I just can't take the guy seriously.

A couple weeks ago, upon my triumphant (?) return home from the Sunshine State, my Dad gave me a friendly suggestion for summer reading material: Culture Warrior, by the Bill O'Reilly. You know, the one with Mr. Bill standing up against a pristinely lighted Amercian flag in front of a scene of winter twilight while donning a stunning, highly reflective cerulean blue windbreaker?

I think the point Mr. O'Reilly is trying to make with the book is that winter is cold, and it is always prudent to bring along a couple extra layers.

Now, my dad is a conservative, and he's entitled to that. Conservatism has contributed immeasurably to the growth of these United States, and although I myself am probably more left than right, I have no problem with my Dad reading a righty book. Whatever. However, at this very moment, conservatism pisses me off, partly because its front men -- the Bush Administration and William Kristol -- are idiot assholes. Idiot. Assholes.

I told my dad I would be black-listed at Emerson for reading an O'Reilly book. He said it would be good to have a counterpoint for all the liberal indoctrination I've been subjected to: university, "the liberal media," and the stuffy, August New England air (I made that one up). I watch the Red Sox pretty much every day. Professional sports. That's pretty right-wing, isn't it?

I couldn't take this book seriously. I dismissed it before I even opened the cover (although I did eye-roll my way through the Introduction and the first chapter).

*This is where a transition would go if I cared enough tonight to write one.*

So anyways, Bill is always finding something to whine about, which is part of my problem with him. The man has a comically strong opinion about everything. It wears on you. Bill is always looking to blame something on someone because of some liberal or secular or elitist doohickey conspiracy. It hurts your head. Nothing can just be--it has to be someone's fault.

Enter Nas. On September 6, Virginia Tech will hold a memorial concert to commemorate the lives of the victims of the April campus shootings. Rap Artist Nas, John Mayer and Dave Matthews Band will perform at the event alongside local and campus artists.

O'Reilly, apparently unable to stomach the inclusion of Nas, posted the following in his blog:

If you would like to express your outrage at the inclusion of a violent "gangsta" rapper in a memorial concert at Virginia Tech this September, feel free to contact the university's president:

Dr. Charles W. Steger
President, Virginia Tech

Office of the President
210 Burruss Hall
Blacksburg, VA 24061

president@vt.edu
(540) 231-6231

Because this is what Virginia Tech needs. A bunch of Bill O'Reilly fans calling up and expressing their "outrage" over hip-hop. These are college kids, Bill, not the American Legion. This music is very much the norm.

I agree with you in this respect, Bill: a lot of hip-hop is detestable. But pick your spots! 32 people died. I assure you, after all the VTech community has been through, there will be no "outrage" over Nas performing at a concert.