New guard of conservative lawmakers discuss the dynamics of the new media with Glenn in D.C.

June 12, 2013

Writer

Some of the biggest names in the cable industry are spending a few days in Washington, D.C. this week for the NCTA's Cable Show. For the last 50+ years, cable television has lead the information and entertainment industry in infrastructure and innovation…but in recent years, this industry has had to adapt to the new leader in innovation: the internet. The 2013 Cable Show, focused on integrating the 'new media' — digital entertainment innovation in the internet ecosystem.

TheBlaze has been ahead of the curve on this transition — starting online to empower our subscribers and just recently beginning to spread into the world of cable television. Tuesday afternoon in the nation's capitol, some of the most prominent names in conservative politics weighted in on the impact and power of the so-called 'new media' at TheBlaze's Cable Show reception and conversation about “News and Politics in a Multi-platform World” hosted by Glenn and TheBlaze with discussions lead by Mary Matalin.

TheBlaze's President of Business Development, Lynne Costantini, opened up the program by highlighting the amazing opportunity TheBlaze has to tap into an audience that is searching for a channel that represents their values. Before handing the mic over to Glenn, Lynne reminded attendees that there are 94 million libertarian and conservative Americans looking for more than just one option for news and information.

"I remember the when we first got cable television in our home," Glenn stated. "It was in the late 1970s and it was a time when the world was changing."

Glenn recalled all of the 'firsts' that came with cable television, and pointed out that we find ourselves in the position of experiencing new things and new technology every day now. Innovation is moving faster than ever before, he noted.

"The game is about to change — and it's about to change on every level."

Glenn noted that there are the people that see the future and the change coming and realize the implications: it could go horribly wrong or it could be amazing. Take the NSA for example…amazing technology that's monitoring law abiding Americans like criminals.

"There will be the people who embrace and create the changes," Glenn said noting Steve Jobs as an excellent example. "And the power grabbers. The ones who are too afraid they'll fail and do whatever they can to hold onto power."

"We [TheBlaze] are the change," Glenn said. "I've worked at CNN, I've worked at Fox — they're both great places to work. They both have a great product," Glenn added. "But there is a change coming. We have to bridge the gap."

"There is something to be said for the communal experience," Glenn continued. "The only thing that unites us now is the Superbowl. How can we go into the cable system and bridge that with technology."

"We're doing it in a way that's never been done before."

Glenn explained that TheBlaze isn't just a growing news and information network, it's a culture…a lifestyle.

"We find the people that are like-minded and want to live their lives in a certain way," he said. "Our audience is difference and we recognize that. Where everyone else is designing for the buck, we don't take a dollar if it's not right for them. I want a lifetime relationship. Find out who the audience is and connect of that."

"Our philosophy is not about politics. Politics are a waste…" Glenn said before apologizing to the audience full of politicians…

"What made us great is not about looking up what we're supposed to do in the regulation book, it's maximum liberty and maximum personal responsibility. The 'give me a chance' attitude — that's all great leaders have asked for," he explained.

Sounds great, right? Pretty simple…but how do Glenn and TheBlaze make that work as a business model?

"We empower the people on the other end."

After Glenn finished speaking, he passed the mic off to Mary Matalin who lead one-on-one discussions with Rep. Marsha Blackburn and Senators Ted Cruz and Mike Lee. Senator Rand Paul also made an appearance. Their discussions were centered around the evolving media and the impact it's having on empowering the average American, and in the case of the NSA leaks, possibly being used against them.

Rep. Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) is a big proponent of new and social media — the tools that have empowered much of the voting base that got her elected.

"The best way to use it is to think of it as the network of you," she told Mary when describing how she uses new media to get a message out.

Blackburn often reminds her staff to think of tools like Twitter and Facebook not just as a way to spread a message, but a way to listen to her constituents and the American people.

"It allows people to keep their attention on the kind of content that interests them — what they want to receive — and from there, build their own network.

"We now have the ability to meet and communicate with people where they are by utilizing the tools that are right in front of us, right at our fingertips. They have option on how they receive information," she added.

Rep. Blackburn also noted the ability of social media to remove the filter between the audience and information — something Matalin pointed out isn't always a good thing, noting the importance of context.

