Glenn Beck Really Doesn’t Get Europe
Update: I got the video which Fox removed and it’s back. Shhhh…
Beck knows America. He understands our great nation better than most, but he does not know very much about Europe. This occurred to me today when he called Geert Wilders a fascist, which, he explained, was the same as “far right” in the European context. What Glenn Beck fails to understand is that Geert Wilders defies categorization by European standards, which are so far to the left that they would require a dictatorship to enforce if Europeans weren’t complacent to the point of utter submission.
Geert Wilders is your typical liberal in the Pat Caddell/Ron Radosh sense of the term. He believes in human rights and the rule of law, but like his hero Winston Churchill, he believes in big government, the nanny state, and enormous unsustainable entitlement programs. It would never occur to him legalize firearms or privatize the medical system. He’s more Evan Bayh than Mussolini.
Here’s the key difference between Europe and America: liberty. Europe never had it. They used to enjoy basic human rights such as relative freedom of speech and freedom of religion (which Jews and Christians no longer enjoy, as Beck is aware – watch the second video below), but never the right to bear arms and anything resembling free market capitalism. The last two probably never occurred to Wilders. He’s fighting for basic human rights — against fascism.
Human rights went out the window in Europe when, out of deference to Islamic law, thought crimes became federal cases, the EU legalized pedophilia, the UK decided to enforce the sale of teenagers into incestuous sex slavery under threat of death through the court system. Wilders is fighting to bring human decency back to Europe, not fascism.
Leaders like Geert Wilders (and Sarkozy and Berlusconi) are neither European far right (fascist) nor European far left (communist). They believe in basic human rights, protecting and defending their respective countries (which is their job), and the preservation of Western civilization, but they’re way to the left of JFK. If they must be haphazardly lumped in with other European leaders please throw them in the really tiny, dusty pile with Margaret Thatcher.
Just as Glenn Beck doesn’t get Europe, so I don’t get Glenn Beck sometimes. Just a few months ago he was concerned with the plight of Europe’s Jews, who are once again in Exodus because of Muslim immigration. He seemed to care that nihilists whose god is really the almighty State (as is the case with all leftists, be they of the Mohammedan or the Marxist persuasion) wanted to destroy everything that was good about Europe. Now considering little girls, Jews, Christians, and gays to be human beings rather than jihad fuel is “fascist.”
Next time Beck decides to talk about Europe he should bring back Stuart Varney for a little perspective. Varney gets Europe.
Here’s a quick test to determine whether someone’s a fascist: if he loves Israel and America he’s not a fascist.
Trackbacks and Pingbacks
- Heartache: Foxnews opinion shows trash Geert Wilders
- Beck Video Removed — Winds Of Jihad By SheikYerMami
- More on Glenn Beck’s European Blind Spot | NewsReal Blog
- Glenn Beck Does Not Understand Student Loans | NewsReal Blog
- The Mid-Week Wilders Round-Up, March 17th 2010 « Defend Geert Wilders
- Tea partiers and Fox AccuracyPage 5
Geert Wilders loves Israel and loves America and he is NO FASCIST! I get very angry when I read or hear some idiot that has absolutely no clue what they are talking about! Geert Wilders is the one politician who has stood up for the European Jews and Israel´s right to exist without hesitation! I am an American living in the Netherlands and I will be the first to respond on here to say Geert Wilders is the best thing that could ever happen to European Union to do away with anti-Semitism, and also do away with radical Islamists that want to do harm to the West.
But as this article correctly states, he believes in big government and the nanny state. The American conservative's love affair with him is emblematic of what I think has become a myopic view of foreign policy and Islamic extremism.
Yes, foreign policy and Islamic extremism are extremely important.
But why don't they take a holistic view of the candidate?
Geert Wilders' economic views are irrelevant. He's not an American politician. He's not advocating economic programs with our tax dollars. He's an important ally in the fight against Islamofascism.
