Wednesday, May 25, 2005
On The O'Reilly Factor...
Segment Summaries
All content taken from The O'Reilly Factor on Fox News Channel. Each weeknight by 6 PM EST a preview of that evening's show will be posted and then updated with additional information the following weekday by noon EST.
Talking Points Memo & Top Story
Amnesty International declares war
Guests: John Flannery, former special counsel to U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee & David Rivkin, former White House counsel

"In a shocking display of belligerence, the human rights organization Amnesty International is accusing the USA of committing illegal acts and is actually threatening American leaders. A statement by Amnesty International says this: 'The apparent high-level architects of torture should think twice before planning their next vacation to places like Acapulco or the French Riviera because they may find themselves under arrest.' Can you believe it? There's no question that AI is a far-left outfit, but now it has become openly hostile to the US on the terror issue. Amnesty International has called Guantanamo Bay 'the gulag of our time' and has listed the United States as one of the worst human rights abusers in the world. AI is not an objective human rights group - it's a far left outfit that sympathizes with people who kill Americans."

Transcript/Video: FoxNews.com

The Factor was joined by two men with strong and divergent opinions on the subject. Former White House counsel David Rivkin accused AI of fanatical anti-Americanism. "This is over the top, even for Amnesty International. They single out the United States, and the comparison with a gulag is truly offensive. That's not what we have in Guantanamo." But former Senate counsel John Flannery concurred with AI's general premise. "This country is better than what we are doing. If we're going to be the beacon of freedom that our President would say we are, we have to do better." The Factor again accused Amnesty of smearing America and the administration. "This is a declaration of war against the United States by Amnesty International, because this report is going to be waved in every capital that hates the US. American policy is not to mistreat people."
Unresolved Problems Segment
Border crossing deaths
Guest: Jesuit priest Jim Martin

Hundreds of Mexicans have died while trying to cross the border illegally - authorities recently released a video showing four would-be immigrants drowning in the Rio Grande. Jesuit priest Jim Martin argued that a more liberal immigration policy would ease the danger. "Our policy is really damaging to people," Father Martin told The Factor. "There needs to be a balance struck between the legitimate security concerns we have and the desire to help people who are just looking for a better life." The Factor countered that Catholic leaders offer no realistic solutions. "The Catholic Church should say we want the border secured - Jesus doesn't want people dying in the water. But the Catholic church will not say it."
Factor Follow Up Segment
Who let Lionel Tate out?
Guest: Florida State Senator Steven Geller

As reported previously on The Factor, 18-year old Lionel Tate has been arrested for robbing a pizza delivery man at gunpoint. When he was just twelve, Tate was sentenced to life for brutally killing a little girl - but he was released after serving less than three years. Florida State Senator Steven Geller had previously argued that Tate deserved compassion, and returned to defend his position. "What I said then is the same thing I'm saying now - it is wrong to put a 12-year old in prison for the rest of his life without the possibility of parole." The Factor revealed the names of Fred Hazouri, Martha Warner, and Barry Stone - the judges who freed Tate because he allegedly did not understand his actions - and castigated them for endangering the community. "Society's obligation is to protect people from Lionel Tate, not to feel sorry for him. If Tate had pulled the trigger and blown the pizza delivery guy away, those three judges would have been responsible for that death."
Personal Story Segment
Parents vs. racy Paris Hilton ad
Guest: Melissa Caldwell, Parents' Television Council

Burger chain Carl's Jr. has produced a commercial starring under-dressed and overly-suggestive Paris Hilton, and the Parents Television Council is urging TV stations not to air the ad. Melissa Caldwell explained her organization's objections. "You could think this is for a soft-porn video. And because this is a commercial, it can pop up on any network at any time, and by the time a parent has a chance to react the damage has been done. A lot of people are saying they're taking their business elsewhere because they're so upset about this commercial." The Factor expressed doubt that PTC's protest would be effective. "I don't think this is going to work. You don't think television stations aren't going to run the ad, because that is money in their pocket."
Great Debate Segment
Pat Buchanan on the culture war
Guest: Conservative commentator Pat Buchanan

Author and former Presidential candidate Pat Buchanan has long maintained that there is a "culture war" in America. He joined The Factor and lamented that his conservative side is losing. "What I call cultural Marxism and militant secularism are clearly winning. If you look at the pornography and filth that pours into American homes, and if you look at popular culture today compared to the 1950's, you can't say we're winning." The Factor noted that many in the elite media seem to actively champion the breakdown of standards. "I have never figured out why the New York Times, the LA Times, and the network news want to change society in that direction. Why would anybody want gangsta' rap to go into the poorest neighborhoods in the country and teach disadvantaged kids how to curse, sell drugs, and carry weapons? It's tremendously damaging to society."
Back of Book Segment
Runaway bride to be charged
Guest: Fox News chief judicial analyst Judge Andrew Napolitano

Georgia authorities have indicted "runaway bride" Jennifer Wilbanks for lying to the police. Fox News analyst Judge Andrew Napolitano explained that Wilbanks is facing felony charges and serious consequences. "She will confront a real jury and be faced with real jail time. If she goes to trial, she's going to have a panel of jurors who are furious at her." Napolitano also predicted Michael Jackson will walk. "I believe he is a serious pedophile, but I don't believe the government proved its case. And I'm sad about that." However, The Factor argued that the Jackson jurors will render a guilty verdict. "They know he's strange, and I think they're going to get him on something. I'll be shocked if he walks out with no punishment."
Factor Mail
Viewers sound off
Many of you wrote in about national security segments, specifically The Factor's heated debate with law professor Rosa Brooks. Some excerpts:

Tim Gillingham, Chittenden, VT: "Bill, your wrapping yourself in the American flag may get ratings here, but adds to our downward spiral in the rest of the world. I applaud Professor Brooks on her patriotism and for standing up to you.'"

Cindy Mann, Claremore, OK: "It was bad enough for Professor Brooks to demand lawyers for captured terrorists, but to say we should fight a fair war is flat out ridiculous. I don't want fair, I want to protect my family."

Lance Orloff, Laguna Niguel, CA: "Bill, I am a trial lawyer with 20 years experience and in my opinion you expertly impeached the left-wing professor and exposed her radical views."

A.N. Clarke, Australia: "Bill, you and the left both have valid points. A verified terrorist should never be given 'rights.' But a process must be in place to make sure mistakes are not made."

Books Mentioned


Where the Right Went Wrong
by Pat Buchanan

Read more...
 


Constitutional Chaos: What Happens When the Government Breaks Its Own Laws
by Andrew Napolitano

Read more...