Texas Senator Ted Cruz, highlighted the impact social media has had directly on Washington, making note of several instances where Twitter has had the power to shift the conversation back to the truth. He was reminded to the vital role Twitter played in Senator Paul's 13-hour filibuster on the Senate floors regarding drones.

"I was very proud, nine months ago, to stand side-by-side with Rand Paul," Cruz stated. "Most of our colleagues in the Senate thought what Rand was doing was curious if not quixotic. He began speaking up and talking about the principle…what quickly happened was incredible."

Cruz explained how tens of thousands of Americans got online and started to support Rand in a filibuster, that when it first started, was only viewable online and on C-SPAN. When #StandWithRand started trending, Cruz became the first person in history to read tweets from the American people (or anyone else for that matter) on the Senate floor. The Texas Senator was reminded of one tweet in particular from a 78-year-old woman who had never used Twitter, but got online and signed up so she could publicly support with Senator Paul was doing and stand with him.

"The next day Obama was forced to explain the policy, and polling showed the American people had shifted 50 points in just days," he noted.

The explosion of new media has led to a "phenomenal democratization of information," Cruz added. "Anybody with a cell phone can be Dan Rather — hopefully with a greater propensity for truth."

Cruz also noted that with the recent leaks regarding the NSA and the IRS scandals, that the American people are quite justified in having real concerns and that now is the time to use the tools to put a stop to it.

During Senator Mike Lee's discussion with Mary Matalin and Glenn, he explained how the new media empowering more citizens to get engaged and speak out against an over-bearing government made him optimistic.

"I think our best days are ahead of us," Lee explained, "in part because we are being put in the position of having to resort to federalism.

He explained the unique pattern that the ability to personalize the news and information you receive is having on the monopolized news industry.

"We've had a lot of consolidation in media outlets that give us our news. That fortunately is starting to change. we've got more alternatives out there for people to listen to. When people can have access to the truth and that truth can be checked and cross-checked because of the availability of multiple sources of media, we can all get better answers," Lee noted.

Highlighting Glenn and TheBlaze specifically, Lee continued, "not everyone in the news business has the same attention to detail as Glenn Beck. The more Glenn Becks that are out there — and I hope there will be many one day — the greater the opportunity there will be for people to know the truth. The thing about the American people is they will make the right choice when they are given the opportunity."

Closely tied to the evolution of the media was another popular topic of yesterday's event: the recent leaks regarding the NSA and the IRS targeting of conservative groups. Senator Rand Paul focused heavily on this issue while speaking at the event.

…after a quick parody of Glenn's silent monologue of course…

Senator Paul told the crowd that he plans to take the issue regarding the NSA's surveillance of law-abiding citizens to court to put a stop to the abuse of power. Paul explained the importance of informing the people around us who operate in the digital space that their government is abusing its power.

While all of the guests who joined TheBlaze on Tuesday didn't share the same opinion on the leaks, they all believed what the NSA was doing, if true, was wrong and an abuse of power. They were also quick to highlight that the solution is YOU and your ability to exercise your freedom of speech with new media.

Marsha Blackburn noted that to really solve the problem, conservatives NEED to start whittling away at the size of the federal government.

"They have too much time and money on their hands," she said.

Senator Cruz also noted the answer to government overreach and its growing power is new media.

"The answer is new media and social media — speaking out and education our citizens on liberty."

Mary Matalin wrapped up the discussions by noting the reason Glenn's network model is so amazing: You.

"Glenn's audience understands the need for virtuous citizens," She explained.

She went on to say that this understand the need for there to be MORE virtuous citizens and they're actively involved in spreading that message and the message of TheBlaze. That's what makes TheBlaze different than any other network — you.

Woke ideology trumps medicine in America's top 5 medical schools

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Progressive ideology has infected our most prestigious medical schools and is seeping into our medical system.

As Glenn covered in his latest TV special, "diversity, equity and inclusion" (DEI), and leftist rhetoric have overtaken science and medicine as the focus of medical schools across the nation. The next generation of doctors and nurses is being force-fed DEI and "anti-racist" nonsense at the expense of slipping standards. This has led to a decline in people's trust in the medical industry and for good reason. Woke ideology has already been the driving force behind at least one medical malpractice case, and more are undoubtedly on the way.