But doesn't Glenn usually mean fascist as an economic term? (which it really is…)
All I'm trying to say is that the article's analysis is correct .
Ah. Carry on then.
I'll chime in with Sandra's comments regarding the charge Wilders is providing us with here in Europe – a counter balance to the longstanding socialist and politically correct view. Geert is very much a Conservative-Liberal. Liberal however in the European sense, not the American – all too often I read how American's slump Lib.s and Socialists together – utterly crazy. You guys need a serious overhaul on your political choices. A two party system is hell.
The best way to look at Euro/American politics is to imagine two political spectrums, Left to Right offset by one quarter. Euro being more left and American of course being more right.
Glenn Beck has never been to Bradford or Oldham in Britain. Nor Malmo, Sweden or the Banleau's of Paris. If he had he'd know what Wilders means.
Muslim councillors and it's leader in Tower Hamlets in London are members of Maududi inspired organisations. Maududi espoused a Fascist/Communist style Islamic totalitarianism.
Beck is at his best lampooning Obama. His defence of Islam in Europe is misguided.
I tell you I almost fell off of the couch last night.
Thanks for clearing this up.
Hopefully Beck will retract his statement, but I am doubtful.
Yes, Wilders loves humanity, freedom and liberty. He is no fascist.
I am a native born Dutchman . Have lived in the USA for 54 years ..Was 13 when I left .
The Netherlands and Europe today are a disaster . In my native country many many churches have been converted to mosques . The policy of letting Muslims into the country and immediately giving them more benifits than natives is nuts. Geert Wilders is the Lone Voice calling attention to this . I pray to God that his voice will be heard . Islam is a cancer.. You dont treat a cancer by feeding it. I have traveled in Middle Eastern countries and done lots of business there . As a society they are very unhappy . Many of them despise their enforced religion .. They all want to leave if given an opportunity.
If Europe maintains their present course .They will become just like the Middle East .
I didn't hear Beck call Wilders 'fascist' but rather said he was 'far right.' I presume you haven't been watching Glenn Beck and his summary of linear ideology (my term) and his elaboration on ideologies as they are associated with the nouns Communism and Fascism. A common problem in many discussions is that one person's word for a concept or ideology doesn't necessarily designate the same idea or concept for many listening. That's how we in the USA have elected a president who is a Progressive but is understood by many to be a Democrat.
he most certainly did say he was a facsist. Listen AGAIN, your brain could prob not accept what was coming out of his mouth. It was quite a SHOCK!!
Beck clearly said Wilders represented fascism in Europe. Now the video has been removed this morning from Internet websites by Fox "due to copyright claim by Fox." What does that tell you? Fair and balanced?
Yeah, why WAS that video removed? Was Mr. Shoebat correct in his analysis of Fox?
I'm not sure I know what a fascist is any more! Can someone please provide me with an example of a modern day fascist AND please include what it is about their thoughts/actions/policies that makes them fascist?
{I'm reading Jonah Goldberg's "Liberal Fascism", but I've got nearly 400 pages to go}
Socialism advocates state ownership of the means of production.
Fascism advocates state control of the means of production.
Hitler's Germany was a Fascist state.
Today's America is a quasi Fascist state — part free, part slave — sometimes called a mixed economy.
Beware of people who obscure the meaning of Fascism. Many use it as a synonym for evil.
LOL…thaty.s easy , it;s a fairly new word used by the right to describe their opponents …the Democrats ,and specifically any policy they may support
I take issue with Fox's analysts calling him far right as Krauthammer did last night…it looks like they don't really listen to what he says. And if Beck did it, I take issue with him too, even though I love him. Wilders' speech in London was extremely clear…his issue is Islam itself, not the average Muslim. I posted that speech on my blog because I think it is an extremely important and clear message in the times of chaos in which we live. :
http://tinyurl.com/yctvauz
It doesn't surprise me that Beck doesn't get Europe. because in some ways, he doesn't get America either. He completely trashed Debra Medina when she said that she didn't know if she believed that the government had a hand in 9/11, but she believed in peoples freedom of thought. He called her a truther and treated her like she was a leper.
I would just call her a wingnut!
That’s because she is just THAT . I can’t stand idiots like Beck , but he got thios one right .If she’s a 9/11 truther , she’s a traitor …..it aint “free speech ” when you join the chorus of the enemy ….sure she’s free to say iut , just like Becks free to call her out on it . And so would ….for the record , she’s either an idiot or a traitor .
Another thing that has been bugging me lately is how easy it's been for Fox analysts to throw under the bus the people who have legitimate questions about Obama's NATURAL BORN birth status. There's more and more info coming out all the time, but they are just tossing it out with discussion. I wish they would interview legitimate people who are behind the scenes ferreting out the corruption that went on in the Democrat Party in the 2008 election. There is some good work going on.
Has Fox ever questioned why NOT ONE Muslim country has ever disavowed or condemned the savage and brutal acts of "Jihadists" like blowing up school children or decapitating a journalist? How in Islamic countries there is no Freedom of Speech, or women's rights, or that there is a DEATH PENALTY for homosexuality and EVERY MUSLIM MUST believe in this as true and just!! Lets get honest with this before it is too late! Beck, whom I admire got it VERY WRONG. I hope he sees his error and is man enough to correct it. That is, if FOX lets him.
Glenn Beck is my hero, but he got it very wrong. Geert Wilders is the most courageous man in Europe. I think Beck will get enough comments of outrage back to him over his erroneous comments about Wilders that he will (hopefully) “get it” later!
Don’t count on it, I don’t think Beck is particularly intelligent. As conservative as I am, I think he’s pompous ass.
I love Glenn Beck, but he got it very wrong. Geert Wilders is the most courageous man in Europe. I think enough people will be outraged about this that Beck will get feedback and do his homework on Wilders and then finally "get it". The two men are basically singing in the same choir, but Beck doesn't know that yet.
I have watched Beck for several years, have seen Wilders on his show at least twice.
Before coming to Fox, Beck used to spend days and sometimes a week on Islamist. Muslim riots in the streets of cities in Europe burning tires, setting buildings on fire. I think if you Youtube – 'Beck, Perfect Storm, Islamist' they will pop up….might have to play around with the wording but the last time i looked they were there. In those, he had Bolton or Rosenberg, I think, that said they were like sharks bumping us.
I think you and Geller and others interpreted what you wanted from his statement. I watched it last night and I didn't interpret it that way. He was talking about Jacqui what's her name not letting Wilders into the UK last year….communist or facicist? Sarkozy possibly out and the other guy that is far right taking his place. I think Gilders was just in the mix for UK – first couldn't and then could go and show his film.
Wilders is more like Bayh? I am from Indiana and I like Bayh, but he is not in the same league with Wilders. Bayh would no more investigate ISNA, close borders or speak out against Islamists than Obama. He was on track to get beat BIG TIME here.
Beck plainly said Wilders was a fascist or represents fascism. Do you agree with Glenn Beck?
Here are some videos from Beck from when he was on headline news and with Wilders last year on FoxNews.
Brad Thor discusses Fitna with Glenn Beck – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JKVbp4k_hdQ
Glenn Beck: Islam Exposed (1 of 6) – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7s6-GvS4dGo&fe...
The Perfect Day – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O8MKx3IRPcg – from headline news in 2007
Geert Wilders from Feb 2009 on Beck – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sLjjs-5feBA
In my opinion he gets Islam and he is on the side of Wilders.
Fox has done at least 6 hour long specials on Islam – http://www.hulu.com/fox-news-specials
page 1 – escape from hamas
page 2 – jihad usa: homegrown terror; iran:the ticking time bomb
page 3 – iran and the bomb; radical islam, terror in its own words;
iran: the nuclear threat; why we fight terrorism
I'm from Indiana too. If we were in the same position as Europe Bayh would stand for Judeo-Christian values just as he had always stood for Israel. The difference is that Wilders is incredibly honest and Bayh has spent his entire life biting his tongue.
