The Rochester Post Bulletin allowed Rep. John Kline (R-MN) to tell lies in its paper yesterday. Kline wrote a opinion piece about energy policy. It is simply inexcusable for the Post Bulletin to allow Kline to tell the debunked lie about an MIT study. The Republican lie was debunked a month and a half ago.
In an attempt to raise federal revenue and reduce greenhouse gas emissions, the president has proposed a national energy tax known as "cap-and-trade," and less affectionately referred to as, "cap and tax." Currently being reviewed in Congress, this irresponsible proposal will drive up the price of everyday goods, strain the economy, reduce jobs, and impose a significant cost increase on every American who dares to turn on a light.
Although certain legislative details remain unclear, the plan would inflict every domestic energy producer with a tax for their carbon emissions -- a cost that inevitably will be passed on to consumers. In addition to increasing the burden on American families and businesses, it also creates a host of new federal mandates on everything from outdoor light bulbs and table lamps to water dispensers and whirlpools.
Under this national energy tax, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) estimates Americans can expect an annual increase of $3,100 in their energy bill. The President's own budget director estimates the increase for every American family will be even higher, approximately $4,000 per year.
[my emphasis]
(Rochester Post Bulletin)
Are the editors and fact checkers at the Post Bulletin incapable of using Teh Google? The simplest of checks would have determined that this Republican talking point is a lie. The professor who wrote the study told Republicans back in April to stop repeating the lie.
The fact that Kline continues to repeat this lie says all voters need to know about Kline's character. This lie was debunked at the end of March. It's been a month and a half.
Kline told this lie in the Avista Capital Partners-owned Star Tribune, it's on his government webpage and now in the Post Bulletin. Kline simply cannot stop using the same old, tired, debunked lies.
The Post Bulletin is aiding and abetting in Kline's effort to spread lies. This is even more pathetic. |
