The American Spectator

Ken (Old Texican)| 8.31.10 @ 6:29AM

Jeffrey,
Interesting article. Character matters.

For character to matter a lot.....it has to be walked.

Possibly, Beck's rally was a muddle...because we human beings are a muddle. (smile)
We are made up of all kinds of competing urges and needs. A silly example is that is dificult to be really smart ...when one needs to go pee.

There are a lot of different threads being woven into the conservative (restorationist) movement; a lot of different priorities.

In the final analysis was the rally a rally of thanksgiving?

Diane| 8.31.10 @ 9:42AM

Great comment!

RAMIII| 8.31.10 @ 10:56AM

Agreed!! Also a great article -- Thank you Mr. Lord for documenting this recent history.

Marilyn Manning-Schaefer| 9.2.10 @ 7:06PM

I wholeheartedly agree that Glenn Becks rally was a combination of trying to have the American people realize that it the faith in God and turning to Him that will keep our nation free. Without faith, we have been losing the rights and librerties that our Founding Fathers established for our nation. We ARE a Jeudo-Christian nation, no matter what Obama has said, and we need to never forget it, or we WILL lose our liberty!

Willy| 9.2.10 @ 7:55PM

Are we as individuals principled enough to kick the bums out? Or will we hang on to the old guard because their influence in the corrupt senority system bring home more of the pork? Apparently if the American public can't be principled enough to elect citizen legislators and send them packing after a term or two, then we need some help with manditory term limits.

Vern Crisler| 8.31.10 @ 11:51AM

I do worry about the "cult of personality" developing around Beck or Sarah. Put not your trust in princes, or princesses, or TV show hosts.

Ronald Reagan's words were chilling: "Freedom is never more than one generation from extinction."

I agree with Mr. Lord that we should put our trust in the principles, not in the personalities. Leaders will always disappoint; principles never.

wodiej| 8.31.10 @ 5:51PM

Neither Beck or Palin has ever said anything but this conservatism and founding principles is about the American people-not them. Cult of personality is begun by mass media propping it up and then followed by unquestioned mass adoration, flattery and praise. Sound like Beck or Palin? Not even close. These two people are leaders and a primary key in what has energized conservatism again. Let's give them the credit they deserve. They are principled, true and courageous.

Mary| 8.31.10 @ 11:33PM

Very true, thank you wodiej. People who make these petty assertions are usually, 1.) Not paying attention enough to know better, and/or, 2.) Scraping the bottom of the barrel to make a negative comment because in order to maintain their street cred with their fellow naysayers they must come up with something. If Beck has said it once he's said it dozens of times, "It's not about him--it's about us and up to us to get involved, speak out, vote, etc." Where the heck would any of us be without Beck, Levin, Limbaugh, Palin, Savage, and others to spur us on and give voice to OUR concerns. I don't have a radio show, or TV show, or book, or magazine, or website. But, they do. Thank heaven. Take your blinders off, stop the petty criticism, give credit where credit is due (all the way), and get on board--before this train leaves the station without you.

barry| 9.1.10 @ 12:58AM

Wodiej right on target .how is any one to lead if they don't show up ,these others' may be jealous of such a great turn out .

susan| 9.1.10 @ 11:24AM

The Cult of Buckley will not permit their Prince to be superseded by anyone so fret not about regular folks like Beck, Palin, Limbaugh, Levin, etc who love America more than they they worship the Cultists.

Mary| 9.1.10 @ 1:12PM

I thought that was the point:
" we should put our trust in the principles, not in the personalities." We should trust ourselves too!

wizard61| 8.31.10 @ 12:35PM

Great article. The event was many things, but I may have insight into what eluded you... the "muddle" thing: Rope-a-dope. In addition to X, Y, and Z... Beck deliberately got the Progressives all dressed up & left them with no place to go, as The Event as all lovie-dovie. The Progressives are in a jam, emotionally and intellectually. If their "bigot" accusation fails, they've got NOTHING left, nowhere else to go. What a sensation for them... having invested all those eggs in the meme that Beck/Palin represent Ultimate Hatred... and then... The Event... and... the sound of One Hand Clapping, or, perhaps, just chuckling contentedly.

How many people got their first real look at GB & ended up puzzled by the muddle? The bottom line: the Progressive Media is further exposed, subliminally, where the message gets by the psychic walls that hate bickering.... exposed as a bunch of deeply partisan a-holes.

John (New Yorkan)| 8.31.10 @ 12:44PM

Ken -

Hopefully, we'll know for sure about 3 weeks before thanksgiving.

SpiralArchitect| 8.31.10 @ 4:08PM

Levin's book is excellent and of the utmost importance to read - and to have someone else read as well...

John Navratil| 9.1.10 @ 11:29AM

Ken,

I spent rally-day travelling and could not watch. My comment is on the reflection of the event. Perhaps the message was muddled but in this case it appears that the medium was indeed the message, or at least an important component of it.

Not wishing to take anything from the stated message or restoring honor and honoring those who serve, the mere fact that such a large group was present out to scare the pants off the Left.

It helps to compare the uplifting tone of the rally with the pusillanimous words of Sharpton. Those made it clear to me that the heirs to King's vision were where they were meant to be.

John Navratil| 9.1.10 @ 11:32AM

Just cannot type today. It should read...

Not wishing to take anything from the stated message OF restoring honor...

and...

[The] fact that such a large group was present OUGHT to scare the pants off the Left.

carolyn| 9.1.10 @ 4:16PM

The article and comments are fascinating. A good critique of "Restoring Honor" is what we want. That seems to be what Jeffrey Lord has done. John, your last paragraph says it well.

carolyn| 9.1.10 @ 4:16PM

The article and comments are fascinating. A good critique of "Restoring Honor" is what we want. That seems to be what Jeffrey Lord has done. John, your last paragraph says it well.

Stephanie| 8.31.10 @ 6:44AM

Old Texican, it was a day of Thanksgiving, looking forward and getting right with God in order to get our country right. He reminded us what the founders said, that when this nation strays from God, it will fall. We have let these harpies into our White House and congress where they have total control. They are not people of God, but of government and money. They are evil and need to be run out of Washington on a rail. It was a day of inspiration and if it took a tv and radio personality to keep the motivation going, well, so be it. Someone has to lead us and as of today, there is no republican doing it.
Will they have a plan when they take over in November?

Ken (Old Texican)| 8.31.10 @ 6:59AM

Stephanie,
In answer to your final question, I believe some of them do.
I also recall a statement by a famous general to the effect that when your enemy is screwing up by the numbers... don't interrupt him.

My second thought is that we need to give our Reps in Congress the right incentives, and attaboys...by fax... when they do good.

Siegfried X| 8.31.10 @ 7:55AM

"Republicans will document their election-year promises shortly after returning from the summer congressional recess, House GOP leader John Boehner (Ohio) said Monday.

Boehner said the long-awaited Republican manifesto, detailing the policies the GOP would pursue if they win back control of the House or Senate (if not both), would be released shortly after lawmakers return to Washington.

"We don't get back to Washington until Sept. 14, and I would think that not too long after that, you're likely to see it," he told conservative radio host Sean Hannity during an appearance on Hannity's show.
"

Eric Cartman| 8.31.10 @ 9:25AM

Really? Well, that's good to hear because we've only been waiting since 1994! And even then they didn't pay attention to what they wrote. As soon as they took power, they folded up their list of promises and used it to prop up the short leg of the shaky lunch table and then used what pages were left during the Bush administration as toilet paper! Other than that, I believe them wholeheartedly because I frequently believe used car salesmen, lawyers, the media and Disney movies!

jgreene| 8.31.10 @ 11:16AM

Have faith, Eric. Something good is happening in America. It is an Awakening and a new American Revolution taking us back to our Declaration of Independence and our Constitution.

Americans are coming to the aid of our country and professional politicians and socialist-Marxists have had their "run". It's over and the Republican Party is changing right before our eyes.

richard40| 8.31.10 @ 2:32PM

To Eric
The repubs did not betray us with the 1994 contract with america. They actually did a pretty good job of passing most of it. The few planks they did not pass was because they required supermajorities, like the balanced budget amendment, and the dems killed it. In fact, technically they completely complied 100% with the contract with america, since it was an explicit promise to bring up all planks for a vote and vote for them, not to necessarily pass everything.

Eric Cartman| 8.31.10 @ 3:33PM

Well, I hope so, jgreen. I'll vote for them again this time, but warn them, it's their very last chance.

An I agree Richard, some things were accomplished, but what they did after wiped any of that away. They were ridiculous.

carolyn| 9.1.10 @ 4:20PM

Great! I'm sure we all really look forward to the Republican manifesto! Anyone who reads the Wall Street Journal, be sure to see the full page add on the back of the first section. Ben Franklin just might be back to help us!

Jo Oliva| 8.31.10 @ 12:45PM

I believe it was Reagn who said (paraphrasing this here) that if we ever became a nation without God we would become a nation gone under.

I think Beck was trying to remind us that all of our rights come from God. Therefore, if we intend to be successful politically, we need to restore our faith in God and His principles. The rest will follow for God sets up kings and removes them. Obama was allowed to be president to wake us up. Will we?

Mary| 8.31.10 @ 11:52PM

Fabulous, Jo Oliva. That's exactly it. How else would we have been moved to this point of panic and awakening had it not been for the crisis that now confronts us? So sorry to admit it but it's true. The guy's in the big house on Pennsylvania Ave. for a reason--to slam us into a reality check. Ya know, sometimes lessons are learned the hard way. And fortunately, this is one of them. Now that so many people have presented all of the facts to us, it is up to us to get ourselves, our friends, family, neighbors, c0-workers, to the polls in November and vote the socialists out.

Believer| 8.31.10 @ 6:47PM

Stephanie- You made a great comment, and your views are right on, however as of now the leading candidate for President in the Republican party is McCain. How can Conservatives be so stupid as to back a man who will insure the election of another Liberal to the White House, probably Hillary. The Repubicans have a good chance to gain control of Congress this November, but dont stand a Chinaman's chance with McCain for President. This is only one mans view but there you have it.

Mary| 8.31.10 @ 11:56PM

Believer--no way. I haven't heard or seen anything that would lead me to believe that McCain will be the Republican candidate for President. God really help us if he does. I cannot believe for one minute that we would let that happen. The outcry would be deafening. We've heard too much and seen too much to let that happen. Wow. If you know something we don't please share it. Thanks.

Impeach Don't Wait| 8.31.10 @ 11:18PM

"...the founders said, that when this nation strays from God, it will fall."
Bravo. THAT's the elephant in the room. This is the first time I have seen it acknowledged even on a conservative blog.

Our system of government, without a Christian foundation, WILL FAIL! Count on it.

Mary| 9.1.10 @ 12:01AM

Anyone putting out the Welcome Mat to the Muslims intend for the Christian foundation of our country to fail. Islam is the antithesis of Christianity. No two things are more diametrically opposed. It is their mission to destroy Christianity and Israel. I pray to God we can turn this "ship" around before it is too late. For the love of our country, get to the polls in November and get as many others there with you.

Mary| 8.31.10 @ 11:42PM

Thank you Stephanie. People who were not moved and inspired by Divine Destiny on Friday and Restoring Honor on Saturday are the muddle to me. What else needs to happen. Obama has made some moves on this country that would make Vladimir Lenin proud. Thankfully the sleeping giant has been awakened by Beck, Palin and many, many others so that we will seize the opportunity in November to clean "house" and get what's left of our precious country back on track.

Bill Hussein O'Stalin| 8.31.10 @ 6:49AM

The more people believe in God, the less people believe in big government, which is the arbiter of all secular humanism.

Kitty| 8.31.10 @ 6:50AM

The rally I got; your article I didn't. But you got that title right.

Karydman| 8.31.10 @ 3:46PM

Glad I wasn't the only one scratching my head about this essay. And Jeffrey did get the closing statement right.

Kenny| 8.31.10 @ 6:51AM

Amen!

Siegfried X| 8.31.10 @ 6:55AM

This is just more proof that the Republican Party doesn't want anything to do with conservatism or the conservatives who support it. The Republican politicians all hid and said they knew nothing about the Beck rally. Just like those Republican politicians ignore talk radio and do what they want anyway, passing "bipartisan" Democratic legislation.

