Letter to Joe Klein

April 26, 2010

Mr. Joe Klein
Time Magazine
Time & Life Building
Rockefeller Center
New York, NY 10020

Dear Mr. Klein:

I saw the recent video clip in which you demonstrated your ability to use the dictionary by quoting the definition of sedition, and then you went on to say Glenn Beck and others are potentially guilty of perpetrating such acts. Let me be clear; I’m a pretty open-minded individual who usually tolerates opposing points of view. As long as they are thoughtful, set forth in specific arguments with supporting data, and done with the objective of promoting civil and respectful discourse, then, who knows, I may grow from the experience and even be a candidate for conversion. But your charge of sedition is probably the most outrageous, recent example of irresponsible, angry, and fearful liberal paranoia I can recall. I guess, in your world of relativism where there are no absolutes, it’s pretty easy to get up in the morning, look in the mirror, and never see the reflection.

Life is pretty straight-forward if you’re able to cut through all the distractions and misdirections. Humans are a fairly predictable bunch and we haven’t changed much in the last 10,000 years. Yes, we are more learned and our tools are more sophisticated but we continue to wrestle with the same issues as we always have – our nature hasn’t changed much, if at all. Once you understand what drives a human, he or she becomes less interesting to observe. The fascinating part is trying to determine what forces have shaped their values and convictions. For example, how did Joe Klein become a progressive liberal? Conventional wisdom would suggest you come from good intellectual stock, had all the privileges of a good education, and have always put the needs of others before your own. I see something different.

I see a man who is struggling with his own identity. I see a man who is anxious and frustrated with the circumstances and events of his own life. I see a man who resents a society which does not recognize and reward his efforts and contributions as much as they do captains of industry, performing artists, and professional athletes. I see a man who was over-shadowed in his early years by those who possessed an added measure of the most highly-regarded talents and gifts. I see a man who would settle for mediocrity rather than fulfill his potential. I see a man who prefers to discourage ambition and achievement as a means of elevating his own stature. I see a man who prefers a place “with those cold and timid souls who know neither victory nor defeat.” Glenn Beck frightens you because he exposes you for who you are. He makes you look into the mirror and contemplate your nature.

April 26, 2010
Page Two

We live in a nation which has provided a higher standard of living for more of its citizens for a longer period of time than any other society known to man. We live in a society where real poverty doesn’t exist, and where we embrace initiative, self-reliance, and self-determination and we acknowledge these virtues as the basis for our prosperity. However, most of us concede our nation has had numerous moments of shame and that there are those among us who will pursue their ambitions by any means available without fear of the consequences to themselves and others. But we also know this disturbing reality is further confirmation we haven’t lost our traditional liberties and freedoms. I for one fear a society where aberrant behavior is nonexistent and where emotionally-unhealthy, self-anointed elitists and intellectuals, who don’t understand nor respect human nature, deem themselves more capable of taking care of the masses than the masses themselves.

Mr. Klein, I believe you are not a happy man. I believe you have not experienced joy in a very long time. In fact, I believe you don’t even know what would make you happy or bring you joy. I suggest you look at yourself from another vantage point. Try to find that place which allows you to accept yourself for who you really are, to see the real reflection in the mirror, and to view the many dimensions of our existence. Once you see yourself as an imperfect, fallible human being shaped by your own life choices, then, and only then, will you be able to release your anxieties, fears, and frustrations and experience real peace, joy and happiness.

All the best,

Bill Monroe

cc: Mr. Glenn Beck