Fox & Friends & Steven Crowder Advance Free 'Obama Phone' Hoax

In the delusional, bizarro world of the right wing, President Obama is providing lots of free stuff to lazy, criminal black and brown people in order to buy their votes. The newest iteration of this paranoid and racist right wing narrative is a viral video, released by Drudge and reported on the Fox website, that shows a black woman who claims to have received a free phone from the president. Since then, the right wing sites have been awash in commentary about free "Obama Phones" being distributed, to the poor, by the administration. This has been a topic on Fox Nation and the Fox News website. (Term used with quote marks) The reality is that while there is a program for free cell phones for low income folks, started under George W Bush, there is NO SUCH THING AS AN "OBAMA PHONE and the whole thing appears to be a hoax which has been around, in e-mail form, since 2009. But that doesn't seem to be a problem for Fox & Friends which provided Steven Crowder with a platform for advancing this bogus narrative.

Yesterday, Dave Briggs began the hoax narrative with his comment that "a government run program that provides free cell phones is raising a few eyebrows yet again and it turns out that one of the president's donors, along with the world's richest man, are getting even richer from the so called Obama phones."

Fact Check - He's referring to Carlos Slim who, according to Fox News, is "supplying cell phones to the poor." However, Trac Phone, which Slim has a 98.2% ownership of, has issued a "fact sheet" on behalf of its Safelink Wireless service which provides service for low income families as part of the Federal "Lifeline" Program which began in the Reagan administration and IS NOT DIRECTLY SUBSIDIZED BY TAXPAYER MONEY but rather the Federal Universal Service Fund which paid for by telecommunications companies. They describe the Lifeline program which DOES NOT INCLUDE PHONES.

He then tossed to the ever righteous and no longer virgin Steve Crowder who is not a political pundit but a so called comedian playing a pundit on TV. The chyron advanced th hoax: "Politics Going Mobile, Company Called Out For Free "Obama Phones." Crowder further advanced the hoax with claims that Mr. Slim is profiting off of these non-existant "free phones." The chyron reinforced the lie: "Can You Hear Me, Dem. Donor Supplying 'Obama Phones" to Poor." Crowder accused the president of preferential business practices which include "doling out free phones."

Briggs further advanced the bogus narrative with his comment about how this is troubling because "an Obama donor is profiting from a program" and asking "why more hasn't been made of that." (Uh, because it isn't true?) Crowder didn't know but claimed that this program allows people "to vote in their own self-interest." He screamed, twice, "no one deserves free phones." (Uh, they're not getting them.) But then came the piece de resistance with his non sequitor that if you're a Christian, you can't vote for Obama." (WTF?) This was followed by the arguably racially biased comment that the only people who will be voting for Obama are those "who want more free stuff." (Like those folks whom Romney addressed at the NAACP conference?) He concluded with the statement that because Obama has put people in poverty, "a free phone might sound mighty nice to them."

The Trac Phone fact sheet was put out in response to what has been promoted on various media outlets including Fox News. The narrative is bogus and yet another example of misinformation being promoted on Fox & Friends. Wonder if they'll correct it? I'm not holding my breath!

And BTW, as the Forbes website deconstructs this myth, Fox can't blame the librul media!

One more thing. If you get an e-mail from the tedious cretin who sends you viral crap about Obama as a Marxist, Muslim, Kenyan dictator who wants to rule the world, just send them this.

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Showing 24 reactions

bemused commented 2012-10-16 05:09:59 -0400 · Flag

@Theola: I’m 70 years old so will indulge in a bit of gentle scolding.
If all you wanted to do was provide information try doing so with less anger and spite. In your first post, your fists and feet are already flailing in fury. We’d never met you before, so why should we believe everything you say? You do your research and we do ours, then we discuss … hopefully without throwing out a barrage of insults.

It would also help if you could present your case in a more orderly manner. While trying to understand what you’re saying, I constructed the following timeline.

