Glenn Beck Rally Draws Criticism

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Glenn Beck has announced a ‘Restoring Honor’ rally that will take place near the Lincoln Memorial on August 28. The event is said to be ‘non-political’, and is intended to ‘celebrate America by honoring our heroes, our heritage and our future’. It is to be held on the anniversary of Martin Luther King’s “I Have a Dream” speech at the same location that King gave the speech.

Although Beck says it is merely coincidence that his rally is to be held on the anniversary of King’s speech, critics are in an uproar. Reports even have it that Al Sharpton will be applying for a permit to host a counter-rally at the same time.

Beck supporters however say the criticism is outlandish, citing the fact that King stood for free speech and would have supported Beck holding a rally intended to ‘celebrate America’.

According to ABS News, Rev. C.L. Bryant, a Tea Party activist and former NAACP President from Garland, Texas, said it probably wasn’t the best timing, but “I don’t think Dr. King would’ve had any problem with it.” He also added, “In fact, the perpetuation of the race card that’s played by groups like NAACP and even some conservative groups is misdirected.”

Although the event organizers say this will be a peaceful event, tensions are rising. The New Black Panther Party’s Malik Zulu Shabazz has warned that Beck’s group will be met with ‘direct opposition’ from his group.

You can download the .pdf flyer and information about Beck’s rally by clicking here.