Commitment to Personal Responsibility: Beck Asks Americans to Take This Pledge as First Step in New Initiative

Every movement starts with a commitment based on political, religious or cultural catalysts. Sometimes, those commitments might even be based on a combination of the three. On Monday evening, Glenn Beck unveiled the first stage of his highly-anticipated four-part action plan dedicated to reclaiming the country by doing, rather than talking.

Watch below as Beck explains why GBTV is a "verb":

During the program, Beck explained that during his last broadcast on the Fox News network, he actually already envisioned what GBTV would be like, telling viewers that his new network would become a verb.

Essentially, Beck's vision for GBTV surpasses that of a simple news network where people are informed, or even entertained. Rather, he seeks to build an actionable movement where viewers are enabled to become part of an active and ongoing process, not merely remain spectators of a particular broadcast. This is because Beck believes that is in fact the viewer who holds the power.

To date, Beck's company, Mercury Radio Arts, comprises four separate online television programs, two radio broadcasts, "one of the world's leading news sites," theater productions, over a dozen book publications, humanitarian initiatives, and even a new marketplace for entrepreneurs. Thus, slowing down isn't in the cards for Beck nor his 130 staff members.

As Beck introduced his new four-step plan, he noted that the battle would be uphill, as Progressives have been building their infrastructure and pervading society for 100 years. But just as he voiced concerns over the imposing task at hand, Beck also noted that he has great hope and faith in viewers.

With this in mind, he reviewed the actionable components of his plan. Each are listed below, beginning with the promise to commit.

Commit

At the end of the day, Beck believes it is about what one believes in and what he or she stands for. When the world begins to find itself in the throes of chaos, the majority of people may flee. Others, however, will lead. It is this kind of leadership he asked of viewers.

Invoking the Civil Rights Movement, Beck observed that neither Malcolm X nor Bill Ayers won the the push for equality between whites and members of the black community. Rather, it was Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., who, through his words and deeds, demanded African Americans be treated as individuals, and more pointedly, be treated as men.  

Dr. King prevailed because he operated within a framework of love and respect, and love, according to Beck, always trumps aggression.

Dr. King insisted his followers commit to a higher ethical standard and code of conduct than that of their foes. He made his followers treat everyone -- even those who abused, debased and assaulted them -- with dignity and respect. That commitment to dignity became the cornerstone of Dr. King's movement.

While the subject matter may have changed over the years, the crux of how best to deal with the challenges that lie ahead are essentially unchanged. With this in mind, Beck's promise to commit begins with simple steps that include: understanding what one believes, removing blame from any political debate or discussion and instead focus on a hopeful dialogue, embracing personal responsibility, and finding joy.

Activate

The second phase of Beck's movement begins with the promise to activate, or mobilize. Beck warned viewers that the upcoming election must be a clear mandate -- a message to Washington and more pointedly, to the Left. It cannot be a "close" election.

Beck complimented the Tea Party and The 9-12 Projects as great examples of groups that have mobilized efficiently. On Tuesday, however, he promised to explain one simple step that will help everyone who wishes to participate be equally effective.

Live It

While additional details of this step will be revealed on Wednesday, Beck said that at its core, this step "is all about small government."

"You say you want it... but you will have to live it."

Create

The final step in Beck's four-part plan will be an expansion of the entrepreneurial spirit that has made this country and its citizens the most prosperous the world has ever known. Too often, conservatives, moderates and Libertarians alike hear that they are losing the culture war to the left. While it is true conservatives have trumped liberals in talk radio, and perhaps via the sole center-right-leaning network, Fox News, only the left has managed to capture the country's heart with music, theater, art and film. This vital component will be explored in greater detail on Thursday.

"We have to be the shining city on the hill," Beck urged.

The pledge

Since Beck believes personal responsibility is paramount to the movement, he is asking all participants to commit to follow the pledge originally issued by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. in 1963. Dr. King began his "ten commandments" with the words: "I hereby pledge myself—my person and body—to the nonviolent movement." Beck mirrored this pledge with a version of his own (featured below Dr. King's). Each of the pledges can be accessed in their entirety on GlennBeck.com.

Dr. Martin Luther King's Pledge

1.      MEDITATE daily on the teachings and life of Jesus.

2.      REMEMBER always that the nonviolent movement in Birmingham seeks justice and reconciliation--not victory.

3.      WALK AND TALK in the manner of love, for God is love.

4.      PRAY daily to be used by God in order that all men might be free.

5.      SACRIFICE personal wishes in order that all men might be free.

6.      OBSERVE with both friend and foe the ordinary rules of courtesy.

7.      SEEK to perform regular service for others and for the world.

8.      REFRAIN from violence of fist, tongue, or heart.

9.      STRIVE to be in good spiritual and bodily health

10.    FOLLOW the directions of the movement and of the captain on a demonstration.

 

Below, Beck mirrored Dr. King's model with his own Declaration of Rights and Responsibilities: 

Thus, we the people do hereby declare not only our rights, but do now establish this bill of responsibilities.

1. Because I have the right to choose, I recognize that I am accountable to God and have the responsibility to keep the 10 commandments in my own life.

2. Because I have the right to worship as I choose, I have the responsibility to honor the right of others to worship as they see fit.

3. Because I have freedom of speech, I have the responsibility to defend the speech of others, even if I strongly disagree with what they’re saying.

4. Because I have the right to pursue happiness, I have the responsibility to show humility and express gratitude for all the blessings I enjoy and the rights I’ve been given.

5. Because I have the right to honest and good government I will seek out honest and just representatives when possible. If I cannot find one then I accept the responsibility to take that place.

6. Because I have the God given right to liberty, I have the personal responsibility to have the courage to defend others to be secure in their persons, lives and property.

7. Because I have the right to equal justice, I will stand for those who are wrongly accused or unjustly blamed.

8. Because I have the right to knowledge, I will be accountable for myself and my children’s education…to live our lives in such a way that insures the continuation of truth.

9. Because I have the right to pursue my dreams and keep the fruits of my labor, I have the responsibility to feed, protect and shelter my family, the less fortunate, the fatherless, the old and infirm.

10. Because I have a right to the truth, I will not bear false witness nor will I stand idly by as others do.

Joining Beck on the broadcast to discuss Dr. King's philosophy, was his niece, Alveda: