Best of the Program | Guests: Sen. Mike Lee & Bernie Moreno | 3/20/24
In an episode of The Glenn Beck Program, Beck and his guests—including Senator Mike Lee and political candidate Bernie Moreno—weigh in on the contentious immigration debates happening in states like Texas. They discuss the Texas Senate Bill 4, which aims to combat illegal immigration, and the lawsuits challenging its constitutionality.
The episode also touches on Moreno's conservative platform and candidacy, shedding light on the upcoming midterm elections. Beck, Lee, and Moreno voice concerns over what they perceive as government overreach and disregard for citizens' constitutional rights, with Lee critiquing court procedures that make challenging such overreach difficult. Ultimately, the episode features commentary urging adherence to America's founding constitutional principles.
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1-Page Summary
The Border Crisis and Biden Administration Immigration Policies
The Biden administration's immigration policies, particularly in relation to the Texan border crisis, have attracted lawsuits and intense debate. Texas Senate Bill 4, which allows for the arrest and expulsion of illegal immigrants, has been challenged for allegedly being unconstitutional. The federal authorities and Texas are in conflict, with a district court judge blocking SB 4 from taking effect. Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton criticizes these injunctions as they prevent Texas from protecting against illegal immigration.
The surging illegal immigration into Texas is reported to lead to social and economic issues. Glenn Beck points out a spike in crime by illegal immigrants and underlines the economic strain due to the influx of undocumented individuals.
Presidential and Congressional Elections
Ohio GOP Senate primary winner Bernie Moreno has a platform focused on legal immigration, U.S. energy independence, local control of education, and global peace. He openly supports former President Trump and critiques his opponents' alignment with President Biden's policies. Moreno thrives despite opposition ad campaigns attempting to associate him negatively with Trump, and he condemns government overreach and the media for being antagonistic towards his conservative vision.
Moreno is affiliated with J.D. Vance and several conservative Senators, suggesting a strong conservative alliance. Glenn Beck applauds Moreno's ability to withstand the pressures from the Democratic Party and the Republican establishment, highlighting Moreno's endurance as indicative of his strength as a candidate.
U.S. Government Disregard for Law and Rights of Citizens
Concerns abound regarding the U.S. government and courts overlooking constitutional principles, threatening citizen rights. Glenn Beck, Ken Paxton, and Mike Lee voice concerns about Congress forfeiting its authority and an out-of-control administrative state impinging upon the Bill of Rights.
Paxton and Lee express distress over governmental and judicial actions contravening constitutional boundaries. Paxton specifically references the Biden administration's alleged illegal actions, while Lee points out that rigorous standing requirements in courts hinder judicial redress, which could challenge constitutional rights.
Both Paxton and Moreno advocate for citizens' rights to resist government abuses. Moreno, referencing the Declaration of Independence, emphasizes that rights are endowed by a higher power and not subject to political leaders' whims. They stress the importance of adhering to constitutional foundations, underscoring the necessity of opposing governmental overreach and ensuring that the Constitution remains the cornerstone of American governance.
1-Page Summary
Additional Materials
Clarifications
- Texas Senate Bill 4, also known as SB 4, is a state law that allows for the arrest and expulsion of illegal immigrants. It has faced legal challenges for being potentially unconstitutional. The conflict between federal authorities and Texas over SB 4 has led to a district court judge blocking the law from taking effect. Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has criticized these injunctions, arguing that they hinder Texas from addressing illegal immigration issues.
- The conflict between federal authorities and Texas over immigration policies stems from differing approaches to handling illegal immigration, with Texas enacting Senate Bill 4 to arrest and expel undocumented individuals, while federal authorities have faced legal challenges against these measures. This clash has led to a district court judge blocking the implementation of SB 4, reflecting the ongoing legal battles between Texas and the federal government on immigration enforcement. Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has criticized the injunctions against SB 4, arguing that they hinder the state's efforts to address illegal immigration and protect its borders.
- Bernie Moreno's platform focuses on legal immigration, U.S. energy independence, local control of education, and global peace. He openly supports former President Trump, aligning himself with Trump's policies and vision for the country. Despite facing opposition ad campaigns trying to link him negatively with Trump, Moreno stands by his support for the former President. Moreno's alignment with Trump has garnered support from conservative allies and voters who appreciate his stance on key issues.
- The concerns about the U.S. government and courts disregarding constitutional principles stem from allegations that certain actions by the government, particularly the Biden administration, may be unconstitutional. Figures like Ken Paxton and Mike Lee have expressed worries that governmental and judicial decisions could be overstepping constitutional boundaries, potentially infringing on the rights of citizens. This debate highlights a broader discussion about the balance of power between the branches of government and the importance of upholding the principles outlined in the U.S. Constitution.
