[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 133 (Wednesday, September 29, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1831]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




         MEDIA OUTLET FIRES JOURNALIST WHO CRITICIZED DEMOCRATS

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                            HON. LAMAR SMITH

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                     Wednesday, September 29, 2010

  Mr. SMITH of Texas. Madam Speaker, for journalists who criticize 
Democrats, the punishment can be severe.
  ABC's Washington, DC affiliate recently fired veteran anchorman Doug 
McKelway after he broadcast a negative report about President Obama and 
congressional Democrats, according to the Washington Post.
  During the Gulf oil spill, McKelway reported that an anti-oil 
demonstration attracted protesters from ``far-left environmental 
groups.''
  He also mentioned that President Obama accepted over $77,000 in 
campaign contributions from BP.
  And he said that the Senate was unlikely to pass cap-and-trade 
legislation this year because Democrats don't want to ``propose a huge 
escalation in your electric bill'' before Election Day.
  Although McKelway's comments were true, he was subsequently fired.
  This is yet another example of the media protecting President Obama.
  The media should give Americans the facts, not fire journalists who 
tell the truth.

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