Beck is Mormon and rabid anti-Birther.
Wilders is not a leftist
1. He does support more funding for the elderly
2. He is against war
However
3.. He supports a smaller government and reduced taxes
4. He is a strongly against crime and criminals
5. He supports small business
6. He is opposed to Islamization of the Netherlands
If anything Wilders is closer to being a soft Libertarian than anything. But he is not a fascist and not a leftist, which of course are usually the same the same thing.
I gave up watching Beck. He is a bore and his gig is boring. His stance against the Birthers shows that he too can sell out. O'Reilly I understand because he tries to stay in the middle but Beck who claims to champion the Constitution and then attacks the Birthers with such vigor is a damn hypocrite and those go on my list of people right next to bad whores.
But what would you know? You're a birther…
Beck is a Mormon, but Wilders is an atheist. Beck is an anti-birther, but even though we don't have a birth certificate released, there was an announcement in the local Hawaiian newspaper announcing his birth, along with the time of his birth and where he was born. That's just one point of the anti-birthers. Have they been planning the Obama presidency since he was a child? With all due respect, the birther movement has a fairly weak argument until they can answer questions like that. If they can show me good evidence, i would jump right on board, since I am no Obama fan, but they don't have much of an argument.
Wilders also doesn't support religious freedom. I agree Islam is a backward religion, and am fine with limiting immigration, but he wants to make it illegal to wear a head scarf! The founding fathers would be disgusted with such a law. That, if it were in the United States, would be outright unconstitutional. I am a believer that the Constitution is built on universal and eternal principles, and Wilders is opposing those principles by what is fascism. Islam is a false religion, but how would you feel if the US made it illegal to wear a cross around your neck? It's the same thing. I believe in freedom of religion, and freedom to express your religion, anything else is fascism.
Overall though i like Geert Wilders, but i wouldnt want him in office here in the US. In the end, an atheist is no better in God's eyes than a muslim, or a fake Christian. Pray for all of them though, and don't base all of these arguments and debates in anger, but in love.
Well, i shouldn't say anger, since there is righteous anger, but just not hate.
You know, I don’t know what to think of this “Birther” stuff, but I am curious as to why Obumba would spend 2 millions dollars keeping his vault birth certificate from being released.
Here is the truth. CAIR went to Beck, O'Rielly and Savage and told them that if they didn't stop saying negative things about Muslims they were going to get get Muslims and other useful idiots to boycott their sponsers. Of the 3 only Savage told hem to go to hell. Both Beck and O'Rielly backed off and in some cases have even kissed up. O'Rielly did it when he invites CAIR spokesman and Jew hater I. Hooper on lets him spout on and then calls him a stand up guy. Now I guess it was Becks turn to kiss up by bashing Wilders.
More like Prince Alwaleed went to Roger Ailes.
ahh yes , the lowest common denominater …..MONEY .As the situation in Europe worsens , it will be interesting to see how mogul Murdock and his highly paid lackeys , give their "balanced OPINIONS " .
In the meantime EVERYONE is afarid to speak the truth-
Any "GOOD MUSLIM " ………wants you dead or converted .
Funny how Savage can loudly proclaim the Pres . a nazi/commie /marxist / and Beck and Hannity et al , every accusation they can think of [ or make up ] and NONE OF THEM will tell it like it is with Islam.
" it's the money " stupid .
I find it amazing that at the very time Geert Wilders is being prosecuted for hate speech against Islam, the Muslim protesters calling for Wilders' death were not even asked to stop, much less prosecuted. The police just stared at them while they shouted death threat after death threat. Wilders has not called for the death of a single Muslim… he has only exposed Islam. Muslims themselves have admitted that Islam calls for the death of all nonMuslims, and worldwide dominance… by deadly force, if necessary.