We've had talk radio and Rush Limbaugh for 30 years, and the country has just moved further and further to the left. That's because talk radio and the rest of it is about partisanship, not conservatism.

Johnny| 8.31.10 @ 7:11AM

In this particular case (the rally) I think it's the other way around. Conservatives not wanting to associate with Republican Politicians. Why would they? So many are part of the problem not the solution.

Several talk show personalities talk exclusively about conservative principles, the constitution and liberty. Is it partisan to not want to become a progressive socialist?

Siegfried X| 8.31.10 @ 7:50AM

The only way to stop "progressive socialism" is by politics. The politicians have the power to pass legislation, not anyone else. Unless talk shows, rallies, and books influence the election and politicians, then they can't fight socialism or anything else. It's just a bunch of empty words.

It is partisan if anyone pretends that the Republican Party is not a socialist party. Using a bunch of anti-socialist talk to drum up votes for the Republican Party is partisan.

Johnny| 8.31.10 @ 8:02AM

I don't think "politics" by itself can provide the change this country needs without "outside" realization of the people of what is truely happening to this nation. It's not "politics" that is bringing true conservatives to the table. Without an inner change and determination of the people, the politics will stay the same and we'll be stuck with the socialist Republican Party you refer to.

Ryan| 8.31.10 @ 8:26AM

"Socialist" isn't a good description. I think "corporatist" is a better one.

Mimi| 8.31.10 @ 7:54AM

NO Sieg....This is different. You can't tell me Divine Providence isn't looking out for this "Land Of Liberty " ....We are in real trouble, the only way to go is thru the Republican Party now. All the people named in Mr. Lords article deserve the credit for getting the message out to the people.
Obama won the primary of 40 million votes...By less than 200,000. How? by playing the race card in the Carolina's. To this day no one really knows where the MONIES ..A huge historical amount, came from.
We will have a correction...in November!!
and Restoration of AMERICA will begin. For this we thank GOD!!

Mary| 9.1.10 @ 12:06AM

Thankfully, Kitty, we can see through this so called journalist and know the truth for what it is. Discernment -- just one of the many gifts we've received during this nightmare. The ability to tell the difference between the truth and writers like this.

Mary| 9.1.10 @ 12:07AM

The money behind obama and his damage machine is gladly provided by George Soros.

jgreene| 8.31.10 @ 11:17AM

Siegfried, open your eyes or you'll miss the parade.

Believer| 9.1.10 @ 3:55PM

Siegfried X-The Country has moved farther to the left because the majority of the Country doesnt listen to talk radio but listens to Rock,Country, and Rap. then in the evening turn on the T.V. that makes sure the voters see nothing that will enlighten them into whats going on in the Nation. Now the Liberals know that to keep society in the dark, start when the kids are young in public schools. I have to say that I only know one High school kid that listens to talk radio and very few Christians that do, My Christian friends listen to Christian Radio and Television that makes a point to keep you in political darkness. Ive heard that only 5% listen to shows like Rush, and other Conservative's, I hope that number is wrong, I really do.

ggoblue| 8.31.10 @ 6:57AM

i was worried about the tea party being a leaderless muddle in the spring....we are 63 days from our vengeance and the patriots in this country are focused like a laser beam.

go blue!

SC Mike| 8.31.10 @ 6:59AM

On the radio yesterday Beck characterized his message as “Last call, climb aboard” the return to the values and sense of duty of our nation’s founders. In his view, and mine, the enemy that pervades our politics and public morality (what a quaint notion!) is collectivism, masquerading today as social justice in the religious realm and as progressivism in politics. The only way out of the economic and moral mess we find ourselves in this view is to burn the notion of personal responsibility in all aspects of life into the consciousness of our citizenry.

Is that a religious quest? That’s the tack Beck seems to have taken, while popularizing the morality, philosophy, and transformative nature of our founding documents and our founders’ lives.

I just turned sixty and know that I’ll have to work ten or more years as my part of getting us out of the mess we’ve worked ourselves into. But I’ll happily do so, recognizing that others will be working even harder to return the nation to greatness. We have a moribund economy, public pension deficits that have grown like kudzu, kids that are having kids without benefit of a steady partner, many folks that don’t know how to work, and public servants who act like the slave masters of yore. A real mess.

I don’t pretend, nor does Beck, that there are political ramifications to what he’s doing. But it’s not a short-term “let’s get our party’s guys into office and share the wealth” sort of thing. It’s “let’s get the right people into office and set the ship of state and national will on the right course” movement for the rest of our lives.

Jonna| 8.31.10 @ 9:18AM

Well said.

Texas Mom| 8.31.10 @ 11:59AM

Actually better said than the orginal article.

cadams| 8.31.10 @ 2:17PM

I also agree. I think the muddle the author is referring to is in general the discomfort many people have with more than a superficial reference to religion in public, and specifically Beck's own unorthodox religion, being Mormon. That's fine, let even the conservative intelligensia be somewhat discomforted. I have seen nothing to believe Beck and Palin are on the wrong track; or that they are taking anything away from the others.

What e'er thou art, do well thy part.

cmarcmc| 8.31.10 @ 5:56PM

Agreed, there is no "muddle". I sincerely believe God both uniquely gifted and called Mr. Beck to spark another "Great Awakening". Glenn is merely asking his listeners to follow the advice given in 2 Chronicles 7:14 (New Living Translation) "Then if my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sins and restore their land." The bad political leadership we elected we deserve; good political is a blessing from God when we are "right" with Him.

Mary| 9.1.10 @ 12:14AM

Amen, SC Mike.

Tim*| 8.31.10 @ 7:00AM

The Tea Party Rebellion now escalates for the post Labor Day ramp up to The Midterm Elections .
We understand that , " Ninety Percent Of Life Is Just Showing Up . "
Aaaaaand , The Economy and Jobs will drive voters to the polls on November 2nd.

We Can See November 2nd From Our Houses .

Becky| 8.31.10 @ 2:21PM

Tim, BRAVO! That last comment makes me smile, and YES, WE CAN!

Bill| 8.31.10 @ 7:34AM

Amen and Amen. I can't wait until November to take these idiots out of office and for the next election cycle to take the rest of them out. Those who are not up for election this year think time will pass and give them a pass. But we shall also remember when their November election has arrived. Principles matter and we will take our county back.

Mary| 9.1.10 @ 12:16AM

I couldn't agree more, Bill.

Ret. Marine| 8.31.10 @ 7:35AM

Interesting read. There is a new hope and change going on in this country, and not the false pretense that was obhla, bhla bhla. This is one of those events that will reinforce the Christian value system this Country was founded upon. I say it is a good thing in many ways. Yet it at the same time reinvigorates the soul of this old devil dog to his core, that there is still a very large amount of principled folks throughout these United States who understand the falsehoods that are of the progressive movement and their handlers.
I am somehow less offended by the Conservative principles vrs the progressive lies, and for good reason. I seek only the truth to all matters and will not tolerate much more of the District of Corruption. These infidels to our Republic are in need of a serious bruseing, and they are going to get it within the next two election cycles. I am no longer angry or spiteful of these traitors, it now has a flavor of payback. Nothing would excite this former Marine than the prospect of watching all of these traitors marched straight off to the prison cells they belong to. But, that will have to wait for another season. Now is the time to Honor all those before me who are worthy of their acomplishments towards this Republic and the sacrifices they have endured. It is only through the grace of our Judeo-Christian God that we can express our displeasure and have disdane, all at the same time, those who wish to enslave our children and their children. Thank you for your prospective on the matter. Yes the work has only begun.

Brian Mc| 8.31.10 @ 7:51AM

The wife and I just got back from the rally. 2500 miles on the Gran Sport's super charger and it never breathed hard for a moment, even through the mountains of West Virginia after a quick stop at Monticello.
What I took away from the rally is simple. We are quietly strong and determined, yet patient and courteous. It was a grand day that will stay with me for the rest of my life. And Sharpton seethed his vindictiveness and "me too" all over the air waves. Folks saw his effort for what it was and will remember in November!
God, please save this grand Republic.

RAMIII| 8.31.10 @ 11:05AM

Hear! Hear! Yes, God please save our land, since it is too grievous to bear the horror our children and grandchildren will have to face if You don't intervene. Help us repent in dust and ashes as the people of Nineveh did at the time of the prophet Jonah. Jonah Ch 3 vss 6-10 & 4:11

Georgia Boy| 8.31.10 @ 12:57PM

Ramiii
Let's hope our children learn the history of our salvation better than the Ninevites did, since their children's children forget the lesson that they were taught and were finally totally destroyed just 100 years later. This is why our schools should be required to teach our founding history and the fundamentals of the Constitution, the Bill of Rights, and the Federalist Papers.

RAMIII| 8.31.10 @ 1:10PM

Georgia Boy,

You are correct in the context of the situation, and this is why I do fear for our great country. Our educational system has not helped matters with regard to our true history.

Appleby| 8.31.10 @ 2:03PM

But can you condense the Federalist Papers into 140 characters? Tweetheads will not read anything longer than that. And their parents are busy trying to ban homework entirely. Reading will make you Morbidly Obese and you will die in your sleep before you are 12.

Nancy in NC| 9.1.10 @ 2:59PM

You and me were at the same rally, and came home with the same message reverberating in our souls.

It's not enough to just engage in the political process; we must change ourselves as a people to see any change in our government. Until there is honor and decency within us, there will be no honor or decency within our politicians o government. Let it begin with me!

Ken (Old Texican)| 8.31.10 @ 8:00AM

Marine,
Thanks for the perfect word..."reinvigorates"

I'll trade you a useful phrase: "Our Judeo-Christian understanding of God"

Appleby,
I'm a Christian. I don't buy all the Mormon theology, but it is not harmful, and I always give their young missionaries a glass of water or lemonade, and a rest in my den when they come by.

Michelle| 8.31.10 @ 8:45AM

Thank you, Ret. Marine!

jgreene| 8.31.10 @ 11:19AM

Semper Fi! The American People are coming to the rescue of our great Republic.

Mary| 9.1.10 @ 12:18AM

We're with you 1000% Ret Marine.

Appleby| 8.31.10 @ 7:41AM

How long will it be until somebody remembers that Glenn Beck is a Mormon?

I am surprised nobody in the Perpetually Offended Club has brought that up yet.

I was away covering a motor race and did not see the Beck Rally so I am interested to see the articles and rhetoric about it, but its hard to make a judgment. But I am inclined to think that Dr. King would find more to praise in Becks rally than in Sharptons. I dont think Rev. King would approve of a lot of what is being done in his name.

jgreene| 8.31.10 @ 11:22AM

All of us know Glenn Beck is a Mormon. The 240 Preachers who were behind Glenn know he is a Mormon. Perhaps it's time to all realize we are Americans and America is in trouble and needs us to step up to the plate.

Michael L. Hauschild| 8.31.10 @ 7:56AM

Despite the headlines this had very little to do with Beck. The crowds were there to triumph the return of Americas voice of the people. Within the year Beck will return to his plaintive bleating of Romney’s demise and once again start beating the political drums for the “resurrection of the messiah of Massachusetts health care.” The real winner here was Palin. I’ll bet Romney would have given forty million dollars to trade places with her on that Podium (another forty million at least.)
See this as it is: one owner of a very temporary bully pulpit (one vote), one Kingmaker (still one vote) and nearly half a million representation of a very pissed off (looks can be deceiving) electorate yearning for a #2 lead pencil and a circular oval to fill.

Appleby| 8.31.10 @ 2:05PM

An oval cannot be circular. A soccer ball is circular. A football is an oval.

mary| 9.1.10 @ 12:21AM

oh brother...really?

Johnny| 8.31.10 @ 8:00AM

I don't think "politics" by itself can provide the change this country needs without "outside" realization of the people of what is truely happening to this nation. It's not "politics" that is bringing true conservatives to the table. Without an inner change and determination of the people, the politics will stay the same and we'll be stuck with the socialist Republican Party you refer to.

Stuart Koehl| 8.31.10 @ 8:10AM

"Believe it or not, I found this event to be a bit of an intellectual muddle."

But, American's AREN'T intellectuals, they are pragmatists, so what did you expect?

Katherine| 8.31.10 @ 4:40PM

Stuart - absolutely brilliant comment!