All of this is being spearheaded by universities, which have integrated DEI practices into the fabric of their programs. Our top medical schools now require students and staff to participate in mandatory DEI and "anti-racist" classes and training and are adjusting the standards to reflect this new shift in focus. Here are 5 statements from the top American medical schools that show that medicine is no longer their primary focus:

Harvard Medical School

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Taken from the Harvard University "Unconscious bias" resource page:

“As members of HMS, we each have a responsibility to create an inclusive community that values all individuals. Barriers to inclusion may include assumptions we make about others that guide our interactions. Recognizing our Unconscious Bias is a critical step in developing a culture of equity and inclusion within HMS and in our partnerships with other communities.”

The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine

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Pulled from the JHM Office of Diversity, Inclusion and Health Equity blog:

“One-hour live, virtual unconscious bias training ... [w]ill be required at all Johns Hopkins Health System (JHHS) entities for managers and above; hospital nurse leaders; credentialed providers (such as physician assistants and nurse practitioners); and for school of medicine faculty and trainees (including residents, fellows, medical and graduate students, and research postdocs), as well as those at a manager level or above.”

Stanford University School of Medicine

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Found on the Stanford Medicine Commission on Justice and Equity page:

“The Commission on Justice and Equity—composed of external and internal leaders, experts, and advocates—represents an institution-wide, collaborative effort to dismantle systemic racism and discrimination within our own community and beyond.”

Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania

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Taken from the Penn Medicine Commitment to Inclusion, Equity, and Antiracism site:

“We openly acknowledge the role of structural forces of oppression as primary drivers of the disparate health outcomes. We believe that working to reverse the underrepresentation of historically excluded groups is critical in achieving equitable health outcomes. While this is an ongoing journey for our program, here are some of the tangible steps we have taken to achieve an inclusive culture”

Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons

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Pulled from the Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons Diversity, Equity, Inclusivity, Justice, and Anti-Racism page:

"Courses are being revised to be more inclusive and informed by the key principle of race as a social construct and a social determinant of health. We are training faculty that Anti-Racism is not an add-on to a course. Anti-Racism is a pedagogy - a manner of teaching, designing courses, and measuring learning outcomes. We make sure that the classroom environment is inclusive by holding space for respectful conversation and ensuring that we address any “classroom ruptures”– a disorienting dilemma or situation when a bias or microaggression that may occur, providing real time opportunities for professional development, learning, and growth. Racist actions and remarks are never tolerated at Columbia University and will be dealt with following established protocols."

Critical theory destroys truth and justice

Editor's note: This article was originally published on TheBlaze.com.

Critical theory once stood out as the absurd progressive notion that it is. Now, its maxims are becoming an integral part of ordinary political discourse. The more you repeat a lie, the more you will believe it, and this is the very dangerous place in which we find ourselves today.

Take this critical theory maxim as an example: If we desire justice, we must sometimes champion what may appear superficially as injustice. It's a necessary evil, if you will, the necessity of “controlled injustice.”

By using truth through fabrication and controlled injustice for justice, we’ll save the republic. We’ll be acting in a noble way.

This definition of justice is defined by the “oppressed,” not the “oppressor.” It is the greatest happiness for the greatest number. To achieve this justice, however, we need to endorse acts on occasion that, while seemingly unjust, serve a higher purpose. It will ensure the stability and the unity of our republic, and this may manifest in ways that seem contradictory to our values. But these are the necessary shadows to cast light on “true justice.”

And isn’t that what we are all after, anyway?

Here’s another critical theory maxim: Sometimes we find the truth through fabrication. Our pursuit of truth sometimes requires a strategic use of falsehoods. The truth is a construct that has been shaped and tailored to promote the well-being of the collective.

We sometimes need to accept and propagate lies designed by "the system” — not the old system, but the system that we’re now using to replace the old to get more justice through injustice and more truth through fabrication.

