'Sixty percent of what you say is crap,' said David Letterman to his guest, Bill O'Reilly. Sadly, this is the level to which dialogue in America has fallen. Here we have a man who is the host of a major late—night show on national television, and he is rude to someone he invited as a guest. From the moment O'Reilly sat down opposite the CBS clown, he was peppered with insults and accusations about how he orchestrates his top—rated cable news program, The O'Reilly Factor.

In the first exchange, Letterman criticized O'Reilly's support of the tradition that makes Christmas the reason for the season. When the Factor host provided evidence of the systematic attempt by some schools and large retail stores to remove Christ from the landscape, the suddenly acerbic comic began his attack. 'I just think that people like you are trying to make us think it's a threat,' he said. When his guest gave more examples of the erosion of the values upon which this country is founded, he was practically called a liar. 'I don't believe you, I think you're making it up,' responded Letterman. The New York audience, made up mostly of liberal fans of the show, responded like trained seals, applauding vigorously at every critical comment made by the host.

When the subject turned to the war in Iraq, Letterman, in typical knee—jerk fashion, used anti—war protester, Cindy Sheehan's name to throw another hand grenade at his guest. 'I'm very concerned about people like yourself who don't have nothing but endless sympathy for Cindy Sheehan. Honest to Christ!' (It's interesting that he referred to Jesus when he wanted to make a strong point, but he doesn't feel there's anything wrong with taking Christ out of Christmas) O'Reilly, shook his head and challenged the self—serving statement of his liberal antagonist: 'There's no way that people who blow up women and children are going to be called freedom fighters on my program,' he said angrily, referring to comments made by Ms. Sheehan about terrorists. Letterman's feeble response was: 'I'm not smart enough to debate you point for point on this. But I don't think you represent an objective viewpoint on your show.' When O'Reilly asked him to give an example, Letterman said he doesn't watch the show.

'Then why would you come to that conclusion if you don't watch the program?' O'Reilly asked. 'Because of things that I've read,' the comic replied. 'Things that you've read?' O'Reilly said quizzically. 'Do you know what they say about you?'

Letterman proved himself to be just another sycophantic Hollywood—style leftist who sheepishly genuflects in the presence of every pothead and cocaine addict from the drug culture of tinsel town. However, when someone stands up for the religious and patriotic values that made this country the greatest nation in the world, he is treated with contempt.

This so—called comedian is the guy who self—destructed in front of a worldwide live audience as host of the Academy Awards in 1995. He made a complete ass out of himself with his opening monologue as he walked from one side of the stage to the other, pointing at Oprah Winfrey, then actress, Uma Thurman and repeating 'Oprah, Uma, Uma, Oprah.' That was his idea of a funny routine and it was the last time he was asked to host the annual event.

He spent the next several years obsequiously begging for forgiveness from Oprah for such an embarrassingly awkward ridicule of her name. When the billionaire queen of daytime talk shows ultimately deigned to appear on his program about a month ago (She was promoting the Broadway premiere of The Color Purple, a musical she co—produced), Letterman behaved like a drooling lapdog, gratefully licking his mistress's boots for the bone that was tossed at him.

Yes, it must be tough to stay in the good graces of powerful celebrities, but one sure way to be invited to all the right Beverly Hills soirees or New York ACLU cocktail parties is to attack anyone who supports the virtues of religion or love of country. Surely, O'Reilly knew he was going to be a Christian thrown to the lions when he walked out on that stage, but he had the guts to do it. Letterman wouldn't understand that, but he turned out to be right about one thing; he's not smart enough to debate O'Reilly.

Bob Weir is a former detective sergeant in the New York City Police Department. He is the excutive editor of The News Connection in Highland Village, Texas. BobWeir777@aol.com