Letter to Bill O'Reilly, re: Swift Boat Controversy Coverage

Hi Bill,

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,130338,00.html

I read your on-line talking points memo of Friday the 27th today. I wonder if you aren't making judgments yourself about what's truth or not in your idea of 'fair and balanced' reporting, this is the gist of Ann Coulter's comments in regard to your Swift Boat coverage. John Kerry's veracity, character, integrity, and honor are very important questions in this presidential race, as are George Bush's. The left has no problem with it, and your cheap seats on the fence do a disservice to your readership.

I don't believe that you did serious investigation of the issue first, you immediately came out with a blanket condemnation of the story and the Swift Boat organization - I was watching very closely. Now that one Kerry medal after another is falling, now that his crass, opportunistic betrayals of the 70s are being highlighted, you want the story to go away.

Now that Kerry's camp is back-peddling and nuancing at break-neck speed on Kerry's Vietnam/Post Vietnam history you are forced to defend your non-stance. C'mon Bill, they've even now called out Clinton, the master of 'aw, shucks, poor me'.

I believe you were and are still wrong about Swifties, don't you think you should just admit it and cover the story properly before the entire world scoops you? Report and let the chips fall where they may, the events will choose the side, not you.

Okay, your fence-sitting may work for you and your career - but it's cheap journalism and my admiration for you has lessened.

Doug
Harpers Ferry, WV