MediaWatch: December 1994
Table of Contents:
- MediaWatch: December 1994
- Networks Assail Proposition 187 As "Racist" and "Inhumane," Ignore Proponents' Arguements
- NewsBites: Rather on Race
- Revolving Door: Another Journal Entry
- Media Outlets Scold "Rabid Attack Dog...Darling of the Ultra-Right"
- An "Intolerant Bigot"?
- Capitol Hill Waste
- Newt: Time's Reagan Replacement
- Janet Cooke Award: CBS Packs Story with Emotional Anecdotes, Dire Predictions, Liberal Advocacy Research
Capitol Hill Waste
In two CBS Evening News "Reality Checks," Eric Engberg turned a rare spotlight on congressional perks. On October 20, he showcased one of the secret weapons of incumbency -- the franking privilege, the right to mass-mail to constituents using taxpayer money. Engberg targeted freshman Democrat Eric Fingerhut, who "ran two years ago as a reforming perk-buster." Engberg quoted him as calling the franking privilege "the most egregious remaining perk that Members [of Congress] are able to use...clearly a re-election tool."
Engberg replied: "Time out! Once elected, reformer Fingerhut papered his Ohio district with fliers to the tune of 146,000 taxpayer dollars." He revealed a trick Congressmen use to evade rules designed to prevent abuse of the frank: "They can't mail 500 but they can mail up to 499, over and over. Congressman Esteban Torres of California did just that in the last election, 65 times. So, the next time your friendly Congressman plops official mail in your mailbox, remember, you paid for it, and it's one of the reasons why incumbents win 88 percent of the time."
On October 23 Engberg cited, David Letterman style, various perks that could be eliminated: "Number 10: The Flag Office: It moves flags up and down the pole for a few seconds so Congressmen can bestow them on constituents. Taxpayer cost: Well over $300,000." Others cited by Engberg as egregious include accruing frequent flier miles and handy private parking at the airport. "Congressmen are touchy about being photographed there," Engberg noted, to the image of Rep. Joseph Kennedy rapidly backing away from a prying camera. He concluded: "And the number one change the new bosses can make to fix the Congress: Stop this! Every day a bucket of ice is delivered to every Congressman's office, where they all have refrigerators. Little wonder so many incumbents were put on ice this year."