- Advocacy for citizens' rights to resist government abuses involves supporting the idea that individuals have the right to challenge and push back against actions by the government that are perceived as unjust, oppressive, or unconstitutional. This advocacy often emphasizes the importance of upholding civil liberties, promoting transparency in governance, and ensuring accountability of public officials. It can manifest through legal challenges, civil disobedience, grassroots movements, and other forms of peaceful protest aimed at safeguarding individual rights and maintaining the balance of power between the government and its citizens. The underlying principle is to protect against potential government overreach and violations of constitutional rights by empowering individuals to actively defend their freedoms and hold authorities accountable for their actions.
Counterarguments
- Texas Senate Bill 4 may be seen as a necessary measure by its supporters to enforce existing immigration laws and ensure the safety and security of Texas residents.
- The federal government's stance against SB 4 could be viewed as an effort to maintain a uniform national immigration policy and protect the rights of individuals within the immigration system.
- The characterization of the surge in illegal immigration as solely leading to social and economic issues can be countered by studies showing that immigrants contribute to the economy and that crime rates among immigrants are not higher than those of the native-born population.
- Bernie Moreno's platform, while appealing to some, may be critiqued for potentially overlooking the complexities of issues like energy independence and the nuances of educational policy.
- The support for Trump's policies could be challenged by pointing out areas where those policies may have been divisive or may have had negative consequences.
- The assertion that Moreno has withstood opposition ad campaigns could be met with the argument that all political candidates face scrutiny and that the ability to withstand criticism is a necessary part of the democratic process.
- The concerns about the government and courts disregarding constitutional principles could be countered by the view that the courts are acting within their constitutional role to interpret the law and that checks and balances are functioning as intended.
- The idea that Congress is forfeiting its authority might be opposed by highlighting legislative efforts to address various issues and the inherent challenges in balancing different branches of government.
- The distress over governmental and judicial actions violating constitutional boundaries could be met with the argument that these actions are subject to legal review and that the judicial system provides a mechanism for addressing potential overreach.
- The advocacy for citizens' rights to resist government abuses must be balanced with the recognition that not all government actions deemed as overreach by some may be viewed as such by others, and that there are legal and democratic means to address grievances.
- The emphasis on constitutional foundations and opposing governmental overreach could be met with the perspective that the Constitution is a living document meant to adapt to changing times, and that what constitutes overreach can be subject to interpretation and debate.
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The Border Crisis and Biden Administration Immigration Policies
In reaction to the challenges posed by illegal immigration at the Texan border, the Biden administration's policies are brought to the courtroom and have sparked significant discourse, with claims of constitutional conflicts.
Texas Laws to Address the Border Crisis and the Legal Challenges
Texas Senate Bill 4 Allowing Arrest and Expulsion of Illegal Immigrants
Texas Senate Bill 4 (SB 4), a law allowing for the arrest and expulsion of illegal immigrants, has caused a significant legal stir, with federal authorities clashing with state efforts to control the situation at the border.
Court Injunctions Blocking Texas Laws
The Biden administration, joined by the ACLU, sued Texas, arguing that SB 4 was unconstitutional, asserting that Texas lacked the authority to expel anyone from the country. In response, a district court judge issued an injunction against SB 4 that blocked it from taking effect on its original date, March 4.
Texas Efforts to Overturn Court Blocks of Enforcement Laws
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has spoken about the damage to the Biden administration's relations with the cartels due to a court blocking Texas from enforcing a law passed by the legislature and signed by the governor. Paxton outlines that Texas faces a legal hurdle with an injunction in place, stopping the state from enforcing its laws designed to safeguard against illegal immigration.
Effects of Illegal Immigrat ...
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The Border Crisis and Biden Administration Immigration Policies
Additional Materials
Clarifications
- The legal conflicts between Texas and federal authorities regarding immigration policies stem from differing approaches to addressing illegal immigration at the Texan border. Texas Senate Bill 4 (SB 4) allowing for the arrest and expulsion of illegal immigrants has faced challenges from the Biden administration, leading to court injunctions and disputes over constitutional authority. These conflicts highlight the complex interplay between state and federal jurisdictions in regulating immigration and enforcing laws at the border. The disagreements underscore the ongoing debate over the balance of power and responsibilities between state and federal governments in managing immigration issues.
