Status
Available
Call number
Publication
Threshold Editions (2009), Edition: Original, Paperback, 192 pages
Description
#1 New York Times bestselling author and popular radio and television host Glenn Beck revisits Thomas Paine's Common Sense. In any era, great Americans inspire us to reach our full potential. They know with conviction what they believe within themselves. They understand that all actions have consequences. And they find commonsense solutions to the nation's problems. One such American, Thomas Paine, was an ordinary man who changed the course of history by penning Common Sense, the concise 1776 masterpiece in which, through extraordinarily straightforward and indisputable arguments, he encouraged his fellow citizens to take control of America's future--and, ultimately, her freedom. Nearly two and a half centuries later, those very freedoms once again hang in the balance. And now, Glenn Beck revisits Paine's powerful treatise with one purpose: to galvanize Americans to see past government's easy solutions, two-party monopoly, and illogical methods and take back our great country.… (more)
Media reviews
Beck is not a politician. He's an entertainer, in this case a writer indulging in a mischievous satire narrated by his energetic counterpart "Glenn Beck."
User reviews
LibraryThing member SamSattler
Considering today’s political enviornment, I feel it necessary to emphasize that this is only a review of "Glenn Beck’s Common Sense." It is not a review of Glenn Beck, the man. It is not a review of Fox News Channel or the program that Mr. Beck has on that network. It is a book review –
Rated at: 4.0
That said, there is a whole lot of common sense in Glenn Beck’s Common Sense (including a copy of the Thomas Paine work that inspired Beck’s book). Simply put, Beck does not trust those who have been elected to represent us in Washington D.C. and he has not trusted them for a long time. He does not trust Democrats, and he does not trust Republicans, to represent properly the wishes of the people who give them their jobs and who pay their salaries. And based on the mood of this country, particularly as expressed since early this summer, Glenn Beck has a lot of company.
According to Beck, it is impossible to trust a President and members of Congress when:
• They will not tell us any hard truth that would hurt them at the time of their next election
• Every President since Carter has promised to lower the country’s dependence on foreign oil but we import more oil than ever from our political enemies
• They promise a protective fence on our southern border, appropriate the funds, and never intend to build it
• They use racial and ethnic politics to keep themselves in office
• They see themselves less as public servants than as an entitled political class all their own
• They vote as directed by those who contribute the most to their campaign war chests rather than as would be best for those they actually represent
• So many of them have one set of tax rules for themselves and another set of rules for the rest of us
Make no mistake about it. Glenn Beck believes that we are living in dangerous times and that personal freedoms have never been more under threat in this country than they are today. According to him, these truly are desperate times – but he is not ready to surrender because he believes there is still enough time to fashion a return to the core values that made this country so unique in the world. He is convinced that our best days are not behind us, that we are already on the way back, and that public dissent and debate is what will finally get us there. Rather than waiting for others to express their unease with what is happening in Washington, Beck argues that our newfound sense of urgency should encourage each of us to express, loudly and clearly, our personal misgivings about what we see happening. The country can no longer afford our silence and apathy.
Beck believes that the average American has enough common sense to know when something does not pass the smell test. He is betting there are enough Independents to save us from those who have lost touch with their own common sense – Democrats, Republicans and Progressives, alike.
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period – and that is all it is meant to be. Rated at: 4.0
That said, there is a whole lot of common sense in Glenn Beck’s Common Sense (including a copy of the Thomas Paine work that inspired Beck’s book). Simply put, Beck does not trust those who have been elected to represent us in Washington D.C. and he has not trusted them for a long time. He does not trust Democrats, and he does not trust Republicans, to represent properly the wishes of the people who give them their jobs and who pay their salaries. And based on the mood of this country, particularly as expressed since early this summer, Glenn Beck has a lot of company.
According to Beck, it is impossible to trust a President and members of Congress when:
• They will not tell us any hard truth that would hurt them at the time of their next election
• Every President since Carter has promised to lower the country’s dependence on foreign oil but we import more oil than ever from our political enemies
• They promise a protective fence on our southern border, appropriate the funds, and never intend to build it
• They use racial and ethnic politics to keep themselves in office
• They see themselves less as public servants than as an entitled political class all their own
• They vote as directed by those who contribute the most to their campaign war chests rather than as would be best for those they actually represent
• So many of them have one set of tax rules for themselves and another set of rules for the rest of us
Make no mistake about it. Glenn Beck believes that we are living in dangerous times and that personal freedoms have never been more under threat in this country than they are today. According to him, these truly are desperate times – but he is not ready to surrender because he believes there is still enough time to fashion a return to the core values that made this country so unique in the world. He is convinced that our best days are not behind us, that we are already on the way back, and that public dissent and debate is what will finally get us there. Rather than waiting for others to express their unease with what is happening in Washington, Beck argues that our newfound sense of urgency should encourage each of us to express, loudly and clearly, our personal misgivings about what we see happening. The country can no longer afford our silence and apathy.
