instance goes waaaay beyond the pale!"

Hello Niki,

Yes, it was particularly loathsome. Now that the apology has been issued, I'm sure his supporters will argue that, "Well, it wasn't really that bad in the grand scheme of things. And anyway, the Left has done worse!"

The offense will be minced and parceled and pawned off by like-minded persons until no sense of shame remains, and there is no lingering disappointment in their spokesperson. Some will even claim that free speech entitles them to make the most vile statements in the most vile way. It does, of course. But so often, free speech is used as an excuse for bad behavior and bad manners. They forget that they can be free to say something and still be shunned for it. Free speech offers an immunity from legal consequences, not social consequences.

In this age of information, a moment of naked, vile revelation can linger with a person forever.

Still, there will be some who permanently pull back from their support of this man. There will be those whose eyes are opened. And, at least he apologized. There are people so filled with self-righteous hate and poison that they are incapable of even making such a gesture.

--Anthony

"On this matter, make no mistake. I want you to go fuck yourself long and hard, as well as anyone who agrees with you. I got no use for you." --Auraptor

"This vile and revolting malice - this is their true colors, always has been, you're just seeing it without the mask of justifications and excuses they hide it behind, is all. Make sure to remember it once they put the mask back on." --Fremdfirma

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Saturday, May 29, 2010 7:41 AM

Thanks Niki, and I'm sorry. It's just, it frustrates me. There shouldn't be so much anger and dislike for the other side that the kids and comments about them are even an issue.

I hardly think it's a good thing when radioheads/ talk show hosts say they won't bring in the kids to BE POLITE, or have some moral high ground. It's the wrong way to look at it. Even during a political argument, we should be remembering that we're all human, and treating each other accordingly. Everyone should be affording that same respect to the children of families of the opposition, who not only are innocent but also relative unknowns within any debate.

But it's both parties, us versus them arguments. Maybe one side uses it more than others, I can't tell, all I know is they both use it and it makes me hurt.

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Saturday, May 29, 2010 7:44 AM

Freedom is Important because People are Important

"The fact that this conversation is turning into "Beck's comments were all right because Obama was using his daughter and Letterman is a horrible human being," "well Palin uses her children too and Letterman's jokes at least had some basis" kinda just underlines how ridiculous this all is."

Hello,

This is wisdom. When wrongness is on display, we all have a responsibility to speak against it. If our first action is to weigh and measure the wrongness to see how it compares against the wrongness of people on 'our side,' then we are exhibiting flawed behavior. When it comes time to vote, we may be forced to choose the lesser evil. But when it comes time to speak, we can speak against all evil.

--Anthony

"On this matter, make no mistake. I want you to go fuck yourself long and hard, as well as anyone who agrees with you. I got no use for you." --Auraptor

"This vile and revolting malice - this is their true colors, always has been, you're just seeing it without the mask of justifications and excuses they hide it behind, is all. Make sure to remember it once they put the mask back on." --Fremdfirma

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Saturday, May 29, 2010 8:11 AM

WHOZIT

Quote:
Originally posted by AnthonyT:
"The fact that this conversation is turning into "Beck's comments were all right because Obama was using his daughter and Letterman is a horrible human being," "well Palin uses her children too and Letterman's jokes at least had some basis" kinda just underlines how ridiculous this all is."

Hello,

This is wisdom. When wrongness is on display, we all have a responsibility to speak against it. If our first action is to weigh and measure the wrongness to see how it compares against the wrongness of people on 'our side,' then we are exhibiting flawed behavior. When it comes time to vote, we may be forced to choose the lesser evil. But when it comes time to speak, we can speak against all evil.

--Anthony

"On this matter, make no mistake. I want you to go fuck yourself long and hard, as well as anyone who agrees with you. I got no use for you." --Auraptor

"This vile and revolting malice - this is their true colors, always has been, you're just seeing it without the mask of justifications and excuses they hide it behind, is all. Make sure to remember it once they put the mask back on." --Fremdfirma

Nope, when it comes time to speak against the evil on the left you guys will be no where to be found, BUT! Evil on the right will get plenty of ink and air time. Example; does MSNBC ever REALLY trash Barry? Is CNN looking for the truth behind the BRIBE scandal in PA? But what do I know, I'm a "fly-weight" around here. You big-brains hash this out, I'll be around.

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Saturday, May 29, 2010 8:17 AM

Gettin' old, but still a hippie at heart...

Quote:
The offense will be minced and parceled and pawned off by like-minded persons until no sense of shame remains, and there is no lingering disappointment in their spokesperson.