- Texas Senate Bill 4 (SB 4) allowed for the arrest and expulsion of illegal immigrants, leading to legal challenges. The Biden administration and the ACLU sued Texas, arguing that SB 4 was unconstitutional. A district court judge issued an injunction against SB 4, blocking its enforcement. This legal battle highlighted the clash between state and federal authorities over immigration policies.
- Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has been vocal about the legal challenges faced by Texas in enforcing immigration laws. He has expressed concerns about court injunctions blocking Texas laws aimed at addressing illegal immigration. Paxton has highlighted the impact of these legal hurdles on Texas' ability to combat illegal immigration effectively. His statements underscore the ongoing legal battles between the state and federal authorities regarding immigration enforceme ...
Counterarguments
- The federal government has the constitutional authority to regulate immigration, and state laws like SB 4 may infringe upon this power, leading to legal challenges.
- Court injunctions are a standard part of the judicial process to ensure that laws do not violate the Constitution or federal authority before they are implemented.
- The relationship between immigration policies and crime rates is complex, and data does not conclusively show that illegal immigration leads to an increase in crime; some studies suggest that immigrants commit crimes at lower rates than native-born citizens.
- The economic impact of illegal immigration is multifaceted, with undocumented workers also contributing to the economy through labor, consumption, and taxes.
- There are humanitarian concerns associat ...
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Presidential and Congressional Elections
Republican Candidates for Senate in Ohio and Their Agendas
Bernie Moreno clinches the GOP Senate primary in Ohio decisively. With nearly 51% of the vote, he sweeps all 88 counties. The Democrats’ attempt to link him negatively to President Trump via a three-million-dollar ad campaign seemed to have had the opposite effect, essentially providing him with a badge of honor. An outspoken critic of career politicians, Moreno fires back at his Democratic counterpart, Senator Sherrod Brown, daring him to own his voting record with President Biden as proudly as Moreno does with Trump, especially when Biden visits Ohio.
Moreno outlines an agenda focused on legal migration and zero tolerance for illegal immigration, asserting U.S. energy dominance without reliance on other nations, advocating for local control over children's education, and fostering global peace and stability. He speaks passionately about preserving the American dream, the opportunity for success based on merit and hard work, regardless of background. Furthermore, Moreno positions himself against what he describes as the left’s desire for government dependency and intrusion into citizen's lives.
Additionally, Moreno references his struggle against what he calls "dark forces" and "the cabal" during the primaries, which include far-left extremists, uncommitted Republicans, and a media he perceives as hostile to his vision for the country.
Relationships Between Republican and Democratic Politicians
Moreno looks forward to working with J.D. Vance, another Republican Senate candidate from Ohio. He names several conservative Senators—Mike Lee, Bill Haggerty, Rand Paul, Ted Cruz, Marco ...
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Presidential and Congressional Elections
Additional Materials
Clarifications
- During the GOP Senate primary in Ohio, Bernie Moreno won decisively with nearly 51% of the vote, sweeping all 88 counties. He focused on key issues like legal migration, energy independence, education, and American values. Moreno positioned himself against government dependency and emphasized his commitment to preserving the American dream. He faced opposition from both Democrats and some factions within the Republican Party but ultimately emerged as the official GOP candidate for the Senate.
- Bernie Moreno has been positively associated with President Trump during his Senate campaign in Ohio, despite attempts by Democrats to link him negatively to Trump. Moreno embraces his connection to Trump, using it as a badge of honor and a key aspect of his political identity. This association with Trump has helped Moreno solidify his support among certain Republican voters in Ohio.
- Moreno's alliances with other Republican politicians, such as J.D. Vance and conservative Senators like Mike Lee and Ted Cruz, are significant for building support and advancing a conservative agenda in the Senate. These alliances indicate a shared commitment to implementing conservative policies and holding themselves accountable to their constituents. Moreno's partnerships with these politicians suggest a potential alignment within a conservative faction of the Senate, which could influence decision-making and policy outcomes. The support from figures like Glenn Beck highlights Moreno's ability to navigate challenges within the Republican Party and gain endo ...
Counterarguments
- Moreno's decisive victory in the GOP Senate primary may not necessarily translate to a general election win, as the broader electorate could have different priorities and political leanings than the Republican primary voters.
- Linking a candidate to a former president can have varied effects depending on the electorate's view of that president; some voters may have been turned off by the association with Trump, even if it energized Moreno's base.
- Criticizing career politicians can be seen as a simplistic view, as experience in governance can be beneficial and necessary for effective leadership and policymaking.
- Moreno's challenge to Senator Sherrod Brown to own his voting record with President Biden assumes that alignment with a president is inherently negative, which may not be a view shared by all voters.
