At his website, GlennBeck.com, he has the following message leading off his presentation of the 9 principles.
"Do you watch the direction that America is being taken in and feel powerless to stop it?
Do you believe that your voice isn't loud enough to be heard above the noise anymore?
Do you read the headlines everyday and feel an empty pit in your stomach as if you're completely alone?
If so, then you've fallen for the Wizard of Oz lie. While the voices you hear in the distance may sound intimidating, as if they surround us from all sides the reality is very different. Once you pull the curtain away you realize that there are only a few people pressing the buttons, and their voices are weak. The truth is that they don't surround us at all.
We surround them."
Each person will have their own opinion about the principles. Before exploring those it should be noted the 'we' are 'We the People' and 'them' is many of the politicians currently under the impression they are in charge of our government. Mr. Beck reminds all those who pause long enough to listen we are in charge of the government. We may have forgotten this important fact yet that fact doesn't change unless we allow it. Based on the initial surge in participation more people every day across our great country are reawakening to the fact.
Glenn Beck doesn't expect everyone to accept all 9 principles but if anyone agrees with 7 out of the 9 he wants pictures of you. He will be unveiling his 'We Surround Them' movement on national TV March 13th. So, should you be rushing to send in a picture and inviting your friends and family to gather with you to watch the unveiling? Let's explore the 9 principles and you decide. Can you find 7 you embrace?
1. America is good
2. I believe in God and He is the Center of my Life.
3. I must always try to be a more honest person than I was yesterday.
4. The family is sacred. My spouse and I are the ultimate authority, not the government.
5. If you break the law you pay the penalty. Justice is blind and no one is above it.
6. I have a right to life, liberty and pursuit of happiness, but there is no guarantee of equal results.
7. I work hard for what I have and I will share it with who I want to. Government cannot force me to be charitable.
8. It is not un-American for me to disagree with authority or to share my personal opinion.
9. The government works for me. I do not answer to them, they answer to me.
There are also 12 values he believes are paramount to solving our challenges. Honesty, Reverence, Hope, Thrift, Humility, Charity, Sincerity, Moderation, Hard Work, Courage, Personal Responsibility, and Friendship.
I've invested many years of my life submerging myself in the founders and founding history of our country. We are the greatest experiment in government ever attempted. Knowing the founders as intimately as I've come to know them I would say Glenn Beck is right on-target. Gather your friends and family this week and visit GlennBeck.com. Discuss what you read and decide for yourself. For those who do embrace at 7 of the principles send him your picture and tune in March 13th.
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Remember our history, not our modern traditions that are moving us toward representative democracy. Here is some recommended reading to help begin the stirring of our memory. Study these with friends and family as if you were studying the scriptures of your religion or the stats of your favorite sports team.
Thomas Jefferson's Account of the Declaration
Independence a Solemn Day by Richard Henry Lee
U.S. Constitution and Amendments
1828 Webster's Dictionary (learn the language of the founders)
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The most important thing we can all restore is conversation regarding politics.
2008 by Gary Wood
Columnist, radio show host, and co-founder of Hear My Thunder.
March of Liberty Radio Show Sunday's at 7pm EST
1828 Webster's Dictionary (learn the language of the founders)
©2009 Gary Wood, all rights reserved. You must have written permission from the author in order to republish this work.
Published: Friday, February 13, 2009
Last modified: Friday, February 13, 2009
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Reader Comments:
Posted By: Timothy Gandee
Date: 2009-02-14 15:48:44
Government Person #1 suggests, "If we tie a white flag around the hands of all of the slaves, we can better identify them."
"We shouldn't do that," Government Person #2 replies, "if we tie a while flag around the hands of ALL of the slaves they will quickly realize there are many more of them than us."
Posted By: Gary
Date: 2009-02-14 17:04:52
That is pure classic! Too many today believe they are alone in their frustration with government. Wave our white flags with pride, we are many!!
Posted By: Brian McCandliss
Date: 2009-02-25 13:19:19
1. America is good
Which is why I don't vote.
2. "I believe in God and He is the Center of my Life."
You better not shout, you better not cry....