Sadly, Anthony, that is already the case, and you can bet the majority of his audience laughed uproariously at whatever he said. Maybe it was the advertisers who objected; that didn't occur to me before, and is probably the most logical explanation. THEY have the ultimate power!

Everything else you and Byte both said: Agreed. I don't live up to my principals as much as I'd like, and my "Libra" nature thinks "wait a minute, given..." too easily.

To our President: “Mr. President, you're a god damn, mother fucking liar. Fuck you, you cock sucking community activist piece of shit.... oh, go fuck yourself, Mr. President” ...Raptor

To Anthony, unquestionably the most civil person on this forum: “Go fuck yourself. On this matter, make no mistake. I want you to go fuck yourself long and hard, as well as anyone who agrees with you. I got no use for you. ...Raptor

To Frem: “You miserable piece of shit.” ...Raptor

...so much for "togetherness"...this, instead, weakens us...

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Saturday, May 29, 2010 8:19 AM

Freedom is Important because People are Important

"Nope, when it comes time to speak against the evil on the left you guys will be no where to be found, BUT! Evil on the right will get plenty of ink and air time."

Hello,

I will join you in a pledge to decry all evil everywhere, as soon as I learn about it.

--Anthony

"On this matter, make no mistake. I want you to go fuck yourself long and hard, as well as anyone who agrees with you. I got no use for you." --Auraptor

"This vile and revolting malice - this is their true colors, always has been, you're just seeing it without the mask of justifications and excuses they hide it behind, is all. Make sure to remember it once they put the mask back on." --Fremdfirma

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Saturday, May 29, 2010 8:28 AM

BLUESUNCOMPANYMAN

I'd like to say that while I like Beck in some ways, and I occasionally catch his radio show as I travel hither to yonder, I wasn't pleased when he mocked the comment of a child.

We all know what the girl meant. And we all know how it can be taken out-of-context to form an akward new meaning. The fact remains that he shouldn't have touched the subject.

At least he admitted it.

This kind of non-news is a true time waster. I rolled my eyes when Fox made a big deal out of David Letterman's gaff about Palin being in NY with her "whore" daughter forgetting that it wasn't Bristol in town but rather the younger daughter with Palin. That joke was equally as un-newsworthy as Beck's comment.

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Saturday, May 29, 2010 8:30 AM

Exactly, BSCM. Well said. :)

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Saturday, May 29, 2010 8:33 AM

Gettin' old, but still a hippie at heart...

Agreed.

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Saturday, May 29, 2010 8:36 AM

Freedom is Important because People are Important

Hello,

They were both wrong. It's proper that such proudly proclaimed wrongness is acknowledged and spoken out against. Put on display as an example of how NOT to be. Otherwise, people might too-easily forget. Shame must follow shameful acts. Good men will learn from their mistakes. Bad men will suffer for their ills, and possibly avoid the suffering in the future out of simple self-interest.

--Anthony

"On this matter, make no mistake. I want you to go fuck yourself long and hard, as well as anyone who agrees with you. I got no use for you." --Auraptor

"This vile and revolting malice - this is their true colors, always has been, you're just seeing it without the mask of justifications and excuses they hide it behind, is all. Make sure to remember it once they put the mask back on." --Fremdfirma

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Saturday, May 29, 2010 9:15 AM

DREAMTROVE

Quote:
BM
What is there to say about Glen Beck? He's a self-proclaimed Libertarian-really-Republican party puppet that they use to fire up the republican constituency.

That pretty much nails it. Beck was always a libertarian, but he sold out. He's also insane or something.

Anthony,

I think murdoch put him up to the apology, but I guess he's one of the viewers.

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Saturday, May 29, 2010 9:18 AM

Gettin' old, but still a hippie at heart...

I'm still betting on the advertisers, who probably BITCHED AT Aires or Murdoch.

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Saturday, May 29, 2010 9:26 AM

Anthony: that's also true.

They're allowed to speak, and if they say something that is ethically disagreeable, we are allowed to object, and should.

But for people who use speech and publicity as a weapon, it might be wise, after calling them out, to not prolong the issue, and end up giving them more firepower.

Letterman, as I recall, actually had a surge in ratings after his gaff and his "apologies." This isn't behaviour that I'd like to reward with my money or audience.

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Saturday, May 29, 2010 11:11 AM

AURAPTOR

America loves a winner!

Quote:
Originally posted by bluesuncompanyman:

We all know what the girl meant. And we all know how it can be taken out-of-context to form an akward new meaning. The fact remains that he shouldn't have touched the subject.

Seems everyone is has become bat shit crazy. It was OBAMA who shamelessly interjected his own little daughter into this narrative. He USED her to shield himself against the onslaught of very justifiable criticism.

