Latinos to CNN: Dump Dobbs Now

This week, Lou Dobbs is broadcasting his radio show from a national lobbying conference sponsored by the Federation for American Immigration Reform (FAIR), an organization founded by a white nationalist and designated a hate group by the Southern Poverty Law Center. At a time when studies document the growing link between anti-immigrant hate speech and increased violence against Latinos, Dobbs' appearance at FAIR generates especially profound concerns among those targeted by his almost daily attacks: immigrants and Latinos.

For years, Dobbs and CNN banked on the fact that many of the Latinos who bear the brunt of his systematic media assaults--Spanish-speaking immigrants--were unaware of the threat that Dobbs posed. (Not surprisingly, CNN does not translate Dobbs for broadcast on its CNN en Espanol network). But all of that is changing; Latinos are increasingly making the connection between racism in the media and discrimination in their hometowns, and coming to a simple, yet historic conclusion: Lou Dobbs is the Most Dangerous Man for Latinos in America.

Which is why, today, Presente.org (of which I am a founding member) is joining with Latino organizations throughout the United States demanding that CNN get rid of Dobbs. And we are not alone. In the coming weeks, CNN President Jon Klein will be inundated by a growing national chorus of calls from www.bastadobbs.com and others demanding his network to stop promoting Dobbs' brand of "news." From a Latino perspective, Klein and CNN must respond if they are to maintain any semblance of credibility in the Latino media market. If CNN doesn't live up to its claim to being the "most trusted name in news" it risks losing out on the fastest growing viewing demographic in the country.

Dobbs' extremism can be seen and heard on most week nights and consists of three pillars: obsession with immigrants and Latinos; promotion of systematic myths about immigrants and Latinos; and, most dangerously, providing a platform for leaders of some of the most radical and violent anti-Latino groups in the United States.

More than anyone in national network news, Dobbs has declared war against those he calls "invaders" and "aliens." According to the media watchdog group Media Matters, for example, from January 1 through July 23 of this year, Dobbs included segments on immigration in 77 out of 140 broadcast hours. With so much airtime dedicated to slandering Latinos, Dobbs has ample opportunity to spread misinformation. For example, he has blamed Latino immigrants for an alleged leprosy epidemic that was widely debunked, and has asserted Latinos' criminality with the wild exaggeration that "illegal aliens" take up a third of the cells in our prisons and jails. Dobbs also has plenty of time to host extremist guests like FAIR, the Minutemen, and controversial Arizona Sheriff Joe Arpaio, who he called "a model for the whole country."

Dobbs' incessant attacks on Latinos and immigrants have earned him a following among nativists and those who share his extreme views. But his popularity also makes him a target. Increasingly, Dobbs has become the face of anti-Latino sentiment in this country, and his position at CNN, which remains a legitimate news organization, makes him vulnerable.

The movement to drop Dobbs marks a critical shift in the direction of Latino activism in the United States. It was previewed in 2006, when media and technology helped move thousands to march through the streets, waving flags, beating drums and demanding change. And now, as the destructive role that the national media can play in spreading myths and misinformation becomes painfully clear, we are witnessing a new age of Latino media activism. These battles will be fought through Internet organizing, on cell phones via text messaging, and on blogs as much as in the streets. Paradoxically, we have no one to thank for this new movement more than Lou Dobbs. The Most Dangerous Man for Latinos in America may do as much as anyone to unite us in our ongoing struggle for civil rights.

Roberto Lovato is a Founding Member of Presente.org, the sponsor of the www.bastadobbs.com campaign. He also writes for New America Media, the Nation and other media outlets.

 

 

Follow Roberto Lovato on Twitter: www.twitter.com/robvato

Comments

[nee]

American Citizens to their government: Use the BILLIONS we are now spending on ILLEGALs on our own CITIZENS!

[averygard]

For what? Something tells me you sure don't think it's health care.

[nee]

Whatever our needs are.

[janeycat]

i found a web page where 60 minutes interviewed Lou and he is married to a Asian-Mexi­can,Hispan­ic woman and and has twin girls.they live in NJ with his parents and her Mexican parents.

this makes his rant for years against other nationalities seem so pity full.and makes him a hypocrite.
other sites tell of all the wealth and stock,and interest in overseas companies and banks , you would not think a man that goes on with all he does would have all that he does.he is also a big person at cnn.

check out theese sites:

http://www.eonline.com/videos/v39631980001_John_Travolta_Takes_the_Stage.html


http://www.eonline.com/videos/v39631980001_John_Travolta_Takes_the_Stage.html

this last site has a few things to show that i am not making this up.it does seem like a rumor because of the way he portrays himself to be.

[nee]

His beef is against ILLEGAL ALIENS not immigrants. Wise up!

[Norak]

I recall when he announced he was no longer going to call them illegal immigrants because they are really illegal aliens. Because he said so.

[Forester]

Show them your power my Hispanic brothers!

[raoul99]

What about your Hispanic sisters?