East Texas Rancher| 8.31.10 @ 8:14AM

For over 35 years I have been praying for a national revival. I knew we were already at the point of needing revival when my husband returned from war in Vietnam, and was vilified and soaked with urine/feces and cursed. And the revival I have always pictured was one of revival to the God we pledged to serve in this country, as it was created.
And it does not surprise me that revival of spirit, heritage, and fidelity to the God who made all men/women equal, is on track. I only pray that when the country begins to totter back and forth and fall, as I believe it surely will, that we hold forth our faith and find repentance. For we have most certainly strayed far away from the sound Republic that was created by the sacrifice of good men and women.

May we stand firm, pray solidly, and May God continue to Bless America.

Jenni| 8.31.10 @ 10:44AM

You are absolutely right. We need to return to God, each individually, and as a nation.

jgreene| 8.31.10 @ 11:25AM

Your prayers are being answered, East Texas Rancher. A friend and his wife were at the Rally; there are tens of millions of Americans who support the ideas espoused by Glenn at the rally.

Indeed, God Bless America!

jgreene| 8.31.10 @ 11:25AM

Your prayers are being answered, East Texas Rancher. A friend and his wife were at the Rally; there are tens of millions of Americans who support the ideas espoused by Glenn at the rally.

Indeed, God Bless America!

Reagan's Shadow| 8.31.10 @ 7:50PM

America is at her best when she faces a crisis. After Vietnam and Watergate and Jimmy Carter, she turned to a man who saw the sun shining on her from heaven, and he stood beside her as she arose from her slumber and shook off the bonds of despair to become great once again.

After an impeachment, and shortly after a spiteful contested elction, 3,000 of her brothers and sisters lay dead in the smoldering ashes of a crisp September morning. She rose up once again. The bonds of brotherhood were strengthened between all of us that day, and the love of God shone on her again for a time.

We lost our way in the last few years, but America is still there. She is ready to meet us on that day in November when we rise up from the gloom and despair and seize the glory which she promises us as children of God and of liberty.

God Bless America!

mary| 9.1.10 @ 1:19AM

Wow. What an awesome comment Reagan's Shadow. And what a better 100th Birthday Present than to honor President Reagan with a mandate in the next several elections. (Reagan's Centennial Celebration 2/6/11.)

mary| 9.1.10 @ 12:26AM

East Texas Rancher--you hit the nail on the head. Give your husband a hug and tell him Thank You from all of us who care about and respect our military :)
P.S. The devils who treated our VietNam vets that way are now, unfortunately, occupying the white house and all manner of government.

TennesseeVolunteer| 8.31.10 @ 8:23AM

Jeffrey, you are right that what happened and what was said there may be forgotten. But the intention, will, song and prayers of that collective muddle of citizens from all over the country......that, my friend, will last for a long time!
Since I have returned with a friend from "saving the Republic" (my reason to my wife for going!), I have been overwhelmed by people wanting to know what happened and tremendous happiness and relief that I went.
Jeffrey, this rally is the galvanizing sign to the electorate that Americans rule this country, not despotic leftists. Glenn said a year ago or more that 'we are not alone". We knew it but now we know it for sure. People want a God centered country where everyone has an equal chance for the pursuit of happiness. We have gone the wrong way and are slowly turning around the big ole ship called USS America. We are not there yet and on Nov.2 we will barely miss the iceberg of leftism. The shackles are slowly coming off and we are beginning to become ourselves again. I can almost see freedom from here.

mary| 9.1.10 @ 12:31AM

Yes, Tennessee Volunteer, "We the People," have finally found our voice!

Steve A| 8.31.10 @ 8:28AM

The theme of this rally is not hard to understand. Politicians, even if well intentioned, who have no moral compass based upon a Godly foundation, will sweep aside what is best, moral & just in order to pursue their own self interests, all to the detriment of the country. Restoring Honor, rooted in a belief in God, is the premise upon which this country was founded & the only way it survives long term.

MomsUnite| 8.31.10 @ 10:27AM

Very well said Steve! Thank you!

Doctor Right| 8.31.10 @ 8:30AM

An "intellectual muddle"..???

Dude...Our opponents are Liberal Democrats.

Compared to them, 50 kindergartners living for 2 weeks on a diet of Coca-Cola and Pixie sticks could propose a more coherent, efficient governmental philosophy.

Let's not think too hard about the deep, philosophical ramifications of the Beck/Palin rally. Let's focus on what it represents: A galvanized, coherent opposition to un-American statism.

In that regard, it was a huge success.

mary| 9.1.10 @ 12:33AM

Thank you..that's just what I was going to say, only you said it better :)

Denver Todd| 8.31.10 @ 8:44AM

I, for one, have a hard time with praying to God with Beck, since Beck prays to a different God than do orthodox Protestants. This is called ecumenicalism, and discerning Christians should be careful of it.

Steve A| 8.31.10 @ 9:04AM

Denver, You have a valid point. Look deep into Mormanism & you find John Smith & the golden tablets. I had a Mormon friend who was made to wear "holy underwear" after revealing he was shacking up with his soon to be spouse. I married a Catholic who told me my infant children must be baptized to cleanse "original sin" or else they go to "purgatory." Gimme a break on all of the above nonsense. Each faction has its "issues" but as long as the focus is sound, we can move forward & not get shredded by these differences.

Kelly Hickman| 8.31.10 @ 9:07AM

While I enjoy the Beck message and listen to his program fairly regularly, I, too, believe we must be wary of Mormonism. It is very different from Judeo-Christianity. Similar to Jehovah's Witness in the fact that they have compromised the Bible and Jesus. You are so right, Denver Todd, we must be very careful.

Doctor Right| 8.31.10 @ 9:27AM

Hmmm. This is a tricky one for me.

As a Christian, I share Denver Todd's concerns, up to a point.

Let me state, for the record, that I'm not one who gets all misty about the phrase "Christian Unity", especially if that implies locking arms with denominational Christians who may support certain things (doctrines, creeds, etc) that are un-scriptural if, by locking arms, it appears to imply an endorsement of that denomination's practices.

For example, I am a vocal critic of Catholicism. But I recognize that the Catholic Church has been at the fore-front of the anti-abortion movement, and I applaud their efforts in that direction. In that regard, I'm happy to assist that effort as I strongly believe in it, too. But by joining that effort, I'm in no way endorsing Catholicism.

In the same vein, Beck's Mormon faith does not bother me, either, because I share his concerns about the direction of the country. Additionally, I also believe that we as a people need to return to a stronger faith and belief in God's word to guide us through troubled times.

And here's where it gets muddy. Personally, I think Mormonism is just plain wacky. Mormons are nominally Christians, but they do hold fast to certain beliefs that are absolutely in contradiction to the Bible. The best example of this is the mere existence of the Book of Mormon, which is nothing more than utter fantasy that Mormons have wrongly elevated to equal stature with the Old and New Testament.

I, too, think Mormons are very nice people who would make great neighbors. And I also treat their hard-working missionaries with dignity when they come to my door. In fact, my wife and I often invite them in, and we make no bones about the fact that we think Mormonism is a false faith that dances around Christianity but ultimately skirts it.

And then, of course, we have the Muslims. Sorry, but I'm not praying with a Muslim. We do NOT worship the same God as they do. Yes, the word for God in Arabic is "Allah", but so what? If you believe that the Bible is the inspired word of God, given to His people in Israel in the Old Testament and then to the rest of the world in the New Testament, and that it is the absolute truth, then it makes ZERO sense to think that he told another group of people something completely different and contradictory.

And Muslims are 100% wrong when they refer to Islam as an "Abrahamic" religion. That is absolute poppy-cock. Abraham and Ishmael existed thousands of years before Christ, and Mohammed did not have his "visions" until almost 700 A.D. While the Arab people can certainly claim a historic lineage to Ishmael, we must remember that Ishmael was NEVER a Muslim.

Nick| 8.31.10 @ 10:26AM

Better watch it, Doctor Right.

Writing nice things about the Catholic Church will get you kicked out of the anti-Catholic bigot club.

God Bless!

Tennwriter| 8.31.10 @ 1:43PM

Personally, I think my Southern Baptist small town minister would have little problem with what he wrote about the RCC.

Its easy enough to say 'No, we don't believe the Virgin Mary is the Co-Redemptress, but we do agree that abortion is a horrific murder of innocents.'

John II| 8.31.10 @ 4:42PM

Damn straight. First things first, I always say. My maternal grandmother was a southern Baptist, and she never begrudged my conversion to the Papists.

And now back to my rosary beads after a quick viewing of the great 1943 Jennifer Jones vehicle "Song of Bernadette," wherein Vincent Price plays the flummoxed atheist.

PJ| 8.31.10 @ 9:37AM

I don't think the rally was trying to incorporate any particular religion's beliefs, only trying to find a common ground among all American-loving people. What better place to start than w/a monotheistic God, the Founding Fathers believed in. I'm sure the rally did not intentionally disregard other beliefs.

BTW, Mormons as a group are generally very patriotic.

canuckistani| 8.31.10 @ 11:08AM

Bravo for keeping your generalizations in check.

jgreene| 8.31.10 @ 11:27AM

Denver, ask God to open your heart. Perhaps you don't understand or know Him as well as you believe you do.

30moves| 8.31.10 @ 11:29AM

Beck doesn't go into Mormon doctrine - just pray to your God.

Why be divisive?

stephanie| 8.31.10 @ 1:42PM

AMEN!

Nancy in NC| 9.1.10 @ 3:07PM

It's not about any ONE faith...it's about faith, hope and charity. There were clergy of many different religions on the stage with Glenn...stop looking for trouble where there is none. I have NEVER heard Glenn espouse his faith as the only road to God.

Judge not, lest ye be judged.

TennesseeVolunteer| 8.31.10 @ 8:56AM

Denver, prayers at that rally were led by ev ery kind of Minister other than Mormon. Don't get hung up on it.

Stve| 8.31.10 @ 9:05AM

I guess I find this article a bit of a muddle. What Beck is speaking is, historicially, unremarkable. As the author has admitted, Judeo-Christian ideals (ie, ideals rooted in the notion of the Judeo-Christian God) are at the bottom of our founding. There is no factual doubt about that, for those willing to take notice of our key Men's writings and actions. So, on Saturday, Beck was reaffirming and emphasizing in particular that aspect of our nation's birth. This is comfortably consistent with the other truths he has been sharing for the past couple years, the vector of his thinking and message for many months now. I really don't see the problem here.

karydm| 8.31.10 @ 4:00PM

What Lincoln said at Gettysburg was not considered to be historic either. The fact is Thousands of Americans standing together in concern for the direction of the Nation honored the National Mall as though it was their own home should be considered historic.

Vinny| 8.31.10 @ 9:10AM

I understood the rally and what Beck was trying to accomplish entirely. Not sure why it was so hard to grasp. I think you were looking to deep into it. Beck is not stepping away from his political self. He just simply understands that religion and devotion to God is and always has been a core American value. He knows that the progressives have tried for the longest time to erase that core value and this is is way of undoing everything the progressives have tried to do to religion for the past 100 years.

His rally was brilliant.

PJ| 8.31.10 @ 9:11AM

Mr Lord, when you list conservatives, please include Michael Savage. He may strike many as angry but that's because he passionately loves America & gets very upset when its leaders make such obvious mistakes that go against the founding ideals of this country. IMHO Michael Savage is the intellectual heavyweight of this group of conservatives you've listed. (Mark Levin is 2nd.)

jgreene| 8.31.10 @ 11:30AM

PJ, read Mark Levin's "Men in Black" and "Tyranny and Freedom". Savage is a good man, hot-headed and knowledgable about a lot of things, but Mark is the intellectual heavyweight when it comes to our Constitution and Founding Principles.

Doctor Right| 8.31.10 @ 11:53AM

No way.

Levin could run circles around Savage.

Mimi| 8.31.10 @ 1:58PM

Mark and Michael savage are alike in their love of country and passion...both entertaining. The brilliance of Levin, his teaching and giving away his vast knowledge of history and the Constitution to others, he certainly is the Lion of Liberty , great integrity, moral compass well intact and Gravitas! His call to action has made him a great leader of the present Conservative advance,..second to none!!

scotchieguy| 8.31.10 @ 2:35PM

Savage is perhaps the smartest man I have ever heard on the radio--pure genius. Remember, this man was trained as a scientist, was rejected as a graduate student at Berklee in favor of a lesser candidate due to affirmative action. Hence, his conversion to conservatism. The only problem is his unchecked anger. I guess there is a fine line between genius and madness.

