Friday, August 20, 2010

Greta Van Susteren To Glenn Beck: "Move Your Rally"

In a surprising statement, fellow Fox pundit, Greta Van Susteren, had come out against Glenn Beck's big tea party rally, questioning the "wisdom" of having the event at the same place on the asme date as Martin Luther King Jr.'s famed "I have a dream" speech.

Van Susteren had written the following on her Fox News blog:
On August 28th my colleague Glenn Beck is going to lead an event on the mall in Washington, DC. It is the anniversary of Martin Luther King's "I have a dream" speech. The event is causing much controversy ...some support and some don't support and some are even furious and upset. Yes he has a First Amendment right to do it...but what about the wisdom of it? Remember...the Muslims in NYC have a First Amendment right to build a mosque but most Americans don't want it...and you have to ask the wisdom of the Muslims to push the issue. Just because you have the right to do something does not mean you should. My view? No mosque at ground zero and Glenn should move his event.
Do I agree with Van Susteren about moving Beck's party?

No.

I also disagree with her regarding the "Ground Zero mosque," but I find her comparison quite interesting and very appropriate.  Glenn Beck is trying to redefine the Civil Rights movement to fit in with his political agenda, just as he alleges the Manhatten Islamic community center is trying to redefine September 11th.  Basically, Glenn Beck is being a hypocrite.

I personally believe that if Beck wants to have his rally on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial, then he should be allowed (given that he goes through all the procedural hurdles required in organizing such an event).  I don't agree with Beck's politics or his decision, and I believe that he purposefully chosen the date and location (despite claiming ignorance) and had no consideration for those who may have considered the event to be "hallowed."

The "Ground Zero mosque" is not on the location of the World Trade Center, and so I don't find Van Susteren's comparison to be all that accurate - I find her reference of Beck's tea party pageant to be a more accurate situation in relation to the sentiments felt by the far right.

It is also interesting that she uses the word "wisdom" in the same context that the president had, and like the president, she has come under fire from the far right who believe there is a clear difference between Beck's rally and the community center...

I'll tell you who did have an excellent message for the far right - Jon Stewart.  On his program Thursday night, Stewart referenced a speech given by Charlton Heston over ten years ago for the National Rifle Association regarding an event scheduled close to the site of the Columbine massacre.


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