3. "I must always try to be a more honest person than I was yesterday."
Except about the past.
4. "The family is sacred. My spouse and I are the ultimate authority, not the government."
--Susan Smith.
5. "If you break the law you pay the penalty. Justice is blind and no one is above it."
Depending on what your definition of is is... ask OJ.
6. I have a right to life, liberty and pursuit of happiness, but there is no guarantee of equal results.
Including justice. See #5.
7. I work hard for what I have and I will share it with who I want to. Government cannot force me to be charitable.
Except to powerful special interests-- "only professionals get licenses.".
8. It is not un-American for me to disagree with authorityExcept Abe Lincoln.
or to share my personal opinion.Even if it violates American principles.
9. The government works for me. I do not answer to them, they answer to me.
"Me" the majority; The Constitution is just a battleship.
"There are also 12 values he believes are paramount to solving our challenges. Honesty, Reverence, Hope, Thrift, Humility, Charity, Sincerity, Moderation, Hard Work, Courage, Personal Responsibility, and Friendship."
And humility!
Posted By: Ed Gianos
Date: 2009-02-27 12:59:38
I agree with 7 of the principles. I will try to attend a viewing party on the 13th. I'm glad Brian doesn't vote!
Posted By: James R.
Date: 2009-03-06 08:24:09
Problem is, is there is no god. Checkmate.
Posted By: PL Gratz
Date: 2009-03-06 17:02:48
"Many are called few will come." All you have to do is stop and look around. Even then, many become "willingly ignorant". Perhaps Mister Beck is on to something or is he just behind the times?
Posted By: Jann
Date: 2009-03-08 07:41:47
I say Kudos to Glenn Beck , I watch your show and you are right on ,this is a whole new world we live in , we need more people like you to see the changes we have experienced in the last several years ,and I believe we are headed for more drastic changes than we realize ,I am a 77 year old widow and hate what the leaders are doing to our country . I lived thru the depression , my parents and 6 brothers and sisters never once thought about so many terrible things that could happen . where do we go from here ?
Thanks , Jann
Posted By: Alex
Date: 2009-03-10 19:59:04
Anyone who wants to seccede from this country does not love the Constitution. They want to tear it to shreads. Abraham Lincoln (R-IL) gave his life to preserve this great country when hate filled people wanted to tear it down. Our grandfathers gave their lives on the beaches of Normandy to protect the United States from an evil dictator. If you are disappointed by the results of the last election there will be another one in two short years. Work as hard as you can to change peoples' minds then. If this was four years ago and it was MA and CA that were talking about leaving the US Mr. Beck would be denouncing their sedition for what it is. America has never been a nation of quitters don't quit on America.
Posted By: CVJ
Date: 2009-03-11 05:33:01
Damn if this same thing was said last year Fox news would be crying about hating America. Different President now dissention is patriotic what a load of b.s.
Posted By: Gary
Date: 2009-03-11 06:32:31
Alex and CVJ it doesn't matter if this is the Obama or Bush administration for both have been equally in lock step against Constitutional principles as well as past administrations for over a century. This is not a question of secession at all. The election in two or four years will still be controlled by the two parties who, for the most part, have no respect for the Constitution.
It would be my hope no state will actually seceed from the union of sovereign states. We are not one country under the Constitution remember. We are a Constitutional Republic despite the efforts of a century to turn us into some nationalist democracy. Our grandfathers did give their lives in defense of our union of states. We, military veterans, understand our oath to uphold and defend our Constitution against enemies both foreign and domestic.
Those enemies assault our republic daily from the lofty rooms of the RNC and DNC where political control is vested today rather than in the people. It is time for reclaiming the grand experiment or departing from it. I for one vote to reclaim it. Anyone buying in to the facade of what our elections have become must pause to research our true heritage and then join the defense of our union of sovereign states and, more importantly, control of government by the people. National democracy fails and destroys rather than unites and allows for prosperity.