Beck believes that the average American has enough common sense to know when something does not pass the smell test. He is betting there are enough Independents to save us from those who have lost touch with their own common sense – Democrats, Republicans and Progressives, alike.
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LibraryThing member mniday
Glenn Beck has written something that is bold. Really let that sink in. He's not out to win friends in either political party with this book. Most people consider Glenn a strong conservative, and I don't think that is an unfair characterization. But this book challenges not only the current liberal
Obviously modeled from Thomas Paine's pamphlet Common Sense, Glenn Beck is calling for another revolution. This must be a revolution of the mind, of the way we see our government and the way we must demand that they govern. As Americans, it is our right and our duty to question our government and demand that they conduct themselves honorably and really work for our best interest.
I've always found Glenn Beck's material to be passionate. I believe he really cares about our country. You may not agree with him on every issue; I don't agree with him on every issue. But you should read this book. He presents ideas and issues that are worth discussing and worth caring about. Plus, you get the text of the Thomas Paine version as a bonus. It's interesting to compare then and now.
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administration, but the previous conservative administration as well. He challenges our government as a whole and not the two parties that vie for control.Obviously modeled from Thomas Paine's pamphlet Common Sense, Glenn Beck is calling for another revolution. This must be a revolution of the mind, of the way we see our government and the way we must demand that they govern. As Americans, it is our right and our duty to question our government and demand that they conduct themselves honorably and really work for our best interest.
I've always found Glenn Beck's material to be passionate. I believe he really cares about our country. You may not agree with him on every issue; I don't agree with him on every issue. But you should read this book. He presents ideas and issues that are worth discussing and worth caring about. Plus, you get the text of the Thomas Paine version as a bonus. It's interesting to compare then and now.
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LibraryThing member harpua
I know many people do not like Glenn Beck. They accuse him of being a partisan hack, using scare tactics and fear to forward an agenda. I disagree with those people. I respect the man and feel that he is honestly trying to warn people of a danger to our country that is coming from the inside.
Now enough of the politics and on to the book. This is a short book that packs a lot of information into it's limited pages. This is something that a person can read quickly to get a general overview of what Beck is warning us of, but it is up to the reader to investigate further. Do not come into this book expecting to see solutions to the problems he sees (other than to use your common sense when thinking about things), but read this book with an eye to taking a view to what the gov't is doing and then see if common sense prevails. Both sides of the aisle could stand to use a little bit more common sense and we the people should hold the gov't accountable and call them out when the do something that goes against common sense.
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People may view that as using fear, but I see it as a slap in the face, a wake-up call to a nation that has become complacent and now willing to do the hard things it takes to better themselves, their country and their fellow man. Glenn is one of the first to criticize both the Republicans and Democrats when he sees that their policies are not in line with the founding fathers. If people take an honest look at the two parties today, they'll see not much difference between the two.Now enough of the politics and on to the book. This is a short book that packs a lot of information into it's limited pages. This is something that a person can read quickly to get a general overview of what Beck is warning us of, but it is up to the reader to investigate further. Do not come into this book expecting to see solutions to the problems he sees (other than to use your common sense when thinking about things), but read this book with an eye to taking a view to what the gov't is doing and then see if common sense prevails. Both sides of the aisle could stand to use a little bit more common sense and we the people should hold the gov't accountable and call them out when the do something that goes against common sense.
