Random Michael Moore Deceits [#29]

Porter Goss [from Fahrenheit 9/11]

He next shows us an interview with Rep. Porter Goss, who defends the Patriot Act, saying it offers full transparency and that there’s nothing in the act that he is ashamed of in any way. Goss then says “I have a 1-800 number. Call me. I’m the guy you call if there’s a violation or an abuse. If you’ve got a poster child on this, I want to see it. That’s what I do. I’m hired by the people of the United States to provide oversight, I provide oversight,” but as he speaks about the 800 number, Moore flashes text on the screen saying “he’s lying” and claiming Goss does not actually have an 800 number, giving his normal office number. But Goss (who was then a Member of Congress, and is now Director of Central Intelligence) actually did have an 800 number: Anyone wishing to call his office, or any other congressional office, could reach the congressional switchboard at 800-839-5276. What’s more, the committee Goss chaired—the intelligence committee—also has a toll-free number: 877-858-9040 (http://intelligence.house.gov/ContactUS.aspx). So anyone wishing to make a toll-free phone call to report a Patriot Act abuse could easily do so, but none of the supposed abuses reported so far has panned out (http://www.justice.gov/oig/special/0409/index.htm).

source