MSNBC anchor: Glenn Beck and Goldline are 'snake oil salesmen and scumbags'

Glenn Beck is under fire for his connection to a precious metals seller that is ripping off American people, according to critics.

In a report released Wednesday, Rep. Anthony Weiner (D-NY) called for an investigation into Goldline's alliance with conservative personalities. Weiner claims that Goldline sells gold coins for 90 percent over melt value and some radio and television hosts are aiding in the scam.

Highlighted in Weiner's report are names such as Glenn Beck, Fred Thompson, Dennis Miller, Mark Levin, Laura Ingraham, Lars Larson, Michael Smerconish, Monica Crowley and Mike Huckabee. All are on the Goldline's payroll.

The Associated Press reported:

Weiner complained that Goldline had formed "an unholy alliance" with conservative commentators who suggest gold as "the only safe investment alternative for consumers who want to safeguard their livelihoods."

He said Goldline sponsors talk shows during which the hosts praise investment in gold.

"When the show then cuts to commercial break, viewers are treated to an advertisement from Goldline," Weiner's report said.

Beck recommends Goldline but advises viewers to pray for guidance on which company to trust.

"Here's the deal. Call Goldline, study it out, pray on it. If it's right thing for you, then do it. But please study it out. Find the people that you trust. The people I trust are the people at Goldline," Beck said in one advertisment.

Beck likened Weiner's report to McCarthy-style tactics. "This is, again, another arm of this administration coming out to try to shut me down. Any sponsor that stays with me now they're targeting through -- you want to talk about the McCarthy era, look at what this country is becoming!" exclaimed Beck on his radio show.

MSNBC's Dylan Ratigan ripped Beck Wednesday for his support of the company. "That man there is paid by that other company to be a snake oil salesman at your expense. He's no better than the very politicians that he claims to be against," said Ratigan.

"Now listen to me, if you want to buy gold because you're concerned about paper currency, which is very reasonable, I suggest you buy gold," advised Ratigan. "Just don't do it with the extra subsidy that Goldline is delivering to Glenn Beck for his fear mongering which is 90 percent more than you could buy the same exact gold if you just went to the financial markets."

"The only problem here is that Glenn Beck and Goldline are largely snake oil salesmen and scumbags trying to create money for themselves at the expensive everybody in this country," warned Ratigan.

This video is from MSNBC's The Dylan Ratigan Show, broadcast May 19, 2010.

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