My letter to MS-NBC today

[GAspnes]

Sirs,

You mis-characterized the Abramhoff scandal this morning when you showed the Dean interview and then cut to Matt Lauer. Dean denied that any Democrat received money from Abramhoff. Matt then said, archly, “*Technically*, Dean is correct, but …” and then went off on the total amount of money sent by the Indian Tribes (without explaining what money he was talking about, or its source) splitting 66% Republican, 33% to Democrats. Then Russert came on with more spin about how this is a bi-partisan scandal.

How in the world can Matt or Tim claim that the Indian tribe contributions are “from Jack Abramhoff”? I’m not aware of an interest group on the planet that doesn’t contribute to both parties in an attempt to either cover their bets or ensure sympathy from both sides. If the claim is that Abramhoff ‘directed’ those contributions somehow, it would have been helpful if Matt & Tim had pointed out that Indian contributions to Democrats went *down* after they started working with him. This would indicate that Mr. Abramhoff was directing (if he was) the tribes to cut off Democrats – not send them more money, but send them less.

More to the point, this shows slanted reporting. Did Matt mention that Abramhoff himself had total distain for Democrats, was involved with other Republican Congress people, the White House and the K Street Project? No, he did not.

This does a disservice to your viewers, millions of them, who now have the perception that this scandal of criminal proportions is somehow an “everybody does it” situation. Everyone does *not* do it and the party in power (holding both the Congress and the White House) is morally and legally implicated in activity that should outrage every American.

Please tell Matt Lauer to get his facts straight, and be *sure* to tell Tim Russert that he’s a total gasbag who doesn’t know what he is talking about.


Regards,

[Zookeeper]

1. Excellent letter!

I hope it makes an impact.

[dflprincess]

2. Wonderful

I think I'll print a copy for my mother. She keeps resisting the idea that Tim Russert is a whore, no matter what I tell her. Usually she's far more astute about this stuff.

[GAspnes]

3. Thank you, thank you...(bow)

It was early, I hadn't had much coffee, and I was cranky.