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LibraryThing member wearenotsaintsyet
Forgot the book I intented to read on a recent trip and picked this up at the airport. I enjoy Glenn Beck and we have a lot in common (in recovery, fiscally conservative, small government, etc.) so I start with a bias. I have t osay there is little I can argue with in the book nad more fascinating
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to me was in reading Thomas Payne's "Common Sense" that makes up the second half of the book. After reading that I have to concur tha tour Founding Fathers must be spinning in their graves to see where our government has come. Everything that they had looked to rid themselves of by declaring independence from Great Britain has come to roost right here in our own government - individual rights being trampled, tax increases at every turn, etc. I'll be looking into the 9-12 project! Show Less
LibraryThing member hermit
Mr. Beck's small book, slightly longer than Mr. Paine's Pamphlet, which is included, are both very fast reads. Thomas Paine's pamphlet published in 1776, Common Sense challenged the authority of the British government and the royal monarchy. The plain language that Paine used spoke to the common
Whereas Thomas Paine was placing into words the inspiration that would aid the nation in its revolt for independence much of what he wrote had been discussed and known by the people of his time for a long while. The same is true of Mr. Becks booklet, everything he writes about are known or felt by most citizens. They both emphasis in their own way and relative to the times in which they live the responsibility, accountability, and liability of government and how they are to be answerable to the people.
Mr, Beck has many valid points and hopefully this small work will start an open dialogue on the sate of the U.S. Federal Government and its perpetual state of expansion. How far has the Republic fallen from its original founding and the Natural Rites of the people. The author does not use his platform to defend his political party but rather warns as the founding father did that a two party system is not good for a healthy Republic.
The author points out that both prevalent political parties have contributed to the problems we face today as a nation. The main focus of the book is that all the branches of the U.S. government are acting in their self interest. The politicians are not concerned with the well being of the country or their constitutes whom they are suppose to represent. But only interested their reelection, power and progressive agenda. Which of course he relates to their the out-of-control spending currently taking in place in Washington now that started over sixty years ago. This is not tied to any one political party, both major parties are equally to blame.
This is not new knowledge and why I feel he used the Common Sense addition to his title for no person or government can survive through excessive spending far beyond their means. But it is not just the out-of-control spending, the author very plainly lays out the case against the continually increasing size of government resulting in the erosion of individual liberties. Liberties that were won with blood.
To rectify this Mr. Beck advocates a non-violent revolution to hold our elected representative accountable and make the government act in interest of the American people and not their own. He suggest this revolution use the hard won rights of our Republic through Free Speech, the electoral process and vote out all who work for there self-interest instead of the people they were elected/hired to represent. He only ask that you do your homework and vote for the person that tells the truth and then is closes to how you wish the country governed. The U.S. Politicians of today have shown they have no interest at all to listen to their constituents.
All Americans must remember the words of James Madison on government as referenced in an other review here, “..the House of Representatives can make no law which will not have its full operation on themselves and their friends, as well as on the great mass of the society...If this spirit shall ever be so far debased as to tolerate a law not obligatory on the legislature, as well as on the people, the people will be prepared to tolerate anything but liberty." It seems that all in America has forgotten this and Mr. Beck in his own way is trying to remind the people. And the same issue of The Federalist #57 Mr. Madison wrote, “Who are to be the electors of the federal representatives? Not the rich, more than the poor; not the learned, more than the ignorant; not the haughty heirs of distinguished names, more than the humble sons of obscurity and unpropitious fortune. The electors are to be the great body of the people of the United States. They are to be the same who exercise the right in every State of electing the corresponding branch of the legislature of the State.“
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people of America and was the first work to openly ask for independence from Great Britain. Mr. Beck uses the plain and simplistic language of today so that all who read his work should understand his points, which was the same goal Mr. Paine had.Whereas Thomas Paine was placing into words the inspiration that would aid the nation in its revolt for independence much of what he wrote had been discussed and known by the people of his time for a long while. The same is true of Mr. Becks booklet, everything he writes about are known or felt by most citizens. They both emphasis in their own way and relative to the times in which they live the responsibility, accountability, and liability of government and how they are to be answerable to the people.
Mr, Beck has many valid points and hopefully this small work will start an open dialogue on the sate of the U.S. Federal Government and its perpetual state of expansion. How far has the Republic fallen from its original founding and the Natural Rites of the people. The author does not use his platform to defend his political party but rather warns as the founding father did that a two party system is not good for a healthy Republic.
The author points out that both prevalent political parties have contributed to the problems we face today as a nation. The main focus of the book is that all the branches of the U.S. government are acting in their self interest. The politicians are not concerned with the well being of the country or their constitutes whom they are suppose to represent. But only interested their reelection, power and progressive agenda. Which of course he relates to their the out-of-control spending currently taking in place in Washington now that started over sixty years ago. This is not tied to any one political party, both major parties are equally to blame.
This is not new knowledge and why I feel he used the Common Sense addition to his title for no person or government can survive through excessive spending far beyond their means. But it is not just the out-of-control spending, the author very plainly lays out the case against the continually increasing size of government resulting in the erosion of individual liberties. Liberties that were won with blood.
