TheBlaze’s Jason Howerton contributed to this report
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Those familiar with Ayn Rand’s famed novel, Atlas Shrugged, knows the question: “Who is John Galt?”
The answer comes at the end of the popular novel and reveals that Galt is simply (or actually, not so simply) a creator. A philosopher. An inventor. Someone who, as Glenn Beck explained in his studio Thursday evening, refused to live under the oppression of an all-powerful government bent on tamping down the very incentives that give great minds a chance to flourish.
Galt railed against the collectivist system and believed that only through freedom could people tap into their divine potential to become creators of their own: leaders, businessmen, artists, and so on. The community that was created in this spirit was called “Galt’s Gultch,” and it is that very ideal Beck strives to emulate in his own enterprises. In fact, that’s why he moved to Texas.
Drawing on this free market, limited-government model, Beck said he aspires to build an actual community based on just that. While the price tag of building an actual city-slash-theme park is steep at an estimated $2 billion, Beck said he feels compelled to move forward with his ultimate plan “once piece at a time.” Having toured “three possible sites in three different states” and having spoken to two governors already, Beck is serious in his goals.
Thus, Thursday night Beck unveiled yet another component in his American Dream Labs — an entire city called “Independence, USA.”
From glennbeck.com:
While Independence is very much a dream at this point, the proposed city-theme park hybrid would bring several of Glenn’s seemingly disconnected projects into one place. Media, live events, small business stores, educational projects, charity, entertainment, news, information, and technology R&D – all of these things would have a home in Independence. With the rest of the country and the world going away from the values of freedom, responsibility and truth, Independence would be a place built on the very foundation of those principles. A retreat from the world where entrepreneurs, artists, and creators could come to put their ideas to work. A place for families to bring their children to be inspired.
[...]
Glenn believes that he can bring the heart and the spirit of Walt’s early Disneyland ideas into reality. Independence, USA wouldn’t be about rides and merchandise, but would be about community and freedom.
While the extremely ambitious project, heavily inspired by Walt Disney, is still a dream that this point, that doesn’t mean that Beck’s American Dream Labs aren’t starting to build the pieces.
The streets of America were not paved in gold, they were paved in “people’s dreams and hard work,” Beck said before walking the audience through a sketch of the proposed development. There won’t be a “Gap” or an “Ann Taylor,” Beck noted, although the park would contain a marketplace. It will be a place where people cultivate their visions and ideas. In essence, Independence Park would be a business incubator on a grand-scale revolving around “education, independence, entrepreneurship and apprenticeship.”
Beck explains — watch part 1:
Part 2:
In addition to Independence, Beck also unveiled his plans for a truly awe-inspiring event to be launched on July 4th, titled, “The Man in The Moon.” This visual-spectacular will seek to capture and tell a quintessential American story. Complete with storyboards, Tesla coils and insight into the magnitude and scope of this production, Beck gave his audience an inside look into something that is, truly, indescribable. Watch below:





















































































































Comments (430)
BUDDY LITTLE
Jan. 11, 2013 at 1:11pmGlenn, glad you gave up on the name.”BECK TOWN”? a little to close to ..Jones town….
rhinogirls3
Jan. 11, 2013 at 1:09pmA theme park?! How about a real town?
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rhinogirls3
Jan. 11, 2013 at 1:09pmA “theme park”?!?!?!? How about a real town?
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theotherberean
Jan. 11, 2013 at 1:05pmYes, it should be coming very clear to all of us now. Beck believes that America has a divine destiny and that the CJCLDS will usher in a new kingdom of God in the USA. See D&C 102. LDS believe they were driven from Zion, but will return to rebuild the Temple and call it “New Jerusalem” in Independence, Mo. where the Mormon JC (son of a mere man, like you and me) will return to rule from.
Get it now?
Beck, God may have used you to wake us up politically, but since your mission now has changed, you’ve seen the last of this Christian’s dollars. I cannot in good conscience, support your agenda to promote the pagan mystery cult of Mormonism. I will pray that the Holy Spirit will now awaken “you” to the truth.