Petronius| 8.31.10 @ 3:06PM

Thanks for the tip. I don't have much time to listen to Savage, but I'd like to send him an eraser for Christmas. And it's too bad we can't get G Gordon Liddy back in this market.

Andrew| 8.31.10 @ 4:20PM

I prefer Levin, but do listen to Savage as a change of pace.

GW| 8.31.10 @ 9:14PM

Good point. Although many conservatives shun or ignore Savage, he has a devoted and loyal listenership (including me). If one is wanting to understand his creativity and political insight, read "The Psychological Zoo." Satricial masterpiece.

Nick| 8.31.10 @ 9:15AM

Mr. Beck was able to get half a million people to show up on the Mall, during a recession....er....I mean a depression.

Al Sharpy Sharp couldn't bus in enough people to fill all the seats in a 20 theater cineplex!

Dustoff| 8.31.10 @ 9:59AM

LOL.... nice one Nick.

Nick| 8.31.10 @ 10:28AM

Thanks Dustoff. Have a good one!

God's child| 8.31.10 @ 9:16AM

Why would anyone want to tear apart or contemplate on a deep meaning of the Rally..
God is in control and he used Glenn to gather his people whether it be on the grounds of Washington DC, television screens, over the radio waves it was HIS message that Glenn spoke..It was HIS message that we have heard.
Take heed America!!

Mimi| 8.31.10 @ 2:01PM

What did you think about those GEESE..flying in a perfect V, It was noble and Patriotic of them!!!

NavyBrat| 8.31.10 @ 3:31PM

Mimi.

Now THAT was awesome! That was G*d giving us a flyover! I had the exact same thought you did when I saw it.

JimP| 8.31.10 @ 9:25AM

Amen, Jeff! A great column. Thanks for writing it.

Anthony| 8.31.10 @ 9:33AM

Mr. Lord, I don't quite understand your confusion here, "was it politics, religion, or something else"?
Frankly, it was all 3, certainly a combination of the celebration of religion and God's place in our historical political founding as a nation.
I thought it was very clever of Beck not to make this a pure political rally with Obama bashing at its core; rather, Beck, sub rosa, made the call for a return to our religious roots, with Washington as a backdrop, to signify all that has gone wrong as a result of policies of the secular Left.
Beck's rally carefully and subtly carried an ominous message to Washington's ruling class; a sunami is about to hit Washington in November and the Left is about to be swept out to sea.
Oh, and sister Sarah, NOW she is truly the one we've been waiting for.!!!

stephanie | 8.31.10 @ 1:49PM

Did you happen to see the photograph taken of Sarah right before she took to the stage? Holding her portfolio in her arms, head slightly bowed, praying to her God. I wept when I saw it. And the one of Beck with his arms around Alveda King, praying before she went out to speak.
God, thank you for these wonderful people who have mobilized us as a nation. As he said, "Get behind God" The rest will fall into place.

hoads| 8.31.10 @ 9:40AM

I, at first, had some misgivings about this rally. I too, was perplexed at Beck's religious overtones and was concerned that no matter how pure his motives, a non-minister, controversial celebrity radio talk show host wrapped in religious rhetoric surrounded by throngs of people could be propagandized as a cult.

But, then, I thought, here's a man who has taken on the Left like no other figure in modern times. He has painstakingly peeled the onion to expose the root of our problems--the ascendency of a subversive, Godless, totalitarian ideology that has marinated our government and our culture for decades, unbeknownst to most. All we have to do is look across the ocean at Europe to see where our future lies--a secularized, socialist country unable to defend its culture and sovereignty and on an unsustainable path . And, here's a man with the right mix of guts, personality, celebrity, wealth and resilience to galvanize millions of people to push back against this onslaught of Godless leftist ideology. If not Beck, then who at this time in history when things coming down the pike are happening at such rapid speed.

Beck recognizes this is a pivotal time for America and rightfully identified the erosion of our Judeo-Christian principles as coinciding with the ascendency of political and cultural upheaval and all achieved by the subversion of truth. Truth is not possible without God and Beck understands this more than anyone with a bully pulpit at this time.

Doctor Right| 8.31.10 @ 11:56AM

"But, then, I thought, here's a man who has taken on the Left like no other figure in modern times."

WHAT?!?!?!?

Beck would not even be on the radio is Rush Limbaugh hadn't made Conservative Talk-Radio a viable platform.

Beck cannot even approach Limbaugh's impact or influence.

If Limbaugh had organized saturday's rally, 3x as many people would have attended.

Sorry, but that's the cold, hard truth.

stephanie| 8.31.10 @ 1:56PM

Well Doc, 500,000 is nothing to sneeze at, not to mention those who watched it on Face Book and C-Span. And the best part is that it has the left in such a convaluted state that they spout nonsensical tripe and look mad while doing it. They don't know what to make of it all!

Brian Mc| 8.31.10 @ 2:31PM

Think of the rally, if the top five talk show hosts were on the same spot on the mall, to give there two cent's worth for a half hour each...I dare say there would NOT be enough room east, or west of the Washington Monument!

hoads| 8.31.10 @ 3:35PM

Dr. Right, As much as I appreciate Rush, Beck's exposure and insight into the parts of our history swept under the rug by the Left is invaluable to the rise of the conservative/tea party movement.

Beck is demonstrating how propagandized our history has been and has inspired many to read up on our country's history and founding principles. Conservatives are realizing newfound confidence in defending conservative principles instead of parsing our words to accommodate a biased media.

I love Rush, but his forte is comment and analysis on current events.

Beck is unique among all talk show hosts in that regard.

mary| 9.1.10 @ 12:48AM

hoads, brilliant comment. I say fire the author of the article above and hire you :)

Redstateboy| 8.31.10 @ 9:46AM

I have grave concerns for the United States of America. If not for the grace of God and the blessings he can bestow - I don't have much hope that we can save it. It's gone too far.. the Liber-uls have taken us too far. More people are receiving some form of assistance from Government than ever before - how can we possible get that Devil back in its box?

Wanda| 8.31.10 @ 12:23PM

By people such as yourself finding a poor family with whom you will commit to walk through life. It will be painful - but it is what we must do to turn things around. Gradually then there will be less and less need for government to do what we should have been doing all along.

If you aren't able to do it yourself then give to a non-profit who is doing this right.

Though be sure to make sure the non-profit truly knows what they are doing.

flash| 8.31.10 @ 9:48AM

Beck, with all his well meaning religious references, is himself suspect because he prays to his Mormon god. Mormons are NOT Christians. Sorry, but he’s lost an amazing amount of my respect. Nice job unifying the great seething populace, wrong to delude people into referring to his cultic nonsense.

NavyBrat| 8.31.10 @ 9:57AM

I too am dubious of the religion of Mormanism, but it doesn't invalidate anything that Beck says about being a G*dly person. My Dad was Jewish, my Mom's Dad was a Russian Jew & her Mom was Sicilian & Calabrese. She (my Mom) was raised Catholic. My parents left the choice to me. I don't attend synagogue, nor do I attend church. I read my bible & pray to G*d in my own way. I hear nothing from Beck that I wouldn't think myself when it comes to trying to be a righteous person.

jgreene| 8.31.10 @ 11:36AM

flash, go into a corner and put on a dunce hat. Time to begin thinking about America, not your particular religious dogma.

You might also get out your copy of the Declaration of Independence and our Constitution and READ it.

jayde| 8.31.10 @ 12:26PM

flash, you don't have to be concerned about beck's faith. there were all kinds of people at this rally, Christian, Jews, and Muslims plus other various assorted faiths. our responsibility is to simply be right with our God and to stand where He wants us to stand.

tj| 8.31.10 @ 3:09PM

go away troll

GW| 8.31.10 @ 9:21PM

Sometimes the truth hurts, I guess. Flash is right about Mormonism. However, Beck does not delve deeply into theology, so it would be silly to think he has an influence on people's religious beliefs.

joli| 8.31.10 @ 11:25PM

That's a naive statement. Someone, somewhere is considering Mormonism BECAUSE of Beck's influence--probably more than one person, given the size of his audience.

Here's a very revealing youtube on Mormonism. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G1mFdO1wB08

Nevertheless, the fact that Beck is the one advocating that we return to God, does not prevent us from worshiping the true God and knowing that He will hear us. Someone mentioned 2Chron 7:14. We should all remember that it does not reference what non-believers are to do. It is addressed solely to "God's people", those who are "called by My name". The passage makes it clear that God will restore our country and heal our land in response to what WE do: humble ourselves and pray, and seek His face and turn from our wicked ways. That means setting aside our own twisted interpretations of what we want the Bible to mean, and believing that He is Who He says He is, He means what He says He means, and that He will do what He says He will do.

If we each search our own hearts (don't worry about the other guy) for our own sinful attitudes, actions, and beliefs, and renounce them and pursue God, He will bless our land without regard to what "others" do.

NavyB rat| 8.31.10 @ 9:48AM

My wife & I were at the 8-28 rally on Saturday. It was the most AMAZING thing I've seen in quite some time. What was even more amazing to me was the diversity of races & ages. I saw Oriental folks, Indians (American & Asian), blacks, Latinos, etc.

The AGES of the attendees is what gave me the most hope for the future of conservatism. I'm 31, my wife is 29. Many times, I think that I'm one of the only people my age who knows why conservatism is so important to this nation. What I saw on Saturday let me know that I was, indeed, not alone.

Even when I was in high school & college, I was a conservative. Maybe that's because I'm the son of a Vietnam vet who experienced the left's treatment of him & his service brothers upon their return. But leaving that out, my Dad was a history major before he went to dental school. I learned the HISTORY of progressivism/communism/statism at home from my Dad & put those pieces of the puzzle together with what I was learning in school. Thankfully, even in the mid 90's, the revisionist drivel in history wasn't as bad as it is now. That & the fact that I had good teachers.

I was able to retain my conservatism even through college, where I also had good & fair teachers. Even thought the University of Memphis is not known for anything other than an awesome basketball program, the teachers I had through the course of attaining my history degree were stellar. Yes, they were all true believing libs. But they were fair. If you disagreed, all you had to do was back up your reasons for why you thought the way you did, & that was what counted. I NEVER had any teacher give me a crappy grade because they disagreed with what was in it. The only crappy grades came from not doing the paper the way they wanted it done (number of sources, format, etc).

The media would have you believe that people like my wife & I are a rarity. We are NOT. And we will teach our kids of the greatness of this country & its Founders. We will teach our kids to be G*dly. G*dliness is key to understanding our Founders intent.

"Our Constitution was made only for a moral and religious people. It is wholly inadequate to the government of any other."...John Adams

The liberals that have a problem with this rally are those who think that this country was flawed from its very inception. But the fact of the matter is that our Founders left in place the mechanism for the abolishment of slavery. Ben Franklin was one of the first Founders to help Jews establish a synagogue in Philly. Beck is not touting a theocratic Christian nation. As a Jew, I don't believe that my fellow conservatives diesire this either. What Beck IS saying is illustrated by the Adams quote above. Knowledge of & reverence FOR G*d goes hand in hand with all the things that make this country great.

The other subject of the rally was the support of our troops. Even though he didn't speak, I was VERY excited to see Marcus Luttrell there, along with 2 other veterans. In a day & age where all most young folks care only about Facebook, Twitter, & Paris Hilton getting busted with powder (I SWEAR that ain't MINE!!!), its guys like Luttrell who are true heroes. They represent the very best of all of us. My reverence for men like him is of the same intensity as that of the reverence I have for my Dad. This country needs to recognize its true heroes, not the latest media freak to get arrested.

Beck is the modern day Marcus Tullius Cicero. While not as eloquent an orator, his principles remain the same. Cicero was one of the biggest critics of the power grabs of Caesar, Mark Antony, & Octavian. He was one of the last & most vociferous defenders of the Roman Republic. He too, was a keen observer of history & human nature.

