http://scienceblogs.com/dispatches/2009/07/only_osama_can_save_us_from_ob.php
I've been trying to find a transcript from this show but you can see the video by visiting the link above. Glenn Beck's guest Michael Scheuer said, "The only chance we have as a country right now is for bin Laden to detonate a major weapon in U.S." Glenn Beck nodded in apparent agreement.
Are these two men guilty of treason? I think so!
Annie
[question posted by anniepa]responses and comments:
You know, I usually like you and like reading your responses and discussions because you are not an alarmist and you don't exaggerate and fudge things like some other people do. However, I guess I was wrong about that. What I see here is a very misguided man who has the gall to wish something terrible on this country. He just happens to be on Glenn Beck's show. Beck was not nodding in agreement. In fact, he was barely nodding. At MOST, that is a nod of acknowledgment or maybe sympathy to Sheuer's underlying message that America has no hope because our politicians don't care about us anymore (something that started long before Obama got into office I might add). I would say that his expression is one of thoughtfulness, not agreement. And no, it is not treason. If having an opinion or making a statement could be labeled as treason, we would all be in jail. I know I certainly would be, because I have wished certain people like Nancy Pelosi and other politicians would drop dead on some days. Oops, I just typed it out too. Are you going to report me to the FBI as a traitor now? I mean, seriously. It is one thing to be furious and disgusted with Scheuer for saying such a terrible thing, but why can't we just leave it there? You had to make it a partisan issue by bringing Beck into it. We can all agree that anyone who wishes America would get attacked is pretty much evil. You could have brought people together in agreement on that. Instead you had to make it divisive and alarmist. This is why I don't like myLot sometimes. There is rarely a middle ground. :\ [katran]
Molehill, you go, guy. Yes, for those of us who've had the displeasure of reading her posts before, we know already how vitriolic annipa is toward anything that remotely smacks of Conservatism. She obviously only listens to/watches self-described "mainstream media," since (as a former member of that environment) I can recognize their lies & twisted version of things that come out of her mouth. If she ever stops sucking down the Kool-Aid & gets hit with the truth of things, she'll probably have a heart attack. She'll never be able to deal with reality. Maggiepie "WHERE'S THE BIRTH CERTIFICATE?" [Maggiepie]
This is one of the most disgusting pieces of political video I have ever seen, I would love for every single person that lost a loved one at the hand of Osama Bin Ladens terrorist attack on 9/11 to watch this and give Beck and the man in the video HELL....and it is very much treason and horrible to even in words wish something like that on the innocent people of our country.....Glenn Beck is a disgusting, offensive, and horrible person.....I am just shocked by this video that I don't even know what else to say.,...basically what they are supporting is the death of innocent people if it means that more people think what they think of Obama...they are low life scum in my opinion. [spicysweetie21]
The newly adopted anti-terrorism proclamation considers as "acts of terrorism" damage to property and disruption to any public service. Cooperation in these terror acts could be sanctioned by 15 years of imprisonment or even the death penalty. "Whosoever writes, edits, prints, publishes, publicizes, disseminates, shows, makes to be heard any promotional statements encouraging terrorist acts is punishable with rigorous imprisonment from 10 to 20 years," the adopted bill further says. [Sudan Tribune, July 9 2009] [revellanotvanella]
OMFG!!! Check out Jon Stewart's reaction ( http://vodpod.com/watch/1844719-the-daily-show-with-jon-stewartosama-bin-laden-needs-to-attack-america ). Sadly, he's so on the money about the priorities, it isn't funny!!!! They need to be stopped, taken off the air entirely, never again permitted to publicly speak because they are inciting not just violence, but terrorism!!! And, I wouldn't put it past one of their rabid followers (I know not all on the right are rabid followers) to attempt to follow through with a 'fake' Osama attack. Just like someone on the inside set loose anthrax to "show" us we needed tighter controls by government - they sacrificed a few to gain a political advantage. I'm sure it could happen again with these ship-sinking big mouths!! [jerzgirl]