Thank God for the new and timely revelations from Mosab Yousef who is not only echoing the words of Wilders, but reinforcing them with enormous credibility because he is the son of the founder of Hamas, grew up as a Muslim, memorized half of the koran before converting to Christianity.
Mr. Tabler is absolutely correct on all of his comments. He clearly states that he is not against Muslims but he is against their religion. Read Robert Spencer on jihadwatch.org to get a real interpretation of what the Koran says and means. Obviously Fox commentators haven't done this. Mr. Wilders is trying to alert us to this sick belief. It is overtaking Europe and we will be next if we don't pay attention to what's going on in Europe.
The Europe I now live in is not the Europe I was born into. Islam has changed everything (for the worse) and this more Islamic Europe has little freedom left. When people like Beck (who I respect in many ways) makes this kind of remark it really wrangles. Are we supposed not to defend ourselves against the rising tide of intolerance? Look what is happening to Jews in Turkey, France, Denmark and Sweden.
Beck needs to read another book – on Islam and what it has done to Europe. Geert Wilders is a European hero (and, in case he didn't notice, we don't have that many heroes in Europe) – Geerts' motto is plain and clear: "no tolerance for the intolerant". There is nothing extreme about that.
AMEN!
The unexpected and inexplicable vilification of Wilders (among others) is a common thing – it happens in his own country too: people you would expect to be sympathetic to his position throw him under a bus instead, when they themselves are being perceived as allies by mainstream watchdogs.
The sanitary curtain in Eurabia is still so terrifying – if not actually life-threatening- that it is each man for himself. Here people have enough trouble trying to stay afloat on their own issues, so they usually give other social lepers a very wide berth..
Wilders does the same thing incidently when placed next to Filip De Winter f.i., or god forbid Nick Griffin – leader of the British National Party, and so did Fortuyn.
But seeing that this demonization is not only hurtful and embarrassing, but potentially lethal maybe it is an understandable tactic.
“Divide and Conquer" is still a trusty tool for anyone trying to pick their way in the public arena nowadays
It all has to do with courage and cowardice.
Shame, shame on you Dr. Krauthammer for not defending and standing up for Geert Wilders. Free speech is all you could say. You have possibly irreparably destroyed your excellent reputation for clear and honest thinking. How could you so easily turn traitor to the truth. As for Kristol, he is nothing but a paid blabermouth. Who listens to him anymor? Mr. Wilders is trying to save western civilization as we know it. The west has a death wish and you furthered it. Dr. Krauthammer please check out Robert Spencer, Steve Emerson, or Daniel Pipes, you may learn something and start your rehabilitation.
I've been watching this apologist for Islam for years now. I think Dr. Krauthammer is a lost cause.
Kristol is not a conservative by any stretch of the imagination. Krauthammer likes being liked and invited by the lefty media too much to be courageous.
What ? Krauthammer is a Fox Darling and a standard fixture on Fox . What do you guys do ? As soon as one of your boys go sour , you assign them "Lefty Status " …what bloody hypocrisy . Krauthammers a shill , just like Murdock and his "boys " Beck and Hannity .
Whattyas gonna do when Bimbo Limbaugh crashes and burns …call him a "lefty " too ?
True, just because Wilders is at bat now standing up to Islamization, doesn't make him George Washington, but he's still a hero for what he's done. The real battle is in educating people to Islam and its horrible history to let it condemn itself. Learn it all free online with the Historyscoper and arm your mind with knowledge and facts and build a mental map at http://go.to/islamhistory
Fascism is when the state is paramount and all allegiance goes to the state rather than family, religious ties, any personal ties. Wilders is not promoting this. He is simply trying to save his country.
You’re right, Obumba and the democraps are the one’s promoting fascism.
What bothers me most is that the entire "panel" went along last night. Even my heretofore hero Dr. Krauthammer who said that Geert Wilders assertions are wrong. They are not wrong. That the "extremists" are the few that give the balance of the Muslim world the bad name is a commonly accepted approach. This may prove a very costly miscalculation on our part. Taken at face value, each and every Muslim, if they are to be considered "good Muslims" would have to follow the Qur'an without question. This would inexorably lead them to proclaim Jihad on any non-believer.