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Fay
Jan. 11, 2013 at 1:05pmOkay, everyone who complains about the way Glenn is doing things. He has educated us it is our turn. He is now trying to turn some of the reigns over to us. It is not to good to be independent on one person alone. We need to be fighters and research on our own. It is about action not only info. Some are just listening and not doing. He is now in preparation mode I believe. Because he knows as well as many of us there may be no turn around for everyone. The time has past. Now it is time for us to save ourselves even if some of the United States falls we don’t all have to go down with it. We broke of from England. If our dollar falls you don’t think we are in serious trouble. Inflation is coming. I think Glenn knows in the end he will lose all his wealth but he will have started a safe haven for us all. The United States may become much smaller even maybe down to a few states. Just maybe the little community is a start to prepare for that. Just an opinion but perhaps a thought. I just guessing but have a gut feeling.
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ItchyTheClone
Jan. 11, 2013 at 12:56pmFor what it is worth, I get it. The primary question in my mind is always “what can I do about it”? The operative word is DO. It is important to think, research, make plans. None of that makes any difference at all if they are not connected to actual physical actions. Glenn is physically doing something to educate people about the things that are important. What the words “liberty” and “social justice” really mean. As far as I know, he is the only one in the world that is ACTUALLY DOING SOMETHING about our slide into socialism. I am in. All the way. I will do everything that I can to help. Even if it make me uncomfortable. This is important. It is only pieinthesky if you and I only give it lip service. I believe that we can make it happen and I think that it is important enough to try.
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Samantha the third
Jan. 11, 2013 at 12:46pmYou have to be kidding me…so glad I didn’t watch last night. And you call Alex Jones crazy? Sorry, but I was forking out money every month to spread truth, not build a faux Disney land. I am insulted that he’s even thinking about these things if the future is as dire as I’ve been told for the last year.?????
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ItchyTheClone
Jan. 11, 2013 at 12:46pmFor what it is worth, I get it. The primary question in my mind always is “what can I do about it”. The operative word is “DO”. Thinking is important, research is important, paying attention is important, but only as it applies to what you DO next. Glenn is doing something about it. He is putting infrastructure in place to teach people directly about the things that are important if we are to remain even somewhat free. He is trying to put “boots on the ground” to teach people about freedom and the classic meaning of “social justice”. That is 1000% more important than any touchyfeely fix you may get from conservative news. I’m in. All the way. I am going to do everything that I am able to do to help this effort. It is only pieinthesky if people like you and me fail to DO SOMETHING.
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davidkachel
Jan. 11, 2013 at 12:38pmI like Glenn, but REALLY!!
I don’t need a damned theme park. I need my freedom back. And that is going to require something far more menacing than all-day family passes.
Wake up Glenn. The time for theme parks is over. Obama is already shooting at us!
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libbylindy
Jan. 11, 2013 at 12:34pmI understand where Glenn is coming from. He is moving on in his dream. I have wanted a “John Galt” movement to begin in the US, and this might just be it. I would be the first one to sign up to be a part of it – if he chose Texas to be the state! I don’t think I would leave here. Texas is not perfect by bunches, but it is so much better than so many states that I would probably have to have a lot of persuasion to leave here. As far as continuing on as he did; wasn’t Glenn always telling us to do our own research? Don’t leave it up to him to do all the homework. We need all that Glenn was, along with all the directions he is wanting to take us. I don’t know if he can keep up this pace, though. He is reaching for the stars – which I appreciate – but don’t overdo yourself, Glenn.
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alexegz30
Jan. 11, 2013 at 12:33pmMany planted comments here. Sadly, it shows how misguided people can become. Beck is doing what he has always done and followed where he feels he must go. If you choose to follow, do so. If not, there’s the door.
We all lead our lives as we choose. There are endless possibilities in this world without having to attack others for their decisions and direction. I, for one, would love to have a goal so massive. I hope to see it completed and see it for myself when it is.
There are wonderous things in this world, many of which would not exist if not for the vision of the individual. We can create our own dreams, follow the dreams of others, or do nothing but exist and then depart from this life. In the end, it falls on us to choose our path.