We’re engaging in a higher form of honesty. When we fabricate, it’s for the right reason. We are reaching up to the heavens fighting for a higher sort of honesty. To fortify the truth, we occasionally must weave a tapestry of lies. Each thread, essential for the greater picture, will ultimately define our understanding and ensure our unity under this infallible wisdom.

The election is coming up. Does this maxim sound familiar? Many think it is imperative that we secure our republic through election control to maintain our republic. Sometimes, we might need to take actions that by traditional standards might be questionable.

The act of securing elections requires cheating. It's not mere deception. It is a noble act of safeguarding our way of life. We're on the verge of losing this democracy, and without deception, we will lose it.

To ensure it doesn't fall into the hands of those we know will destroy it, we may have to make a few fabrications. We're fabricating stories to be able to control or secure the republic through our elections. By using truth through fabrication and controlled injustice for justice, we'll save the republic. Therefore, we'll be acting in a noble way. Stealing an election from those who wish to harm our society is truly an act of valor and an essential measure to protect our values and ensure the continuation of our just society.

If we desire justice, we must sometimes champion what may appear superficially as injustice.

I know it's a paradox of honor through dishonor. But in this context, by embracing the dishonor, we achieve the highest form of honor, ensuring the stability and the continuation of our great republic.

Let this be heard, far and wide, as a great call to patriotic action. As we advance, let each of us, citizens of this great and honorable republic, consider these principles. Not as abstract or paradoxical but as practical guides to daily life. Embrace the necessity of controlled injustice, the utility of lies, the duty to secure our electoral process, and the honor and apparent dishonor. These are not merely strategies for survival. They are prerequisites for our prosperity.

We all have to remember that justice is what our leaders define, that truth is what our party tells us. Our republic stands strong on the values of injustice for justice, honor through dishonor, and the fabrication of truths. To deviate from this path is to jeopardize the very fabric of our society. Strength through unity; unity through strength.

We've heard this nonsense for so long. But now, this nonsense is becoming an instituted reality, and we are entering perilous times. Don't be fooled by the narratives you will hear during the march to November. Never let someone convince you that the ends justify the means, that a little bit of injustice is needed to achieve a broader, collective vision of justice, that truth sometimes requires fabricated lies and narratives. If we do, justice will cease to be justice, truth will cease to be truth, and our republic will be lost.

Top 5 MOST EVIL taxes the government extorts from you

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"In this world nothing is certain but death and taxes." -Ben Franklin

The injustice of taxation has been a core issue for Americans since the very beginning of our country, and it's a problem we have yet to resolve. This belief was recently reignited in many Americans earlier this month on tax day when the numbers were crunched and it was discovered that the government was somehow owed even more hard-earned money. As Glenn recently discussed on his show, it's getting to be impossible for most Americans to afford to live comfortably, inflation is rising, and our politicians keep getting richer.

The taxpayer's burden is heavier than ever.

The government is not above some real low blows either. While taxes are a necessary evil, some taxes stretch the definition of "necessary" and emphasize the "evil." Here are the top five most despicable taxes that are designed to line the IRS coffers at your expense:

Income Tax

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"It would be a hard government that should tax its people one-tenth part of their income." -Ben Franklin

On February 24th, 2024 we hit a very unfortunate milestone, the 101st anniversary of the 16th Amendment, which authorized federal income tax. Where does the government get the right to steal directly out of your paycheck?

Death Taxes

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"Now my advice for those who die, Declare the pennies on your eyes" -George Harrison

Not even in death can you escape the cold pursuit of the tax collector. It's not good enough that you have to pay taxes on everything you buy and every penny you make your entire life. Now the feds want a nice slice, based on the entire value of your estate, that can be as much as 40 percent. Then the state government gets to stick their slimy fingers all over whatever remains before your family is left with the crumbs. It's practically grave-robbery.

Payroll

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"The power to tax is the power to destroy." -John Marshall

What's that? The nice chunk of your paycheck the government nabs before you can even get it to the bank wasn't enough? What if the government taxed your employer just for paying you? In essence, you make less than what your agreed pay rate is and it costs your employer more! Absolutely abominable.

