Slam Bill O'Reilly for His Jihad Against Dr. George Tiller

By Isaac Fitzgerald, AlterNet. Posted June 2, 2009.

Dr. George Tiller, one of the few OB-GYNs in the country who performed late-term abortions despite threats to his safety, was brutally slain on Sunday in an act of domestic terrorism. Suspect Scott Roeder has been detained for questioning, but while Roeder may have pulled the trigger, another participant in Tiller's tragic death is still at large: Bill O'Reilly.

Gabriel Winant of Salon writes about O'Reilly:

... there's no other person who bears as much responsibility for the characterization of Tiller as a savage on the loose, killing babies willy-nilly thanks to the collusion of would-be sophisticated cultural elites, a bought-and-paid-for governor and scofflaw secular journalists. Tiller's name first appeared on The Factor on Feb. 25, 2005. Since then, O'Reilly and his guest hosts have brought up the doctor on 28 more episodes, including as recently as April 27. Almost invariably, Tiller is described as "Tiller the Baby Killer."

Watch a video roundup of O'Reilly's jihad on Tiller.

“Tiller the Baby Killer." That's how time and time again on national television O'Reilly referred to Tiller -- a man who worked within the confines of the law and was a legal medical practitioner. O'Reilly's rhetoric helped feed the hate that led to Tiller's killing, and we believe that O'Reilly must take responsibility for his abhorred actions. That is why we urge you to join CREDO in telling O'Reilly that he should “take responsibility for creating an atmosphere in which the assassination of Dr. George Tiller comes as no surprise. And ask him to pledge to stop spreading the hateful rhetoric that encourages violence against doctors who provide reproductive health care for women.” Click here to learn more about how you can help.

Our thoughts are with the family and friends of Dr. Tiller in this time of sadness. Here are the rest of our take-action campaigns for this week:

II -- Tell Congress to Stop Being Scared and Close Gitmo

As one of his first acts in office, President Barack Obama announced he will close Guantanamo Bay by January 2010.

But he needs Congress to move forward, and they're caving in the face of recent right-wing attacks. We need to step up and show our support for Obama's decision to close Guantanamo. Join MoveOn.org and tell Congress "Guantanamo Bay is a constant reminder of the Bush-era abuses of our laws" and must be shut down.

III -- Stand Up Against the Right-Wing Attacks on Sotomayor

Sonia Sotomayor is an accomplished scholar, celebrated judge and devoted public servant. But despite her impressive credentials, right-wing critics have responded to her historic nomination with thinly veiled sexist and racist attacks. Please join Presente.org in standing with Sotomayor and urging the Senate Judiciary Committee to give her a swift confirmation. 

IV -- We Must Be Fearless in Our Response to Prop. 8 Ruling

The California Supreme Court has announced its deeply disappointing decision to uphold Proposition 8. We don't have time to mourn the failure of the state court to restore marriage equality to California. It's time to go on offense. To be fearless in our fight for equality. Will you join the Courage Campaign and stand up for what you know is right?

V -- Stop Schwarzenegger's Home Care Cuts in California

Home care workers across California face pay cuts of up to 33 percent -- from $12.10 an hour to $8.

Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger's belief that solving the state's fiscal problems on the backs of those who take care of the most fragile among us is an absolute disgrace. Stand with SEIU and write a message to Schwarzenegger telling him you strongly disagree with his misguided priorities.

VI -- Take Action to Prevent Child Marriage

Sixty million girls around the world are married before the age of 17 -- many to men twice their age or older. They need our help.

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