What does the rest of the world look like? Glenn reflects on his Mexican vacation

March 17, 2014

The Glenn Beck Program

Last week, Glenn and his family headed south of the border for a week on the beach in Mexico. Staying at a friend’s home in the resort city of Puerto Vallarta, Glenn could not help but notice the abject poverty that existed in a major metropolis not all that far from the U.S. border. On radio this morning, Glenn explained that he returned to the United States fearful he had just witnessed our country’s future. The thing that has always made America different, the thing that has always made America great is our Constitution. But if we continue further down the road we are on, the U.S. will be no different than any other failed socialist country in the world.

I spent my vacation in Mexico, and I haven't been to Mexico in I don't know how long. I think it's been at least 10 years... But my wife planned a 50th birthday party for me, so we went down to a friend who had a vacation place down there… It was an eye-opening experience. Mexico has changed.

I was down to Puerto Vallarta. The situation there is nothing short of tragic. It's really truly amazing the abject poverty. It is mind-boggling. I talked to the guy who was driving us from the airport, and we had quite a conversation between the two of us. He made $12 a day… We looked at the buildings and, not kidding you, the machine gun turrets on top of some of the buildings, the shanties that were around and the people begging in the middle of the street. Going from car to car…

But I couldn't help but think: Southern California is just right up the coast. It's not very far at all. What happens at the border? What is the difference between our two countries? And it is certainly not the people. I asked the driver… what's going on here and not in the United States or vice versa. What's the difference between that border? He thought for a while. And I was shocked. He said: Resources. You know, [the U.S. has] oil and good land. It's our good land and it's our oil? Really… The growing season mostly tropical Mexico is nearly year-round. Are they really hampered by a lack of resources or is there something else at play here?

The answer, of course, is something I've been thinking about all week… It's not our oil resources. We have been greatly blessed with those things. But there are many nations who have great natural resources. So what is it? What is it that sets us apart? You know the answer. I know the answer. It's the Constitution of the United States. That's what it is. That's what spread this throughout the world: The Constitution.

[…]

Now, I was going to the WalMart about three days in, and I happened to talk to another driver. And I said, ‘What is it about your country versus our country?’ He said, ‘Our country, our government, keeps you down. Our government doesn't allow you to be able to be who you are.’ He said this to me as we were driving by a vegetable stand that the government owns. And forces all of the farmers to sell all of their vegetables at this particular government-owned vegetable stand. They don't allow you to be who you are… Everybody in Mexico experiences income inequality, yet they're a socialized country. And everybody seems to be doing equally bad except for those few, the tiniest fraction of elitists… Same can be said for the Soviet Union before it collapsed, China before their capitalism hybrid, North Korea, Cuba, and every other socialist equality preaching nation.

Socialists in America today always, always point to Finland and Sweden or Norway. Well, that's where socialism is working, right? Is it? Is it really? Do they have the freedom that we enjoy? Do they have the lifestyle that we enjoy? In Norway, for example, the average monthly income is just over $7,000. Well, that's fantastic. Until you look at their taxes. Their take home pay is just over $3,300. $7,000, their take home pay is $3,300. So the average Norwegian pays 53% in income tax. But wait, there's more. Norwegians also have the privilege of routinely paying between $9 and $10 a gallon for gas. Oh, and there's a 14% VAT tax on food. Cars are nearly unobtainably expensive, so at least that makes the gas tax a little best relevant. Housing is so ridiculously expensive and so is entertainment. But I mean, really, who cares? I mean they're spreading the wealth out, right? II mean somebody has to pay for all of the service that Norway offers. And it is those services paid for on the backs of every Norwegian that the U.N. Development Program loves so much, that they continually list Norway as the number one place in the world to live…

When I went over these stats with my kids yesterday as we were getting ready to leave Mexico. And I told them a little bit about Norway. And my son-in-law said, ‘Why would anybody work? What's the incentive?’ And I said, ‘Work is one thing. But why risk anything? Why risk? Why roll the dice? Why even think about inventing something, making a better toothbrush, doing anything?’ There is no substitute for the foundation laid by our Founders. Yet from inside our own borders, we hear a constraint refrain of income inequality and collectivism, which is just another word for socialism. Income equal. Equal outcomes for all. Just another way to promote communism and communism is just socialism on steroids.

