The Talking Points memo is designed to get even more people mad at me, if that's possible. So let's get right to it.
Your humble correspondent caught it from both sides after last night's broadcast. The SUV owners are throwing tomatoes at me because I believe those gas-guzzling vehicles are hurting America, and the dope legalizers are mad because I'm advocating a strict policy when it comes to substance abuse. Both issues have to do with personal freedom and a bit of selfishness.
Let's start with those big vehicles. Stan Keene who lives in Orrville, Ohio, writes:
"Mr. O'Reilly, I may not need an SUV, but I damn well want one. Who do you think you are? God? I think your ratings have gone to your head."
Well, I try to limit what's going to my head, Mr. Keene, to fair-minded thought.
Let's take it step-by-step. Because the Clinton administration had no energy policy at all, the nation now finds itself at the mercy of OPEC, and states like California find they have actually run out of energy. This is the fault of foolish politicians who were too dishonest to level with the voters and the citizens who voted for those politicians. Double-fault.
The result is there are not enough oil refineries and power plants to meet America's growing energy needs. Thus, we see skyrocketing prices and rolling blackouts.
The more serious danger, however, is that foreign countries are now capable of destroying the U.S. economy. If OPEC shuts down, we shut down. This recession we're having was partly caused by high-energy prices, which cut into corporate profits and your take-home pay.
Enter you, Mr. Keene, and millions of other Americans. You like those big gas-guzzlers, and you get steamed if somebody suggests they might not be good for the country because they use so much gas. I'm not talking about business vehicles now. I'm talking about convenience vehicles.
If every American demanded a fuel-efficient personal car, this country would be far better off economically and environmentally. Mr. Keene, that is indisputable.
Now I made the analogy that in a drought the government has a right to impose water restrictions. Well, right now, America's in an energy drought because the politicians have screwed up, and the American people want what they want no matter what. Sometimes sacrifice is needed for the good of the country. This is one of those times.
On the drug side, I continue to get mail from people who want to intoxicate themselves without government interference. Some call themselves libertarian. Some are liberals. Some are simply stoned.
Well, if you want to get blasted inside your own home, I don't care, as long as you don't beat your kids or expect me to pay for your welfare. But if you venture outside and cause a problem while intoxicated, whether it’s drunk driving, street dope dealing, theft, or something worse, the government has a responsibility to hammer you hard. You've got a disease. Keep it inside.
So there you have it. One man against the world. Pray for me.
And that's the memo.
Most Ridiculous Item of the Day
The Blonde Legal Defense Club has announced that July 9 will be the National Blonde Day in the USA. The occasion will spotlight the club's belief that blonde people are not taken very seriously and deserve more respect.
The club will also attempt to dispel blonde myths like blondes aren't ditzy and they don't sleep around. OK with us. We like all hair colors here and have never believed that blondes have more fun because it is hard to have fun when everybody else is making fun of you, which is wrong and ridiculous.
See you July 9.
— You can watch Bill O'Reilly's Talking Points weeknights at 8 p.m. ET. And send your comments to: oreilly@foxnews.com
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