"The more laws, the less justice."...Cicero

"The recovery of freedom is so splendid a thing that we must not shun even death when seeking to recover it."...Cicero

"A bureaucrat is the most despicable of men, though he is needed as vultures are needed, but one hardly admires vultures whom bureaucrats so strangely resemble. I have yet to meet a bureaucrat who was not petty, dull, almost witless, crafty or stupid, an oppressor or a thief, a holder of little authority in which he delights, as a boy delights in possessing a vicious dog. Who can trust such creatures?"...Cicero

"The budget should be balanced, the Treasury should be refilled, public debt should be reduced, the arrogance of officialdom should be tempered and controlled, and the assistance to foreign lands should be curtailed lest Rome become bankrupt. People must again learn to work, instead of living on public assistance."...Cicero

"Natural ability without education has more often raised a man to glory and virtue than education without natural ability."...Cicero

Not all that different from what Beck says every day on his radio & TV shows. Let's just hope that Beck's efforts to save our Republic won't end in the same way as Cicero's.

Nick| 8.31.10 @ 10:38AM

Navy Brat,

Thank you for another excellent and inspired post.
More Cicero quotes, please!

NavyBrat| 8.31.10 @ 12:15PM

Nick. Here's a link to the site where I get many of my quotes. The link is to Cicero's quotes, specifically, but its a good site to browse as well.

Also try Quotations Page & Think Exist.com

http://quotes.liberty-tree.ca/.....ius+cicero

Brian Mc| 8.31.10 @ 2:39PM

Thank you, NB

I immediately added the link to my Favorites. I have always admired Cicero but lacked anything but secondary references to him over the years. Well done, and I hope that others do the same with the link, the same that have the Federalist Papers close at hand and a copy of the Constitution next to their keyboard as I do. Again, many thanks!

Nick| 8.31.10 @ 7:59PM

Thanks again, NavyBrat. I really appreciate it.

I don't think I have ever read a Cicero quote that I disagreed with. This site will let me find if there is one!

crookedwren| 8.31.10 @ 10:41AM

My husband and I were there, too.

We were heartened by the number of young people we saw there -- as well as the diversity.

Heaven bless you and yours.

May the angels watch over this dear country of ours.

NavyBrat| 8.31.10 @ 12:16PM

Crookedwren.

My thanks for your blessings! The Ole Lady (snark, snark) & I will continue to fight the good fight. Its nice to have allies like y'all here on Am Spec.

RAMIII| 8.31.10 @ 11:16AM

Thank you NavyBrat! Reading your post was inspiring. May we return as individuals to something GREATER than the next 5 minutes in a "celebrity's" life or a Facebook "dialogue".

NavyBrat| 8.31.10 @ 12:19PM

RAMIII. Thank you very much. Too many are caught up in the here & now of our immediate gratification society. There are people who've been in our position LONG before this country was ever thought of. We forget their words, trials, & tribulations at our peril.

jgreene| 8.31.10 @ 11:39AM

Great post. I'm enjoying reading the comments.

NavyBrat| 8.31.10 @ 12:19PM

jgreene.

Thank you!

SueSeaCT| 8.31.10 @ 10:06AM

I too enjoy watching Glen Beck, however I find him to be apolitical. He is about just what this rally was about (and I was there). He is about restoring honor in life and in politics... telling the truth. He tells it like it is no matter what side of the aisle you are on. He teaches us to go to the source and not believe word of mouth. I found the rally and message to be the first step in restoring what is our constitution and what our country once was... honorable. How can that be a muddled message?

mamabear| 8.31.10 @ 10:20AM

In a nutshell Beck believes (if you watch the show he mentioned this recently) that we are so screwed up that just electing Republicans in November is not going to fix things. We NEED divine intervention to help us get back on track at this point before it is too late.

crookedwren| 8.31.10 @ 10:34AM

Here's my take. And I was there.

I can see how it appears as a muddle. But remember, Beck sees a "perfect storm" in the not-too-distant future. He prays he's wrong. So do I. Boy, do I -- because I'm nowhere near a place to survive such a storm -- economically or physically or spiritually.

I think that Beck is seeing that "perfect storm" on the horizon and KNOWS that, in the end, when the vicissitudes hit with a vengeance, the labels "conservative" or "liberal" are going to be nearly meaningless. They may, in fact, get in the way of recognizing in one another that truly human factor: honor. As Dr. Alveda King put it so well -- the "content" of our "character" will be the "thing" that gets some of us through such a storm. And those who are on the side of God -- instead of insisting to the rest of the volatile and needy world that God is on "theif" side -- will be the ones who can lead the rest of us through the wilderness to get to a promised land.

America needs Beck to be Beck. Whether he stumbles along the way or not, his message, I think, is clear. Pray now, ahead of the storm, because -- unless some things prevent -- as Job found to his discomfiture when he finally got to Ninevah -- it IS coming.

Prepare for the worst. Hope for the best.

Isn't that what Beck says?

CopyKatnj| 8.31.10 @ 10:43AM

Thank Mr. Lord for an article that I found to be insightful. I, as you, drew similar conclusions.

For those commentors that question Mr. Beck's Mormon religion I say shame on you. It is that kind of talk that kocked Governor Romney out of the primaries. Although I suppported another candidate for president, I was very moved my Governor Romney's speech in reply to questions about his Mormon faith. In my opinion, Governor Romney would have given the Democrat candidate a fun for his money in a debate and final contest. Stop the religious bickering already. No one is trying to convert anyone to another religon. I join with those that have conservative core values regardless of religon, nationality, race or gender. Threre's a republic to defend, get to the job of defending it.

Ken (Old Texican)| 8.31.10 @ 10:55AM

I've written before: "When I think of Divine Intervention for our country I always go back to the battle of Midway. Out gunned out-planed, but by a matter of minutes crushed the Japanese fleet."

There was also a lot of American blood shed honorably and heroically that day. Ironic isn't it how often blood shed and interventions coincide?

Jason| 8.31.10 @ 11:05AM

If anything was muddled in all this, it was your article, weaving from not understanding Beck, to promoting conservative principles, back to not understanding Beck.

Beck's rally was more than clear, if you listened. How someone could have watched it and came away confused as to what is was about is beyond me.

And this is coming from a Deist. I am NOT a Christian, and I dont believe in any holy book. What I do believe in is living an honest, honorable life and I commend for him his work. Restoring Honor was about becoming the best person you can possibly be through finding God, on whatever path that may be.

The more people find God, the more they find natural law, the more they find natural law, they more they realize that having maximum individual freedom is how God intended us to live. When people realize that individual freedom is a gift from GOD, AND NOT GOV'T, they will not stand for the gov't infringing on said freedom.

Oldefarte| 8.31.10 @ 11:23AM

Jeffrey, My take on the Beck rally is that it was [yes] undefined, but purposely so. Beck wanted no political signs, speeches,etc in order to paint his picture of orderly, silent dessent from 300000 plus. It was A SHOT ACROSS THE BOW [in naval terms] to the progressives/liberals/socialists/radical-extremists now in charge of our country that CHANGE IS COMING [and not the kind that they will enjoy] beginning in November. As Beck said yesterday, his rally will mean nothing if the American taxpayer-voters don't follow through and VOTE FOR TRUE CHANGE!!!!!!!!!!!!

BobInFL| 8.31.10 @ 11:23AM

The "muddle" is quite simple to understand, if you paid attention in Sunday School (or other Judeo-Christian religious training). Our nation needs healing -- that much is obvious to anybody, even those of a secular bent. Beck was merely heeding this call, and promise of God:

"If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land." 2 Chron 7:14

The spiritual and moral health of a nation is dependent on the spiritual and moral health of its people. You can't fix the former, without individuals freely choosing to "fix" the latter.

Paul| 8.31.10 @ 11:26AM

Hmm, I wonder who I would rather be in a foxhole with Beck "The Morman" or Obama "The Christian" Actually, I don't wonder at all

jgreene| 8.31.10 @ 11:41AM

Exactly, Paul!

Oldefarte| 8.31.10 @ 3:11PM

The latter would no doubt shoot you in the back or possibly allow the enemy to shoot you!!!!!

JimP| 8.31.10 @ 11:40AM

I am deeply impressed with the great comments posted here. To all of you: Please keep posting here and on other threads.

Teresa Hutchison| 8.31.10 @ 11:46AM

With all due respect Mr. Lord, I find this article to "be a bit of an intellectual muddle." I understand all of your points, but they seem to be separate points that could be addressed in more than one article. This is not a swipe at you; rather a way of pointing out exactly why I understand the purpose, and yes virtue of this Restore America rally. It's simple, at least to me. Glen Beck is lumped in with conservative media personalities. Though there is good reason for that, I see Glen Beck as a man who has been through his trials and tribulations and is trying to share his "road" with others. This rally was not political in the terms I view political. In this day and age of rallies and the tea party movement, it's hard to separate politics from anything, but in the end, this was exactly what it was meant to be: Restoring honor to ourselves as individuals. Only when we are honorable people can we move this great country forward. If the rally, and what Glen Beck stands for, seems muddled to anyone, it is because we are used to the way things are presented to us in talking points and sound bites. But isn't life muddled? Can we not take the time to say our prayers and do many other things in the same day? If the message of this rally seems muddled it is because it's a reflection of life. One man - Glen Beck - had a vision of something he wanted to do. And he did it. He did it well. Maybe because I did not know what Glen Beck was all about before I watched the rally (except for things I heard in the media), I had no preconceived notions on what to expect. But I was impressed, uplifted, and enthralled in the whole thing; start to finish. I understood the message loud and clear.

KSCMAN| 8.31.10 @ 11:58AM

Everything that has happened to date, from 9-11 to the economic meltdown, to the resurgence of "the Spirit of America", was predicted by Strauss and Howe in "The Fourth Turning" published in 1997...they knew 15 years ago this was coming. If you want to understand what is going on and why....read their book. It is both wisdom and warning.

wanda| 8.31.10 @ 12:04PM

What I have heard from the rally is for people of faith to go back to their places of worship and get involved. Be a catalyst to stir people up to get out and make a difference - serve the needy, stand for truth, do what needs to be done for others - BUT APART FROM POLITICS AND GOVERNMENT.

martin j smith| 8.31.10 @ 12:04PM

I am not an ardent fan of Glenn Beck and see bits and pieces of his show. But, In the larger scheme of things-braod brush if you will--the very size of the rally alone scares the daylights of the left. That I gaurentee.

setnaffa| 8.31.10 @ 12:07PM

Lots of "I'm a real Conservative but I don't like Beck" BS going on here and elsewhere.

Beck is an entertainer who wants to restore America. Most of those opposing him also support Big Government. Just look at what they do when not trashing Beck, Palin, Limbaugh, or others...

We call that brand of critter a "moby" after a similar varmint that infested conservative blogs a while back... http://www.urbandictionary.com.....?term=moby

Beck is telling a good story. It's the story of us. And about how we need to stand up and start making a difference in the lives of our families and friends.

If you can't understand that, you're either a moron or a liar. Note I didn't say "if you disagree with Beck." No one is calling the faithful to pray with their face toward Salt Lake City...

ruthiek| 8.31.10 @ 12:09PM

Beck is "muddled" because he's trying to be ecumenical. He's calling on people of different religions to return to God, but he doesn't define who that god is. Sadly, many evangelical pastors have joined him, thus publicly affirming his theology or at least blurring the lines that normally separate them from his theology.
Furthermore, Beck seems very distracted by himself. On his TV show after the rally, he commented that no (other) one man has ever called on people to come together and they did in historic fashion. He seems to be very burdened by what seems to be a belief that HE is the message bearer. He's a very funny and very smart man who's delivery is unique. He's a teacher and he's good at it. I just hope he figures out what his goal is; self aggrandizement or edifying his audience.

B Dubya| 8.31.10 @ 12:15PM

I am something of a student of the history of the Civil War. That war, and the people who fought it on both sides, has always presented a great question to me. What could sustain men to serve through even 6 months of that hell, let alone 4 years of it, which many did?

The reason that question came up is because I could not imagine, at the time, those men coming from the America I grew up in.

The Rally finally put that question to rest for me. My wife and I attended and we were awe struck by the simple virtues we saw displayed there, by every person we met in that vast crowd. These were and still are the virtues of the heart of the American; the same resolve and courage that Americans have shown in all of our wars against our enemies was in irrefutable evidence on the 28th of August, just as it has been since the 9th of September 2001.

I am with Washington, and Jefferson, and Madison on this. As long as there are men and women in this nation who understand the role of Providence and virtue in our lives and in our fortunes, there will always be people willing to fight to remain a free people.