To rectify this Mr. Beck advocates a non-violent revolution to hold our elected representative accountable and make the government act in interest of the American people and not their own. He suggest this revolution use the hard won rights of our Republic through Free Speech, the electoral process and vote out all who work for there self-interest instead of the people they were elected/hired to represent. He only ask that you do your homework and vote for the person that tells the truth and then is closes to how you wish the country governed. The U.S. Politicians of today have shown they have no interest at all to listen to their constituents.
All Americans must remember the words of James Madison on government as referenced in an other review here, “..the House of Representatives can make no law which will not have its full operation on themselves and their friends, as well as on the great mass of the society...If this spirit shall ever be so far debased as to tolerate a law not obligatory on the legislature, as well as on the people, the people will be prepared to tolerate anything but liberty." It seems that all in America has forgotten this and Mr. Beck in his own way is trying to remind the people. And the same issue of The Federalist #57 Mr. Madison wrote, “Who are to be the electors of the federal representatives? Not the rich, more than the poor; not the learned, more than the ignorant; not the haughty heirs of distinguished names, more than the humble sons of obscurity and unpropitious fortune. The electors are to be the great body of the people of the United States. They are to be the same who exercise the right in every State of electing the corresponding branch of the legislature of the State.“
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LibraryThing member lillieammann
Glenn Beck reminds us to vote for the people who will serve our country best, not for political parties. Both parties have harmed our nation by their self-centered, greedy actions, which is exacerbated by politics becoming a career. Our founding fathers planned for a citizen government, where
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ordinary people would serve in Congress for a few years, then return to private life. We need that again. Politicians become entrenched, corrupted by power, and detached from the real world. Show Less
LibraryThing member nancypantslady
I'm just starting this book and can already tell you it is a great book. Glenn writes the way he speaks -- to every day people in every day language. I love Glenn Beck not because I always agree with everything he says but because he is unafraid to say the truth that no one else seems to be saying,
Only half-way through the book but I give it a hearty thumbs up and 5 stars. It's the kind of book with which you want to hit people (politicians mostly) on the forehead. It was written not only from the heart but from a keen mind. Thank you Glenn. As my mother always says, "May your tribe increase!"
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that the system is broken and needs a drastic and massive overhaul... not to be something completely new but to renew something old, something good... the idea of true freedom. A real republic.Only half-way through the book but I give it a hearty thumbs up and 5 stars. It's the kind of book with which you want to hit people (politicians mostly) on the forehead. It was written not only from the heart but from a keen mind. Thank you Glenn. As my mother always says, "May your tribe increase!"
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LibraryThing member jclark88
This book is really a call-to-arms for Americans who are simply sick and tired of the way our Congress and our government has been running the nation. Beck is a very impassioned advocate for individual rights and duties. Inspired by Thomas Paine's fantastic Common Sense, Beck attempts to use many
The book isn't exactly what I thought it would be when I first heard of it. I thought it might be a literal reworking of Common Sense using more of a modern language and contemporary examples. It's not. That's not to say it isn't good. It's just not what I first expected. It's also very short. Beck's portion of the book is only about 111 pages. I read it in basically one sitting. The back of the book contains Thomas Paine's Common Sense which I thought was a nice tough. However, I thought it might have been better if Beck had added comments or dialogue on Paine's work.
Overall, it's a good, but short, read that I recommend for anyone who feels passionately about what is happening in our nation - and those that would like to feel that way.
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of the same arguments to convince modern day Americans that it's time we stand up for ourselves and put the government back into the role the government is supposed to have - of the people, by the people, for the people.The book isn't exactly what I thought it would be when I first heard of it. I thought it might be a literal reworking of Common Sense using more of a modern language and contemporary examples. It's not. That's not to say it isn't good. It's just not what I first expected. It's also very short. Beck's portion of the book is only about 111 pages. I read it in basically one sitting. The back of the book contains Thomas Paine's Common Sense which I thought was a nice tough. However, I thought it might have been better if Beck had added comments or dialogue on Paine's work.
Overall, it's a good, but short, read that I recommend for anyone who feels passionately about what is happening in our nation - and those that would like to feel that way.
