Arguing with idiots
Author: Glenn Beck
Posted by: Deirdre8** - 9/9/2010
Rating:
University: Yale University
Category: Political Satire
Year of Publication: 2009
Keywords: Arguing, Beck, Debate
Purchase: http://www.amazon.com/Arguing-Idiots-Small-Minds-Government/dp/1416595015
Description
During the Middle Ages, it was somewhat common for religious arguments to be presented in written form. This format usually involved two characters, each with a different point of view. There would be questions or statements by one character which were refuted by the other character, who was a stand-in for the author's belief. With this book, Glenn Beck has revived an old format for a new age.
The book is divided into ten chapters, each one covering a single topic, and there are questions which are responded to by Beck's character. In addition, there are also little side comments, sometimes called "A.D.D. Moments" and sometimes direct quotes by people Beck doesn't agree with, said quotes putting those people in the worst possible light.
Love him or hate him (there appears to be no middle ground) Beck writes cogently (if often humorously) and well. He states his point of view on one subject and then moves on to another. Beck claims that he is a Libertarian rather than either a Democrat or a Republican, but I'm sure liberal readers (if there are any who actually finish this book) will be convinced that Beck is just another member of the ""vast right-wing conspiracy"" to quote Hillary Clinton at the beginning of the Monica fiasco. I don't know what he is, because he takes almost as many shots at the GOP as he does at the Dems, so I'll take him at his word about his party leanings.
Beck is conservative in the sense that he opposes ""big government"" and what he calls the "Nanny State", which is one that hovers over just about every aspect of American life. He fears that we are going into that situation, and there are enough signs around (for those who want to recognize them) that he might (just might) be correct. I'm a big believer in the policy of "wait and see" so I don't make any judgments on his theories and opinions.