Friday, August 06, 2010

Media Matters Daily Summary 08-06-10

Wash. Times' Kuhner baselessly smears NYC imam as an "unrepentant militant Muslim"
In a Washington Times column, Jeffrey Kuhner baselessly smeared Imam Feisal Abdul Rauf, who is leading the initiative to build an Islamic community center and mosque near Ground Zero, as an "unrepentant militant Muslim." In fact, Rauf has condemned terrorism and has been widely described as "moderate." Read More

Krauthammer wants Obama to keep funding the virtual fence that doesn't work
Charles Krauthammer claimed that the Obama administration's policies, including the decision to halt funding for the "virtual fence," indicate that the administration doesn't prioritize "serious border enforcement." However, the Government Accountability Office said the virtual fence was defective, and the Obama administration's budget has committed more funding to Customs and Border Protection than the previous administration. Read More

Beck's crew furthers myth that "natural seeps" mean "Mother Nature" can take care of oil spills
Glenn Beck's sidekicks misleadingly cited the National Academy of Sciences during a discussion in which they suggested that "natural seeps" are evidence that "Mother Nature has a way of taking care of" oil spills. In fact, studies, including a report by The National Academies, have found that major spills can have "far greater" environmental impact than natural seepage. Read More

Limbaugh falsely claims taxpayers funding 60 luxury hotel rooms for Michelle Obama's vacation
Rush Limbaugh falsely asserted that Michelle Obama took "40 of her best friends and leas[ed] 60 rooms in a 5 star hotel -- paid by you." In fact, the White House has said the Obamas are paying for personal expenses on the trip, including their lodging. Read More

Fox falsely claims Dems are proposing to raise taxes only "on Red States"
Fox & Friends falsely claimed that congressional Democrats are proposing to raise taxes "only in Republican red states." In fact, the year-old proposal discussed on Fox & Friends would lower taxes on areas with a high cost of living, regardless of how they vote, and would include areas represented by Republicans. Read More

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