[raoul99]

Inagine saying "Show them your power my Anglo brothers!" Now contemplate the contradictions within yourself.

[Forester]

I stand by my cheer, and include the sisters too.
I am Irish American, but consider all Americans my brothers and sisters who have a voice in our democracy. How is that a contradiction "Raoul"?

[wft21]

Are his ratings worse than Olbermann who is in 13th place behind Campbell Brown and Maddow? Olbermann should be avoided just for the little voices. I cannot even tell what the hell he's saying when attempting to do Lou Dobbs voice. Kind of defeats his purpose but Edward R. Murrow had the same problem when doing stupid voice imitations of people on air.

[SharpDressedMan]

Back in 1995, Howard Stern found out the hard way how influential the Hispanic community is after he mocked Selena's death and enraged Hispanics in this country and beyond. Stern wasn't fired but he suffered some bad PR and had to do something he rarely does, apologize. Stern's unawareness of Selena's impact on Hispanics showed how underestimated the Hispanic culture was. It was an eye opener for many in the country. That and other incidents eventually led him to move to satellite radio.

Lou Dobbs should look at the power of persuasion various groups have on radio and TV personalities, particularly shock jocks and hate mongers. Glenn Beck is learning a lesson the hard way.

For those who complain about infringement on free speech, there is no such thing. Lou Dobbs is free to go elsewhere. He has his own radio program. Fox will probably welcome him with open arms. He has the internet at his disposal.

People need to understand, many of us don't care to fund hate mongers with advertising dollars. The media climate is too putrid with hostility. It's time to regain our sense of national community, civility and pride.

Supporters of such programs also decry the market should be allowed to function freely and that no Fairness Doctrine is needed. They should understand that boycotts are part of a market based economy. So let the market work.

[janeycat]

ditto,could not have said it better

[averygard]

Me either. Re Stern, it's a shame people couldn't have gotten the hint from the s**tty attitude he has toward women, too.

[raoul99]

Last time I checked, Beck still had a job and 3X as many viewers as Keith Olbermann. Do what you want. Knock yourself out.

You voted for the party continuing full funding for the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan for the past three years, why get mad a Glen freakin' Beck?

[SharpDressedMan]

How many viewers Beck has in relation to Olberman was never the issue. The boycott address Beck's racist remark against our President, yours and mine. Moreover, he is dividing the country for his own profit. The total number of Beck's viewers went up but the viewers in the premium age groups sponsors want the most went down. So far, Beck lost 50% of sponsor income. The boycott is working.

Full funding for the Iraq War? The funding is temporary. This summer our military completed its withdrawal from Iraqi cities and next year a full withdrawal. Funding for that war will be dramatically reduced.

The Afghanistan War was expected to continue but not forever. Your boy had 7 years to address the problems in Afghanistan and he made it worse. In fact the Taliban setup camp in Pakistan under W's nose.

Change is coming. It doesn't happen overnight. Even Beck will change. He is more careful with what he says. So are a lot of other radio and TV hate mongers.

[BraineyRubble]

Adios Lou.

[belyeu]

I am not a big fan of Dobbs but he is right when it comes to illegal aliens, they are not good for America. Illegal aliens cost tax payers billions in social services.

BTW, what is wrong with criticizing people who are doing something illegal.

[nee]

So true!

[guajiro]

Nothing is stopping you, or any of the other anti-illegal posters here, from taking the job of an illegal alien every time you see a job you want that they are doing. Next time you're cruising down the highway and see an illegal roofing a house, picking a crop, or clearing brush, I suggest you saunter down there and tell the owner of the business that you'll do the illegal's job for him. You, and all of your ilk, are welcome to do the same and before you know it, PRESTO, no more illegal alien problem.

[belyeu]

guaj: Many people would like to have those jobs but the employer who hires illegals is not paying a reasonable wage. Many times those employers don't even have employee records or worker's compensation benefits for their cheap laborers. When they get injured on the job they deny they are employers. I used to see this a lot when I was working as a qualified medical examiner for the state of calif.

BTW, why would an employer hire a non illegal for 30-70% more?

[charanto]

Well, as I see it hispanic groups can always influence major advertisers to pull their ads during Lou Dobbs nighly show. However, CNN will be reluctant to get rid of Dobbs just as Fox News is reluctant to sack Glenn Beck. Journalism has sunken to an all time low and no one has the gonads to stand up to these hot air bags. The best thing that can be done in the meantime is to simply turn the channel.

[SharpDressedMan]

How about a compromise, eliminate the caustic speech from Lou Dobb's program. If that sinks him then so be it.

[nee]

So you are for censorship or is it only if you don't agree with what is being said?

[chomedey]

Mr. Sannnnnnnn­nncccheeee­eezzzzzzzz where are you?

[charanto]

Yes, Dobbs, Beck, Hannity, and Limbaugh are entitled to free speech. I don't listen to any of these hot air bags. Know what I do?

Turn the channel!

[cognitivereddawn]

Who are his sponsors? With more Americans SAVING now, it won't be hard to ignore his sponsors.