Derek Leaberry| 8.31.10 @ 12:15PM

I think I'll stick with my parish priest and the Pope for religious guidance and not a talk show blabbermouth like Glenn Beck.

tj| 8.31.10 @ 3:26PM

go away troll...you will never find divine province

Derek Leaberry| 8.31.10 @ 4:52PM

I believe you mean Providence.

Au Contraire| 8.31.10 @ 7:17PM

I thought he meant Quebec. Touche.

Derek Leaberry| 9.1.10 @ 9:33AM

Newfoundland.

Denver| 8.31.10 @ 12:19PM

quote, Ronald Reagan never ever saw himself as anything other than what he was his entire, mature adult life -- an advocate for timeless conservative principles. unquote

Reagan was an FDR democrat. He didn't like how democrats managed the Cold War. He became a Republican because of Communism, like Irving Krystal, like William F Buckley. Reagan was a Neo-Con, not a lifetime advocate of conservative principles.

The first thing President Reagan did upon leaving office was throw the 2nd Amendment Under the Bus by supporting the "Brady Law".

Reagan, a good President, but not a lifelong Conservative.

John II| 8.31.10 @ 5:23PM

Well, the attraction felt by Our Ron to the principles was apparently always there, inchoately, as one may infer not only from his early disgust with the Hollywood Left, but also from his performances in such flicks as "Knute Rockne--All American" (1940), "Santa Fe Trail" (1940), and "Desperate Journey" (1942).

Again, there is clearly no conviction in the delivery of his behaviorist dialogue as Professor Peter Boyd in the problematic "Bedtime for Bonzo" (1951), as against, for example, the assurance of his performance as the hired gun Farrell who takes up the cause of the Barbara Stanwyck character Sierra Nevada Jones in her struggle against Farrell's evil boss McCord in the stunning "Cattle Queen of Montana" (1954).

And now back to a fresh viewing of "This Is the Army" (1943).

Nate| 8.31.10 @ 12:34PM

I was struck by the extent to which Beck attempted to avoid what must now be seen as implicitly reasonable criticism of the "Tea Party."

Beck asked that no SIGNS be brought, since signs had become one of the principle objects of criticism.

This is at least a tacit admission that that criticism was at least responsible. The signs were often extremely offensive and sometimes obviously racist.

He also considerably moderated his tone and rhetoric.

While Beck's new fascination with "theology" is an amusing addition to his carnival act, it's infinitely preferable -- however ignorant he is of actual theology -- to the race baiting in which he has so often engaged.

Good job, Tea Partiers. Welcome to America!

As newer arrivals, let me extend the hand of welcome and remind you that difference and pluralism are cherished values here. Welcome!

TennesseeVolunteer| 8.31.10 @ 12:51PM

Nate, where do I turn in my "common sense" badge for the "kool aid" badge that you obviously carry. Difference and pluralism are code words for people that make up their own rules and false gods and are in lock step with the changing kaleidoscope of laws that the liberals are so ready to give us.
You and I may live in America but not for a moment do we live in the same world. Were you in the movie Cuckoo's Nest?

Nate| 8.31.10 @ 5:46PM

Badges? We don't need no stinking badges.

jen| 8.31.10 @ 6:47PM

Could you please refer me to an unbiased link with photos of the racist and extremely offensive signs that were a hallmark of the tea parties.? I somehow missed that. I DID hear reports of such, but they were on sites that typically use race as a weapon against those with traditional politics.

Very happy to hear, tho', that you enjoyed seeing America in action. There was so much anti-Americanism around for awhile; it's a relief to see that it is disapearing. Just remember that we Americans believe in the values of the founding fathers and wish to preserve them.

Teresa Hutchison| 8.31.10 @ 12:56PM

My mom was at the rally and she watches Glen Beck's show. His request not to bring signs was because he didn't want the message of the day obscured. I don't know if any of the offensive signs attributed to the tea party groups were actually pictures taken at "other" rallies because nobody, to my knowledge, has authenticated any of these picture/signs. I could take a picture of someone with a sign and say I saw this at any rally I want. I don't buy the "media" coverage of anything because they seldom get things right. But even if there have been offensive signs at tea party rallies, why would people harp on them? Tea Party organizers, and 99.999% of the participants do not do this.

Steve A | 8.31.10 @ 2:16PM

Nate, Yes sir, vast deficiencies in IQ level and pluralism are valued here, as evidenced by your post.

Oldefarte| 8.31.10 @ 3:21PM

There you go again, NURD, with your consistent labeling all of us honkeys as RACIST-BIGOTS. Is that the only words your mother's lover could possibly teach his bastard offspring? If you truly wish to observe a 'carnival act', try accessing Jeremiah Wright's [hopefully you're aware of who he is or isn't in relation to your EL CHOSEN ONE] ranting and raving from his pulpit while procaiming 'GD, AMERICA']. Why don't you simply go crawl back inside your apartment-hole and shut your idiotic PIE HOLE??????

tj| 8.31.10 @ 3:28PM

go away troll...you will never find divine province

The One We've Been Waiting For| 8.31.10 @ 7:14PM

We're buying shrimp, Nate. I watched the whole thing myself but the official position is that we wouldn't waste our time watching this. Now I come over here and there you go acting like you are an expert on the rally. You are always off message darn it.

"...-- to the race baiting in which he has so often engaged."

Trying to claim race that Beck race baits is most unwelcome. Didn't you pay any attention to my old pastor? Now that was 20 years of race baiting and always good for some votes. If we let dumbbells like you choose campaign strategies I'll be watching more videos of Wright running down Jews and white people and inviting damnation of the country. I don't need this right now. Shut up before you destroy our chances further. You are really quite tone deaf.

The final thing that I want you to notice is the comparison of how our two sides left the area where the rally took place. They left the place pretty much how they found and of course my supporters turned it into a pig sty. Why are we so phony Nate? We talk environment but then act like the worst of litterbugs. Do we really believe anything we say? Just asking.

Tim*| 8.31.10 @ 12:50PM

Yeah Right Obama's Goebbels .
A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 45% of Likely Voters would vote for their district's Republican congressional candidate, while 39% would opt for his or her Democratic opponent. The survey data was collected on the seven days ending Sunday, August 29, 2010.

The Republicans have been consistently ahead in the Generic Ballot every week for over a year, but this is the smallest advantage the party has held since mid-July.

TennesseeVolunteer| 8.31.10 @ 12:55PM

I am sure Al Sharpton's marching 3000 convinced all of the Independents to move back towards the Democrats. From here on out, don't worry about the polls. they will be manipulated and spun beyond our imaginations. Spread the word to friends and family about the sound of freedom that is ringing throughout our nation. Nov. 2, 2010 is our opportunity to prove that America is the beacon of freedom throughout the world.

Nate| 8.31.10 @ 5:49PM

Anyone who compares Obama to Goebbels is a fucking idiot.

There is a DUTY that comes with citizenship, and part of that duty is to have some sense of your country's history. By not understanding the difference between a democratically elected president of the United State and Goebbels, you have failed to live up to this duty.

NavyBrat| 8.31.10 @ 7:03PM

What the HELL would you know about "duty" to your country?! Especially when the history you spout is so corrupted with revisionist drivel that it barely even RESEMBLES what its supposed to be whitewashing.

"It is the absolute right of the State to supervise the fomulation of public opinion."...Goebbels

Sounds like the fools that your King put in place to run the FCC & silence talk radio.

"The war made possible for us the solution of a whole series of problems that could never have been solved in normal times."...Goebbels

Sounds a lot like "never let a crisis go to waste," to me.

If anyone here has failed in their civic duty to see the correlations between our current leaders & the despots of the past, its YOU. Your ignorance, while breathtaking, is not uncommon. After all, you're just another useful idiot.

Nate| 9.1.10 @ 12:32AM

Brat --

Unless you're a complete douche bag, you should know better than this. My advice is that you study some actual history of WWII so that you can begin to grasp the difference between the Nazi regime and the president 65 million of your fellow citizens voted for.

To even try to make some kind of nit-witted comparison is the mark of an ignorant jackass.

In addition, such comparisons dishonor the hundreds of thousands of men who died fighting Hitler; they also debase you; they also insult those who suffered and were murdered -- by the millions -- by that regime.

So go fuck yourself you spoiled, willfully blind fool.

The One We've Been Waiting For| 8.31.10 @ 7:23PM

We're buying shrimp, Nate. Don't mention me with Goebbels again. He polls better than I do. Hitler is ok if you insist. I think I look a little like Mussolini at least that is what I have modeled some of my public poses on. I am of course much better at extracting money out of the private sector than he ever was and he never fired the head of anything like General Motors. He was pretty with that nose up in the air.

Deb| 8.31.10 @ 12:51PM

In his "Founders' Friday", Glenn Beck has elaborated greatly on the role of preacher George Whitefield and of the 18th century's "Great Awakening" in the American Revolution (transcript here: http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,592997,00.html). As I understand it, Beck sees Whitefield as laying the groundwork for the American Revolution because of his emphasis on the power of the individual to establish or fail to establish a right relationship with God, and his insistence that it is the individual who acts virtuously or not. The ramifications of this theological understanding is that a person must have the liberty to fulfill these roles. Beck believes this religious understanding of the individual is what is enshrined in the "inalienable rights" clause of the Declaration of Independence. In stark contrast, Obama has repeatedly insisted that salvation/virtue/charity is collective. Obama's collectivist understanding of these issues leads him to embrace a collectivist/central planning approach to governance which shrinks the individual's sphere of liberty. As I see it, Beck is trying to return to first principles believing that limited government is a consequence of this understanding.

Teresa Hutchison| 8.31.10 @ 1:04PM

I agree. I also think that Americans - especially young Americans - are waking up to the fact that they have been manipulated by the "progressives". After all, without manipulation, how could they get any support? What they stand for - and they have proven it with this administration - is for a move towards socialism. I personally believe they want to go further than socialism. This movement towards the principles upon which America was founded is here to stay.

Pat Heltke| 8.31.10 @ 12:51PM

I think the message was believe in yourself, and you can do great things.

Becky| 8.31.10 @ 1:58PM

the only one in a muddle is Jeffrey Lord. What Jeff doesn't get is that you can't separate Western Society from Judeo-Christian Values. Until you get that, you don't get it.

I understand Beck is saying, and I understand separation of religion and state. How come you can't get it? Maybe because you are too afraid of the cool crowd sneering at you and calling you uncool for hanging with those uncool Christians who weren't afraid to show up and support that uncool Glenn Beck.

Thanks for playing right into the hands of those who wish to defeat us by helping to divide and conquer. But...you are still intellectual and cool. Right? That's the important thing.

Jeffrey Lord| 8.31.10 @ 7:34PM

Becky...

I completely get the Judeo-Christian connection. More to the point, I totally agree. Totally wrong about the cool crowd. Ha! At TAS we call them The Ruling Class. Becky, you misinterpret. Really. Unless, of course, you think this a way to appeal to the cool crowd? :)

John| 8.31.10 @ 2:13PM

I like Glenn Back but when he starts in with his "come to Jesus" stuff I change channels.

Stick to principals, Glenn. Leave the "God told me to do it" schtick to the Pat Robertson frauds.

Richard40| 8.31.10 @ 2:47PM

I agree with the muddle comment in the article, and with John's recent comment. I was a bit put off by the overly religious nature of the rally. The tea party also has a large number of secular libertarians and they seemed to be left out in this rally.

If Beck had included some objectivist/secular philosophers in his party of religious leaders, and said that even agnostics can have faith, hope, and charity, provided their faith is in the constitution, the founders, individual freedom, less government, the free market, and ordinary Americans, he would have had me completely. As it was, I felt a bit left out, and also a bit worried that the Christian Coalition types may be trying to hijack the Tea Party movement, and we will be back to the bad old Bush days where "conservatives" trotted out their anti abortion credentials, while ignoring the real essence of conservativism, less government and fiscal responsibility.

David| 8.31.10 @ 2:49PM

Who has heard or read anywhere that the Obama admin, specifically Hillary, referred to State of Arizona to the United Nations Human Rights Council? It happened yesterday. Saw Governor Jan Brewer on Fox. She was incensed that this would happen to an American state by the federal government.

This is the same Human Rights Council that Bush removed the U.S. from, and the same one which Bam Bam put us back on when he became prez. This is the same council that seats Cuba and Syria as watchdogs of human rights for the world.

There ought to be mass protests all across America because of what Bam Bam has done, but very few have heard about it.