Social Security

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"We don't have a trillion-dollar debt because we haven't taxed enough; we have a trillion-dollar debt because we spend too much." -Ronald Reagan

Everyone knows the collapse of Social Security is imminent. It has limped along for years, only sustained by a torrent of tax dollars and the desperate actions of politicians. For decades, people have unwillingly forked over money into the system they will never see again.

FICA

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"What at first was plunder assumed the softer name of revenue." -Thomas Paine

FICA is the payroll equivalent of Social Security. Your employer has to match however much you pay. It means it costs your employer even more to pay you—again, you'll NEVER see that money. At this point, are you even working for yourself, or are you just here to generate money for the government to frivolously throw away?

5 DISTURBING ways World War III will be different from previous wars

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Has World War III begun?

Over the weekend, Iran launched an unprecedented attack against Israel involving over 300 missiles and drones. This marked the first direct attack on Israel originating from Iranian territory. Fortunately, according to an Israel Defense Forces spokesperson Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari, 99 percent of missiles and drones were successfully neutralized by Israeli defense systems. Iran claimed that the operation against Israel had concluded and that no further offensive was planned, although the possibility of another attack is still present.

This has left many people, including Glenn, wondering the same thing: did we just witness the start of World War III?

Glenn recently had a World War II Air Force Veteran as a guest on his TV special, who told stories of the horrors he and his brothers-in-arms faced in the skies over war-torn Europe. This was a timely reminder of the terrors of war and a warning that our future, if it leads to another world war, is a dark one.

But, if Glenn's coverage of the Iranian attack revealed one thing, it's that World War III will look nothing like the world wars of the twentieth century. Long gone are the days of John "Lucky" Luckadoo and his "Bloody Hundredth" bravely flying their B-17s into battle. Over the weekend, we saw hundreds of autonomous drones and missiles clashing with extreme speed and precision over several different fronts (including space) simultaneously. This ain't your grandfather's war.

From EMP strikes to cyber attacks, here are FIVE ways the face of war has changed:

EMP attacks

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The entire modern world, on every level, is completely dependent on electricity. From your home refrigerator to international trade, the world would come to a grinding halt without power. And as Glenn has pointed out, it wouldn't even be that hard to pull off. All it would take is 3 strategically placed, high-altitude nuclear detonations and the entire continental U.S. would be without power for months if not years. This would cause mass panic across the country, which would be devastating enough on its own, but the chaos could be a perfect opportunity for a U.S. land invasion.

Nuclear strikes

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Nuclear war is nothing new. Many of us grew up during the Cold War, built fallout shelters, and learned to duck and cover. But times have changed. The Berlin Wall fell and so did the preparedness of the average American to weather a nuclear attack. As technology has advanced, more of our adversaries than ever have U.S. cities within their crosshairs, and as Glenn has pointed out, these adversaries are not exactly shy about that fact. Unfortunately, the possibility of an atomic apocalypse is as real as ever.

Immigration warfare

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The strategy of strangling an opposing nation's economy to gain the upper hand is a wartime tactic as old as time. That's why the Border Crisis is so alarming. What better way to damage an opponent's economy than by overburdening it with millions of undocumented immigrants? As Glenn has covered, these immigrants are not making the trek unaided. There is a wide selection of organizations that facilitate this growing disaster. These organizations are receiving backing from around the globe, such as the WEF, the UN, and U.S. Democrats! Americans are already feeling the effects of the border crisis. Imagine how this tactic could be exploited in war.

Cyber shutdowns

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Cyber attacks will be a major tactic in future wars. We've already experienced relatively minor cyber strikes from Russia, China, and North Korea, and it is a very real possibility that one of our adversaries inflicts a larger attack with devastating consequences on the United States. In fact, the WEF has already predicted a "catastrophic" cyber attack is imminent, and Glenn suggests that it is time to start preparing ourselves. A cyber attack could be every bit as devastating as an EMP, and in a world run by computers, nothing is safe.

Biological assault

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Don't trust the "experts." That was the takeaway many of us had from the pandemic, but something less talked about is the revelation that China has manufactured viruses that are capable of spreading across the globe. We now know that the lab leak hypothesis is true and that the Wuhan lab manufactured the virus that infected the entire world. That was only ONE virus from ONE lab. Imagine what else the enemies of America might be cooking up.