Glenn Beck has repeatedly used violent rhetoric in referring to the passage of health care reform. After the House passed the Senate's version of reform legislation, Beck stated that while the “battle was lost, the war is not over,” and after President Obama signed the bill, he suggested that Obama and Speaker Nancy Pelosi supported “pick[ing] up a gun” to advance “revolution.”
Beck's “war”: Fox host responds to passage of health care reform with violent rhetoric
Written by Zachary Pleat
Published
Beck uses violent rhetoric to describe health care reform
Beck: “The war is just beginning.” During the March 22 edition of his Fox News show, Beck stated that after the House passed Senate's version of health care reform, “a lot of people in America are probably feeling a little defeated.” He went on to say, “But I want you to know: Do not feel that way. The battle was lost, the war is not over. The war is just beginning.”
Beck suggests that progressives support “armed insurrection.” On the March 23 edition of his Fox News program, after Obama signed the reform legislation into law, Beck suggested that progressives support “armed insurrection” and asked, “Why would the president take up immigration right away, after he's just punched you in the face with health care?”
Beck suggests Pelosi and Obama support “pick[ing] up a gun” to advance “revolution.” Also during the March 23 edition of his Fox News show, Beck stated, “You'd pick up a gun? Have you ever thought of that?” He then pointed to several pictures, including images of Obama and Pelosi, and stated: “These people have. Because possibly, maybe the question should be asked, maybe they're tired of evolution, and maybe they are waiting for revolution.” Beck also said: “Haven't we just been spanked? Hasn't most of the country -- doesn't most of the country feel like they've been spanked over health care? You bet. I do, you do. A lot of people do.”
Beck uses violent rhetoric to claim that Obama administration is “coming after” him
Beck suggests Obama administration may kill him. On the March 23 edition of his Fox News program, Beck said, “For those of you in the administration, who are coming after me ... remember, you've broken three [of the 10 Commandments], let's not make it four; thou shalt not kill.”
Beck previously has suggested administration trying to “destroy” and silence him. Beck has repeatedly used violent rhetoric to suggest that the Obama administration is trying to destroy him and force him to "stop saying these things." For example, on the September 8, 2009, broadcast of his radio show, Beck stated: “You can try to put the lid on this group of people, but you will never silence us. You will never -- you can shoot me in the head, you can shoot the next guy in the head, but there will be 10 others that line up.”