Let's make sure Washington clearly understands: ‘Without us, they're doomed’

January 27, 2014

The Glenn Beck Program

Tomorrow night, President Obama will deliver his sixth State of the Union address. The Constitution says the president "shall from time to time give to the Congress information of the state of the union, and recommend to their consideration such measures as he shall judge necessary and expedient." While the concept may be noble in theory, in reality, the annual address has devolved into nothing more than a campaign stump speech filled with empty promises.

On radio this morning, Glenn previewed President Obama’s remarks. You can guarantee the election-year themes of ‘income inequality’ and ‘change we can believe in’ will be on full display as President Obama promises to level the playing field by taking from the rich and giving to the poor. There is no question Americans are hungry for change, and President Obama will promise to right some of the wrongs and change the course of the country. But as Glenn explained, the change Americans seek can never come from Washington. We the people must be willing to fight for the change we wish to see.

Tomorrow night the President is going to give his State of the Union address before Congress and the American people. Well, actually, let me rephrase that first before we go on. Tomorrow night the President's going to give a campaign speech full of misleading data, some outright lies, some good sounding platitudes, and none of it will mean anything. And instead it will become a circus. And the only ones that will really watch it are those who are part of the circus – the media and those who are somehow or another involved in the parties. I don't think the American people are there anymore.

The President tomorrow will use the Second Amendment again to divide us, to talk about inequality and how the game is rigged and how it is so unfair. He's not going to mention those things like a good education, experience [that] will actually help you find things that are fair – that in the end… kind of equal out. Those with little education and not much experience will learn that those things… are the great equalizers.

But this society now is a society that doesn't like to work, doesn't want to do the hard things. We are being pitted against each other and envy is our real enemy now. But there is some luck involved. Corporate cronyism is a disease that is spreading, but by and large you still reap what you sow in this country. But that's not going to be good enough for the President or, quite honestly, those on the other side of the aisle, either, because they're all there to help you. It doesn't give them power, you see, if they actually tell the truth that you can make it, that this is a country still with the greatest opportunity on planet Earth, but it's fading fast.

So he wants to take from those who are educated, either in school or on their own, who have worked hard for years for the people who have taken risks that are now successful. They want to take it from them and give it to those who didn't do any of those things because, in their world, that is the definition of fairness. In my world that's robbery. But the good news is most Americans won't even watch or listen because it's not the America that we want.

Why have we allowed this to happen and go on year after year after year? Why are we doing that? Why do we just accept it? We've been asleep. Are we still asleep? We've had our heads down and we've become part of the herd instead of being heard. Look at the people around you. Next time you go to the airport, look around you. As people wind through the maze at airport security, heads down, following the winding path, oblivious to what's going on. If somebody in that line looked up and said, "Good morning," would you smile and respond, or would you think that they were some sort of crazy person? "What the hell's wrong with that person?"

Go to New York City and stand by the doors of Grand Central Station in the afternoon as commuters head home and head for their trains, their heads down in a trance, not paying any attention to those around them. What if you stopped somebody on the street or stopped somebody at Grand Central Station and said, "Excuse me, do you know of a good restaurant nearby?" How many would even slow down now…

That's the nation we used to be. And the good news is I think we still have that within our grasp. I think we're starting to realize who we were and what we've allowed ourselves to become, and we don't like what we see and so change is in the air. We want to change it. But know this: The change isn't going to come from the President tomorrow night. The change we actually seek is not coming from anybody who says "Vote for me and I'll change it." Oh, they'll change things, but the change you seek is not coming from Washington. The change will happen when we all start to look up. The change will happen when we take the time to connect with the stranger next to us, or when we take the time to connect to the strange news that we're hearing.

The big bank HSBC has restricted people from taking $10,000 or more out of their bank accounts without a note, I think from their mom, explaining what exactly they're doing with that money. "Why are you taking the money out?" Excuse me. It's my money. I'm taking my money out… The change will come when we stand at the teller of the bank and we look them in the eye and we say, "Excuse me. That's my money. If I want to take it all out, I'm going to take it all out.” "Well, sir, for your own safety, we are concerned when you leave the bank." And I want to take my own out and I walk out into the chat R into the street and I want to throw it out in the air, I have a right to do it. It's my money.

Things will change when we start looking up and connecting, connecting to what is really happening and then connecting with each other. There's a video up on TheBlaze that we watched this weekend… Just the greatest videos. Go watch it… Such a great video of hope. It's a little ripple, one kind moment, one kind gesture that will lead to another. Common sense, common values, common courtesy. And none of these are on display in Washington. So let's display them ourselves. We the people, three words that are self-evident. It's up to us. It always has been up to us. We the people.

