Glenn Beck paints beleaguered Wilmington, Ohio, as real life Bedford Falls

[The Straight Story]

Glenn Beck paints beleaguered Wilmington, Ohio, as real life Bedford Falls

...

In Beck’s version of the story, Wilmington is real life Bedford Falls, the fictitious town in the holiday classic, It’s a Wonderful Life.

Wilmington, Beck said on his Nov. 22 radio show, is ground zero of the recession, and its people – like those in Bedford Falls -- are pulling together to save the town through self reliance and prayer.

What makes the Wilmington really special, he continued, is that Wilmington refuses government assistance, a key tenet of the political philosophy he espouses on his shows.

"It went from the No. 1 most up-and-coming city, and a city everybody wants to live in, to ground zero. And this town hasn’t taken any money from the government. They don’t want any money from the government," he said on the show.

...

We quickly found Beck’s story full of holes.

* The city of Wilmington itself has received federal assistance, including money from the federal stimulus bill that Beck often rails against.

* Government and social service agencies that serve residents of Wilmington and surrounding Clinton and Clark counties have received state and federal money.

* Development agencies and companies in Wilmington have received state aid or pledges of state aid.

* Unemployed residents of the town and county are receiving unemployment and other jobless benefits.



Immediately after DHL announced the closing of its Wilmington air hub, elected officials at the city, state and federal levels began seeking help for DHL workers. The federal government awarded a $3.87 million national emergency grant to Ohio in November 2008 specifically to provide job training and other aid to DHL workers in Wilmington and the surrounding area. It was administered through the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services. The area has since received a second national emergency grant worth $4.1 million.

http://www.politifact.com/ohio/statements/2010/dec/03/glenn-beck/glenn-beck-paints-beleaguered-wilmington-ohio-real/

[Kingofalldems]

1. His idiotic followers believe every word he says

[RandomThoughts]

4. That would be the biggest failure of a teacher.

What is taught, information, or how to think?

[Ikonoklast]

2. Cripe, the man is an idiot.

Wilmington officials were on the phone to state and federal officials pulling any strings and applying for any monetary assistance as soon as they heard the news DHL was leaving.

[rpannier]

3. He lies and his zombie hoarde doesn't care