"The aftermath of Katrina has produced a debate over poor Americans. The issue is described this way by Newsweek reporter Evan Thomas: 'Katrina laid bare society's massive neglect of its least fortunate.' Massive neglect? Let's take a look at that overstatement. In 1996 the Clinton budget allotted $191 billion for poverty entitlements. However, the Bush 2006 budget allots a record-shattering $368 billion for poverty entitlements. Did the elite media mention that? Did Jesse Jackson mention that? Of course they didn't. Even in the midst of a war on terror, this country is spending a massive amount of money trying to help the poor. So why the lie? Because political gain can be made off the suffering of others. Those who oppose the Bush administration don't care about the truth, so once again the No Spin Zone rides to the rescue. Hardworking Americans are providing the poor with Medicaid, food stamps, welfare payments, day care payments, foster care, and health insurance for children. But it will never be enough for the Jesse Jacksons and Howard Deans of the world. I fully expect to be attacked by the far left media for telling you all this. I'm sure they'll label me a racist, a shill for Bush, but I don't care. The dollars don't lie. We are a generous nation, and that is the truth."

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Guest: Victim Yolanda Hubert & Louisiana Nursing Home Association executive Joseph Donchess

34 elderly people were found dead in a Louisiana nursing home - owners Mable and Salvadore Mangano have been charged with negligent homicide. Yolanda Hubert, whose 72-year old mother was among the dead, expressed her anguish. "We were not notified prior to the storm that the plan was to keep those residents there. We were told not to worry, that if they had were required to evacuate they would get the residents out by school bus. We want to know why they were not evacuated." Louisiana Nursing Home Association executive Joseph Donchess asked that the Manganos be given the benefit of the doubt. "They've been in business for thirty years and have been through several storms, and I know they acted with what they thought was professional judgment." The Factor concurred that the Manganos deserve their day in court, but said their actions seem indefensible. "You go down with the ship, if you have to But you don't let 34 old people to drown. These people are in big trouble."

Guest: Fox News political analyst Newt Gingrich

President Bush has taken responsibility for the federal response to Hurricane Katrina. Fox News analyst Newt Gingrich commended the President, and predicted a turnaround in Mr. Bush's falling job approval ratings. "It was tremendous to have the President step up and be honest, and it was the right thing for him get out front and say we're going to fix it. He now has an enormous opportunity to lead the country in changing a lot of things, and by next spring he could be in a stronger position than ever." The former Speaker of the House also commented on the confirmation hearings for Supreme Court nominee John Roberts. "It is largely a waste of time. Judge Roberts comes across as so balanced and reasonable and thoughtful, and some senators made real mistakes in the way they approached him. Unless something amazing happens, he's clearly going to be confirmed." The Factor questioned the judgment of certain senators on the panel. "I don't know what these senators are doing. They know Roberts is too smart to answer questions about abortion, yet they continue to ask. Senator Biden tried to play the tough guy, but people should know that tough guy Biden is too afraid to appear on this program."

Guest: Jiurnalism professor Rich Hanley & attorney Wendy Murphy

The Factor is urging all states to pass a "Jessica's Law" mandating tough sentences for child abusers. In Connecticut, the Hartford Courant newspaper editorialized against such a law, writing this: "Along with punishment, predators need treatment ... one-size-fits-all legislation unfairly stigmatizes offenders without protecting children." The Courant declined to appear, which journalism professor Rich Hanley found objectionable. "The Courant is a fine newspaper, and I was stunned to hear that no one from the editorial page would come to defend their editorial. There's an obligation to defend a position." Attorney Wendy Murphy, who has been studying laws in all the states, reported that Connecticut has a flawed system. "You can't claim that you have tough laws on the books if you don't use them. It looks to the public like they're tough on sex offenders, but judges and prosecutors plea bargain these cases away." The Factor urged state lawmakers to pass some version of Jessica's Law. "You can rape a 13 year old child in Connecticut and get nine months. It's like having no law at all. We're going to have to put Connecticut into the category of not doing anything."

Guest: California Assemblyman Mark Leno

California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger has proposed tough penalties for sex offenders, and wants paroled molesters to wear satellite tracking devices for the rest of their lives. One of the bill's opponents, Assemblyman Mark Leno of San Francisco, claimed it was badly written. "The bill was put together in short order so a press conference could be held with the governor to boost his sinking ratings. They were using the very serious issue of child molestation for political purposes." Leno also defended his vote against a measure that would have made possession of child pornography a felony. "I do not believe it should be a felony on the first offense if someone is caught with child pornography for their personal use." The Factor passionately opposed the notion that possession of child pornography is anything less than a serious felony. "Child pornography is not a non-violent crime. Children have to pose for that crap, people who buy it make that situation tenable. The possession of it is a violent crime. If there wasn't a market for it, they wouldn't do it."

Guest: James Hirsen, NewsMax

Author James Hirsen, who has written about Hollywood's far left political leanings, joined The Factor to explain why it matters to America. "These people have influence, especially with young people. Celine Dione encourages looting, Kanye West accuses the President of letting people die because of their skin color, Sean Penn calls the President a criminal. We are a celebrity obsessed culture, and when they speak the cameras show up and their words are carried throughout the world." The Factor objected to celebrities who do their America-bashing on foreign shores. "They go overseas and present a perception of America that is flat-out not true. And for that they should be chastised."

Your e-mails in about Katrina and related topics continue to pour in at record levels. Some excerpts:

Mary Peters, La Grange, IL: "O'Reilly, why do you put all the blame on President Bush for Katrina? What did he do to you?"

Jim Blasdel, Shawnee, OK: "O'Reilly, you and your right-wing cronies are pushing this country to the brink of civil war. You think your greed will be allowed to go on."

Larry Myers, Jackson, MO: "Bill, you are trying to show you are fair and balanced by attacking Bush on every aspect of his presidency."

Anita Sinnott, Valdosta, GA: "Bill, you are right on gas gouging. I've sold my Suburban and bought a hybrid."