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red_white_blue2
Jan. 11, 2013 at 12:10pmI fully support Glenn on this “Independence” venture. I understand others too that feel he has left the cause. He has not left the cause. He is still there. He will still be involved. He will still speak to current events, just not as often. He is growing a network. Others will do more of the heavy lifting now, and that’s ok. Glenn has educated us, empowered us.
He is turning his attention to the future because he sees the need to have a place that the future can look to as the model for the “City on the Hill”.
Won’t it be exciting to see new technology be developed before our eyes? To see new, real, and tangible alternatives be born for energy, education, media, agriculture, and history preservation? Won’t it be exciting to see the outside media, and leaders have to take notice as companies come on board to partner with Glenn, and formulate new jobs, new industries? Isn’t that what we want? Don’t we need a destination as we set sail?
I have followed Glenn since his days at CNN. I was there at Restoring Honor. I stood at the Lincoln memorial with my son at midnight to get a good spot. I felt the majesty of that day. I was at Restoring Love in Dallas. I shared it with both my sons, and it was awe inspiring.
I’ve had the honor to shake this man’s hand twice in book signings. He embodies genuine caring about his fans as he looks you in the eye, making you feel important to him. I am a better father, and man. Thank You Glenn! God Bless You and your family!
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grumpygrams
Jan. 11, 2013 at 12:06pmGlenn, I love your Independence USA. How about putting it in Virginia, the middle of the east coast and full of history. I especially think of Amelia County Virginia where Lee and Grant met and ended the Civil War. It is depressing to think I won’t be around by the time your vision is completed. At least my children and grandchildren could be enriched by your vision. God Bless You.
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red_white_blue2
Jan. 11, 2013 at 11:57amI fully support Glenn on this venture. I understand others too that feel he has left the cause. He has not left the cause. He is still there. He will still be involved. He will still speak to current events, just not as often. He is growing a network. Others will do more of the heavy lifting now, and that’s ok. Glenn has educated us, empowered us, lifted us up to be involved.
He is turning his attention to the future because he sees the need to have a place that the future can look to as the model for the “City on the Hill”.
Won’t it be exciting to see new technology be developed before our eyes. To see new, real, and tangible alternatives be born for energy, education, media, agriculture, and history preservation? Won’t it be exciting to see the outside media, and leaders have to take notice as companies come on board to partner with Glenn, and formulate new jobs, new industries? Isn’t that what we want?
I have followed Glenn since his days at CNN. I was there at Restoring Honor. I stood at the Lincoln memorial with my son at midnight to get a good spot. I felt the majesty of that day. I saw the doves fly over during the National Anthem as if planned. I was at Restoring Love in Dallas. I shared it with both my sons, and it was awe inspiring.
I’ve had the honor to shake this man’s hand twice in book signings. He embodies genuine caring about his fans as he looks you in the eye, making you feel important to him. I am a better father, and man. Thank You Glenn!
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Zeon49
Jan. 11, 2013 at 11:56amFolks, It’s become very apparent that Mr. Beck is only out to enrich his own pocket book. I have cancelled my subscription to the Blaze and and will no longer frequent this increasingly weak “news” site. Drudge is 100X better and where Beck gets most of his stories from anyway. Glenn has turned his back on the American people. The whole idea of a theme park is insane given the current state of crisis our country is facing. Mr. Beck you should be ahsamed of yourself!!!
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Effervescentlady
Jan. 11, 2013 at 11:47amBravo, Glenn! I love your vision. As for all the comments on his shows, they aren’t news shows. The newscast on the channel is Real News. The Glenn Beck radio show and The Glenn Beck show are both opinion shows, not newscasts. People seem to get newscasts and opinion shows mixed up and then get upset because the opinion shows aren’t news shows.
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Zeon49
Jan. 11, 2013 at 11:44amFolks it’s time to boycott GB. I have canceled my subscrition to the Blaze TV and this will be my last visit to the Blaze web site. Glenn has turned his back on America and is only out to enrich his already bloated pocket book. It’s insulting to see he’s dreaming of a Disney like theme park while we are about to see the complete collapse of our dear country. Shame on you Mr. Beck!!!
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filmcutterguy
Jan. 11, 2013 at 11:42amIt’s a great idea Glenn. Isn’t that the name of a show on your network? Speaking of that, when are we gonna see more of the Belcastro family. Best show on TV.
