December 17, 2007 12:13 PM
AlterNet has a great piece today on where CNN's Lou Dobbs get his "facts" from. The extremist Federation for American Immigration Reform (FAIR) is Dobbs' go-to source on immigration.
FAIR was founded by anti-Latino activist John Tanton. Tanton, also known for his extreme anti-Catholicism, was forced to step down from the group's top post when his bigotry was made public. Former Reagan cabinet secretary Linda Chaves, one-time director of one of FAIR's subsidiaries, called Tanton's remarks "anti-Hispanic, anti-Catholic and not excusable."
Although Tanton stepped aside, I recall talking to one of FAIR's board members in the late-1990s who said that the "spirit of John Tanton" could be felt throughout the organization even after his ostensive departure. Tanton remains on FAIR's board and in 2004 he was honored by FAIR for his service to the cause.
Tantonesque extremism has not been a liability for new hires.
Joe Turner, the West Coast field representative, was hired by FAIR in 2006 a year after he wrote "I can make the argument that just because one believes in white separatism that that does not make them a racist... I can make the argument that someone who proclaims to be a white nationalist isn't necessarily a white supremacist. I don't think that standing up for your 'kind' or 'your race' makes you a bad person."
In addition to its media presence, FAIR claims to have helped bring the militaristic Sachem Quality of Life organization to national prominence.
Oh, yeah, and FAIR has advised Suffolk County Executive Steve Levy on immigration policy.
So, Steve Levy, Sachem, and Lou Dobbs.