Glenn Beck either has a short term memory disorder or he firmly believes he is entitled to do things that he criticizes others for. On his Fox News show tonight, Beck lectured for an hour about the evils of propagandists and progressive elitists who think they can herd the masses because they “know better.” He further said:

BECK: They want to counsel you because whether you're too stupid or too dangerous, there is something deep inside of you that they don't trust and you need to be managed by a group of elites. You can't be trusted with your own decisions. [Fox News, Glenn Beck, 1/13/11, via Nexis]

Flashback to Beck's August 28 Restoring Honor rally, surely he hasn't forgotten. During the weeks leading up to the event, Beck repeatedly told his viewers: “Don't bring your signs,” evidently because he believes they can't be trusted with their own expression. These are just a few of Beck's countless admonitions against signs:

• July 26: “Are there racists in tea party? I'm sure there are. Are there racists in coffee clutches? I'm sure there are. Are there racists in the NAACP? I'm sure there are. There are racists throughout all of society. But they are infiltrated. This is why I say you don't want to bring the signs to 8/28 in Washington. It will be much easier to find out who is who. Bring your kids. Because all they ever show are the signs, and then the message gets lost.”

• August 11: "[W]hat is going to happen on 8/28 will be a miracle. This is something that you do not want to miss. Bring your children. Leave your signs at home. Bring your children. Come as you are, but leave far more powerful."

• August 26: “Let me just say this: If you are planning to drive here from -- I don't care if it's across the street or 1,000 miles, to hold up campaign slogan sign, go home. Save your time. First of all, no signs. Don't bring your signs. Bring your hearts. Bring your open minds. That's it. Bring your kids. Your kids are important. If you bring a sign, you're going to be disappointed. No signs.”

And after his fans showed up without any signs, Beck pretended that they had made the decision on their own, stating on his show in October:

BECK: At 8/28, there weren't any signs because the people who came weren't professional protesters or agitators. They just -- they came for the day. The regular working stiffs, moms and dads, people just like you who just care about America and who are willing to do the hard work and are concerned about their country.

How's that for manipulating the masses? And as for propaganda? Beck ensured that his attendees would not sully the image he was going for on 8/28, and here's how you know he was successful: