By , ,
Published May 20, 2015
To watch "The Memo" click here.
Some respectful advice for Americans who are religious conservatives. That is the subject of this evening's Talking Points memo.
Thursday night on The Factor, Rosie O'Donnell was here discussing the $300 million lawsuit against her by the company that publishes Rosie magazine. As usual, we got a ton of mail on the segment, but one letter in particular caught my attention.
Patrick Duffy, who are lives in Manor, Texas, writes, "Mr. O'Reilly, as a self-proclaimed protector of children in America, I was outraged that you did not challenge Rosie on her child-damaging lifestyle. You're letting homosexuality in the home take a pass. It is sinful and damaging to children."
Well, number one, Mr. Duffy, I'm not a self-proclaimed anything. I analyze the news and tell you the good, the bad, and the ugly. Number two, I've made it quite clear here on The Factor and in my books that gays who attempt to force their lifestyles on the rest of us are way out of line. All public displays of sexuality are offensive, and Americans have the right to demand that children be protected from any sexual agenda, including the gay one.
I also made it quite clear that it is better for all American kids to have both a mother and a father and that gay adoption should be closely monitored and used only when there is not a heterosexual alternative.
But it is cruel and unconstitutional to deny a foster child a good home because of an American's sexual orientation. Using the word "sinful" in a debate on public policy is a loser every time.
Most of the people who settled America did so because they were being persecuted on religious grounds in Europe. The founding fathers took great pains to keep the laws of our country secular so that all beliefs and behavior, legal behavior, would be tolerated.
The religious right in this country has lost influence even though they are correct on many issues, because they often base their opinion on what they believe God wants. Once any human being starts speaking in God's name in a public forum, American tradition will reject the argument.
The cold truth is, Mr. Duffy, that far more heterosexuals abuse children than gays, simply because of the numbers. Pernicious behavior and abuse are not confined to one group.
Talking Points believes there are good people in all walks of life and that labeling someone a sinner is contrary to American values. All have a right to our opinions, but we don't have a right to impose those opinions on others because of our religious beliefs.
That's what the Taliban did.
Children without parents need a good home, and Rosie O'Donnell has provided one for three kids. Mr. Duffy, you might want to rethink your condemnation of her.
And that's the memo.
The Most Ridiculous Item of the Day
Time now for "The Most Ridiculous Item of the Day."
Daytona Beach, Florida, is cracking down on skin. An ordinance has been approved that requires anybody in town to cover up two-thirds of his or her buttocks in public. The women also must cover up one-quarter of their breasts. No word yet on who will be the new town measurer, but applications are flooding in, so many that it could be ridiculous.
— You can watch Bill O'Reilly's Talking Points and "Most Ridiculous Item" weeknights at 8 & 11p.m. ET on the Fox News Channel. Send your comments to: oreilly@foxnews.com
https://www.foxnews.com/story/defending-rosie-odonnell