On the March 29 edition of his syndicated radio show, Fox News host Bill O'Reilly appeared to declare that the so-called “culture war” he has waged is over, saying, “I don't feel persecuted as a Christian” because “I can still do what I want to do.” O'Reilly made his declaration during a discussion with guest Rebecca Hagelin -- vice president, communications and marketing, at conservative think tank The Heritage Foundation -- of the March 27-28 "The War on Christians and the Values Voter in 2006" conference. O'Reilly, who has been a major promoter of the purported “war on Christmas,” is set to release his latest book, Culture Warrior (Broadway) in September.

From the March 29 edition of Westwood One's The Radio Factor with Bill O'Reilly:

O'REILLY: Now, was it all 400 evangelical Protestants? Is that who was there?

HAGELIN: No. There were also some Catholics there. And interestingly enough to those who aren't familiar with groups like this and who work often -- but I wasn't surprised -- there's usually a group of committed Jewish people there as well.

O'REILLY: Mm-hmm.

HAGELIN: Because nobody on earth understands better than religious Jews what persecution is like.

O'REILLY: But I don't feel persecuted as a Christian, I have to say. I don't feel persecuted, because I can still do what I want to do. Now, I understand what the intent of the SPs -- the secular progressives -- is, and I'm mildly annoyed that some corporations fold into it. You know, I mean, I don't -- the St. Paul thing, removing the Easter sign doesn't offend me. It just annoys me. Like, why are you doing that? That's just so dumb. Do you feel that your rights are being violated in any way, Rebecca?