Lets just lock up ALL the fuckingliars and cheats and those that report on them. If we were to do that, we may just stand a chance of bringing America to a socialist state and our government will determine what we can and can't sat. Sheesh you are out of your mind. If we stop or punish those that have the same right to free speech as anyone else, what will we be left with? Fascism? Socialism? I think there are some misguided fools that would dictate to everyone else what free speech really is.... what you think its ok for them to say. We are going to be one big country of government control and that seems to be ok with 56% of you, down from 64% a week ago. My hope is that more will wake the fuckup and see what is happening here in this country. Now we have those that would not only stop free speech, if they don't like whats being said, they will also seek to incarcerate those with differing opinions. I miss America. [DrMario]
This comment seemed to be tongue in cheek - or sarcasm. If someone asked them if they really meant this they would probably apologize that it was taken literally. Maybe emailing them and asking about it would be a good thing? [Meljep]
HELLO!! IMUS was slaughtered for making his racist remarks on live radio on MSNBC blink [revellanotvanella]
Totally misconstrued. No news here. Please move along. [piasabird]
I forgot to say that, no in his original statements, nowhere did he ever talk about looting, I posted the link to this radio show part in another comment http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hf33g9ep4YU listen to the last 30 seconds and you will hear what he says, im sorry but his so called "explanation" that he meant the looters was a total "i gotta cover my a$$" move, because NO WHERE does he make it sound like he is talking about looters, this man is a jackass, plain and simple. [spicysweetie21]
No, by definition it is not treason. It would have been if Scheuer had said he is aiding bin laden or violated his alliance with the country. It was only an opinion, a bad one, but not treason. [irishidid]
No more or less than the former Clinton Administration apologists who said that it's too bad Clinton didn't have a 9-11 to give him a chance to show his true abilities as president. Or when Biden said that the enemies of the US would test Obama if he's elected president. Or all the people who want the price of gasoline to skyrocket or even military surplus supplies, hoping it will destroy our economy and freedoms. Now, if you can produce evidence that Glenn Beck or anyone else actually helped the enemies of the US carry out attacks against us, then you would have treason. [ParaTed2k]
Excellent response Ted. [DrMario]
The short answer.....no. Though Michael Scheuer might be guilty of an ignorant statement. Beck is just guilty of having a show and conducting an interview as I heard NOTHING from him other than asking Michael Scheuer a question. But as to Scheuer's answer....it was as appaling to me in that he believes we need an attack for us to demand more "protection"....the LAST thing we need are more freedom robbing "protections" the last thing I WANT is more freedom robbing protections, we've been protected right in to an orewellian novel. The only thing I want more protection from is my own government....from MORE government.... This is far from treason though, just a really dumb statement on the part of Michael Scheuer. Beck isn't nodding in agreament, in fact, I'm suprised he didn't call the guy out on the more government protection line, beck dropped the ball on that one...something I emailed him on by the way after the show first aired. [xfahctor]
rasp lol! I KNEW IT! HA!!!! NEENER NEENER NEENER!!!! *ducks shoe I am in full agreement, the line was inciteful, though I wouldn't nessesarily say it was a threat to national security, if Bin Laden is going to nuke a U.S. city, it isn't going to be on the word of an idiotic statement and like I said, the last thing we need is more government "protection". I am all for national security, but it really has gone beyond just that, it has become an excuse for more government. I am extremely disapointed Beck didn't call him on that point. [xfahctor]
They are idiots. We've had plenty of evidence lately that our intelligence agencies and homeland security are doing the job they're supposed to do. We don't need fools like that on television rooting on Bin Laden to make them feel all smug and warm and fuzzy. Probably not guilty of treason, but imagine how some of these people at myLot would have been raving if anyone who'd ever sat beside Obama at a meeting would have said that lol. [RedShannon5]
Apology accepted and greatly apreciated, always good to see someone with back bone to do that, it is lacking in society today. I will admit I may have incited the whole thing by commenting in your post the way I did to begin with, if I came across as inciteful, I too apologize. [xfahctor]
