Well, it looks like the gloves are off and any pretense of respect for free speech has evaporated as the pro-illegal immigration lobby has decided to attack CNN over Lou Dobbs.

Members of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, including NJ Senator Robert Menendez, have written a letter to CNN complaining about Lou Dobbs’ coverage of illegal immigration. I guess the one and only anti-illegal immigration voice on CNN was one too many for them.

The not so subtle tactics of intimidation and threats are on full display as can be seen in the excerpt from the news story below:

“Leaders of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, a coalition of 21 Latino congressmembers, dispatched a letter Friday to Time Warner CEO Jeffrey Bewkes complaining that the network’s news coverage is slanted against immigration and has adopted the rhetoric of outspoken CNN host Lou Dobbs… Sen. Bob Menendez (D-NJ) expressed outrage that their appeals to meet privately with CNN have gone ignored…”

Reference: The Raw Story: Hispanic Congressmembers Attack CNN over Lou Dobbs

On March 5, Sen. Saxby Chambliss [R-GA] introduced Senate Bill #2717 — the Effective Immigration Enforcement Partnerships Act of 2008.

To provide for enhanced Federal enforcement of, and State and local assistance in the enforcement of, the immigration laws of the United States, and for other purposes.

State and local law enforcement officers are on the front lines of combating crimes committed by illegal aliens, but they are often hampered in their efforts. S. 2717 clarifies the authority of state and local law enforcement agencies to investigate, identify, and apprehend illegal immigrants to enforce federal immigration laws.

It sounds like a good idea to me! If you agree, you can send emails urging support to your Senators, and urge your friends to do the same.

Californians For Population Stabilization maintains an email/fax website with a letter already prepared in support of this bill. All you have to do is fill in your personal info. To express support of S. 2717 go here..