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LibraryThing member zweven
This was a very quick read, outlining many of Glenn's core beliefs that America is suffering from the corruption of politicians. It is a call to action. While I've heard him speak on the same subjects, I thought this book layed it all out in a very organized fashion, although a little outdated
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already (published in June 2009 ... so much has happened since). Show Less
LibraryThing member EverydayMiracles
I am generally a fan of Glenn Beck and try to take time out every day to watch his program on Fox News. I agree with his conservative viewpoints and his assertions. Regardless, this book wasn't quite what I expected from him.
In Glenn Beck's Common Sense, Beck doesn't attack one political party or
While I don't agree with everything that he said in this book (for example, a three party system would likely fail in the United States), I believe that he has done well to bring common sense back to the masses, if they are willing to read his book with an open mind.
Every American should read this book, including the second half, which is the original writing by Thomas Paine.
In Glenn Beck's Common Sense, Beck doesn't attack one political party or
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the other: instead, he makes a case against the out-of-control spending currently going on in Washington. Although he is a libertarian, Glenn Beck evenhandedly attacks both political parties, including George W. Bush and Barack Obama. While I don't agree with everything that he said in this book (for example, a three party system would likely fail in the United States), I believe that he has done well to bring common sense back to the masses, if they are willing to read his book with an open mind.
Every American should read this book, including the second half, which is the original writing by Thomas Paine.
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LibraryThing member loubigfish
gets you thinking about what this country is all about and where are we going wrong by not upholding our own standards.....
LibraryThing member bookworm12
Glenn Beck is an intelligent human being. He has the knowledge, I understand that, but he shares it in such a preachy way that I didn't feel like I was learning anything. Telling me that you can't fixing a debt problem by spending is not groundbreaking information. I do believe that the title was
Maybe it would have helped if I had read a hard copy of this as opposed to listening to the audio. I don't like to be yelled at and repeatedly told to "wake up" because I've been "lied to." I understand that no matter what party is in office they will make bad decisions. They are human, this will happen. I also agree that you should pay attention to what is happening in your government, because if you don't stand up for your rights, you can't complain when they disappear. I just don't think that beating people over the head by telling them they are clueless sheep is the way to encourage people to pay attention.
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well chosen, because most of what Beck says is common sense. Maybe it would have helped if I had read a hard copy of this as opposed to listening to the audio. I don't like to be yelled at and repeatedly told to "wake up" because I've been "lied to." I understand that no matter what party is in office they will make bad decisions. They are human, this will happen. I also agree that you should pay attention to what is happening in your government, because if you don't stand up for your rights, you can't complain when they disappear. I just don't think that beating people over the head by telling them they are clueless sheep is the way to encourage people to pay attention.
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LibraryThing member jrgoetziii
Beck is right in premise and principle but makes numerous factual errors (especially but not only when presenting historical data) which destroy his point and fails to qualify assertions which need them. When writing about politics this is a big deal, not a small one.
LibraryThing member landlocked54
I'm a little late at getting to this book. Most of what I read I've heard on Beck's TV show. He does make some good points to ponder. The strongest chapter was the one on Progressivism. On the down side I wish he would be a little more civil in some of his discourse.
LibraryThing member DelightedLibrarian
I picked this up to try to listen to Glenn Beck from a neutral point of view to find the things I agree with and disagree with. I was surprised how many things I agreed with him on. However, his method to sway others to his point of view are abrasive, harsh, antagonizing and polarizing to the point
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that I was wishing that I didn't share his views. Show Less
LibraryThing member over.the.edge
Glenn Becks Common Sense: The Case Against an Out-of-Control Government, Inspired by Thomas Paine 🍒🍒🍒
By Glenn Beck
2009
My biggest problem with this book, was not Glenn Becks smug ideas or beliefs.....it was not how he defines "Common Sense".......
The biggest problem for me was the actual
Another problem for me were his opinions seem to alter and change, even flip flop on issues throughout the book.
I do agree....we do need a change. I'm not sure this book will inspire one....
The Thomas Paine essay saved this book.
Worth reading, but not a huge fan myself.
By Glenn Beck
2009
My biggest problem with this book, was not Glenn Becks smug ideas or beliefs.....it was not how he defines "Common Sense".......
The biggest problem for me was the actual
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writing.He continually resorts to cliches, and rhetoric. Another problem for me were his opinions seem to alter and change, even flip flop on issues throughout the book.
I do agree....we do need a change. I'm not sure this book will inspire one....
The Thomas Paine essay saved this book.
Worth reading, but not a huge fan myself.
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Language
Original publication date
2009
Physical description
192 p.; 8.2 inches
ISBN
1439168571 / 9781439168578
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