Glenn Beck's war on Google
Google is really a revolution-sparking "shill" for Obama — at least, according to the Fox News star's latest conspiracy theory
The video: Glenn Beck doesn't want his search engine overthrowing governments, palling around with "hardcore leftists," or being a "shill" for the U.S. government. That, as he explained on his Fox News show this week, is why he's avoiding Google. (Watch the video below.) The way Beck sees it, Google's web of suspicious intrigue starts with Wael Ghonim, the marketing executive involved in Egypt's uprising; extends to ex-State Department official Jared Cohen, who heads up Google Ideas; and — take a deep breath — includes the NSA, George Soros, and the Tides Foundation.
The reaction: Is Glenn Beck's "mouth connected to a brain?" says Frank Watson in Search Engine Watch. Google isn't "in bed" with any government, and it has no role in its workers' extracurricular activities. I mean, is Fox "involved with all their employees endeavors? If yes, then they have some things to answer for." Oh, come now — this is "genius," says Carmel Lobello in Death and Taxes. "Beck is totally gaming Google." His reasons for being wary of the search giant are a mixture of the "laughable" and the "reasonable, though tired," but try googling Google on Google News. For a while, the top result was Beck's attack. Consider Beck's theorizing for yourself:
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
Create an account with the same email registered to your subscription to unlock access.
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
-
All the presidential assassination attempts
In Depth American history is full of efforts to kill sitting and former presidents
By David Faris Published
-
Jumaane Williams is poised to pick up Eric Adams' pieces
In The Spotlight As New York City is rocked by allegations of corruption emanating from Gracie Mansion, Public Advocate Jumaane Williams is waiting in the wings as next in line to take over the mayorship.
By Rafi Schwartz, The Week US Published
-
Should you lease your next car?
The explainer To buy or to lease, that is the question
By Becca Stanek, The Week US Published
-
1 of 6 'Trump Train' drivers liable in Biden bus blockade
Speed Read Only one of the accused was found liable in the case concerning the deliberate slowing of a 2020 Biden campaign bus
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
How could J.D. Vance impact the special relationship?
Today's Big Question Trump's hawkish pick for VP said UK is the first 'truly Islamist country' with a nuclear weapon
By Harriet Marsden, The Week UK Published
-
Biden, Trump urge calm after assassination attempt
Speed Reads A 20-year-old gunman grazed Trump's ear and fatally shot a rally attendee on Saturday
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Supreme Court rejects challenge to CFPB
Speed Read The court rejected a conservative-backed challenge to the way the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau is funded
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Arizona court reinstates 1864 abortion ban
Speed Read The law makes all abortions illegal in the state except to save the mother's life
By Rafi Schwartz, The Week US Published
-
Trump, billions richer, is selling Bibles
Speed Read The former president is hawking a $60 "God Bless the USA Bible"
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
The debate about Biden's age and mental fitness
In Depth Some critics argue Biden is too old to run again. Does the argument have merit?
By Grayson Quay Published
-
How would a second Trump presidency affect Britain?
Today's Big Question Re-election of Republican frontrunner could threaten UK security, warns former head of secret service
By Harriet Marsden, The Week UK Published