Freedom of Speech Attacked
Reconquistas Seek to Silence Americans

Lou Dobbs Tonight -- CNN -- May 21   "We are in a civil war... United Latinos will win throughout California!" (Baca speaking at Southwest Voter Registration Project Annual Meeting, June 8-9, 1996) -- Related Audio Sylvester: Members of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus took aim at this broadcast, "The Glenn Beck Show" on Headline News and FOX News' "O'Reilly Factor" over how they cover illegal immigration. Baca: It only creates fear, hatred and negative stereotyping of immigrants. Dobbs is most guilty of the reckless irresponsible journalism. Sylvester: The Caucus cites a new report from a group called Media Matters, which describes itself as a progressive research center that quote, "documents conservative misinformation". Among the charges, the report says these shows are fueling hatred and point to coverage of crimes involving illegal aliens and the cost of illegal immigration to U.S. taxpayers. Paul Waldman, Media Matters: Overall, immigrants pay more in taxes than they get in social services. But you won't hear that from these cable hosts. Sylvester: But a 2004 study by the Center for Immigration Studies, which favors immigration restrictions, says just the opposite. That illegal households cost the federal government $10 million more than they paid in taxes in 2002. On the question of stereotyping, a Hispanic group that opposes illegal immigration disagrees saying elected officials are trying to shut down the debate over fixing the systems.   Watch Baca / Feinstein   Transcript   Related Item from 'The Hill'    Press Conf. Notes