Radio Redemption

Bill O'Reilly's December 4th Talking Points

It's nice to know "The Factor" believes in redemption. So everyone makes mistakes. Everyone should be forgiven if they ask for it. That's a wonderful sentiment. I believe in forgiveness. I also believe in integrity. And I also believe it's not the media's business to pass forgiveness on anyone. The media's goal is to present the facts and let the public decide. Sure, there can be commentary on what the "talking heads" think about specific issues. People enjoy a good controversy. But while we're on this subject of forgiveness, how many journalists decided that once Bill Clinton asked for forgiveness for his affair with Monica Lewinsky that he should be forgiven and just let the issue go? I doubt either Fox News or Bill O'Reilly let that one die. So much for "since every human makes mistakes, if someone asks for forgiveness, it should be granted."

So here comes Mr. O'Reilly to discuss responsible journalism and media deceiving the public with regard to Don Imus. If that isn't the pot calling the kettle black, I don't know what is. This is the same Bill O'Reilly who works for Fox News Network. The same network that defended George W. Bush's plans for invading Iraq. The same network that, when its viewers were polled, showed that the majority of them thought that WMDs were actually found in Iraq. The same network that declared George W. Bush President in 2000 when most other networks considered the race too close to call on Election Night (which wasn't fully resolved until months later; thank you Fox News, I'm glad you have people on the ground counting votes). The same network that has shown time and time again that they lean to the right. But that's irrelevant. We're talking about Bill O'Reilly here. He's not a corrupt journalist, is he? Considering how many times I've seen far-left loon or far-left nut said by him on his show (compared with far-right, which I never hear him utter), I would say he isn't exactly the utopic journalist with integrity that he would have us believe. So here we have Mr. O'Reilly explaining how few journalistic standards are left today and how the media smears and destroys people all the time. I really can't dispute that. But, I would include Mr. O'Reilly in that list of corrupt journalists. He may speak his mind and claim not to be corrupted by outside interests, but the fact is that he is only giving his side of a story and not allowing for healthy debate. But I guess I should thank him for that, because it gives me a chance to address the other sides.

I love this nugget of wisdom: "The upcoming presidential race will clearly demonstrate what I am telling you right now. Pay attention." Oh, you mean there will be some media outlets smearing candidates and creating falsehoods? You are so wise, Mr. O'Reilly. Did you come up with that all by yourself? Swift Boat Veterans for Truth ring a bell, Mr. O'Reilly? I believe Fox News spent some time reporting on that false story. I'm truly glad you are out there on the front lines warning us about what your own network will likely do this upcoming election. Thank you for that.

And that's "The CounterPoints Memo."