First, the LIFELINE program was created by the Reagan administration to make sure the elderly and the disabled who live alone could call emergency services if needed. Under the first program, people paid a modest $20 a month for limited-service landlines. In fact, the recipients had an income (pension or disability).
Second, in 2005, the Bush administration started providing the same categories with cellphones instead of land lines, and there was a modest fee. Again, the recipients had an income.
Third, the Obama administration expanded coverage to all recipients of welfare assistance and at no cost to them. The assumption is that the rest of us are covering those costs: am I right in thinking that it is this that makes you angry? Personally, I think that that was a good idea and I’ll now proceed to tell you why.

I was about 25 years old when the first program was started under Reagan (who was pretty old, himself, at the time). My closest friend from high school and university years worked with the local welfare department. She told me often that long-term jobless people were missing out on job opportunities because they couldn’t be reached by phone. She was sad that the LIFELINE program didn’t cover them, too. She was also worried that their situation could worsen if – as some mean-minded were suggesting – people with a working vehicle should be ineligible for assistance. In fact, the jobless in our area (essentially rural central Florida) lived in the boondocks where there is no public transport.

What I’m getting at is that – even then – people who didn’t have a phone had little chance of getting a job. If they didn’t have a car, they weren’t able to get to their place of work. Already then, it made sense to help them become “reachable” and able to keep a job.

My friend, the social worker, also told me time and time again that most people on welfare were ashamed, more than willing to do public service in exchange(but the laws of that time were against “welfare for work”. I don’t believe that human nature has changed much since then. Steven Crowder has been hired to ratchet up the hatred among the mean-minded, between the “haves” and the “have-nots”.

PS: Could be wrong, but I don’t believe for a moment that you are a Democrat.

Aria Prescott commented 2012-10-16 02:42:43 -0400 · Flag

For someone who claims to be in telecommunications, Theola sure is uneducated in this matter. Let’s see what she failed to note:

Lifeline isn’t a tax, it’s a cross-subsidy.
It’s an HDA/FCC affair.
The 2011 overhaul conducted by the FCC was in response to fraud- the funding was to re-work elligibility.
Tim Griffin lied about this when he presented his case to end the subsidy altogether.
Theola’s article talks about how Griffin lied, while discrediting her points.
Her link to the 2013 budget did the same thing.
Fox News is still pushing the lies, without telling anyone Griffin has been discredited.

By the way, Theola… I like how anyone who disagrees with you has to be “left-wing” and “unable to research their own facts,” while you make more of a fool out of yourself by the post. You can’t acknowledge our points, you won’t stop discrediting your own- It’s just sad.

Gary Doan commented 2012-10-15 23:56:24 -0400 · Flag

This program started under Bush and was working, but in the last few years, it was over promoted to people that are abusing it. The current hoax, as you call it started when this video hit YouTube : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tpAOwJvTOio

mlp ! commented 2012-10-15 22:34:10 -0400 · Flag

Theola, you are missing the point. I am not questioning the existence of program, not am I saying whether I think it’s good or bad. What I am not finding, from you (or the google) is any reputable proof that this is Obama’s responsibility in any way, and that was your original complaint. The surge in LifeLine usage? I’m not really sure why but some contributing factors could be that so many ‘Boomers’ are now reaching retirement age and using MediCare, the Bush recession or the decline in land line usage. All factors that, again, are not Obama’s fault.
Of course, you’re an insider so you obviously feel that you have some additional inside information. Maybe you do….but perhaps none that goes any deeper than Newsmax, Fox or Drudge.
You’re just not convincing anyone here…and there’s no chance of convincing you. It’s Monday Night Football. Enjoy the election!

Theola Weaver commented 2012-10-15 21:57:05 -0400 · Flag

MLP, you want me to prove it, ok here “public utility commission lifeline” put that in google and watch state applications pop up. Why dont you take some action and see when this taxes/surcharge was “implemented”.

public utility commission lifeline tax implemented , dare you to google it!!

