Posted on 10/24/2009 12:41:39 PM PDT by FrdmLvr
Dear MoveOn member,
We're writing today because you recently signed a petition calling on CNN to hold Lou Dobbs accountable for his role in promoting the ridiculous "Birther" conspiracy theory about President Obama's birth certificate. Right now, the pressure on CNN is rising, and we need your help to make sure CNN answers for its Dobbs problem once and for all.
During the past month, our friends at Presente.org have been running an amazing campaign called "BastaDobbs." They've been calling on CNN to cut ties with Dobbs for his long history of spreading myths about immigrants and Latinos, and his promotion of extremist, xenophobic groups (Basta means "enough" in Spanish).
This week, BastaDobbs supporters staged demonstrations across the country to coincide with the premier of CNN's highly publicized special, "Latino in America." The events drew significant coverage from both local and national media, and we know their message is being heard inside CNN.1,2 Now they need our help to turn up the heat even further. Currently, more than 70,000 people have signed their petition calling for Lou Dobbs to be fired. Can you add your voice, and help them reach their goal of 100,000?
No one knows the impact of Lou Dobbs' problematic rhetoric more than the Latino community. Dobbs perpetuates damaging stereotypes about immigrants—like blaming them for an imaginary leprosy epidemic,3 and wildly exaggerating that "illegal aliens" make up a third of the prison population.4 He also gives ample time to anti-immigrant extremists, even appearing last month as an honored guest at the convention of FAIR, a leading anti-immigrant hate group linked to vigilantes charged with murdering a 9-year old girl and her immigrant father in their home.5,6
At the same time that they broadcast Dobbs' show, CNN is aggressively courting the Latino market. The BastaDobbs.com campaign has been successfully calling out this hypocrisy, and demanding that CNN stop trying to have it both ways. It's a powerful argument, and on top of Dobbs' support for "Birther" conspiracy theorists, it's making it harder than ever for CNN to stand behind Dobbs.
Please join Presente.org in saying Basta to Lou Dobbs, and ask your friends and family members to do the same.
Thanks for all you do,
–-Justin, Ilyse, Anna, Stephen and the rest of the team
Sources
1. CNN Latino special avoids Dobbs, Associated Press, 10-20-09 http://www.moveon.org/r?r=84987&id=17676-10389527-J6xzrVx&t=1
2. "S.A. groups join 'Basta Dobbs' campaign," San Antonio Express News, 10-21-09 http://www.mysanantonio.com/news/65316732.html
3. Migra Matters, "A Look at Lou Dobbs' Leprosy 'Expert,'" http://www.moveon.org/r?r=84988&id=17676-10389527-J6xzrVx&t=2
4. Fairness and Accuracy in Reporting, "The Illusion of Immigrant Criminality" http://www.fair.org/index.php?page=3683
5. Rachel Weiner, "Dobbs To Rally Anti-Immigrant Fans On Capitol Hill," 9-1-09 http://www.moveon.org/r?r=84989&id=17676-10389527-J6xzrVx&t=3
6. David Niewert, "Minuteman 'tactical' leader/murder suspect Shawna Forde was part of the 'respectable' nativist Right too" http://www.moveon.org/r?r=84990&id=17676-10389527-J6xzrVx&t=4
This is posted to keep FReepers apprised of the efforts groups of illegal aliens are using against Lou Dobbs and to suggest that perhaps they may want to contact CNN themselves and tell them they support Lou Dobbs' efforts to keep the American public informed of these issues.
Hey Bastadobbs, we speak English here.
How dare you employ a DEVIATIONIST!!!!!
You should just forward it to CNN
The aparratchiks are doing what they always do...try to stifle dissent.
Here is Lou Dobbs email. Please sent him a “Thank you Lou” email! http://www.cnn.com/feedback/forms/form5.html?9
As much as I would love for him to move to FOX, he gives CNN a little bit of balance and reaches a different audience then FOX.
The left isn’t gaining any traction in their “war” with Fox, so they’re hoping CNN will be more pliant. No doubt drunk-driving killer Rick Sanchez will trash his CNN comrade if the Hispanic left orders him to. And don’t forget Geraldo, who never met an illegal alien he didn’t love.
That is a very good idea. I will.
I have had a difficult time researching the percentage of inmates relative to immigration status. All i could find is
http://www.ice.gov/pi/news/factsheets/criminal_alien_program
“Approximately 27 percent of inmates in U.S. Bureau of Prisons (BOP) custody are non-U.S. citizens, according to BOP estimates.”
Not quite 1/3.
Any references on more detailed data?
Can an English-only speaker ask what “basta” means?
See 2nd paragraph...means enough.
Ah. Should have continued reading. Thank you.
You’re welcome. First time I read the article I missed it so when I saw your post I went back and re-read it and there it was..lol.
Ahhh, the leftwing radicals applying an Alinsky Rule...”Make the enemy live up to its’ own rules & morals.”
Typical liberals. When they don't like what someone says, they want to silence them. It never occurs to them that maybe they ought to try winning over their opposition with superior arguments, reason, and plain horse sense.
On the other hand, I can understand why libs resort to this behavior. They've got nothing to win an argument with, so they MUST use force to "win" any argument.
Holy cow! Burlesque back on the Dobbs show!
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