Posted By: Wes
Date: 2009-03-12 09:01:31
I am impressed (at minimum) by the passion some have. I am more impressed with the understanding and knowledge many have taken the time to aquirre. My brain allows me to think things THROUGH. The trouble I have is that while it may be easy to discover where we started from, and a little tougher to see where it is leading us, the toughest of all is to "decide" where it is we want to be in the future.
If we do indeed "decide" we want something different, we must also "decide" where we want things to go. If anyone has that vision clear enough in thier mind, please share.
Once this has been determined, I will gladly offer my service to be a part of the think tank that figures out how to get there. Then and only then, will you find me on the front lines with a smile on my face and determination in my eyes.
I would doubt anyone would seriously consider a complete overthrough of the United States government, and even if they did they would soon figure out that they are out gunned.
Bottomline: What do we want? More impotantly how ,do we (will we) give it our all? (and this is not just tiny ,though important things like emailing your congressmen) I want REAL, and THOUGHTFUL, direction. I will be glad to lead at that time.
Plan the work.......Work the plan.
Posted By: jody
Date: 2009-03-12 12:10:55
I think what Mr. Beck is saying is pretty simple, and to some degree answers each post on here thus far. Even James R. who wants to throw the baby out with the bath water. He talks to those that can agree with JUST 7 principles. Not all people will agree totally, although, many do.
He strongly agrees with the Constitution (PLAN) but, not with the people that we have chosen to apply it. If the constitution is followed properly the vast majority will agree it is the best plan ever put forth. Sorry Brian, thats how a democratic republic works, by majority.
Right now most of our problems have deep foundations in the government usurping the Constitution and enacting policies that are in conflict with the principles therein or in the failure of enforcing it. Prime examples are: The economy, which is a direct result of the government getting into the housing business (Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac) which threw the whole market (us) out of kilter. The immigration problem which has resulted from not enforcing the laws on the books (the system is not broken the enforcers were/are). Wall street deals like Enron or, as we see ,with Bernie Maddow, the failure of the SEC to protect the stocholders.
Mr. Beck sees this and feels, as do I, that the Constitution is under assault, and that most people feel helpless in getting the elected officials to restrict themselves to the functions of government set forth in the Constitution. We see a direct violation of these principles when the courts legislate from the bench and decry that it is a "living breathing " document to be interpreted at their discretion. Our elected and appointed officials have strayed so far from the path and muddled the processes that the public has become confuseded about the purpose and function of the government in our lives. A thought here is what President Ronald Reagan said, " government is not the solution to our problem; government is the problem.".
No matter how some Americans feel about the country, the United States of America is still the envy of the world and is the destination of more immigrants than any other nation. I can hardly put much stock in criticisms from nations that are in such poor states themselves and wish that they could be half as prosperous as us.
While we are pondering what Mr. Beck has put out there, I would like everyone to remember that the United States has enemies. Just because the USSR failed does not mean that the assualt on and the desired destruction of this nation has ended. Our enemies know it can not be done militarily and their only "in" is through our courts, schools, press, and polititians. We would be foolish to think they are not already in place and working feverishly to bring on the downfall of this nation. Remember Alger Hiss was in FDRs State Department and we have had many others spies throughout our history and they are still there. I would not only be surprized but amazed if they are not in our Congress and/or Senate now. There absolutly can be no doubt that their influences are there. So please bear this in mind when You hear or read criticisms of our core principles and values set forth in the Constitution and Declaration of Independence. There are no finer documents, but there are abuses and underming actions being carried out right now. We have to tell our officials we will not stand for it.
Posted By: Mike Wells
Date: 2009-03-13 09:52:51
"and I believe we are headed for more drastic changes than we realize ,I am a 77 year old widow and hate what the leaders are doing to our country ."
Our current leader has been in place for roughly seven weeks, grow up. Our previous administration was in place for eight years! You're like the people who tried to blame Clinton for 9/11, nothing is ever Bush's fault, is it? You know why? Because you idiots aren't mature enough to own up to the fact that someone you elected could ever make bad decisions!
"The family is sacred. My spouse and I are the ultimate authority, not the government."
"If you break the law you pay the penalty. Justice is blind and no one is above it."