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zurie
Jan. 11, 2013 at 11:40amGlenn has become a Futurist and this is very exciting. For those of you that don’t like this, Glenn has never been a one trick pony. He has a dream for the future of this country and it is more than talking on the Radio and TV about how things are going to hell. And I for one cannot wait to see what he has in store.
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golfer8805
Jan. 11, 2013 at 11:32amGlenn is getting weird…
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DeeDT
Jan. 11, 2013 at 11:31amThis is huge – a magnificent inspirational vision and once again, I am in awe of both your spiritual connectedness and of your unwavering obedience. I have shared your path for years and never – no not once that I know of – has your intuition lacked validation. My prayers continue to be with you and with all who will be part of this work. I stand with you as you move into this grand vision, and I stand with you against evil, because God is ever faithful in both direction and supply and He will pour His guidance and blessing upon you as you walk this out. I pray that your spiritual ears stay alert and that your faith may not fail.
It is my belief that you are a living example of the Scripture in Romans 12:21 -”Do not let yourself be overcome by evil, but overcome and master evil with good….”
Thanks Glenn -
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Camptown Races
Jan. 11, 2013 at 11:29amGlenn,
I want to first tell you how much I have respected you through the years. I started listening to you when you were broadcasting from Tampa when I lived in Delray Beach, Florida. I watched you rise to CNN and then over to Fox. I’ve followed you to what you now have become. I’ve even read your book co-written with Keith Ablow. It’s been nice to see a conservative voice mirror my beliefs in a world gone crazy.
But Glenn, being the pop music enthusiast I know you to be, please finish the lyrics to this song:
“Welcome to the camp, I guess you all know why we’re here,
My name is Tommy, and I became aware this year,
If you want to follow me, you’ve got to play pinball,
So put on your earplugs, put on your eyeshades, you know where to put the cork”
How did the crowd respond, Glenn?
Ask Jim Baker what happened after opening his dream of “Heritage U.S.A.” Remember David Koresh in Waco?…. Glenn, you DO know about the blueprints for “Germania” don’t you?? Glenn?? Glenn?
Ground control to Major Tom, your circuits dead, there’s something wrong… Can you hear me Major Tom? Can you hear me Major Tom? Can you hear me Major Tom??
Glenn… give Keith Ablow a call RIGHT NOW. He’s a psychologist, as I recall. Let him pull you back down.
Glenn??
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Bugleboy99
Jan. 11, 2013 at 11:22amGlenn, you have too much misdirected time on your hands. Theme park indeed. And by the way, leave Alex Jones alone. At least he walks it like he talks it. What he did to Piers Morgan you should have done too, or something like it. Your old tv show was pretty good, taught a lot about what the commies, Soros and friends were up to. But you have regressed. Your Blaze site (which I check quickly each day) has turned into something like the National Enquirer with cutesy videos and odd ball items. Get it together or give it up.
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Ruprecht
Jan. 11, 2013 at 11:19amI think a number of these comments come from people who don’t understand what Glenn is trying to do. Yes, he’s a dreamer. I frankly think we need dreamers; especially ones who might actually have the work ethic and resources to get it done.
I believe that the intent of this “Disney Land” is to restore the basics of what it means to be American. This doesn’t strike me as anything like what Disney has become. As a veteran of almost yearly trips to central Florida, I can truly understand what a marketing Mecca Disney World is. While there is always the danger of “Beckland” evolving into Disneyland, he makes it clear that his goal is not that. It’s really aimed at making EPCOT what Walt wanted it to be; an American community containing all of those particularly American qualities that we all are seeking.
I frankly think a sustainable community of people living, working, playing, and rediscovering all of the things that made Americans American is a very noble idea. It just might be this idea, various groups and communities coming together, that ultimately restores America. D.C. can’t do it. One thing’s for sure, if things fall apart, it’s communities along the lines of Glenn’s vision that are much more likely to survive.
It’s a grand and perhaps grandiose dream but I, for one, applaud it. As a dreamer who has spent most of my life thus far not bringing my dreams to light, I see this as inspiration almost regardless of how it turns out.
And I
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Maril
Jan. 11, 2013 at 11:19amGlenn and Company have officially “jumped the shark” with their screetching and what passes as humor, at least on the radio. Embarrassing to say the least. cackling away and making fun of callers and anyone more conservative than Glenn’s brand of thought. Done and done.
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