"Top Secret" CNN Memo (re: Lou Dobbs) - Democratic Underground

H2O Man

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Wed Aug-05-09 06:43 AM
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"Top Secret" CNN Memo (re: Lou Dobbs)

Good morning, DUers. A friend from CNN e-mailed me a "TOP SECRET" internal document regarding Lou Dobbs’ spiral into the bowels of madness known as the "birther movement." Apparently, Dobbs has become focused on "Keith O from MSNBC," and believes that there are "spies" within his own CNN news room, coordinating efforts with the staff of MSNBC’s "Countdown." In fact, there are.

Due to the Democratic Underground’s ground rules on the number of paragraphs from other sources which can be copied here, I am only able to provide readers with about 1/5 of the actual "TOP SECRET" memo. In the future, I hope to post the paragraphs about Dobbs’ calls to Michele Malkin, where he proposes that if CNN actually does fire him, that the two of them try for a "reality television show" that blends the basic themes of "John and Kate plus eight" with "America’s Got Talent."

Now, for the memo. It was sent to the heads of various CNN departments, after a number of workers throughout CNN had filed complaints against Lou Dobbs. Many were concerned about his apparent unstable, increasingly threatening behavior. Some highlights from the memo include:

"Please be aware that the management of CNN is fully aware of the issues regarding Mr. Dobbs’ recent behavior, and shares everyone’s concerns. We have held a series of high-level meetings with the senior staff of our Employee Assistance Program (EAP), and with the CNN attorneys. In order to protect the rights of all of the members of the CNN Family, we are not allowed to comment on the specifics of any single employee’s status. However, due to the high volume of complaints filed this week against Mr. Dobbs, our attorneys have suggested that we share some ‘generic’ information with department heads. Please use this general information when dealing with individuals who continue to express concerns about Mr. Dobbs’ behavior. ….

"(1) Employees of CNN are not allowed to carry any weapons, including firearms, knives, or clubs, on company property. Concerns about Mr. Dobbs’ comments about ‘needing to carry a handgun for his own safety’ have been addressed. Further, CNN security has been made aware of this concern, and is monitoring the situation. Attempts to convince Mr. Dobbs that his rapidly declining ratings are not the result of a conspiracy are on-going.

"Also addressed was Mr. Dobbs repeated request that the employees from make-up help him to appear similar to a character known as ‘the Joker’ from a recent ‘Bat Man’ film, so that he can ‘sneak into MSNBC’s studio and make a pencil disappear live on Countdown.’ Although Mr. Dobbs continues to claim this was meant in a humorous manner, he has been advised to stop this behavior. …..

"(3) Employees of CNN are not allowed to actively campaign for public office while on company time. There are further restrictions in CNN policies for CNN employees who appear ‘on air’ time. Before discussing this matter with Mr. Dobbs, CNN attorneys did review the seven documented cases of Mr. Dobbs violating this policy. Six of the seven groups that he was in contact with on company time were listed on the Southern Poverty Law Center’s list of extremist, white-supremacist groups.

"Mr. Dobbs claims that he has only worked on a proposed ‘speaking tour’ to promote a 2012 presidential ticket of Palin-Dobbs while on break- and meal-time. When confronted with evidence that documents the true extent of these efforts, Mr. Dobbs advised CNN that he is in negotiations for possible employment with Fox News. While we encourage that move, please advise employees to not ‘tease’ Mr. Dobbs about this issue. ….

"(6) The CNN employee policies regarding racial, ethnic, and religious slurs will be strictly enforced. A second and final written warning was given to Mr. Dobbs in regard to his comments on Soledad O’Brien’s series on "Black in America." Further, he has again been advised that he will not be allowed to produce an "opposing view" documentary, which he has proposed to highlight his beliefs that President Barack Obama is an undocumented alien. …."

The memo is signed by Jonathan Klein, who apparently has a high-ranking position at CNN. I’ve never heard of him before, but this document appears very official