Theola Weaver commented 2012-10-15 21:53:14 -0400 · Flag

Aria Prescott, the link is from Obama’s website, and the other directly from .gov site. Stop being so left wing and educate yourselfs. MLP , & whoever else is commenting, you better get to know your politics, who are you voting for, what they’ve passed, and more importantly what they support. Can any of you explain the Surge in the LIFELINE phones then? I work for a telecommuncation company, it is TRUE what they are saying , you are not suppose to lie about it, your suppose to make an excuse or a reason for it “boys” lol Obama did make changes as to who was elegible for lifeline and also people where provided all the programs they where elegible for when signing up for food stamps , medicaid ect. How do I know, because their calls would be “misdirected” I would have to speak to this consumer to find out “what free phone” were they told they were elegible for, This is the truth , if you don’t like it thats one thing, but don’t lie about it. You want to disputed that Obama did change the elegibilty for unemployement too? How long can a person recieve benfits , doesnt mean he created Unemployement , just that he inceased the elegibilty. Nobody is disputing he “invented” LIfeline, its the fact that Obama exploited it. The link I provide you are reputable, unlike the ones you are posting. Look at your cellphone bills, google the taxes, have you seen a large increase in taxes like Universal service fund, public utility commission, other taxes are passed onto cellular subscribers to cover the rising cost of Goverment manadate free cellphones or BTW I’m a registered Democrat. Please everyone go get your cellphone bill, its cost each subscriber several dollars a month to pay for this program. Don’t trust me , google each one of those taxes and surcharges, they didnt seem that much four years ago did they? Numbers are facts not mission statements or rhetoric bs.
here is some links from factcheck!.
http://www.factcheck.org/2012/05/congressmans-slippery-cell-phone-claim/

p.s
It was a terrific program for seniors & the disabled who did not have a home or wireless phone, it made is affordable, it was just about $20 , it made it affoardable for them not an entitlement. Now do to the exploitation & when people finally realized those surcharges on their bills are paying for Obama phones, Im sure the program is going to end.

Aria Prescott commented 2012-10-15 19:57:50 -0400 · Flag

Theola links up the budget plan Republicans claim Obama has not submitted to lie about it’s contents, in hopes that we will not actually read it and think it validates lies they told through this thread.

You seriously can’t make this stuff up- but a greater source of material, I will never find.

Headly Westerfield commented 2012-10-15 19:44:27 -0400 · Flag

Steven “Now Popped His Cherry” Crowder is the new Brad Stine, who seems to have disappeared from the Fox and Friends menagerie.

Today I published a new entry in my popular series: The Fox “News” Spin Cycle âº Episode 21 âº http://notnowsilly.blogspot.com/2012/10/the-fox-news-spin-cycle-episode-21.html

With all my love,
Aunty Uncle

mlp ! commented 2012-10-15 19:27:14 -0400 · Flag

Here, Theola,

http://www.snopes.com/politics/taxes/cellphone.asp

This is an easy read….that directly addresses the issue you mentioned.
Enjoy!

mj - the same one commented 2012-10-15 19:27:13 -0400 · Flag

@Theola Weaver: “Itâs called an Obama phone because it is an Obama phone. Regan & Bush started this program to help our sick & elderly . . .”

So — Raygun and Bush started the program . . . but it’s still called an “Obama Phone.”

Kinda like Obama is to blame for Operation Fast and Furious — even though that program began in the Dumbya misAdministration as Project Gunrunner . . . right, Theola?

.

mlp ! commented 2012-10-15 19:20:36 -0400 · Flag

Oh, and thanks for the link re: the 2013 budget.
Didn’t see an LifeLine expansion there, either.
Maybe I should just take your word for it?
NAAAHHHHHH!

mlp ! commented 2012-10-15 19:11:44 -0400 · Flag

“…Obama blew it out of the water making it for anyone who is low income and free.”

Here’s my point. You haven’t proved that statement. The link you provided says nothing of the sort, which is why I suggested that you read it carefully. You’re the one coming here and making claims…..it’s up to you to provide the support for those claims.

