Talking Points: Are the Terrorists Winning the War?

Hi.  I'm Bill O'Reilly reporting tonight from Oakland, California.  Thanks for watching us.

Are the terrorists winning the war?  That's the subject of this evening's Talking Points memo.

There's no question that sneak attacks can be effective and Americans are on the defensive right now because of the terrorist action.

It is worth noting that attacking innocent civilians with germs and jetliners is against every civilized rule of warfare ever designed. These terrorists have made a mockery out of the Geneva Convention, and they aren't warriors. They're simply common killers. Infecting babies with anthrax is about as cowardly as it gets.

So the terrorists have succeeded in disrupting America and spooking many of us, but there's still much more of this fight left. Americans must accept the reality of war, especially one being fought with no rules.

Barbaric, disturbing things are going to happen in the future, and there's nothing any of us can do about it. We simply must allow our government to annihilate the cowards who have attacked us.

Americans also must be skeptical of some reporting. For example, today, Speaker of the House Dennis Hastert told Americans there was anthrax in the ventilation system of the Capitol building. That's not the case. Speaker Hastert made a mistake. So all of us must not react to what we are hearing. We have to calm down and examine the evidence.

Think about this. What good does it do you if you're worrying about anthrax?  If you're cautious, there's nothing else you can do. Worrying about things out of your control is destructive and foolish.

All this anthrax stuff has just made me angrier and more determined to support our government in the war against terror.

I believe we're going to win the war, and I believe it's imperative for Americans to be courageous, for, in the end, a person is measured by how he or she reacts in times of stress. Stay strong. Stay determined. We'll get these guys.

Most Ridiculous Item of the Day

Time now for "The Most Ridiculous Item of the Day." 

Black militant Louis Farrakhan has issued a statement saying he wants more proof that Usama bin Laden's behind the terrorist attacks. Well, with all due respect, Mr. Farrakhan, I would like more proof that you're not a complete lunatic. And that's "The Most Ridiculous Item of the Day."

— You can watch Bill O'Reilly's Talking Points weeknights at 8 & 11p.m. ET.  And send your comments to: oreilly@foxnews.com