Siegfried X| 8.31.10 @ 3:28PM

And most of the Republican establishment is probably happy about it since they support illegal immigration. Lots of Republican voters too, since they just reelected John McCain.

Hal| 8.31.10 @ 3:03PM

I think Glenn Beck has turned to religion is because he has looked at the mess we are in and can't honestly see a way out without God.

Larry Sheldon| 8.31.10 @ 3:06PM

Give the man a break!

He only had 3 hours and a million dollars (plus some unaudited personal
contributions like the pizzas for the folks waiting in line) to work with.

And he did insist for weeks that it was not about tea parties (Or Tea
Parties), it was not about Republicans, it was not about office holders
or office-holder-wannabees.

It was about Honor and a need to restore it. And to return to original
values.

And I think he stayed on-topic reasonably well.

I want to know how he arranged the fly-over.

Daniel| 8.31.10 @ 3:07PM

Conservatives, patriots, Christians and other people of faith are always potrayed as 'the fringe' and we typically find ourselves 'back on our heels' defending ourselves. Any strangeness of the rally is that patriotism and faith were portrayed as the majority of Americans perceive them: as Mainstream with no apologies. The genius of this rally is to revive traditional values and stake a position as being Normal. It was as satisfying as an ice cold glass of water on a hot day.

To perceive the message as being muddled does not look at the whole picture.

Walt| 8.31.10 @ 3:17PM

Having been there, I felt the muddle, but it was exciting to wonder "What is going to happen NEXT?".

Upon reflection, my conclusion is that Glenn was urging us all to pluck up the courage to speak truth to power... to say "This is WRONG!" To say it loudly, with conviction, and to lean on our stick for support.

Glenn crammed so much into 3 hours, it was incredible to witness... it was as though each part of the event was to give you courage for a different reason: 1. God 2. Family 3. Love of Country 4. The Golden Rule 5. Faith, Hope, and Charity

In the process of doing all those things, he also confounded and converted many doubters. If it was a bit of a muddle, I say "Amen, brothers and sisters".

tom swift| 8.31.10 @ 3:22PM

To the extent that the Beck rally correlates with the Tea Party movement, it was a disaster for the Tea Party.

The unique thing about the Tea Party philosophy, its great strength, as I understand it, is that it is "lean & mean" - stripped down to vital essentials, with no extraneous baggage. The basic Tea Party idea is that America, its society, and its government, must be based on sound financial and political principles. It doesn't matter what social programs one thinks the government should support; if it can't afford them, it just can't do them. Endless deficits meant to support a Great Society or any other society lead to inevitable ruin, no matter what the virtues of the Great Society may or may not be. The Tea Party doesn't, in general, say what those principles should be, only that programs to implement them be affordable. Put in basic terms like that, it's hard for a sensible person to disagree.

There are a few other things aligned with, though not identical to, the notion of national fiscal responsibility. A big one is that the United States is a real country and it should act like one. It should have real borders which it takes seriously, it should treat citizenship as something valuable and not a door prize to be handed out indiscriminately, and Americans should not have to apologize for being Americans - no more presidential Apology Tours, please. Another big one is that the principles of government specified in America's founding documents worked, in the main, pretty well, and should still be the basis of American society and politics. Government of unlimited size and power, along the various socialist (Bolshevik, fascist, etc) models, is historically un-American, and it should be considered un-American today.

The name Tea Party refers, of course, to the famous 1773 revolt against arbitrary taxation and authority. This was a key event in American independence. Britain closed the port of Boston until the destroyed tea was paid for. The other colonies decided to support the blockaded Massachusetts colony rather than Britain. This was a seismic event - the first time the separate colonies really acted together to multiply their strength. Before that, they were separate colonies more or less loyal to the Crown. After that, they were the beginnings of a new country. Hence, the E Pluribus Unum motto.

Religion had nothing to do with the Tea Party of 1773. And, until now, it had nothing to do with the Tea Party of today. Religion introduces an extraneous factor of contention which can only weaken the Tea Party's current wide appeal.

Steve A| 8.31.10 @ 3:47PM

Tom, Your last sentence sums it up precisely. The Tea Party houses a vast array of diverse "religious" beliefs, but the common thread of limited government & taxes galvanize the movement. If you push God to the front, this is fine, it is "religion" & it's distinctions that will tear the fabric.

Siegfried X| 8.31.10 @ 4:25PM

Libertarianism is a loser. They get less than 1% of the vote.

The success of the Tea Parties comes from backlash against the Democratic and Republican Parties, not a desire to retreat to a libertarian stone age like Somalia.

Also, libertarianism was what destroyed the economy. All regulations were removed, leading to libertarian anarchy in which Wall Street built a mess so big that the government had to clean it up. If we had had sound regulation and monitoring instead of libertarianism, TARP wouldn't have been needed.

David| 8.31.10 @ 3:32PM

Siegfried X, the FIRST reason the country has steadily moved left for the past 30 years is because liberals have had complete control of the major news media both print and television, K through 12 education, the universities, and entertainment media. We have two complete generations brainwashed individuals, which began in the 60's.

A good example of how dumbed-down most of us are is the poll I saw last night. It claimed 48% of people think Bam Bam has done a "fairly poor to very poor" job on the economy. It also claimed 44% thought the boy had done a "fairly good to very good" job on the economy. Call me dense, but how can anyone digest what is going on in the economy and come to the conclusion that he has done well with it.

The second reason why we constantly move to the left is gutless republicans. As I have said many times, the dems go for the whole ball of wax on any issue, and when the repubs hold them to getting only 10% of what the commie left wanted, the repubs celebrate as those they scored a win. The moron repubs don't realize that moving to the left 10% here, 5% there, 20% another time, means we are LOSING. Until they get the cajones to not only completely stop the libs from moving left, but actually move the ball to the right, it will continue.

Siegfried X| 8.31.10 @ 4:34PM

Yes. A recent Dick Armey article said that the Conservative Revolution which started in 1995 had already ended in 1997 or 98. By then too many had gone RINO.

Then, he said, it totally fell apart when Bush took office in 2001.

And of course McCain played a huge role in destroying the Republican Party, by constantly pushing Bush to the left (in 2001-2007), as McCain threw a long temper tantrum against the Republicans for daring to beat him.

Siegfried X| 8.31.10 @ 4:43PM

I don't think the Republican politicians are even trying to defeat the Democrats on most issues. They seem to have decided that traditional values are dead, so they're not going to risk their seats by fighting.

The Republican strategy is to lose by default. If the Republican base pushes back on an issue like amnesty, the Republican politicians defeat them by neglect. They just let more illegals cross the border, and keep silent, letting left-wing television control the debate. Naturally, the only side which is talking wins (by default). After 10 years or so has gone by, more illegals are here, more people have been brainwashed into liberalism because that's all they hear, and more old-fashioned conservatives have died. So when the Democrats (or RINOs) try again, resistance is weaker. Eventually enough RINOs + Democrats agree to pass whatever the Democrats wanted.

Only then, at the very end, do Republicans "try" to fight back. They make a dramatic goal-line stand, delaying for a few days a bill which they know already has the votes to pass. Then they say "Did you see us? We tried so hard to block it."

Siegfried X| 8.31.10 @ 4:58PM

This has resulted in us having a one-party democracy for most issues. Many Republican politicians will only fight for their district & big financial donors, or for waging war. Otherwise on most issues the Democrats are the only party speaking. If Republicans have the votes, they may quietly strangle a bill before it comes to the floor, but that's just postponing the inevitable since the conservative community isn't fighting the issue.

S.L. Toddard| 8.31.10 @ 3:48PM

"Believe it or not, I found this event to be a bit of an intellectual muddle."

NO WAY.

Bilwick1| 8.31.10 @ 3:48PM

I don't care much for the God stuff, but a[pparently Beck and the rally made "liberals" (State-shtuppers) really angry, so that's good. They hate anything they fear threatens their beloved Cult of the State.

NavyBrat| 8.31.10 @ 3:49PM

I know I've posted this entry from my blog here before, but I posting it again, since I'm sure some of you might have missed it. I know Nick has read it. Brian Mc, if you like Cicero, then you'll LOVE this. I wrote it April, LONG before I knew about the Beck rally. I know it's a little long, but trust me, it's WELL worth the read.

"The Philippics of Demosthenes and Cicero: Voices of Liberty from the Past"

The Philippics are perhaps some of the most historically important orations in Western civilization. The original Philippics were a series of letters and orations made by Greek orator & statesman Demosthenes against the encroachments & power grabs of Philip II of Macedon (Alexander's father). They were Demosthenes' attempt to awaken the government of Athens to the inherent danger posed by Philip's totalitarian power grabs. After Philip's death, it was Demothenes who sparked a full blown uprising against Philip's son and successor, Alexander. Without mercy or hesitation, Alexander dispatched his hatchet man, Antipater, to arrest Demosthenes. Rather than suffer the humiliation of arrest, trial, and use as a propaganda tool, Demosthenes took his own life. He was valiant & noble voice against the ever present threat of totalitarian usurpations that would have spelled the end for his country.

"Beware lest in your anxiety to avoid war you obtain a master."...Demosthenes

"Every dictator is an enemy of freedom, an opponent of law."...Demosthenes

"There are all kinds of devices invented for the protection of countries: defensive barriers, forts, trenches, and the like... But prudent minds have as a natural gift one safeguard which is the common possession of all, and this applies especially to the dealings of democracies. What is this safeguard? Skepticism. This you must preserve. This you must retain. If you keep this, you need fear no harm."...Demosthenes

The perhaps more well known Philippics came from one of the greatest orators, lawyers, and statesmen of all time, Marcus Tullius Cicero. Cicero is regarded by many to be one of the first examples of a conservative politicians in history. He certainly was one of the most elegant orators in the entire history of Rome, either the Republic OR the Empire. Cicero's Philippics were his series of orations decrying the usurpations of Julius Caesar, Mark Antony, and later, Octavian. The main focus of these barb laden yet eloquent orations (14 of them) is Antony. While the conservative faction to which Cicero belonged had more successes than that of Demosthenes, it eventualy suffered the same fate.

The murderers of Caesar, chiefly Brutus and Cassius, (Cicero was NOT involved with, though he approved of , Caesar's murder) were pursued by Antony shortly after the deed was committed. Antony & Octavian, who was named Caesar's son in his will, combined their forces & began the pursuit of the forces of Brutus & Cassius. They met at the battle of, ironically enough, Philippi. After the battle, with Cassius having committed suicide when his positions were overrun by Antony's forces, Brutus fled, later to end his life in the same way.

Cicero, in the meantime had been in exile. On December 7, 43 BC, Antony's assassins finally caught up with him & slew him. His last words, according to Plutarch, were said to have been, "There is nothing proper about what you are doing soldier, but do try to kill me properly." On Antony's orders, Cicero's head and hands were cut off and displayed in the Forum in Rome as a waring to those who might seek follow his example and take up his cause.

Shortly after Cicero's murder, the Roman Republic had effectively ceased to be and the age of the Empire had begun. And, like all empires, oligarchies, and absolutist systems of government, the Roman Empire came into being "with the consent of the people." Caesar had promised the Roman people untold amounts of public benefits and played the populism card with tremendous skill & aplomb. He subverted the law and the Roman Senate in ways that not many, other than Cato, Cicero, Brutus, and Cassius, saw. By the time of the civil war after Caesar's murder, the framework of Caesar's edicts were in place. After Antony and Octavian had declared a truce between themselves at the conclusion of their battle at Mutina, they combined their forces to crush those of Brutus and Cassius at Philippi. This was the beginning of the end of the Republic. The assassination of Cicero, a man loved and lauded by the Roman public, and by far the most powerful proponent of the Republic, was the final nail in the coffin.

The time we live in now is not all that dis-similar to that of Cicero, and to a lesser extent, Demosthenes. Both men railed against the stealing and usurpation of liberties and freedoms from their respective countires. In the case of Demosthenes, it was encroachement from outside his nation's borders. In the case of Cicero, as in ours today, the ecroachments come from within. Our Founders learned from these men and changed the track record of the success of such movements. They did not suffer the same fates as their ancient predecessors, and that was surely that fate that awaited them, had they failed.