All Americans should fight against socialism and communism with all their might. It is soul crushing. It is economy busting. It is freedom robbing. Socialistic, communistic ideology. Quite honestly, it is the greatest enemy to mankind. It is the greatest evil we face in the world today, and somebody has to start saying it because somehow or another in our own country it has been laundered. It has been white washed. It has been sugarcoated…

Today's American progressives, who are no more or less than communists with patience… That's the progressive movement: Communists with patience. They can't allow the American people to know their true designs of what they really have in mind for our nation. If the American people ever came to understanding of where progressives well want to take us, they would see them as an enemy to the Constitution of the United States, which they are…

But if they can keep you focused on what they can do for you with somebody else's tax dollars, they can keep you distracted from the truth that they're pursuing… Has there ever been in world history a socialist or communist nation that provided more freedom than was provided by our Founding Fathers… We have to ask ourselves, what did God intend for this country? Should we even ask that question? What is it that He intended? How is it that our neighbor across the border can be in such darkness? Is it really just our resources? How can we get it back to what He intended? Maybe the only way to do that is to actually read what he says about it. And then whether you like it or not, do those things and stand against those who are desperately trying to tear us down… We will become more like the rest of the world. You want to know what the rest of the world looks like? Take a gander at Mexico.

Silent genocide exposed: Are christians being wiped out in 2025?

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Is a Christian Genocide unfolding overseas?

Recent reports suggest an alarming escalation in violence against Christians, raising questions about whether these acts constitute genocide under international law. Recently, Glenn hosted former U.S. Army Special Forces Sniper Tim Kennedy, who discussed a predictive model that forecasts a surge in global Christian persecution for the summer of 2025.

From Africa to Asia and the Middle East, extreme actions—some described as genocidal—have intensified over the past year. Over 380 million Christians worldwide face high levels of persecution, a number that continues to climb. With rising international concern, the United Nations and human rights groups are urging protective measures by the global community. Is a Christian genocide being waged in the far corners of the globe? Where are they taking place, and what is being done?

India: Hindu Extremist Violence Escalates

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In India, attacks on Christians have surged as Hindu extremist groups gain influence within the country. In February 2025, Hindu nationalist leader Aadesh Soni organized a 50,000-person rally in Chhattisgarh, where he called for the rape and murder of all Christians in nearby villages and demanded the execution of Christian leaders to erase Christianity. Other incidents include forced conversions, such as a June 2024 attack in Chhattisgarh, where a Hindu mob gave Christian families a 10-day ultimatum to convert to Hinduism. In December 2024, a Christian man in Uttar Pradesh was attacked, forcibly converted, and paraded while the mob chanted "Death to Jesus."

The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) recommends designating India a "Country of Particular Concern" and imposing targeted sanctions on those perpetrating these attacks. The international community is increasingly alarmed by the rising tide of religious violence in India.

Syria: Sectarian Violence Post-Regime Change

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Following the collapse of the Assad regime in December 2024, Syria has seen a wave of sectarian violence targeting religious minorities, including Christians, with over 1,000 killed in early 2025. It remains unclear whether Christians are deliberately targeted or caught in broader conflicts, but many fear persecution by the new regime or extremist groups. Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), a dominant rebel group and known al-Qaeda splinter group now in power, is known for anti-Christian sentiments, heightening fears of increased persecution.

Christians, especially converts from Islam, face severe risks in the unstable post-regime environment. The international community is calling for humanitarian aid and protection for Syria’s vulnerable minority communities.

Democratic Republic of Congo: A "Silent Genocide"

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In February 2025, the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), an ISIS-affiliated group, beheaded 70 Christians—men, women, and children—in a Protestant church in North Kivu, Democratic Republic of Congo, after tying their hands. This horrific massacre, described as a "silent genocide" reminiscent of the 1994 Rwandan genocide, has shocked the global community.

Since 1996, the ADF and other militias have killed over six million people, with Christians frequently targeted. A Christmas 2024 attack killed 46, further decimating churches in the region. With violence escalating, humanitarian organizations are urging immediate international intervention to address the crisis.

POLL: Starbase exposed: Musk’s vision or corporate takeover?

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Is Starbase the future of innovation or a step too far?

