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The French newspaper Liberation reports that American tourism (search) to France is down an astounding 80 percent in the first half of this year. The French government puts the decrease at 30 percent and says the weak dollar is the reason.
Of course that's nonsense. American anger at the French government is the reason. And once again, the people of the USA are demonstrating their power.
This is not a pro or anti-war issue. This is the American perception that France sold us out because it was receiving billions of dollars in trade with Saddam. Now whether you supported the war or not, there's no question that Saddam was an evil man and promoted terrorism throughout the Mid East. That, in turn, hurt America. So most clear-thinking Americans now see France as a country that is not looking out for us, so why should we do business with them?
It's interesting to note that some in the elite media are promoting France like crazy. A spate of articles have appeared in The New York Times travel section touting the benefits of going there.
Now I can't figure that out. There's no question the French government doesn't like the way the USA is waging the war on terror and that's fine. They're entitled to their opinion. But when they actively try to undermine us, that's not fine.
The Factor is very comfortable with the continuing boycott against French goods and tourism. And we are pleased that millions of Americans are on board with that. Only a change of government in Paris will change my mind about the boycott.
America is a country still under siege from people who would kill all of us. And France is not helping us as much as it could.
And that's The Memo.
The Most Ridiculous Item of the Day
A new USA Today/CNN/Gallup poll says 48 percent of Americans believe gay sexual relations should be legal, but 46 percent say they should be against the law.
What's interesting about this is, in May, 60 percent of Americans said gays should be allowed to have sex. So, obviously, it's a backlash after the Supreme Court ruling on the Texas sodomy law.
Now I think it's because there's just too much gay stuff in play these days. Every time I turn around, there's another gay show on television.
Now we posted this question on billoreilly.com, not a scientific poll, but an indicator. Is the media overdoing gay entertainment and issues? Use it or lose it. Is the media overdoing the gay thing?
Premium members last night voted our continuing Iraqi analysis as the best segment of the evening. The Internet police story was the lowest rated. Thanks, again, for your input.
--You can watch Bill O'Reilly's Talking Points Memo and "Most Ridiculous Item" weeknights at 8 & 11p.m. ET on the Fox News Channel. Send your comments to: oreilly@foxnews.com
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