So the question is simple. Do we posses, amongst our modern day population, those who can take up the same mantle as that of Demosthenes, Cicero, and our Founders? Are there any leaders amongst us who will sacrifice as much as these men did? Since our Founders showed us that it WAS, in fact, possible to espouse the same principles as Demosthenes and Cicero without sharing their fates, I still have faith that WE THE PEOPLE are still up to the task. We MUST be. The future of OUR Republic depends on it.

Excerpts from the First Philippic:

"Men ask, what is the reason why I, or why any one of you, O conscript fathers, should be afraid of bad laws while we have virtuous tribunes of the people? We have men ready to interpose their veto; ready to defend the republic with the sanctions of religion. We ought to be strangers to fear. What do you mean by interposing the veto? says he; what are these sanctions of religion which you are talking about? Those, forsooth, on which the safety of republic depends. We are neglecting those things, and thinking them too old fashioned and foolish. The forum will be surrounded, every entrance of it will be blocked up; ARMED MEN will be placed in garrison, as it were, at many points. What then?--whatever is accomplished by those means will be law. And you will order, I suppose, all those regularly passed decrees to be engraved on brazen tablets. 'The consuls consulted the people in the regular form,' (Is this the way of consulting the people that we have received from our ancestors?) 'and the people voted it with due regularity.' What people? that which was excluded from the forum? Under what law did they do so? under that which has been wholly abrogated by violence of arms? But I am saying all this with reference to the future; because it is the part of a friend to point out evils which may be avoided: and if they never ensue, that will be the best refutation of my speech. I am speaking of laws which have been proposed; concerning which you have still full power to decide either way. I am pointing out the defects; away with them I am denouncing violence and arms; away with them too!"...Marcus Tullius Cicero, The First Philippic

"Let him employ arms, if it is neccessary, as he says it is, for his own defence: only let not those arms injure those men who have declared their honest sentiments in the affairs of the republic. Now, what can be more reasonable than this demand? But if, as has been said to me by some of his [Antony's] intimate friends, every speech which is contrary to his inclination is violently offensive, to him, even if there be no insult in it whatever, then we will bear the natural disposition of our friend. But those men, at the same time, say to me, 'you will not have the same license granted to you who are the adversary of Caesar as might be claimed by Piso his father in law.' And then they warn me of something of which I must guard against; and certainly, the excuse which sickness supplies me with, for not coming to the senate, will not be a more valid one than that which is furnished by death."...Marcus Tullius Cicero, The First Philippic

"The more laws, the less justice."...Cicero

Wind Rider| 8.31.10 @ 5:52PM

Mr. Beck is not arguing against Conservative principles. He is making the case that those principles need a deep foundation—not a bunch of RINOs in congress or even beautifully written persuasive books—and that that foundation is not political but spiritual, a foundation of honor, integrity, and cleaning up our own lives where they do not measure up. The rally was not a muddle, it was a clear statement of the problem, a clear statement of the solution, and a clear call to action.

The political effects will flow into the channels discussed by Mr. Lord, but the source of the river of restoration, if it is to be a permanent restoration, will be deeper than politics.

Robert Mitchell| 8.31.10 @ 7:02PM

As a non-theist, I hesitate to speak for him, but I think what Beck is trying to say is that as America has lost its spiritual horizon, it has lost its freedom or at least its valuing of freedom. He seems to sense that the purely political fight against Big Government is a losing struggle if the underlying cause (the complete collapse of the spiritual horizon leaving the pleasure-principle driven self) continues to spread. The conservative connection with past and future generations may not be possible without some religious context, as the speeches of Lincoln repeatedly illustrate.

UpChuck.Liberals| 8.31.10 @ 7:57PM

I believe you may have safely added the religious context of our Founding Fathers imbedded in the documents that they wrote. As well as the numerous letters they wrote about them. Some haven't had their personal 'come to Jesus' moment but they will, as you will.

Au Contraire| 8.31.10 @ 7:11PM

"Believe it or not, I found this event to be a bit of an intellectual muddle."

I'm shocked, shocked to find that philistine drivel is being discussed in here!

kyleb| 8.31.10 @ 7:13PM

I have to reluctantly agree. Beck skirted the real issues--the ones he otherwise tackles so well every day. He knows damn well what the problem is, and he should have to balls to shout it from the rooftops. To avoid calling out the current administration for their fascist tendencies is it's own kind of PC self censorship which is a HUGE part of the problem.

UpChuck.Liberals| 8.31.10 @ 8:23PM

I disagree, he and the other speakers did the right thing. This country was indeed founded on God and the teaching of Jesus Christ. No Muslims, no Mormons, no Buddhists, no whatever but by Christians looking for the opportunity to escape religious persecution. It's the history, despite the efforts to change it.

MoeBlotz| 8.31.10 @ 8:41PM

AMEN!

David Thomas| 8.31.10 @ 8:48PM

"the celebrification of America"
truly qualifies him as a sesquipedalian.

Sherry McMillen| 8.31.10 @ 9:10PM

When you say he doesn't know if he is a politician or a reverend, you have hit the nail on the head. He is simply living out his faith in God in a political arena. This is the part that confounds fools. Fools have said in their heart there is no God, so when a wise person lives out their wisdom in a public arena he will look like both a reverend and a politician because in God's arena we are all call to rule over the earth and subdue it and to rule over our souls in obedience to Christ. It is the world that tries to separate the inseparable.

J Rich| 8.31.10 @ 11:56PM

Don't know if I am getting this correct or not but someone said that Obama is not the greatest problem we have in this country. The greater problem is the morons that elected him. Obama got the Nobel peace prize without any qualifications and he was elected president with the very same qualifications, none. Are those morons embarrassed yet?
The Barrack Gump article in Worldnetdaily tells it like it is concerning Obama.
Lets hope these rallies get people thinking .

Peter Jackson| 9.1.10 @ 12:59AM

I'm with you on the muddle part, but I can't give you an "amen" on the conservative principles thing. You never really say what they are, and thus insinuate that "conservative principles" are some sort whole, well known, specifically defined set.

The tea parties and the popular political sentiment they represent represent are not a longing for some menu of "conservative principles," but rather a desire for one particular conservative principle (such as it exists): individual freedom.

There was a good while in our history when BOTH the major parties held individual freedom as their first principle; they merely differed in their ideas on the best way to preserve and expand it. But today the Democrats have become a party predicated on the quest for social justice, and the GOP has become a party centered on the goal of social virtue and public order. In the United States of America, freedom no longer has a major party advocate. In their dealings with each other, the two parties bargain away our freedom for compromises that further their primary goals.

It's time for the tea parties, libertarians, liberal Republicans, conservative Democrats, along with most political independents to quit screwing around and institute ourselves by forming a major political party. We would be successful, because most Americans find common ground in their desire for individual freedom: political freedom, economic freedom, and social freedom.

Yosemeti Sam| 9.1.10 @ 2:08AM

Is it now back to the 'red phone' crux for Beck?

Roy Smith| 9.1.10 @ 5:12AM

As a non American but a keen follower of your political scene I found the article fair and sound. It is unfortunate that American news abroad is heavily tainted with left wing ideology. Only by watching Fox News and checking out some more right of centre news magazines can we get a more balanced view. For what it's worth I like hearing Glenn Beck, his common sense and his clear no nonsense illuminating lectures. Best by far when criticizing the many faults has he sees it of the administration and the vast mistakes that deserve bringing out onto the surface. All the many facets that are continuously ignored by a majority of the media. Ignored also by the correspondents putting their version of American events and twisting the quality of the personalities involved.

Rowley| 9.1.10 @ 7:44AM

This was about the hunger from the core of the soul of We the People for a return to honor and joining us together to encourage one another with a focus on God.
Yes, it was not the political focus of most other events. Yes, it is an outreach to include an added number of our people to express the beliefs we all have held dear and wish to restore and reinforce.
The added venue to evidence the presence of honorable Americans expressing their belief of God in their lives and nation does not compete with but adds to all the other outlets which encourage us all.

Spiritof76| 9.1.10 @ 7:52PM

Why do we always look for some perfection in everything when we have strayed so far away from our Founding principles that 1787 has become a blur?
Mr. Beck is right in that without of personal transformation, longing for the idyllic times of our Founding is a waste. Mr. Beck goades people to get to their own sense of personal responsibility and integrity through getting back to religious teachings. While that may not appeal to everyone, moral virtue is a necessary and sufficient condition for small government, at every level. Mr. Madison wrote that if people were angels there wouldn't be any need for a government. It follows naturally that only people with virtue can approach small government and maximum liberty.

dawn| 9.2.10 @ 10:21AM

This has to be the most intelligent series of comments I have ever read on an internet article. I know I am commenting late but I hope someone reads my part of the discussion.
I believe Beck is trying to bring us back to first principles of reliance on God. If we do not have inalienable rights from Our Creator, where do they come from? What is the basis of conservatism, otherwise?
As a mainline Protestant, of course I have problems with Mormonism. But a reliance on Our Creator does not mean we have to all insist on the same Christian God. Do not other Christians here see that much as we view Mormonism as a heretical Christianity, are we not a heretical Judaism to Jews? Do we exclude Jews from American Conservatism while expecting them to be satisfied with the sop of our "judeo-christian values"?
We are not a theocracy nor should we be. But freedom of religion is not freedom from religion. We need to each rely on God in our lives and hope He leads us to the truth. I think Beck's truly ecumenical rally was wonderful in that it brings us all back to first principles.
My biggest concern with Beck's Mormonism is that he is a convert rather than born into it. I know religion is a deeply personal matter but this conversion makes his judgment questionable, at least in this area. But still, God speaks and acts through each of us and we are all part of His Divine Plan. Beck seems to be fulfilling his calling.
Earthly Utopia is a false promise of the Left. Our Founders and Framers did not have it and neither will we. But with God's help, maybe we can get off this suicidal track the country is on. There really is no place left on Earth that we can retreat from this fight anyway. So we all need to pray so we will know HOW to act. We cannot get of this mess by ourselves without His help.

TKPedersen| 9.2.10 @ 4:23PM

Other than your comment on "Born into" vis a vie "Converted", I agree wholeheartedly with your comment. Clearly, the writings of the Founders of our Country took a belief in God as a given, and their writings never contemplated a secular existence for our governance. The twisting of the non-establishment clause is an ongoing shame on our courts.

T.K.Pedersen| 9.2.10 @ 4:17PM

I do not think Beck is a "Conservative Talk Show Host." Yes, he is conservative, and he often talks about political events, but my sense is always that he is a patriotic American who has discovered "learning." And when his learning and observations hit on something that he enthusiastically believes, he is moved to share it with his audience. I learn from his show...and, to be sure, I also do my own follow-up research to check...as many others have said, trust but verify. But I feel that Beck is a natural teacher...that is what his show does...he shares what he has learned and tells you to think about it and see if you feel as he does...he is permissive in his offerings. That, I think, is what drives Progressive-liberals wild...he does not command, he shares and invites challenge and follow-up. He never talks down to anyone. It is this enthusiastic existence for discovery that makes him real(IMHO) and keeps me, at least, watching and learning.

Joe R| 9.2.10 @ 4:30PM

Wondering why you didn't mention Michael Savage in your list of conservative radio talk show hosts. He is the most intelligent of the bunch.

Ron Hert| 9.2.10 @ 8:40PM

There you go again, you miss the whole point there moderate-the whole was about personal honor-honesty, humility, and thoughtfulness-those traits that God has inspired men to actively follow, but many fall short thereof. However there is no more time to experiment-All Americans need to turn to God and his principles, and most importantly follow these principles when dealing one on one or serving and representing the public. Glenn was trying to say that it is not the time to judge the past but to look at the people that are serving now-to see that they follow God's principles. If not then it is time to vote for only those that have been as close to these principles as possible-Conservatives.

MSeery| 9.2.10 @ 9:16PM

I love to watch Beck on TV, too. I was at Beck's rally, too. Beck understands that the Founders could only do what they did with faith in God. He also understands that in order to fix America, we have to be re-Founders. Before we can do that, we have to return to God and the moral principles our religions teach us, with faith in Divine Providence. That the Idea of America and America's Promise is inherently right. I am dismayed the author mentioned the money raised by Hannity but did not mention the $5 million Beck raised from the rally for the Special Operations Warrior Foundation.

Tenn Slim| 9.3.10 @ 9:20AM

I can agree, AMEN.
Mr Glenn, Congrats on the Half Million attendees. A true Logistics Coup.
Semper Fi
end