Pataki group claims MSNBC won't air its ads

A new anti-health law group run by former New York Gov. George Pataki (R) is claiming that cable network MSNBC is refusing to air an advertisement. 

The group, which is called Revere America, said Monday that MSNBC objects to part of the ad's claims, which says that the healthcare law takes away people's freedoms.

"It's disappointing that MSNBC is deliberately blocking Revere America's ads from airing on its network, even while other networks saw no such reason to engage in censorship," the group's spokesman Jeff Cohen said in a statement. "We hope MSNBC will reconsider its position to not air Revere America's ads and that it will honor the spirit of the Constitution and the people's right to free speech and debate."

The dust-up pits a conservative group against the cable property many on the right claim is too liberal.

Pataki, who recently turned down a bid to run for senator, wrote an e-mail to the network's president Phil Griffin last Friday, asking MSNBC to reconsider its decision.

The ex-governor wrote that after reviewing the script, MSNBC responded "After reading the script again, there is an implied link between taking away freedoms and Obama Care. Please explain how Obama Care is being linked to taking away freedoms."

Pataki shot back, saying "I find it incredible that such a question would be asked. I assume that MSNBC is aware of the fact that 19 states are engaged in lawsuits that focus specifically on the mandate to purchase health insurance that Obama Care includes."

MSNBC has not immediately responded to a request for comment.

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Full letter after the jump

  April 16, 2010

  Mr. Phil Griffin
  President MSNBC
  One MSNBC Plaza
  Secaucus, New Jersey 07094

  Dear Mr. Griffin:


On April 15th, Revere America placed an ad to run on MSNBC on Friday, April 16. 2010. MSNBC did not run the Revere America ad.

Upon MSNBC's request, a copy of the script was provided. After reviewing the script, MSNBC sent the following email:

"After reading the script again, there is an implied link between taking away freedoms and Obama Care. Please explain how Obama Care is being linked to taking away freedoms."

I find it incredible that such a question would be asked. I assume that MSNBC is aware of the fact that 19 states are engaged in lawsuits that focus specifically on the mandate to purchase health insurance that Obama Care includes. The new law also mandates coverage requirements which will result in individuals purchasing health insurance for coverage they may not require or desire, and mandates the imposition of a fine payable to the U.S. government if they fail to comply.

These mandates and requirements quite clearly erode the personal freedoms of individual Americans to make choices related to their own health care and the conduct of their lives. This is but one example of how this law infringes on freedom.

Your failure to run this ad reflects a disdain and disregard for America's most basic freedom -- freedom of speech. There is a direct "linkage" -- to use your term -- between freedom of speech, guaranteed in the First Amendment, and the fact that MSNBC did not run the ad. Assuming you will also need proof of this "linkage," I am enclosing a copy of the Constitution of the United States of America.

  Sincerely,

  George E. Pataki
  Chairman Revere America

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