It wouldn’t be bad for the poor and disenfranchised.
Last week, we learned that the Department of Justice wants the Association of Community Organizations for Reform Now (ACORN) to continue receiving taxpayer dollars in spite of ongoing criminal investigations into widespread fraud and other illegal activities on the part of ACORN officers and employees. Somehow the Department of Justice missed the fact that Congress overwhelmingly passed — and the President signed — unambiguous legislation to strip ACORN of its funding.
Almost as soon as Congress acted to defund ACORN, the whining of the liberal establishment commenced. ACORN helped poor people, we were told. ACORN’s services were needed by tens of thousands of unemployed families facing immediate home foreclosure and job loss. ACORN was the lifeline for neighborhood assistance, political empowerment, and community stabilization for untold numbers of disaffected, disenfranchised, and downtrodden people.
But has ACORN really carved out a monopoly on assisting the poor, registering voters, and empowering the powerless? Do poor Americans have nowhere else to turn but a nationwide syndicate of criminal miscreants, prostitution consultants, and bogus voter registrants masquerading as community organizers?
Of course not, and the facts bear this out.
Defunding ACORN does not create a void in services available to homeowners in need of counseling and other support. ACORN Housing’s mortgage counseling, assistance, and community development programs are duplicative of those offered by dozens of other highly rated national organizations.
In fact, Charity Navigator, the nation’s largest and most-utilized evaluator of charities, ranks 57 housing and community development charities across 26 states as exceptional, thus earning them a four-star rating for outperforming most other charities in their cause. An additional 42 housing and community development charities across 19 states and the District of Columbia have received a three-star rating. None of these agencies, by the way, have demonstrated a tendency for criminal misconduct.
Among those rated highly by Charity Navigator is the United Way, whose Financial Stability Partnership was created to provide financial education and counseling support to help lower-income individuals and families achieve the skills necessary to become financially independent, maximize income, build savings, and gain assets.
The Center for Neighborhood Enterprise works with 50 community-based organizations in 18 states through financial literacy training and other services. The Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC) helps non-profit community development organizations transform distressed neighborhoods. Since 1980, LISC has invested $9 billion to create 244,755 affordable homes and apartments and 36 million square feet of retail and community space.
And the list goes on.
The Department of Housing and Urban Development alone has more than 2,000 counseling agencies that offer free services identical to the suite of programs that ACORN says it provides. These HUD-sponsored agencies are available free of charge to people needing mortgage loan counseling in all 50 states, the District of Columbia and U.S. territories. In the states hit hardest during the current recession, there are hundreds of non-ACORN affiliated agencies working overtime to stem the tide of homelessness and joblessness.
In Michigan, where unemployment has reached a staggering 15.1%, HUD sponsors 87 housing counseling services, none of which are affiliated with ACORN’s three state offices.
In Nevada (13% unemployment), there are 19 HUD-sponsored agencies and ACORN’s lone office does not offer HUD-approved counseling. In Rhode Island (12.9%), there are 11 HUD-sponsored counseling services compared to ACORN’s one. In California (12.5%), there are 150 non-ACORN HUD-sponsored agencies, dwarfing the community impact of the seven HUD-approved counseling services operating out of ACORN’s 15 state offices. And in South Carolina (12.1%), ACORN’s single state office does not provide any HUD-sponsored counseling services. Fortunately for the residents of South Carolina, there are 29 other agencies that do.
The facts are telling: in the states where financial counseling and loan modifications are needed most, there are dozens if not hundreds of HUD-sponsored agencies providing services for free. In those very same states, ACORN has little to no presence.
When it comes to voter registration — a key component of ACORN’s national strategy to elect Democratic candidates — the nation’s four largest nonpartisan groups (Declare Yourself, HeadCount, Student PIRGs, and Rock the Vote) registered 5.5 million people during the 2008 election cycle. By comparison, ACORN registered 1.3 million people, nearly one-third of which were rejected as incomplete or fraudulent. Unlike ACORN, however, these other groups have not had their regional offices closed down by federal authorities, their employees arrested and convicted, or their reputations sullied by scandals that involve providing advice to undercover videojournalists about smuggling Salvadoran child prostitutes.
