Glenn Beck The Jester

Glenn Beck lectured the Republican Party on purity before the Conservative Political Action Conference, berating the GOP for spending too much and expanding the size and scope of the federal government. Mr. Beck called on the GOP to show contrition and follow the same twelve steps Mr. Beck took when recovering from alcoholism. The irony that that the explosive spending Mr. Beck decries occurred at the hands of self-proclaimed conservative Republicans, some born again and others recovering alcoholics, who have been the leaders of the GOP in Congress and the White House does not seem to faze his frenzy.

Mr. Beck attacked the “big tent” Republican philosophy and equated the policy to Republican elected officials losing their soul upon arriving in Washington. However, the only forsaken souls are those of conservative politicians who gladly conspired with President George W. Bush to expand the size of government and its debt and deficit. Moderates in the GOP are the ones who have traditionally fought for PayGo legislation that checks government spending with offsetting budget cuts or tax increases; legislation that forces tough decisions by lawmakers when constructing a budget.

Mr. Beck went so far as to impugned President Teddy Roosevelt by confusing Roosevelt’s promotion of philanthropy (a trait central to the American spirit) with progressive government spending when quoting the 26th President. Perhaps Mr. Beck should be aware of another Roosevelt quote: “The men with the muck rakes are often indispensible to the well of society; but only if they know when to stop raking the muck.”