Tomorrow night will be about manipulation and power and greed, envy, but we're so much better than that. The greatest presidents we've ever had have always been those presidents that made us want to reach inside of ourself and be better because all of us know we are better than this. We are the people.

I said to my wife, because I've been having some back problems, Pat has been having some back problems. And I said to my wife this weekend, "I am so sick of being sick. I'm so sick of feeling like crap." Don't you feel this way as an American? Aren't you sick of feeling this way? Aren't you sick of being less than we are? I know I'm not the only one. We're so much better than this! And nobody else is going to demand it of us, nor should they demand it. I don't want a president demanding, "Oh, I'll tell you this. You'll not be who you think you are. You're going to be better than…" What? We have to demand it of ourselves. We're awake. Finally we're awake and we're looking up.

The best days of this country, the best days of humankind are still ahead of us, and don't you ever believe otherwise. Don't you ever listen to anybody else tell you differently. Something those who want power, those who want you to consume something, buy something, they will always tell you: Well, you'll be so much better if you have X, Y or Z. Well, I'm a guy who has a lot of stuff for you to buy. I got a lot of books for you to buy. I've got a lot of tickets that I'd like you to buy. I've got a lot of news stories I'd like you to read. I'd like you to go to the advertisers on this radio station and buy some of their stuff if that's what you need. But I'm telling you right now, I don't need you to buy anything. You will not be better if you're listening to this program. You will not be stronger. You don't need me. You need to know the truth, and the truth is you were born with everything that you need. You're smart enough. I'm cobbling the stuff together that we're finding. You can do the same thing. Don't you ever believe anybody who says "Without me, you're nothing. Without this system, you won't be able to make it."

Washington wants you to believe that without them we are doomed. Well, let's flip the tables, shall we? Let's make sure that they clearly understand: "We the people. Without us, they're doomed."

The Woodrow Wilson strategy to get out of Mother’s Day

Stock Montage / Contributor, Xinhua News Agency / Contributor | Getty Images

I’ve got a potentially helpful revelation that’s gonna blow the lid off your plans for this Sunday. It’s Mother’s Day.

Yeah, that sacred day where you’re guilt-tripped into buying flowers, braving crowded brunch buffets, and pretending you didn’t forget to mail the card. But what if I told you… you don’t have to do it? That’s right, there’s a loophole, a get-out-of-Mother’s-Day-free card, and it’s stamped with the name of none other than… Woodrow Wilson (I hate that guy).

Back in 1914, ol’ Woody Wilson signed a proclamation that officially made Mother’s Day a national holiday. Second Sunday in May, every year. He said it was a day to “publicly express our love and reverence for the mothers of our country.” Sounds sweet, right? Until you peel back the curtain.

See, Wilson wasn’t some sentimental guy sitting around knitting doilies for his mom. No, no, no. This was a calculated move.

The idea for Mother’s Day had been floating around for decades, pushed by influential voices like Julia Ward Howe. By 1911, states were jumping on the bandwagon, but it took Wilson to make it federal. Why? Because he was a master of optics. This guy loved big, symbolic gestures to distract from the real stuff he was up to, like, oh, I don’t know, reshaping the entire federal government!

So here’s the deal: if you’re looking for an excuse to skip Mother’s Day, just lean into this. Say, “Sorry, Mom, I’m not celebrating a holiday cooked up by Woodrow Wilson!” I mean, think about it – this is the guy who gave us the Federal Reserve, the income tax, and don’t even get me started on his assault on basic liberties during World War I. You wanna trust THAT guy with your Sunday plans? I don’t think so! You tell your mom, “Look, I love you, but I’m not observing a Progressive holiday. I’m keeping my brunch money in protest.”

Now, I know what you might be thinking.

“Glenn, my mom’s gonna kill me if I try this.” Fair point. Moms can be scary. But hear me out: you can spin this. Tell her you’re honoring her EVERY DAY instead of some government-mandated holiday. You don’t need Wilson’s permission to love your mom! You can bake her a cake in June, call her in July, or, here’s a wild idea, visit her WITHOUT a Woodrow Wilson federal proclamation guilting you into it.

Shocking Christian massacres unveiled

Aldara Zarraoa / Contributor | Getty Images

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

Yawar Nazir / Contributor | Getty Images

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

LOUAI BESHARA / Contributor | Getty Images

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"

Hugh Kinsella Cunningham / Stringer | Getty Images

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?

MIGUEL J. RODRIGUEZ CARRILLO / Contributor | Getty Images

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

Chip Somodevilla / Staff | Getty Images

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?

Bloomberg / Contributor | Getty Images

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?

Global Images Ukraine / Contributor | Getty Images

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?

Handout / Handout | Getty Images

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.

Glenn's Show Prep