"Bill Bennett is getting hammered over his remarks about race. Here's what Bennett said on his radio program: 'If you wanted to reduce crime, you could, if that were your sole purpose, you could abort every black baby in this country and your crime rate would go down. That would be an impossible, ridiculous, and morally reprehensible thing to do.' Black Americans are understandably sensitive about any racial comment made by a Caucasian because of past history. It is true that the most vile things imaginable can be said about the white majority without any consequence, but America has a different set of rules for different groups. Bill Bennett has a history of helping African Americans. He and his wife Elaine are deeply involved in a charity that sets up mentors to help black inner city kids. Did you hear anyone report that? Bill Bennett has done more for African Americans than most of his critics will ever do, that is certain."

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The Factor was joined by civil rights advocate Van Jones, who accused Bennett of distorting reality. "What he said was really painful and inaccurate. He's making the case that black people commit more crimes than white people. White kids are four times more likely to use cocaine than black kids, more likely to use marijuana. But black kids are arrested at twice the rate of white kids, and they are fifty percent of the people behind bars." The Factor argued that crime is driven by economics. "The overwhelming majority of people who commit crimes are poor. There is a perception among many white Americans that because the black out-of-wedlock birth rate is so high, that the poverty that comes from that translates into misbehavior on the part of young black males. Those stats are real, they're disturbing, and they're troubling."

The Factor has been asking Americans to conserve gas, and it seems the federal government has jumped on the energy-efficient bandwagon. The Energy Department is urging Americans to drive slower, and has created a cartoon mascot named "Energy Hog" to promote conservation. Former Energy Secretary Spencer Abraham defended the administration's policies, and also called for more production. "We're paying a price for the fact that we haven't built refineries and have put off limits numerous parts of the United States that could be energy-producing areas, such as in Alaska and offshore. People have to realize that we need more refineries, nuclear power, and alternative energy sources." The Factor stressed the consumption side of the energy equation. "Detroit could get 30 to 35 miles on cars, but there's no mandate for them to do it. The people have to rise up and say 'enough's enough, we're going to buy more energy efficient vehicles.'"

A month after Hurricane Katrina destroyed much of New Orleans, what is the crime situation in the Crescent City? Fox News analyst Lt. Col. Bill Cowan, whose company is providing security for private firms in New Orleans, asserted there is still a major problem. "It's a tough environment down there. The regular looters are gone, but the professionals and hard core guys have moved in from up north. We had one of our guys shot last week, and our guys are reporting shooting on a regular basis. There's a general fear of civil unrest." The Factor summed up the present situation. "So professional thieves have come to New Orleans. You're down there seeing organized crime go in to break into homes and business that are unattended."

Many American high schools and colleges feature gay and lesbian student organizations. Time Magazine's John Cloud has written an article about increased gay visibility in our schools. "You have a lot more kids who are comfortable declaring their sexuality at a young age," Cloud explained. "A lot more kids are coming out. They don't want to hide in the closet, and there's no reason to hide. There are magazines for gay kids, and there's a culture." The Factor questioned the wisdom of anyone, straight or gay, declaring their sexual orientation. "The media has made it much more acceptable to be gay. But I would say it's nobody's business what your proclivities are. Let the kid make friends, study, participate in the school. Why declare your sexuality? I think if everyone would just stop the exposition it would be healthier."

The Internet is crowded with web sites, left and right, that specialize in personal attacks. Writer Jed Babbin explained how he was the recent target one left-wing site. "They disagreed with something I said about the Iraq war. They posted my personal e-mail address on their web site saying I was a liar, and I got hundreds of e-mails. But you can't be afraid of these people." David Kline elaborated on the changing landscape. "You have bloggers who believe President Bush orchestrated the 9-11 attacks, others who believe President Clinton had Vince Foster assassinated. Five years ago these people would meet in a local hotel conference room, but now they have reach and access." The Factor denounced the extreme sites for blatantly lying about their political opponents. "You have a variety of voices out there, and it's better than just having the New York Times and the network news. But these people are so vicious, and some of the media are so corrupt in passing on their defamations, that people won't run for office or do television or radio commentary. They make stuff up about me every day of my life, and I have to have bodyguards because of them. I don't fear them, I loathe them."

The Factor, which has urged tough laws against child molesters, reported the latest from two New England states. In Massachusetts, Judge Margot Botsford sentenced a repeat offender to just 8 to 11 years for raping five boys. Next door, a Connecticut woman pleaded guilty to sexual battery on a young boy, but will spend just four years in prison. Child advocate Wendy Murphy commented on both cases. "Margot Botsford is a highly respected judge, but she thinks prison makes people worse and it's not a good thing for humanity. And the Connecticut case takes the cake. This woman reportedly raped an 8-year old child every day for a year. She got four years, which is unconscionable." On a brighter note, Georgia legislator Jerry Keen vowed that his state will soon pass tough legislation. "Our bill will be very simple. If the victim of a sexual battery crime is under 14, there will be a minimum sentence of 25 to 50 years. We're very confident that Governor Sonny Perdue will sign it, and it will be the toughest law in the country."

Derek Oliver, Attleboro, MA: "Mr. O'Reilly, I'm outraged by Judge Botsford's ruling. How can I get Jessica's law passed in Massachusetts?"

Napier Fuller, Wilmington, NC: "Bill, you have gone berserk over child molestation. Your superficial coverage and repetition have become tiresome."

Christie James, Medford, OR: "Bill, I hope our political leaders watch The Factor and are motivated to protect our children. Rulings like the one Judge Botsford handed down are shameful."

Allison Johnson, Reno, NV: "O'Reilly, quit bashing Bush. If you were the military genius you think you are, maybe I'd listen to you."

W. Walker, San Diego, CA: "O'Reilly, so it's ridiculous that the New York Times printed 53 negative Bush columns in a month? You deflect all criticism of him. Why don't you put 'we love Bush' on the screen?"