Sep 17, 2009
Talk Show Hosts, Money, and Who to Trust
Glenn Beck and Jon Stewart have something in common. They thrive on their audiences believing in their goodness and sincerity, coat their beliefs in the palatable pill of humor, and command a loyal following.
They also are heavily merchandised, make a boat load of money from their shows, and rake in a bunch more through publishing deals. We can argue whether one is right, more sincere, or whatever. But we cannot deny that they have these things in common. And the moment anyone doubts they aren’t sincerely looking out for their best interests or their jokes fall flat, they lose.
The money stops.
In a perfect world these funny analysts would have our best interests in mind. Perhaps they do. I can’t judge for sure.
However, where there is a lot of money and power at stake for those on the right or left, the public should be suspicious. Before we lap up the comedy-laced analysis, the pouncing on sound bites, and the vilifying of political opponents, it’s worth asking what these entertainers (and we can’t forget they are entertainers first and foremost) have at stake. Will anyone listen to Glen Beck if he looks for the best with Obama? Will Jon Stewart manage to keep the jokes coming if he softens up on Republicans? And of course Beck is finding out right now that fear sells.
I wrestle to find a place in today’s political debate as a Christian. I’m so sick of either party “reaching out” to evangelicals hoping to swing an election by pandering to this issue or that. While I’m not convinced that government shouldn’t always be the first place we turn to help people, I also don’t believe it should be the last.
I’ll admit I love the idea of a society that allocates funds to ensure all people have basic health care. Medicare works well enough for senior citizens, and I’m proud that our nation provides it. I’d like to see that kind of care extended to the rest of those who need it. We sure need it more than we need two wars or bonuses for bank executives.
However, I don’t want to become a political proxy for a political party and alienate myself from others unnecessarily. Perhaps there’s no other way to do it, but I simply don’t know how exactly to engage this issue without becoming someone’s pawn. I have no interest in waving Beck’s or Stewart’s banners. I’m not sure if waving the banner of the Gospel, of loving my neighbor, or of becoming poor for the sake of others as Christ did means I need to toss my hat in the ring one way or the other.
After seeing the Republicans toy with Christians for so long, and after I have personally failed to think through what exactly I was getting myself into, I’m wary of political fights and the war of words streaming from both sides.
What does it look like to follow Jesus today in a politically divided America? Should the disciples of Jesus fight their way through the system or step away from it? If we do jump in, how far do we go? How do we define failure or victory?
As you can tell, I’m short on answers at this point.