And your hypocrisy continues... So this guy says that the only way our government would protect us is if bin Laden launches an attack and you call that treason? Ok, I disagree, but let's compare this to something you wholeheartedly approve of. Al Franken makes jokes about how he'd like to help al Quaeda assassinate the president and not only do you see nothing treasonous about it, you WANT HIM TO BE A SENATOR. [Taskr36]
Thanks, X. I'd never defend someone's comments who would joke or make light of someone's death or anything even close to that. I didn't see the incident when Franken made that joke and I wish I had. As I've said, there have been plenty of comedians who have made jokes I didn't approve of at all. It doesn't always necessarily make me dislike that person for the rest of his or her life because people make mistakes and say dumb things. MOST of us don't have an audience when we do so. I think in a sense a comedian is playing a role, much like an actor does, when they're doing their comic routines. They're "in character" so to speak and aren't always speaking for their "real" self, if that makes any sense. Annie [anniepa]
I think I have to agree with X. But, I do believe that if this were a Democrat saying this there would be protests and people calling for those 2 people's jobs. There is a complete double standard. I see that one respondent talked about Fraken I didn't hear those comments before today and I suppose that I would have to know the whole story but, if that's what he said than he is right and he should not be a Senator. I am fully against anyone talking about killing people and waging war, with some rare exceptions. [ZephyrSun]
"But I do believe that if this were a Democrat saying this, there would be protests and people calling for those two people's jobs. There is a complete double standard." Both democrats and republicans have made the, "double standard," statement. Looks like they're pretty equal in that respect. [bestboy19]
Just looking at Glenn's expression, I see no indication that he is in favor of an attack on the United States. I would even say that Scheuer was not being literal and was only trying to emphasize a point. In addition, it's not treason if they both support the United States. Actual treason would involve Beck and Scheuer flying to Afghanistan, training with Al-Qaeda, and fighting against America in the War on Terror. [ProvostGuard]
i dont care what anyone says, they need to curb it a little, God forbid you direct anything at them and then its downright appalling! [revellanotvanella]
I was actually getting a coffee from Dunkin Donuts the other night, it was 11:30 or 12am and I was oh, can I say, little surprised to see FOX News on both of the TV's, and it was Bill O'Reilly and a guest and they were talking JUST DIRT man, that man never ceases to suprise me but can their really be comparisons on that network?? They said Joe Biden was on hallucogenics and he has no idea what he's talking about or doing--hmm, I'd like to know where they come with their big Egos and what they know that I don't know [revellanotvanella]
Well Ted, atleast we had the last 8 years to prepare for Bushisms. [ZephyrSun]
I just find it amusing that the right was always calling the left nut jobs when Bush was president. I agree with whoever said that if this were a Dem with a statement like this the "other side" would be in an uproar. I don't think it is treason but this Beck character cares about nothing other than ratings and popularity and there is minority of Ameicans drink his kool-aid. Why were so many against Obama yapping about everyone worshipping him when they have people like this on cable that they will defend to the end no matter what they say. It is called, if I don't agree with him,then everyone else is just kool aid happy, but if I agree with him it is because he is correct syndrome. [N4life]
Taskr, I'd guess there was no "uproar" when Franken made what was apparently a very tasteless joke because it wasn't on a "popular" news show on the "top" cable news network and it was a JOKE (good, bad, ugly or just plain tasteless, it was for all intents and purposes a joke) and not part of what was allegedly a serious discussion on what is needed to "save" America. Bush apparently didn't "pull a Palin" and make a fuss when this joke was told so the whole world wsn't aware of it...lol! Annie [anniepa]
Not by the definition of treason, no. Having an opinion is not the same as betraying your country. I don't agree with the point of view, but judging by the context of the short clip provided by the people who hate this man (mediamatters.com being their main source), I'm not sure actually supporting an attack on us was his point. It's hard to tell, because I can't find the full episode, but it sounds like what they're talking about is what it's going to take to make the government actually get off it's butt to defend us from what they perceive as threats. Are they guilty of treason? No. Is Michael Scheuer guilty of saying stupid things and committing a heinous act of douchebaggery? Yes. [Latrivia]