Theola Weaver commented 2012-10-15 17:51:54 -0400 · Flag

what is your point here MLP other than just to argue with someone ? Do have a point? It’s called an Obama phone because it is an Obama phone. Regan & Bush started this program to help our sick & elderly, Obama blew it out of the water making it for anyone who is low income and free.
Your not suprised because you are too narrow minded to think anyway else than your opinion is correct. Here I am telling you, proving to you and you call it propaganda. Don’t call me a liar or “propaganda” , go do the research yourself before you call someone a liar and you will see where the surge of Obama phones started, there is a reason people call it the Obama phone " you brilliant " person , even the poor call it Obama phone. I was responding to your statement " Fox should know by now that itâs not Obama giving way all the free stuffâ¦.itâs George Soros! Do we have to do all their research for them?" Because you are very very wrong, its free as long as your poor , dont work and get some type of public benefit. You can even get your electric bill paid too, free food, housing , and a lawyer, heck dont believe me, here , now again call it propaganda http://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/factsheet/giving-a-hand-up-to-low-income-families.
p.s I did your research for you, you really need to get off this Obama kick and start doing things for yourself hero.

Aria Prescott commented 2012-10-15 17:44:29 -0400 · Flag

Bemused, there’s something I read years ago that stuck with me. it said that the best way to expose a fascist is to take one of their ideas that everyone loves and use it. They’ll immediately begin accusing you of conspiracies that are later proven to be their own.

God, I wish I could remember where I read that, but it’s almost like this election’s theme. The right claims something Obama does is corrupt or “thug-like,” and the next day, their accusations are in their version of it… but no one can find it in Obama’s.

mlp ! commented 2012-10-15 17:35:18 -0400 · Flag

@ bemused:
Low Information Voters will believe anything they that reinforces their hatred. If Fox and the rest of the propaganda crew told the truth, they wouldn’t believe it quite so readily.

mlp ! commented 2012-10-15 17:32:44 -0400 · Flag

And just because you and those at Fox (Nation) call it the ‘Obama’ phone doesn’t make it so.
You really need to carefully read your link.
So….you’re really proud of innovating the term Obama phone?
Why am I not surprised?

Theola Weaver commented 2012-10-15 17:20:55 -0400 · Flag

details? FREE 250 anytime minutes “period” , no contract, no web/data/ no smart phone, no text. When somehow one of these callers leeks into the wrong deptarment, we refer to it as “obama phone” , many times they do not want to be redirected , dont understand their program & are trying to active Iphones or add text & data. Sorry to burst that woman byuble in the videos but it was not her who invented the term “Obama phone” , we have been using in the wireless industry for the last couple years.

bemused commented 2012-10-15 17:11:34 -0400 · Flag

Can’t understand why the foxies are so hard against something that was actually initiated by the Reagan administration.

Idea was that poor people needed phones and cars in order to be able to find and keep a job. Perfectly valid then, even more valid nowadays. Should, however, be associated with a good program for skills upgrading.

Theola Weaver commented 2012-10-15 17:04:57 -0400 · Flag

You want to get technical about it, it was the “link-up program” then its name was changed to LIfeLine , it was a program for wirelines for 911 & emergency services and then in 2005 it included Cellular serivces , you had to have “Medicare” or “medcaid” , I can’t recall which one, to be elegible, you can do the research. Before Obama , LifeLine services were offered primarly to low income senior citizens; and they were not “free”, they were about $20 a month. Obama admistration made changes to the program were all low income persons are elegible as long as they were recieving some type of public assistances, and they then became " free", and there was actually “advertisement” in low-income areas. There was a large increase of subscribers, the cost too cellular providers money increased along with that Public Utility Commission fund or tax you have been seeing on your cell phone bill increase, well now you know what you’ve been paying for. It went from from an elderly or disabled person having a phone, to those looking for work could also qualify, then to any one who gets any type of public assistance.
Believe me I’ve been talking to these people for 7 years now.
Of course , you already knew that, didnt you?

mlp ! commented 2012-10-15 16:31:12 -0400 · Flag

Uh….Theola…
Nobody here is questioning the existence of the program. From your link:

“In 2005, Lifeline discounts were made available to qualifying low-income consumers on pre-paid wireless service plans in addition to traditional landline service. Lifeline is part of the Universal Service Fund.”

How cunning of President Obama to retroactively set up the Obama phones in 2005 so that George Bush would have to take the blame for such a dastardly program!

Of course, you already knew that, didn’t you?

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