The Classic Liberal Blog

People seem to forget (or wish away), that people on America's "Right" have always been at odds with each other. Being that there's so many flavors of "Right," it's common sense. Nor is it any different on the "Left."

Yet today, it seems everyone on the "Right" deems themself the "gatekeeper," the Sergeant at Arms who decides who gets to be 'in', and who's 'out'. The latest outburst of this mentality, comes from Dan Riehl's post, "I Come Not to Praise Glenn Beck, But to Bury Him."

Really? Bury him? Did someone forget to take their meds?

Let's think about this ...

Do you listen to music? Of course you do.

Some of you probably think Elvis was the "King," while others think Led Zeppelin was the greatest rock n' roll band of all time. Some of you think I've got it all wrong, because Hank Williams Jr. is the best, or gasp ... Michael Jackson.

If Dan Riehl and I were to pick our favorite bands, I'd pick Metallica, and Riehl would probably pick, oh, I don't know ... Culture Club. And that's OK. We don't need to listen to the same kinds of music to be acquaintances, or friends, or even family members. We're free to choose.

There are approximately 309,162,581 unique individuals in America. This means there's also 309,162,581 different styles, tastes, and preferences. American's are individuals, not sheep.

[I]t’s almost exciting to watch Glenn Beck inject a new vitality into the nation’s political discourse. Nearly every one of Beck’s shows packs the respect, depth, sincerity, and intelligence of a good joke at a funeral parlor into one uproarious hour after another. I don’t know how anyone can keep from snickering … at least a little bit. So, what’s the harm in a good joke?

The harm as I see it is that so many seem to be taking the joke seriously. But can you blame them? No, probably not. The media culture of today has done everything in its power to prevent the right from seeing a serious, effective leadership emerge on the national stage.

Taking what "joke" seriously?

Sure, Beck likes to inject humor into what he's doing, but that only makes the show more enjoyable. Is he perfect? No.

Personally, I think his over-emotional drama-logues, are a bit much. And I find his activist ideas a bit too mainstream for my taste. I still like him though. I'm a big boy, I don't need everyone to be like me.

The "media culture of today" is going to do "everything in its power" to destroy the "Right" no matter what. You can't control that. No amount of Puritan behavior can cure it either. So, you either go "Full Monty" (probably NSFW), or fold and just walk away.

You, as an individual, have no responsibility to "defend" Glenn Beck in the first place, nor should you. Because "Oh, that Glenn Beck said ... ," is not a legitimate form of debate. Instead, go after them, like you're going after Glenn Beck right now!

... prevent the right from seeing a serious, effective leadership emerge on the national stage.

Americans (particularly on the political "Right"), have a deep knowing of their personal sovereignty. It's not something they think about. It's just there. So while I appreciate your concern from a party-first perspective ... the "bubble" on that strategy is about to burst, too.

Since registering to vote almost 23 years ago, I've witnessed nothing but both the federal and state governments, consistently grow and move further to the Left. You can tell me how "different" the 2 parties are, all you want ... In my book, the only thing that matters is we're always getting the same results. Serfdom.

Maybe it's because I live in Michigan ... Or maybe it's just me. But I don't think conservatives are looking for a "leader," at least not anymore. We don't believe in "the One." Instead, we'd prefer many people (including ourselves) out there exposing this government coup for what it is, and teaching the message of freedom ... Anyway they know best.

There Are No Gatekeeper's

The Republican Party apparatus can work to avoid having certain people vote for them if they want to, because the reality is, they're a business. Conservatism however, is a philosophy. A way of life.

Nor is conservatism a form of "governing." Instead, conservatism is one's self-awareness to exercise constraint.

So, go on about your own business. If you want to argue with others on the "Right," do so. We'd most likely be stronger if we debated meaningful things amongst ourselves. People would learn more about conservatism this way, while helping everyone sharpen their message along the way.

But this playing "gatekeeper" nonsense, is so like, "gag me with a spoon."

People are individuals, not Wal-Marts. Just because you like Culture Club, doesn't mean everyone has to like them too. So get over your bad self, and just be happy there's growing competition in conservative commentary.

And the next time you have an urge to "bury" someone ... Send me an email, I've got an endless list of them on the "Left."