It's amazing how many people on this Lot don't know the difference between treason and ...oooohhh what's that other one ....ummmm Oh Yeah FReE SpEEcH The government's No1 purpose is to protect these borders. "...Provide for the common Defence..." Sound familiar. Obamaman has SWORN to do this. HE IS NOT. THAT is TREASON. "We the people of the United States, in order to form a more perfect union, establish justice, get an international business degree, insure domestic tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general welfare, and secure the blessings of liberty to ourselves and our posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America." [morethanamolehill]
Arkie (& Molehill), You're both correct. BO is more dangerous to the USA than Bin Ladin ever could be, as the latter has no power HERE, while BO has more power than he's supposed to have, according to the Constitution, which he is swiftly shredding (which makes HIM a traitor!). I note how several BO & Franken supporters here want to blow off any "jokes" Franken made that were awful & support the Obama-ites fully, to the point that disagreement is "treason," & MUST BE HUSHED UP. They haven't understood the FIRST THING about the right of Free Speech. It means to be able to say EVEN DISGUSTING things without retribution! And by the way, it was designed ESPECIALLY FOR the protection of political speech. It's no surprise the current PTBs want to pass a LAW that silences (CENSORS) Conservative speech! Frankly (no pun intended), I don't even want Al Franken censored. Know why? Because his speech reveals what an imbecilic, hateful man he really is. If he were forced to hide his true colors, he'd probably rise even higher in the ranks. But then, scum does rise to the top. (I've never claimed not to call anyone names. I do it only when people have earned the appellation, however, not just to be doing it. If I call someone a liar, a traitor, a thief, of whatever, you can be sure I can BACK UP that "name.") Maggiepie "WHERE'S THE BIRTH CERTIFICATE?" [Maggiepie]
Oh, Annie! How far do people think their first Amendment rights take them? This is way over the line. I do think it's treasonous, and promoting the downfall of the government and the country! [cobrateacher]
Annie, The reason I think it's treason is that we've seen so many sick people using such things as this as an excuse to go off and do the worst of deeds. The FCC has rules about just how free speech is, and the public outcry should get these people in line. I am extremely liberal, and I don't think personal rights should be restricted, but when you're on the air, there really are limits. You place yourselves in people's homes and cars and iPods, and thereby, the influence you have should be considered. [cobrateacher]
Morning Annie, It isn't treason, It is simply freedom of speech. This is why so many of our young men died in Some of the wars. Especially the Revolutionary war and WWI and WWII. In these 3 wars our very existence as a nation was in danger.All these other little wars had nothing to do with out freedom as a Nation. The men that dies in these wars paid for our right to speak our minds. That's all Beck and Scheuer were doing. If you don't agree with what they said then you also have the right to say so. Art [Arkie69]
If that is genuine then it is a disgrace! [rosstaylor]
And you can thank all the people who died to give you the right to HAVE such an opinion, though I completely disagree with you...& have the right to say so. Maggiepie "WHERE'S THE BIRTH CERTIFICATE?" [Maggiepie]
The video starts out with Glen Beck saying, "So you have seen this," seen what? Are they saying the Obama administration is not making any effort to protect the United States from our enemies? This is what it says treason is in the United States: Article Three of the United States Constitution Section 3. Treason against the United States, shall consist only in levying War against them, or in adhering to their Enemies, giving them Aid and Comfort. No Person shall be convicted of Treason unless on the Testimony of two Witnesses to the same overt Act, or on Confession in open Court. The Congress shall have power to declare the Punishment of Treason, but no Attainder of Treason shall work Corruption of Blood, or Forfeiture except during the Life of the Person attainted. The Constitution defines treason as specific acts, namely "levying War against [the United