THE SOCIALIST’S JOURNAL: The Unveiling of Glenn Beck

      *Weeks ago in this space, I questioned the usefulness of Glenn Beck and his ubiquity.

      I labeled him a demagogue and was convinced that he was more harmful than helpful to contemporary political discourse because he was more likely to pick at society’s scabs and wounds rather than apply or suggest any healing balm.

      Alas, this is changing.

      Beck, in conjunction with promoting his new book, is touring the country and producing a series of lectures and encouraging voter registration.

      Beck has decided to participate in the political process more substantially. There are only two possible sequences that can unfold from this decision both leading to the same conclusion.

      Beck can select effective speakers, do a good job of rallying folks to his side of the political aisle, and enact real political change. Alternatively, Beck can select less effective speakers, do a poor job rallying people, and engender political apathy. In either event Beck is beginning to lay his cards on the table. In going on this book/political tour Beck is taking steps to show if and how libertarianism can help Americans.

      The only problem is that libertarianism is not the answer. It is a great philosophy but a terrible governing system. Since the Declaration of Independence people have tried to install a system of limited government. Yet new issues consistently dictate government’s expansion. Beck’s answers for this country are the wrong answers. His tour gets us that much closer to seeing exactly what he has to offer and as a result, that much closer to being rid of him.

Trevor Brookins is a free lance writer in Rockland County, New York. He is currently working on a book about American culture during the Cold War and he maintains a blog called This Seems Familiar.  You can reach him at thesocialistsjournal@yahoo.com