So wait, are your spouse and yourself the ultimate authority, or is it the law? If you and your spouse shoot a black man who comes to the door to ask directions, are you the ultimate authority, or have you broken the law? Nice contradictory "principles".
" It is not un-American for me to disagree with authority."
That's not what I was told for the entire eight years that Bush was in office. I was told that I HAD to respect the president, simply because he was the president, and I was told it was seditious and treasonous to disagree with the president, especially in a time of war.
It absolutely blows me away that Fox News would be spouting the same drivel they spent eight years crucifying people for speaking. I'll say it again, you people need to grow up and get a clue.
Posted By: Gary
Date: 2009-03-13 10:41:09
I don't know who you refer to Mike Wells but here is where I'm coming from. During the Bush years I stood against his abuse of the Constitution. It has been a pattern dating back beyond administrations in our lifetime. It doesn't matter Obama has only been in office a short time, he is not embracing the heritage of the Constitution. If he were Republican I would voice opposition just as I have since serving under Ford. Personally I respect the Office of the President yet we have not had a Constitutional leader in decades. The clue is we are far removed from the prosperity we could have if we returned to principles this country of united states was founded on, period. Neither party has leaders who embrace that and this is beyond party politics.
Posted By: Mike Wells
Date: 2009-03-13 10:59:04
"I don't know who you refer to Mike Wells but here is where I'm coming from."
I refer to these people who think they have to shout 'revolt', yet stood by and defended the previous administration that got us into at least 85% of the trouble we're in. These people actually vcalled ME a traitor for daring to say that Bush was driving this country into the ground financially. Now, 7 weeks into the new administration, they decide it's time to speak up? Seriously?!? Where were Beck's 'We Surround Them' sheep while Bush was spending our money like Paris Hilton, but lvigin on MY budget?
Posted By: Ginger
Date: 2009-03-15 12:28:40
Why do you think that 912 We Surround Them is not all about building a base for Mitt Romney?
Posted By: sjaye
Date: 2009-03-20 11:19:04
Mike,
And I know a lot of people who were plenty pissed off about Bush's large deficits ... but now that Obama's president, they are either silent about deficits over 5 times the size, or think that all this big spending is "what needs to be done".
And I also know a lot of "everything is Bush's fault" people, who even blame the 2000 Bear market on his primary candidacy. There are people who think partisanly rather than critically on principle on both sides of the aisle.
Glenn Beck was not on Fox News a year ago, he was on CNN, and he actually had secessionists on his show for what I perceived to be a fair interview. Not defending the network, but I honestly believe Glenn was worried about the future of America well before the change in leadership.
My point in all this is not to defend Bush. I just think that if your true goals are to return to checks and balance, and the role of government envisioned by the constitution than constantly getting angry about the fact that some people either just recently got on board, or got on board for the wrong reasons is not worthy of primary concern, once they explore what has been going in this country they will likely learn to be critical of all political leaders , regardless of party. It is also a destructive waste of time to be too hung up on Bush, and pay no mind to the countless others currently, or formerly in power that contributed to the usurping of the constitution (Who Killed the Constitution by Thomas Woods is a good resource for this).
In my personal endevours to try to reign in government and return it to its' proper role, the most discouraging words I have heard thus far in 2009 have actually come from like minded people who are too hung up on Bush and angry about the people supporting him to join in the fight against big unconstitutional government with the people who are currently doing the fighting. This saddens me, and so do you.
Posted By: Alex Wallenwein
Date: 2009-04-11 23:33:30
What Glen leaves out are the two only effective things we can do to regain control: (1) get rid of voting machines, and (2) vote out every politician who has proven he ignores the Constitution, the law that controls him.
Why do we constantly reelect people who think nothing of breaking the law they were given to live by? Why do we let them pass legislation that dictates our freedom away? (The incumbency rate in Congress is 95 percent!) Nothing else will get the job done. Congress is where the real power is - and the power was put there by our Founders and is maintined there by the people - us. That means we can also take it away. No secession required.
Glenn is correct that we surround them. We absolutely do.
Posted By: D.D. Crockett
Date: 2009-08-10 09:14:26