States], or in adhering to their Enemies, giving them Aid and Comfort." A contrast is therefore maintained with the English law, whereby a variety of crimes, including conspiring to kill the King or "violating" the Queen, were punishable as treason. In Ex Parte Bollman (1807), the Supreme Court ruled that "there must be an actual assembling of men, for the treasonable purpose, to constitute a levying of war". Under English law effective during the ratification of the U.S. Constitution, there were essentially five species of treason. Of the five, the Constitution adopted only two: levying war and adhering to enemies... It's a shame you can't find a transcript of the whole conversation, but going by what the Constitution says and what I heard, I'd have to say that this wasn't treason. All Michael Scheuer was saying was the government will do nothing to protect us until something is done to us first. [bestboy19]
"All Michael Scheuer was saying was the government will do nothing to protect us until something is done to us first." EXACTLY!! [morethanamolehill]
No, like movie stars who advocated killing our last president, they are guilty of imminent foolish speech, but in this country even stupidity is allowed as free speech. [mysticmaggie]
No. Treason is the specific *act* of betraying ones country. They are neither trying to procure a weapon, nor aiding a terrorist organization. Nor were they advocating the overthrowing of the American government. Further, they were not actually advocating the action in question. They merely were stating that it would likely take such an act to wake people up to the reality of terrorism, and force government to do what is required to stop it. Ironically, they were both being patriotic in their comments. They were saying they want government to protect America, but unfortunately like acquiring renters insurance, they likely will not unless forced to by a catastrophic attack by a terrorist group. But regardless, they were not committing treason. [andy77e]
I take issue with the rude manor in which you speak to others. I may disagree completely with her views. That's no excuse to treat her poorly. If everyone would strive to be better people, we'd have a much better country to live in. [andy77e]
http://crooksandliars.com/david-neiwert/michael-scheuer-fox-americas-only-ho Since your link seems to start in the middle of the discussion I tried to find one that gave more of the conversation. I hope I was successful. In listening to the discussion, it sounded to me as though Michael Scheuer was saying that the United States government is not doing what it should to protect the borders and that the American people don't seem concerned enough to insist the government do a better job, and that the only thing that will make us wake up to the danger our country is in is for another attack like 9/11. I don't think he or Beck is wishing it would happen, but that that seems to be the only thing that will induce some action on all our parts. [6precious102]
Sometimes people need to be slapped in the face with the truth. Maybe in Michael Scheuer's opinion, that's what this country needs. Based on the flack he's gotten because of his comments, it would have been much easier on him to have said nothing and what will be will be. I remember after 9/11 people were saying that the terrorist had been planning their attack on the USA for years. Doesn't it make sense that they'd attack when our guard is down? If we don't heed Scheuer's warning, what's to stop them or another terrorist group from doing it to us again. Instead of condemning the man, we ought to listen to his warning. [6precious102]
no their not guilty of treason. their guilty of stupidity. its their right to free speech. [elmiko]
lollollol Oh, MAN...the IRONY! Well, dang. Will someone please get me a dry set of undies? Maggiepie "WHERE'S THE BIRTH CERTIFICATE?" [Maggiepie]
If you ever bothered to really WATCH Glenn Beck's show, you'd know he NEVER wants any such thing to happen here. I didn't see that particular episode, but I think I recognize his sense of humor when I hear it. Beck LOVES this country, & is fighting REAL traitors. Here's a dollar. Buy a sense of humor. And WATCH his show, so you'll know what the hell you're talking about. Maggiepie "WHERE'S THE BIRTH CERTIFICATE?" [Maggiepie]
Yeah he loves this country so much, when he is not calling victims scumbags. Certain people may say things that sound good to conservatives and share their views, but Glenn Beck is still a jackass underneath it all, and maybe some people don't want to watch him because I think if I watched him, I would barf out of pure disgust, just like I would if I listened to Rush Limbaugh, just like a zebra can't change its stripes, a jerk is always a jerk. [spicysweetie21]