CNN's Dobbs to rally hate group's troops

[democracy1st]

CNN's Lou Dobbs problem just got a whole lot worse.

On September 15 and 16, Dobbs is scheduled to broadcast his radio show from Capitol Hill as a leading voice of the annual "Hold Their Feet to the Fire" legislative advocacy conference and rally sponsored by the rabidly anti-immigrant organization Federation for American Immigration Reform (FAIR).

Founded by a man with a history of espousing racist beliefs and who remains on its board, FAIR is labeled as a "hate group" by the Southern Poverty Law Center. Dobbs' participation -- and, through him, CNN's -- will bestow mainstream legitimacy on the rally and on FAIR, something FAIR recognizes and is bragging about to its members.

Dobbs must not be allowed to participate in this event. Email CNN and ask them to stop Dobbs:

http://mediamatters.org/stopdobbs

CNN's association with FAIR through Dobbs is a major stain on an organization that calls itself "the most trusted name in news." FAIR was founded by John Tanton, a man who has a long history of making racist statements. In 1986, Tanton reportedly wrote: "As Whites see their power and control over their lives declining, will they simply go quietly into the night?" In 2001, Tanton even praised the work of John Trevor, a notorious Nazi sympathizer, saying his work should form "a guidepost to what we must follow again this time."

FAIR has been sharply criticized in the past for funding racially charged ads, including several in 2004 targeting former Democratic Rep. Martin Frost and former Republican Sen. Chuck Hagel that featured dark-skinned men loitering on street corners and running from the police. In an editorial, the Lincoln (Nebraska) Journal Star called the ads "trash" that "incite hate," "play upon stereotypical racial fears," and "are full of half-truths and lies."

And yet, rather than denouncing the group, Dobbs is scheduled to be a leading voice at the upcoming FAIR rally. What's more, his CNN show has cited FAIR as a credible source on immigration issues no fewer than six times in the last year. Email CNN and ask them to stop Dobbs from participating in the event:

http://mediamatters.org/stopdobbs


As Media Matters has highlighted repeatedly, Dobbs represents an ongoing threat to CNN's credibility as a serious news organization, in no small part because of his one-sided and error-prone coverage of immigration issues and his continued use of his CNN show to lend prominence to hatemongering groups like FAIR. The attention and legitimacy he gave to the racially charged "birther" movement -- and CNN's support for his actions -- did even greater damage to that credibility. But the consequences of his participation in the upcoming FAIR rally would be far worse. It would officially put CNN on the side not of credible journalism, but of a hate group.

Email CNN and ask them to stop Dobbs from participating in the event:

http://mediamatters.org/action/stopdobbs/write

Eric Burns
President,
Media Matters for America

P.S. Encourage your friends and family to email CNN and ask that Dobbs be prohibited from participating in this event

[DCKit]

1. I say we hit 'em AFTER Dobbs hosts the event.

We should be able to project faux poutrage as well as the Republics regarding Lou's racism and CNNs continued employment of his sorry ass. (I say faux outrage 'cause what else would you expect from Lou Dobbs?)

[formercia]

2. WE need to complain first.

Give CNN fair warning, otherwise, they will plead ignorance.

They already are ignorant for keeping that asshole on board.

[quiet.american]

4. Yep & isn't it - ironic - they insist they're a news organization, yet they never know anything. nt

[quiet.american]

3. Dupe. nt

[Cha]

5. Thanks..this

is important..dobbs needs to feel the heat against his broadcasting hate.

[Cha]

6. Dup..

[pampango]

7. Dobbs probably can't wait for immigration reform to come up in Congress later this year.

I'm sure we'll be seeing plenty of FAIR on his show and plenty of commentaries on how dangerous immigrants are. Immigration reform may do wonders for his TV ratings since he is self-styled specialist in the area.

[Apollo11]

8. I support Lou Dobbs right to free speech, and to dig his own grave (career-wise)

Asking Dobbs' employer to intervene in the planning of his free-time activities crosses the line.

Let's wait until AFTER he does this rally, keep a close eye on what goes on and everything that is said there.

Then we can use the evidence to pressure CNN to publicly denounce Dobbs, and ask advertisers to stop sponsoring his show.

This might be the last piece of the puzzle that will lead CNN to terminating Dobbs' contract.