O'Reilly: Patriot AND Pinhead

Bill O’Reilly was a guest on a local St Louis radio talk-show this past Monday, promoting his new book, “Kids Are Americans Too”.  It was a great interview.  I have no doubt that Bill's book will sell millions of copies.

My ears were peaked when Bill himself brought up the Hornbeck case and again highlighted the monstrosity of Devlin.  There is no doubt that Bill passionately wishes to defends kids and he feels for the Hornbecks and Ornsbys.

Let me say from the outset that I like O’Reilly’s program.  I find him one of the most reasoned and rational analysts on the air today.  I have chosen his program over Rush's for years now - as they air head-to-head - and listen to him daily.  I also know him to be somewhat abrasive and arrogant personally.

I waited anxiously throughout the interview to hear what St Louis has anxiously anticipated since Sean and Ben were found: O'Reilly's acknowledgement of and apology for his irresponsible statements regarding Hornbeck early on.  Sadly, I was disappointed, and St Louis is STILL waiting.

Is it arrogance, or embarrassment that causes Bill to ignore his major misstep?

Why can't Bill O'Reilly bring himself to publicly say something to this effect:

"Knowing now what has happened to Sean Hornbeck, I must apologize for my misstatements shortly after his rescue.  I did not have the facts.  I spoke too soon and without knowledge.  With all that Sean and his family have endured, it grieves me that my premature and irresponsible statements, implying that Sean may have remained with Devlin by choice, added further to the pains experienced by the Hornbecks and the St Louis community at large.  I hope that my subsequent efforts on Sean's behalf, and my longtime work on behalf of all kids, will help offset this incident."

There is little doubt forgiveness would be forthcoming.  But pretending it didn't happen still leaves a bitter taste even for Bill's fans.

And that's the memo.

Copyright © 2007 by Doug Edelman