Glenn Beck's 'We Surround Them' Party
Sarasota Meet-Up
More than 70 people gathered last night at the Comfort Inn & Suites on Gantt Rd. to watch Glenn Beck's 5:00 pm daily television show on Fox Business network. It wasn't a rally, it was a 'viewing party'. Does that sound odd? More than 70 people gathering at a hotel, paying an entrance fee ($2.75 to cover the cost of the room), just to watch a TV show they could have watched at home for free?
It is odd, but it happened all over the country - in hotels, in bars, in homes - people of like values meeting up in grassroots support of their country. The gathering in Sarasota was amazing in its diversity and enthusiasm. All ages were represented, from the very young, to the very old; there were bikers and professionals; there were former and retired military; men and women; some well-off, some struggling financially; some outspoken (and well-spoken to boot!) - others more quiet, but listening attentively.
The television program was engaging. The theme of 'We Surround Them' is an initiative Glenn Beck created to showcase 9 principles and 12 values that comprise the fabric of our country's founding. It is important to remember that when it comes to government, elected officials, and politicians in general - we are not outnumbered. We surround them! The same is true across the broader society, where so often one individual feels smothered by the lack of integrity, the blurring of lines between right and wrong, and overall acceptance of moral relativity.
After the television broadcast, the discussion continued for another hour in the format of a town meeting. Topics included contacting legislators, the need to address local issues, local media response, in addition to national issues such as the fair tax.
The group will meet again soon, probably at the community center of a local fire station. The purpose of that meeting will be to set priorities and decide on an agenda of action items.
I've attended other "community action" events, but have never seen anything like this. Too soon, I believe voices like Glenn Beck's will be silenced. We have got to build the relationships within our own communities to learn and live the principles and values incorporated into our Declaration of Independence and our Constitution. If this event had happened only in little Sarasota, it wouldn't be much to comment on. But the same event was happening simultaneously all over the country. That gives me hope for change I can believe in.
More than 70 people gathered last night at the Comfort Inn & Suites on Gantt Rd. to watch Glenn Beck's 5:00 pm daily television show on Fox Business network. It wasn't a rally, it was a 'viewing party'. Does that sound odd? More than 70 people gathering at a hotel, paying an entrance fee ($2.75 to cover the cost of the room), just to watch a TV show they could have watched at home for free?
It is odd, but it happened all over the country - in hotels, in bars, in homes - people of like values meeting up in grassroots support of their country. The gathering in Sarasota was amazing in its diversity and enthusiasm. All ages were represented, from the very young, to the very old; there were bikers and professionals; there were former and retired military; men and women; some well-off, some struggling financially; some outspoken (and well-spoken to boot!) - others more quiet, but listening attentively.
The television program was engaging. The theme of 'We Surround Them' is an initiative Glenn Beck created to showcase 9 principles and 12 values that comprise the fabric of our country's founding. It is important to remember that when it comes to government, elected officials, and politicians in general - we are not outnumbered. We surround them! The same is true across the broader society, where so often one individual feels smothered by the lack of integrity, the blurring of lines between right and wrong, and overall acceptance of moral relativity.
After the television broadcast, the discussion continued for another hour in the format of a town meeting. Topics included contacting legislators, the need to address local issues, local media response, in addition to national issues such as the fair tax.
The group will meet again soon, probably at the community center of a local fire station. The purpose of that meeting will be to set priorities and decide on an agenda of action items.
I've attended other "community action" events, but have never seen anything like this. Too soon, I believe voices like Glenn Beck's will be silenced. We have got to build the relationships within our own communities to learn and live the principles and values incorporated into our Declaration of Independence and our Constitution. If this event had happened only in little Sarasota, it wouldn't be much to comment on. But the same event was happening simultaneously all over the country. That gives me hope for change I can believe in.
posted by Kathy at 3/14/2009 06:58:00 PM
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