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

Sunday, November 22nd, 2009 at 3:23 am

Manufacturer: Threshold Editions
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Product Description

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.

Product Details

ISBN13: 9781416595014
Condition: NEW
Notes: Brand New from Publisher. No Remainder Mark.

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Customer Reviews

TIME magazine's "Mad Man" speaks out

Review Date: September 28, 2009

Reviewer: Frank J. Konopka, Shamokin, PA

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!

Logic

Review Date: February 19, 2010

Reviewer: Brandon Hahnel, Bellingham, WA

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.

AWESOME!!!

Review Date: March 8, 2010

Reviewer: 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!!!

Arguing with Idiots

Review Date: February 19, 2010

Reviewer: W. J. Griffin, Utica, NY

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.

I resisted buying this book for a long time, but finally gave up and was presently surprised.

Review Date: January 5, 2010

Reviewer: Henry Resheto, Canada

This turned out to be an unexpectedly good book, I mean I know Glenn Beck, every now and then I was watching his show at CNN Headlines and now still I am an occasional viewer of his show at Fox; I was thinking what else can he tell me in this book that he hasn't told me yet on TV? Surprisingly this book wasn't rehash of the same old talking points and the same old arguments; I found quite a bit of fresh thoughts in there and had a lot of fun reading it (actually, listening to it, as I had audio version read by Glenn Beck himself).

Also in response to some prior reviewers who wonder what happened to the "intelligent conservatism"? Intelligent conservatism does not matter; organizations like Heritage foundation and other conservative think tanks can produce tons of scientific (intelligent) reports, but no one will pay attention to them. Only personalities like Glenn Beck who know how to ridicule liberals and progressives, how to defame liberal elites and elected politicians, are capable of turning a tide of public opinion strongly against liberalism. Whether you like it or not, Jon Stewarts and Michael Moors of the world can only be counteracted by Glenn Becks and Ann Coulters of the world. Welcome to the 21st century!