Not one of them refuted what Geert Wilder had to say. I have to wonder, though I faithfully watch Fox News, is there a reason for the defense of Islam? Is there a reason they fail to mention the Coptic Christians being killed in Egypt? Or the Nigerian Christians of this past week? Why is it always a "few extremists" and not the entire belief system that would even include such terms as "Jihad" that are called into question? Let us all take a real close look at this system of Islam and draw our own conclusions. Isn't that how a Free Society functions anyway? Give us the facts without interpretation.
I also was very disappointed last night when Beck called Wilders a fascist. It did fit in with his claim that all the problems they have in Europe (as well as here) , are due to groups on the far left and the far right. So he had to put Wilders somewhere, and it happened to be the far right. He also wanted to be fair and balanced, and for this he had to invent a non-existent bogeyman on the right. Was he threatened by CAIR? About an hour later I was again disappointed by Krauthammer etc. He sounded almost as intimidated as todays European jews.
Another comment: common sense would give Birthers at least some benefit of the doubt, but Truthers remain way off the chart (wackos).
"but Truthers remain way off the chart (wackos)."
SPOT ON!
America's gun rights came from English law; England had gun rights until after WWII. The Netherlands gave us religious toleration; Britain & the Netherlands once had more free trade than the US has ever had. Only an ignoramus would claim Europe never had liberty.
The treason of the pseudo intellectual. The self educated Glenn Beck, having recently read some book or other, has been on a crusade showing how Teddy Roosevelt and Woodrow Wilson are responsible for all the world’s woes. He really needs to update his reading list. I would suggest that he begin with Robert Spencer, Bat Yeor, Ibn Warraq and Serge Trifkovic. Instead of wasting time listening to Beck tune in to Michael Savage. He often rants and screams, but he is ten times the man that Beck is.
oh…and btw Facism is an abberation of the RIGHT , not the Left . Nice try though . And "birthers "get no "benefit of doubt " …they're IDIOTS plain and simple , for as a previous poster staed , and all birthers know , Obama's birth was announced , time place and parents , in an Hawaiin newspaper ,way back in the 50's. So they are no better in mentality than "flat earthers " who also get NO "benefit of the doubt ".
And they all come under the axiom of :
"YOU CAN'T FIX STUPID " .
Glen Beck don't get Europe ? Europe doesn't get Europe . But the Swedes are starting to develop a backbone in response to the uncovered plot to assasinate the auithor of the mohammed cartoon.
They've had a EPIPHANY as it were : an attack on ONE Swedes freedom of speech , is an attack on ALL Swedes –
three newspapers are republishing the cartoon ….BRAVO !!!!!!
WHERE'S THAT STORY MURDOCK ….et al ?????
Joseph Farah (WND) wrote this morning:
"Very simply, Glenn Beck needs to apologize to Geert Wilders.
"He needs to be a big enough man to say he misspoke.
"He needs to admit to his audience that, despite his obvious talent for gut-level showmanship, he still has much to learn about politics.
"Geert Wilders has enough irresponsible and violent enemies in the world without Glenn Beck's derision."
I am not generally proponent of apologies. In this case I believe an apology is warranted. Additionally it would serve to demonstrate whether Mr. Beck is man enough to admit he was wrong.
hope Joe Farah don't hold his breath waiting . Prince Al-aweed is calling the shots for FOX .. Saudi interests come first , and Murdock has already donned his DHIMMI GOWN >
Beck will do as he's told , just like throwing Wilders under the bus .
So you equate 'true freedom' with the right to bear arms? Unbelievable. Just cause you a packin, don't mean ya free, bro. Get a grip. Soon the Leftists are going to start buying guns again, just so you know.
GOOD!!! Ya never wanna bring a knife to a gunfight!!! Will they know which end is which?