- An agenda focused on zero tolerance for illegal immigration may not address the complexities of immigration issues, including the need for comprehensive immigration reform and the humanitarian aspects of immigration policy.
- Advocating for U.S. energy dominance without reliance on other nations could be criticized for not sufficiently considering the importance of international cooperation and the global nature of energy markets.
- The push for local control over children's education could be challenged on the grounds that it may lead to inconsistent educational standards and outcomes across different regions.
- Preserving the American dream based on merit and hard work does not acknowledge systemic barriers that can prevent equal opportunity for all, regardless of effort and merit.
- The stance against government dependency does not consider the role of social safety nets in supporting citizens who face economic hardship through no fault of their own.
- Th ...
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U.S. Government Disregard for Law and Rights of Citizens
There are strong concerns from various speakers that the U.S. government and court system are not adhering to constitutional principles, thereby undermining the rights of citizens.
Violations of Constitutional Principles and Limits
Glenn Beck suggests that the disregard of the Constitution and the Declaration of Independence is leading the country down the wrong path, with Congress failing to reclaim its power and an uncontrolled administrative state infringing upon rights enumerated in the Bill of Rights.
By the Biden Administration
Ken Paxton criticizes the Biden administration for illegally flying in 30,000 people a month from specific countries, noting this as an example of the administration's disregard for constitutional principles and boundaries.
By the Court System
Mike Lee brings to attention a case that's crucial for the state of Missouri, concerning government overreach under the guise of addressing trouble. Lee asserts that the Constitution is designed to limit, not enable, government power. He raises the issue of standing within the court system, suggesting that the stringent requirements to prove direct harm might prevent plaintiffs from obtaining judicial redress, potentially circumventing constitutional principles.
Declaration of the Rights of States and Citizens to Oppose Government Abuses
Ken Paxton declares that if the federal government disdains the law and the Constitution, citizens have the right, perhaps even the responsibility, to oppose such actions. He recalls the Declaration of Independence, underscoring that inalienable rights are gran ...
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U.S. Government Disregard for Law and Rights of Citizens
Additional Materials
Clarifications
- The text highlights concerns about the U.S. government and court system allegedly disregarding constitutional principles, leading to violations of citizens' rights. These violations are exemplified by actions such as the Biden administration's handling of immigration and instances of government overreach within the court system. Critics argue that these actions undermine the foundational principles of the Constitution, including limits on government power and the protection of individual rights. The speakers in the text emphasize the importance of upholding the Constitution and ensuring that government actions align with its original intent to safeguard citizens' liberties.
- "Standing" in the court system is the legal principle that requires a party to demonstrate a sufficient connection to and harm from the law or action challenged in court. It ensures that only those directly affected by a legal dispute can bring a case before the court. Without standing, a court may dismiss a case for lack of jurisdiction, as the party does not have the right to seek judicial resolution. This requirement helps maintain the proper balance of power between the judiciary and the other branches of government by limiting the courts' involvement to cases where there is a genuine controversy that needs resolution.
- The Declaration of Independence outlines fundamental rights and principles that form the basis of the U.S. government's structure. When individuals or entities, such as the government, act in ways that infringe upon these rights or deviate from these principles, it can be seen as a violation of the core values upon which the nation was founded. This connection is often highlighted when discussing government actions that are perceived as disregarding constitutional principles or encroaching on the rights of citizens.
- When citizens oppose government actions seen as disregarding the law and the Constitution, it often involves expressing dissent through various means such as protests, petitions, or legal challenges. This opposition can serve as a check on government power, highlighting the importance of accountability and adherence to legal principles. Citizens may ...
Counterarguments
- The U.S. government and its institutions, including the court system, are complex and often involve a balance of various legal interpretations, which may not always align with every individual's understanding of constitutional principles.
- The Constitution is a living document, and its interpretation has evolved over time through judicial review and precedent, which some argue is necessary to address contemporary issues.
- The administrative state has grown in response to the increasing complexity of governing a large, modern nation, and some argue that it operates within the bounds of the law as established by Congress and interpreted by the courts.
- Immigration policy is a contentious issue, and while some may view certain actions as unconstitutional, others argue that the executive branch has broad discretion in enforcing immigration laws, which may include humanitarian efforts or strategic decisions.
- The concept of standing in the court system is a legal principle meant to ensure that only those with a direct stake in the outcome of a case can bring it to court, which some argue is essential to prevent the courts from being overburdened with frivolous or hypothetical lawsuits.
- The idea of opposing government actions is part of democratic discourse, but the means of opposition must also adhere to legal and constitutional methods, such as elections, peaceful protest, and advocacy.
- The Declaration of Independence is a historic d ...
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