Clearly, ACORN deserves to lose its tax-exempt status and has forfeited its right to receive taxpayer dollars — dollars more responsibly awarded to thousands of other worthy community-based organizations around which a cloud of criminal suspicion does not hang. Congress was right to defund ACORN, and the Obama administration is wrong in its attempt to explain away the law to keep the money funneling into ACORN’s illicit enterprise.
Indeed, a world without ACORN would still see government resources helping the poor, keeping down home foreclosures, and opening up economic and political opportunities for those most in need. In fact, it would see those resources used more efficiently, successfully, and lawfully.
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Stephanie| 12.2.09 @ 6:58AM
Don't you get it? The justice dept. doesn't give a flying fig what the congress voted on. And as Rush says, Holder is Obama.
jaybos| 12.2.09 @ 4:52PM
We need to review the Acorn contracts, Don't take Holder's word for what they say. They are probably terminable for a variety of reasons. Acorn may have violated the contracts or applicable regs. Also, what are their "damages" ? Acorn can probably terminate all employees at will. Acorn has no lost profit since they are non-profit.
Darin| 12.2.09 @ 7:06AM
The facts are irrelevant. The Justice Department will force funding of ACORN because that's what the boss (Obama) wants. Like the New Black Panthers got a get-out-of-jail-free pass, ACORN will get their money.
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20Claiche| 12.2.09 @ 8:16AM
Where in our Constitution does congress receive the authority to pay funds to any of those benevolent organisations,much less ACORN? Justice has no authority to force the unconstitutional funding either.
Al Adab| 12.2.09 @ 11:20AM
Nowhere. In fact that was one of the reasons the authors limited government to enumerated powers only. In the early days one of the major questions was regarding federal financing of "internal improvements" that is roads, canals, bridges etc. within the individual states. Madison and Monroe, both of whom helped write the thing, thought it a good idea but realized an amendment would be required to allow it. How far have we travelled? Now of course LA gets a 100 MM bucks for Landrieus vote. Our Constitution is only observed in the breech.
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Al Adab| 12.2.09 @ 10:45AM
ACORN is just one of a plethora of agencies, all self serving, that delude the public into believing that they seek to "serve the people" or some such. How and why they and we came to think that anyone has a claim on the public fisc is beyond comprehension.
Collectivly these NGO's represent a huge drain on taxpayers. Add the salaries and administrative costs of them all and one begins to picture just how large is the redistributionist empire.
The thinking is so engrained that even a local city councilman here stated that councils job is "to collect the money and decide who gets it."
Every agency has its own agenda and we damage the country immeasurably when public financing of private "do gooders' is endemic. (Yes, BTW we should include bailouts of insurance Cos, Banks and manufacturers as well. ) No one has a claim to public dollars for private use.
Margie| 12.2.09 @ 1:15PM
"ACORN is just one of a plethora of agencies, all self serving, that delude the public into believing that they seek to "serve the people" or some such."
~Exactly. You are saying what the entire mantra of the Left has been forever. For example, in a conversation recently with a close family member, she burst out "How could you be a Republican?! You aren't even rich! You're crazy!" ~This is what they believe because they have been lied to for decades by the Leftist lying politicians & media. That the Democrats are for "the little people" and the Republicans are "for the rich." trying to undo that lie is next to impossible.
Pete| 12.2.09 @ 1:38PM
""How could you be a Republican?! You aren't even rich! "
That is classic...and very telling of the mindset of those who just eat what they are fed by the liberal media. Wow. That's about all I can say is wow. They consistently seek to divide people by class and race and anything else they can figure and are allowed to get away with saying the exact opposite. It really is insane.