Elon Musk’s ambitious Starbase project in South Texas is reshaping Boca Chica into a cutting-edge hub for SpaceX’s Starship program, promising thousands of jobs and a leap toward Mars colonization. Supporters see Musk as a visionary, driving economic growth and innovation in a historically underserved region. However, local critics, including Brownsville residents and activists, argue that SpaceX’s presence raises rents, restricts beach access, and threatens environmental harm, with Starbase’s potential incorporation as a city sparking fears of unchecked corporate control. As pro-Musk advocates clash with anti-Musk skeptics, will Starbase unite the community or deepen the divide?

Let us know what you think in the poll below:

Is Starbase’s development a big win for South Texas?

Should Starbase become its own city?

Is Elon Musk’s vision more of a benefit than a burden for the region?

Shocking truth behind Trump-Zelenskyy mineral deal unveiled

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President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy have finalized a landmark agreement that will shape the future of U.S.-Ukraine relations. The agreement focuses on mineral access and war recovery.

After a tense March meeting, Trump and Zelenskyy signed a deal on Wednesday, April 30, 2025, granting the U.S. preferential mineral rights in Ukraine in exchange for continued military support. Glenn analyzed an earlier version of the agreement in March, when Zelenskyy rejected it, highlighting its potential benefits for America, Ukraine, and Europe. Glenn praised the deal’s strategic alignment with U.S. interests, including reducing reliance on China for critical minerals and fostering regional peace.

However, the agreement signed this week differs from the March proposal Glenn praised. Negotiations led to significant revisions, reflecting compromises on both sides. What changes were made? What did each leader seek, and what did they achieve? How will this deal impact the future of U.S.-Ukraine relations and global geopolitics? Below, we break down the key aspects of the agreement.

What did Trump want?

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Trump aimed to curb what many perceive as Ukraine’s overreliance on U.S. aid while securing strategic advantages for America. His primary goals included obtaining reimbursement for the billions in military aid provided to Ukraine, gaining exclusive access to Ukraine’s valuable minerals (such as titanium, uranium, and lithium), and reducing Western dependence on China for critical resources. These minerals are essential for aerospace, energy, and technology sectors, and Trump saw their acquisition as a way to bolster U.S. national security and economic competitiveness. Additionally, he sought to advance peace talks to end the Russia-Ukraine war, positioning the U.S. as a key mediator.

Ultimately, Trump secured preferential—but not exclusive—rights to extract Ukraine’s minerals through the United States-Ukraine Reconstruction Investment Fund, as outlined in the agreement. The U.S. will not receive reimbursement for past aid, but future military contributions will count toward the joint fund, designed to support Ukraine’s post-war recovery. Zelenskyy’s commitment to peace negotiations under U.S. leadership aligns with Trump’s goal of resolving the conflict, giving him leverage in discussions with Russia.

These outcomes partially meet Trump’s objectives. The preferential mineral rights strengthen U.S. access to critical resources, but the lack of exclusivity and reimbursement limits the deal’s financial benefits. The peace commitment, however, positions Trump as a central figure in shaping the war’s resolution, potentially enhancing his diplomatic influence.

What did Zelenskyy want?

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Zelenskyy sought to sustain U.S. military and economic support without the burden of repaying past aid, which has been critical for Ukraine’s defense against Russia. He also prioritized reconstruction funds to rebuild Ukraine’s war-torn economy and infrastructure. Security guarantees from the U.S. to deter future Russian aggression were a key demand, though controversial, as they risked entangling America in long-term commitments. Additionally, Zelenskyy aimed to retain control over Ukraine’s mineral wealth to safeguard national sovereignty and align with the country’s European Union membership aspirations.

The final deal delivered several of Zelenskyy’s priorities. The reconstruction fund, supported by future U.S. aid, provides a financial lifeline for Ukraine’s recovery without requiring repayment of past assistance. Ukraine retained ownership of its subsoil and decision-making authority over mineral extraction, granting only preferential access to the U.S. However, Zelenskyy conceded on security guarantees, a significant compromise, and agreed to pursue peace talks under Trump’s leadership, which may involve territorial or political concessions to Russia.

Zelenskyy’s outcomes reflect a delicate balance. The reconstruction fund and retained mineral control bolster Ukraine’s economic and sovereign interests, but the absence of security guarantees and pressure to negotiate peace could strain domestic support and challenge Ukraine’s long-term stability.

