I've reviewed a number to Glenn Beck books lately. This is interesting because I have never tuned in to his television or internet programs. I've watched a portion of two on YouTube and that's about it. I was given every book but one as gifts from conservative friends and family members. I am not "conservative" nor "liberal", nor "progressive" though I have views that would fall under each label. I believe in moderation in all things, though I'd hardly call myself a "moderate" either. I guess that's my problem, the divisive nature of politics these days, the us versus them ideologies, of necessity, leaves me out. I don't like labels and I'm not about to label myself when plenty of people are eager to do that for me. I'd like to join the McGillicuddy Serious Party, but it is either defunct or (in my dreams) gone underground.
That said, again, I've found a book of Beck's that is well worth the time I spent reading it. This one, a novel, is an absolute page turner. It is just plain fun to read, with a good deal of human warmth and interest. The Overton Window refers to an imaginary frame within which is pictured the spectrum of what the public will tolerate. The idea is that there are forces at work to nudge that window toward a greater toleration of tyranny. It is not such a hard concept to accept. We see, all around us, ample evidence that the window has moved to the left and plenty of evidence that it will continue in that direction. The beauty of the story lies in the amazing light the book sheds on why this is being done and who is doing it.
As I said before, this is a novel, a work of fiction. As such it is a fun, thrilling ride through intrigue, danger and personal triumph. But, it is not fantasy. There is a ring of truth, possibility and even probability that resonates strongly through the book. Being a Mormon and believing The Book of Mormon, I have little doubt that there are secretive groups abroad whose motivations are greed and power and whose methods are evil and nefarious. For me, The Book of Mormon purposefully prophesies of such "secret combinations" as a warning to us of the perils of our times. After all, it was written for us and is plainly meant to be pertinent here and now. Beck has made such conspiracy about as realistic and credible as ever I've seen.
I hope you'll read it. For me, it nudged the "Overton Window" back to the right by quite a bit. I'd like to see such a movement in the overall mindset of America. You see, it can't move the wrong way (away from freedom) unless we let it, tolerate it. Unless we believe the lies being carefully, gradually fed to us. Unless we accept the fear being spoon fed to us by those who first want to "protect us," then own us. I was quite surprised by the who and how of the enemy's methods, not so much, by the why or where or when. I'm so very glad to have a clearer idea of what we're up against.
*****
No comments:
Post a Comment