Arguing with Idiots: How to Stop Small Minds and Big Government

by Glenn Beck

FUNNY.

FRIGHTENING.

TRUE.

It happens to all of us: You're minding your own business, when some idiot informs you that guns are evil, the Prius will save the planet, or the rich have to finally start paying their fair share of taxes.

Just go away! you think to yourself -- but they only become more obnoxious. Your heart rate quickens. You start to sweat. You can't get away. Your only hope is...

...this book.

Glenn Beck, author of the #1 New York Times bestsellers An Inconvenient Book and Glenn Beck's Common Sense, has stumbled upon the secret formula to winning arguments against people with big mouths but small minds: knowing the facts.

And this book is full of them.

The next time your Idiot Friends tell you how gun control prevents gun violence, you'll tell them all about England's handgun ban (see page 53). When they tell you that we should copy the UK's health-care system, you'll recount the horrifying facts you read on page 244. And the next time an idiot tells you that vegetable prices will skyrocket without illegal workers, you'll stop saying "no, they won't" and you'll start saying, "actually, eliminating all illegal labor will cause us to spend just $8 a year more on produce." (See page 139.)

Idiots can't be identified through voting records, they can be found only by looking for people who hide behind stereotypes, embrace partisanship, and believe that bumper sticker slogans are a substitute for common sense. If you know someone who fits the bill, then Arguing with Idiots will help you silence them once and for all with the ultimate weapon: the truth.

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825 of 1201 people found the following review helpful:

TIME magazine's "Mad Man" speaks out, September 28, 2009

by Frank J. Konopka

During the Middle Ages, it was somewhat common for religious arguments to be presented in written form. This format usually involved two characters, each with a different point of view. There would be questions or statements by one character which were refuted by the other character, who was a stand-in for the author's belief. With this book, Glenn Beck has revived an old format for a new age.

The book is divided into ten chapters, each one covering a single topic, and there are questions which are responded to by Beck's character. In addition, there are also little side comments, sometimes called "A.D.D. Moments" and sometimes direct quotes by people Beck doesn't agree with, said quotes putting those people in the worst possilbe light.

Love him or hate him (there appears to be no middle ground) Beck wirtes cogently (if often humorously) and well. He states his point of view on one subject and then moves on to another. Beck claims that he is a Libertarian rather than either a Democrat or a Rebublican, but I'm sure liberal readers (if there are any who actually finish this book) will be coinvinced that Beck is just another member of the "vast right-wing conspiracy" to quote Hillary Clinton at the beginning of the Monica fiasco. I don't know what he is, because he takes almost as many shots at the GOP as he does at the Dems, so I'll take him at his word about his party leanings.

Beck is conservative in the sense that he opposes "big government" and what he calls the "Nanny State", which is one that hovers over just about every aspect of American life. He fears that we are going into that situation, and there are enough signs around (for those who want to recognise them) that he might (just might) be correct. I'm a big believer in the policy of "wait and see" so I don't make any judgments on his theories and opinions.

The book will infuriate some (liberals) and comfort others (conservatives and libertarians) but it certainly is not a boring read. For those who publish reviews on Amazon or elsewhere, please at least read the entire book before opining. It's the only fair way to do it!

6 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

Logic, February 19, 2010

by Brandon Hahnel

A logic-driven, step-by-step discussion on various political issues. Because of this book I have become a fan of Glenn Beck's position on many government issues.

It's great to read something that voers such a braod range of topics, yet contains almost no fallacies of logical argument whatsoever (e.g. ad nauseum, ad populum, hasty induction, etc). Despite what the opposition would have you believe about Glenn Beck, he doesn't use emotional arguments to work through a debate.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

AWESOME!!!, March 8, 2010

by R.T. Weaver

Regardless of your political Party, Glenn Beck makes a lot of sense if you can remain open to actual input from a guy I now feel has gotten bad press. Great Read!!!

3 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

Arguing with Idiots, February 19, 2010

by W. J. Griffin

I've developed an appreciation for Glenn Beck's view of government, his respect for the role of our founding fathers, and his challenge to citizens to become responsibly involved. Consequently, I sought this book. I haven't been disappointed.

5 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

Beck at His Best, January 5, 2010

by Cas Leslie

supreme Radio star and strong Mormon Glenn Beck delivers powerful and thought-provoking insights regarding the trouble the US economy and government are in. it is a lively, personal and fun read, except the problems he exposes are so colossal. it's never too late, so lets find a strong and uncompromising leader with great communication skills and oustanding character.
not so easy, that's one reason we should pray and work hard towards real solutions. i don't like the cover but what's inside is marvelous.
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Arguing with Idiots: How to Stop Small Minds and Big Government