What does this mean for the future?

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While Trump didn’t secure all his demands, the deal advances several of his broader strategic goals. By gaining access to Ukraine’s mineral riches, the U.S. undermines China’s dominance over critical elements like lithium and graphite, essential for technology and energy industries. This shift reduces American and European dependence on Chinese supply chains, strengthening Western industrial and tech sectors. Most significantly, the agreement marks a pivotal step toward peace in Europe. Ending the Russia-Ukraine war, which has claimed thousands of lives, is a top priority for Trump, and Zelenskyy’s commitment to U.S.-led peace talks enhances Trump’s leverage in negotiations with Russia. Notably, the deal avoids binding U.S. commitments to Ukraine’s long-term defense, preserving flexibility for future administrations.

The deal’s broader implications align with the vision Glenn outlined in March, when he praised its potential to benefit America, Ukraine, and Europe by securing resources and creating peace. While the final agreement differs from Glenn's hopes, it still achieves key goals he outlined.

Did Trump's '51st state' jab just cost Canada its independence?

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Did Canadians just vote in their doom?

On April 28, 2025, Canada held its federal election, and what began as a promising conservative revival ended in a Liberal Party regroup, fueled by an anti-Trump narrative. This outcome is troubling for Canada, as Glenn revealed when he exposed the globalist tendencies of the new Prime Minister, Mark Carney. On a recent episode of his podcast, Glenn hosted former UK Prime Minister Liz Truss, who provided insight into Carney’s history. She revealed that, as governor of the Bank of England, Carney contributed to the 2022 pension crisis through policies that triggered excessive money printing, leading to rampant inflation.

Carney’s election and the Liberal Party’s fourth consecutive victory spell trouble for a Canada already straining under globalist policies. Many believed Canadians were fed up with the progressive agenda when former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau resigned amid plummeting public approval. Pierre Poilievre, the Conservative Party leader, started 2025 with a 25-point lead over his Liberal rivals, fueling optimism about his inevitable victory.

So, what went wrong? How did Poilievre go from predicted Prime Minister to losing his own parliamentary seat? And what details of this election could cost Canada dearly?

A Costly Election

Mark Carney (left) and Pierre Poilievre (right)

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The election defied the expectations of many analysts who anticipated a Conservative win earlier this year.

For Americans unfamiliar with parliamentary systems, here’s a brief overview of Canada’s federal election process. Unlike U.S. presidential elections, Canadians do not directly vote for their Prime Minister. Instead, they vote for a political party. Each Canadian resides in a "riding," similar to a U.S. congressional district, and during the election, each riding elects a Member of Parliament (MP). The party that secures the majority of MPs forms the government and appoints its leader as Prime Minister.

At the time of writing, the Liberal Party has secured 169 of the 172 seats needed for a majority, all but ensuring their victory. In contrast, the Conservative Party holds 144 seats, indicating that the Liberal Party will win by a solid margin, which will make passing legislation easier. This outcome is a far cry from the landslide Conservative victory many had anticipated.

Poilievre's Downfall

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What caused Poilievre’s dramatic fall from front-runner to losing his parliamentary seat?

Despite his surge in popularity earlier this year, which coincided with enthusiasm surrounding Trump’s inauguration, many attribute the Conservative loss to Trump’s influence. Commentators argue that Trump’s repeated references to Canada as the "51st state" gave Liberals a rallying cry: Canadian sovereignty. The Liberal Party framed a vote for Poilievre as a vote to surrender Canada to U.S. influence, positioning Carney as the defender of national independence.

Others argue that Poilievre’s lackluster campaign was to blame. Critics suggest he should have embraced a Trump-style, Canada-first message, emphasizing a balanced relationship with the U.S. rather than distancing himself from Trump’s annexation remarks. By failing to counter the Liberal narrative effectively, Poilievre lost momentum and voter confidence.

This election marks a pivotal moment for Canada, with far-reaching implications for its sovereignty and economic stability. As Glenn has warned, Carney’s globalist leanings could align Canada more closely with international agendas, potentially at the expense of its national interests. Canadians now face the challenge of navigating this new political landscape under a leader with a controversial track record.

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