How the hell anyone doesn't get that, is bewildering.

( of course, I've not heard what GB actually said, so he may have had it coming. Dunno. Sad that Obama used his own kid, regardless )

Bones: "Don't 'rawr' her!"
Booth: "What? she'rawred' me first."

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Saturday, May 29, 2010 12:23 PM

Freedom is Important because People are Important

"This isn't behaviour that I'd like to reward with my money or audience."

Hello Byte,

Quite right and quite reasonable.

--Anthony

"On this matter, make no mistake. I want you to go fuck yourself long and hard, as well as anyone who agrees with you. I got no use for you." --Auraptor

"This vile and revolting malice - this is their true colors, always has been, you're just seeing it without the mask of justifications and excuses they hide it behind, is all. Make sure to remember it once they put the mask back on." --Fremdfirma

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Saturday, May 29, 2010 1:02 PM

FREMDFIRMA

Quote:
Originally posted by AnthonyT:
In this age of information, a moment of naked, vile revelation can linger with a person forever.

Still, there will be some who permanently pull back from their support of this man. There will be those whose eyes are opened.

That ties right in with the problem of such social lunacy being idiots who listen to, and do the bidding of, some seriously messed up, sociopathic people.

When you cut through their glamour and expose them, sure, the "true believers" who follow them ONLY out of an excuse to hate, as a justification for their own malicious actions - they'll find some excuse, they always do...

But as you say, *SOME* folk will be horrified, and that horror will stick with them forever, no matter how hard they try to believe in that person/agenda/philsophy again, there's always that nagging little voice from what is left of their own humanity which knows the truth, and rails against it.

In their little black-box mental processes they've handed over along with their free will, it's like inserting a line of skip-code, a GOSUB routine which smacks them in the back of the head with their own conscience every time they try to fall back under the comforting illusion.

That's why folk like Wulfie and Rappy are so virulent, aggressive and outrageous in their venom - it's not YOU they're trying to convince anymore, it is *themselves*... and they can't, cause some part of em, some remaining vestige of humanity, it knows the truth, and rejects the programming.

Consider it Natures Antivirus, to a plague that, unchecked, would certainly destroy us.

And since it seems ever so appropriate in light of these thoughts, here's the clip that inspired me to go around tearing the masks off "them".
(I did not at the time have an actual name for RWA Sociopaths, but I knew what they WERE.)

So it's not you they hate, Anthony, or even Obama, much as they pretend to, it's that the comfortable illusion is revealed as sham and glitter, and they desperately try to hold up it's broken facade to convince themselves, desperate to avoid admitting that some percentage of their whole life has been...

A lie.

-Frem

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Saturday, May 29, 2010 3:35 PM

Gettin' old, but still a hippie at heart...

So. "Bat shit crazy" when Obama made a one-liner about his daughter, eh? Wellll, I had to find out for myself, so I did, and decided to transcribe it for you, so here's the transcription of Beck's little "skit". Looked for it on YouTube but it's his radio show, so all I could find was by the Young Turks at

I'm sure you hate them, so skip to the part where they just put up Beck's photo and it starts (you really have to hear the creepy voice of the "daughter" to get the whole effect.

Quote:
Daddy, daddy, did you plug the hole yet?

(Beck chuckling)

Daddy...

(Beck as Obama) No I didn’t, honey

I know you peddident of the united states...

Mm hmm...big country.

Uh, huh...daddy, did you plug the hole yet?

Honey, not yet.

Why not? But daddy...

Not time yet, honey, not done enough damage...not done enough damage yet honey...

Daddy...

Yeah

Why do you hate black people so much?

I’m part white, honey.

What?

What?

What’d you say?

‘Scuse me?

(laughter)

Beck: This is such a ridiculous, this is such a ridiculous thing that it’s...stop it...

Daaady?

Beck: What is his daughter? Like 13? Well, one of them is 13, I think, one of ‘em’s 11 or something. “Did you plug the hole yet Daddy”—that’s the level of their education, that they’re coming to, they’re coming to DADDY and saying “Daddy, did you plug the hole yet”? Plug the hole?!

(Something extraneous here about he was deep-sea diving yesterday and the breaks in...)

(laughter throughout the next section)

Daaaaaddy...

Yeah, mm hmm...

Why...why...why do you still let the polar bears die? Daaaddy...? Why, why do you still let Sarah Palin destroy the environment? Why...why not just put her in some sort of a camp?

That good enough for you? You think there's a comparison?!?

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Saturday, May 29, 2010 3:35 PM