[smchp]

Just a matter of time. All we gotta do is keep the pressure up. It's not like Dobbs can't get a job a Faux in a heartbeat but at least he will be out in the open rather than trying to sort of pretend he is something that he is not on CNN, which is a non-biased, non-racist journalist with integrity.

[Greg2000]

I just can't believe the president is having an interview with CNN's John King on Sunday.
Did the president forget how those people from CNN including Suzanne Malveaux were pushing that Rev Wright thing?
Media blitz or not, it's a shame to go to CNN.

It's time for Latino immigrants to ask their relatives in their native country to boycott CNN international. That's what I've done with my in-laws in Europe.

[raoul99]

I'm sure the folks at Fox appreciate that! Not that it matters. CNN is tanking anyhow. Three times as many people watch Fox.

[Horus45]

The President must demonstrate that he is the President of ALL Americans and not just those that agree with him.

[Exexecution]

Good point. I dislike John King intensely. John King unequivocally *hearts* Dick Cheney. Watch the interview and see if it shows.

[guajiro]

If you're a business and you need customers, you're not going to look at the legal status of your buyer. You sell, that's the business you're in....selling. Illegals buy land, houses, cars, books, food, equipment, clothes, etc. The taxes paid to the government on those purchases funds the infrastructure. The businessman goes on to buy more things for his family, like expanding his house which provides a job for carpenters who in turn pay taxes on the income they earned from building the add-on. The carpenter in turn goes on to buy sweet bread from the local bakery for his family and pays taxes on that purchase, which again, those taxes go to support the infrastructure. The breadmaker gets his profits and buys other needed items where he too pays taxes, and the cycle repeats itself. But it all started with the farmer whose field was laying fallow for need of workers to pick the crop or the construction owner whose firm lay idle for lack of workers willing to work for what illegals work for. When illegals fill the gap and provide a way for capitalists to become productive, that is good for the economy, good for the country, and good for the citizens of that country. Avariciously hoarding all means of production will not yield a gain. Hiring those (illegals) who create capital out of assets are the ones who should receive a fair compensation.

[raoul99]

It all started with the greedy bizman who'd rather lie, cheat, steal and break the law than pay american workers american wages for american work. And the bought and paid for politician who winked and nodded as he pocketed his campaign contribution.

[guajiro]

THAT is where the problem lies; legal bribery called corporate free speech. While many arguments here, both for and against, carry some merit, what is overlooked is the main cause of the situation and so no solution will be forthcoming.

[belyeu]

I guess you don't get it. The only one who profits from illegal aliens is big business. The rest of us might get cheaper produce but the cost of maintaining illegal aliens education, welfare, crime, incarceration, hospitalization, and other social services far out ways any savings.

BTW, what you are talking about is the trickle down theory. The Regan era proved that didn't work.

[Michele Himmel]

Lou doesn`t bother me. What bothers me is when you see illegals marching demanding "their rights" in this country. S`cuse me...........what rights? lol The rights to be detained and deported maybe?

[guajiro]

You wouldn't understand. In Mexico, as in many latin countries and in some European countries, there exists a concept of Human Rights that is hardly existent here in the U.S. It's been some time since I've lived in Mexico but that right of the people still exists there and basically it says that even if there is a law prohibiting a certain action by the people, if the people in sufficient number demand it, the government acquiesces. It is less prominent today but still strong there. Here? Not so much.

[raoul99]

In MEXICO! Oh Lord! Where dirt poor peons who try to sneak in from Guatamala are robbed, beaten and sentenced to 6 months hard labor?

[belyeu]

Mexico treats it's illegal aliens much more harsh. The hypocrisy of it all.

[Czoe]

Wow, aren't you a sweetie.

[Provit2me]

Just like your forefathers - or are you and American Indian?

[raoul99]

Point of order.

Mexicans aren't American Indians either. And by the way, how'd that "open border" thing work out for the American indians? Just askin'.

[raoul99]

Tell me about it! If they had any brains, or a real heartfelt desire to actually BECOME Americans and CONTRIBUTE TO America, they'd have been waving American flags and carrying pictures of Geo. Washington...or at least pictures of Elvis and Madonna! But Nooooo!

They march under a foreign flag with the hammer and sickle and Che Guevara T-shirts. We got enough dumb arses already. I say throw them back.

[MOregon]

It is wrong to try to pit one minority against another citing that one takes jobs from the other. It is a bogus line of thinking that seeks to demonize in the same old bigoted way, while keeping both minorities down. Those who have suffered themselves ought to be the most compassionate.

And to say that white nationalist groups are worthy of empowerment is to deny their deep seated fear and hate filled motivations that deem what is theirs by virtue of their color, and thus the only true heirs to the bounty of our country.

"Fight Ignorance, Not Immigrants" was a great sign at a health care rally here. So true.

[nee]

No one wants to fight immigrants. ILLEGAL ALIENS need to go back to their own countries. We need the BILLIONS we now spend on them to use on our own CITIZENS.