We asked the stars who asked you to donate money after the terror attack to comment on the fact that much of that money is not getting to the families. Not one star would comment. And the Talking Points memo this evening deals with the issue in a wider context.
There is no question that some people have exploited the terror attack for personal gain. We'll give you some examples in just a few moments.
Now I can't read minds, but I can ask questions, and when people like Tom Hanks and Paul McCartney and Sara Jessica Parker, just to name a few, refuse to answer relevant questions in writing, over the phone, or in person, then I can only assume that those people don't care where the money they helped raise is going, and perhaps they used the fund-raising forums to garner favorable publicity for themselves.
Again, if I put my name on a charity and that charity doesn't live up to its obligation, I scream long and loud, and I bet you do, too.
The generous people who watched the telethon and the concerts and send checks have a right to expect full disclosure, and if a celebrity is part of the fund-raising project, that star has an obligation to the regular folks to follow up.
It's the same thing with these politicians. You all know that New York Governor Pataki simply will not publicly speak about the charity mess, a dereliction of duty, in my opinion.
Now we have been speaking to New York Attorney General Spitzer who is directly responsible in an oversight capacity. Mr. Spitzer apparently fears The Factor, as he has chosen to appear on Larry King instead.
Fine. More power to Mr. King.
But Mr. Spitzer, if you will be kind enough to simply fax us some information about your Web site that's supposed to help the families, we'd appreciate it because most of the families have no idea what's going on.
The truth is that it's easy to wave the flag, run down to ground zero, and be sympathetic. It's hard to track money, confront bloated, uncaring charities, and set up programs that bring immediate relief to grieving people.
Over the past five weeks, The Factor has presented irrefutable evidence that many of those who were very visible in the aftermath of 9/11, are simply hollow people. Points will remember them on election day and when making entertainment choices.
And one personal note to Billy Joel and Brad Pitt. I understand from people I trust that you are both good guys at heart. Trust me on this. You need new publicists.
And that's the memo.
The Most Ridiculous Item of the Day
Old scandal-monger Andrew Morton has a new book coming out about Madonna, and in that book, Morton claims Madonna tried to seduce Michael Jackson in 1991, but failed to arouse his interest.
What?
Now, there are a number of things that I could say about this, but believe me, they would all be ridiculous. File it under you can't get blood from a stone if you know what I mean, and I think you do.
— You can watch Bill O'Reilly's Talking Points weeknights at 8 & 11p.m. ET. And send your comments to: oreilly@foxnews.com
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