The O'Reilly

I have noticed that several bloggers have been rather quiet these days on the ratcheting up of FOX "news" systematic attacks on liberals, progressives, and most notably of late, academics.

Sure we can expect to see some indignant reactions to the current McCarthyist attacks on so-called "leftist" (in Bush's 'Merica these "un-American thunkers") academics being spearheaded by none other than FOX's Bill O'Reilly and supported by a horde of right-wing organizations. But no one seems to be commenting on these problems.

As you have probably heard, Northeastern University's Shahid Alam is the latest target, and a campaign is underway to have him removed. I can only imagine the chilling self-censorship this is going to produce in
college campuses and universities throughout the United States.

But how does this related to Bill "I am from the tough streets" O'Reilly?

In all the cases I have heard of, most unbiased professors from over a dozen universities have declined to go on Bill O'Reilly's self propaganda. Given the format, this is understandable. O'Reilly poses
as a mediator and usually has a far right-winger on along with "the liberal." This makes two conservatives against one liberal. I have even seen it as go as far as three conservatives against one liberal.

It even gets worse, the volume on his microphone seems to be turned up higher -- certainly he is louder by nature. O'Reilly plays on his Levittown working class roots and embellishes his accent. His tone is highly authoritative and he is constantly interrupting people, favorite strategies of the religious right, neocons, and the right wing talk radio rabble.

O'Reilly's favorite targets seem to be Ted Kennedy, Nancy Pelosi and the Democrats. Last night, when responding to criticism of a Washington Post reporter named "Cohen," he referred to him as part of a "Kabal." Shouldn't the anti-Defamation league have cried foul on such obvious antisemitism. In an Orwellian newspeak, the O'Reilly factor claims to be "spin-free." Yet if one pays close attention to the comcercials and you see that the show has corporate sponsors including General Motors among others.

So, my friends I suggest we confront the lies and posturing of the O'Reillys of FOX "News" with "The Bill O'Reilly Challenge." The next so-called left-wing academic who is invited on the O'Reilly factor should do so under the following conditions -- and the following conditions only:

1) that the program be broadcast live with no delay
2) they be given a half an hour
3) that they be given equal time at equal volume.

The O'Reilly Factor won't have "the guts" to do this. Then that person should distribute a press release to all the major news media entitled "Bill O'Reilly is a silly Wuss!" and explain the fact that the O'Reilly show will not allow equal time to different views. If
O'Reilly ever accepts these terms, turn the show upside down and let them have it. More than likely they will then change the terms mid way through the show. Then distribute a different press release. "Bill O'Reilly is a liar who breaks his word!" That should get their attention.

And maybe then people will pay attention as they should to the lies of FOX "news."