Margie| 12.2.09 @ 2:06PM
Pete,
Believe me when I say I, know a Leftist when I see one. They take many forms but are all the same. Whether it be phony baloney non-interventionists who will vote for Obama, to all out Communists. I have no patience for them. And it gets shorter every day. The favorite word for all of them is: "Idiot!" "You're no conservative!" Of course, they would know. They're Leftists. They are soo much smarter! :^)
Al Adab| 12.2.09 @ 2:19PM
I'm a Republican because its the closest there is to a Conservative party. I hope to become rich and only free market capitalism provides that opportunity. Otherwise I become a parasite looking to base any personal improvement on the penalties extracted from others.
Margie| 12.2.09 @ 2:35PM
Well said, Al Adab. Me too. I told my family member that she's been lied to all her life. That the Republican Party is for the freedom to become rich if that is what one wants. That the Democrat Party believes in the redistribution of wealth. She said~ "OMG! You sound like a Communist!" whew.
Neo| 12.2.09 @ 2:59PM
If you want to be rich, it helps to hang out with the rich. If you want to be forever poor, be a Democrat.
Margie| 12.2.09 @ 6:24PM
Good points, of course. I don't even need to be rich, but self-sufficient. In the Obummer Nation, though, you must be dependent upon the dictator. He will make sure of it.
MotherRedDog| 12.2.09 @ 10:44PM
It kills me that the liberals spead this bs about Republicans. Rich democrats outnumber rich republicans (elected) right now. They got rich by the republicans free market principals and now want to force socialism and take away the ability for everyone else to get rich. How's that for a scam. Oh, and if any liberals are reading this, these facts are available on-line. Just like KKK is a democrat body that you don't want to own and the fact that MLK was a republican that you don't want to accept. Liberals have lied for so long they believe what they say.
John II| 12.2.09 @ 10:48AM
It fits perfectly that ACORN would use an inflated expression like "disenfranchised" when the sharper "disfranchised" is available.
Add belligerent illiteracy to their list of crimes.
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Roy| 12.2.09 @ 11:31AM
We are in agreement that the world would be a better place without Acorn. Aside from that, the Constitution does not provide for the government to take care of the poor as Rep Issa infers: "Indeed, a world without ACORN would still see government resources helping the poor, keeping down home foreclosures, and opening up economic and political opportunities for those most in need. " The preamble to the Constitution reads "to promote the general welfare", not provide.
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stephanie| 12.2.09 @ 12:05PM
Constitution? What constitution?
Margie| 12.2.09 @ 1:17PM
Right stephanie. Obummer has said he believes the Constitution is obsolete.
Yet will the voters re-elect him?
Robert Johnson| 12.2.09 @ 1:59PM
Defunding ACORN is not nearly enough. These criminals have stolen the votes of thousands and should face criminal charges in each and every case. There will never be true campaign reform until criminals like these are punished and prohibited for life from engaging in these activities.
Margie| 12.2.09 @ 2:08PM
Robert,
From your mouth, to God's ears.
Mattled| 12.2.09 @ 3:57PM
Margie,
I dread being around my in-laws the last year or so. My spouse tells me I don't like being around them because we don't agree on politics.
I said no, it's because they, like all liberals, are wired differently. I have disengaged from almost all conversation with them. It almost always ends up in them yelling at me at the top of their luns----no matter the subject.
They're lunatics.
Margie| 12.2.09 @ 6:20PM
Wired differently for sure. And it's all in the mind. I find that with Liberals/Leftists, it's all about "personality," not reality. It's how the Marxist-in-Chief got elected. "He can talk well." Well my goodness, how intelligent is that, never mind the facts. There are no absolutes, so if you dare to suggest otherwise it is most egregious. You are a know-nothing, absolutely stupid, and in fact, an idiot! I just tell them thank you very much, but am I am right in what I'm saying? Ah well, anyway, best wishes.
a wyatt man| 12.2.09 @ 8:04PM
Here are two good things to ask about moral relativism:
Ask them: Would you hire an accountant who said he was relatively honest? Would your wife want you to tell her upon returning from a business trip that you were relatively faithful to her while you were away (I guess this is Tiger Wood's approach)?
Margie| 12.3.09 @ 1:37PM
These are excellent points!
Here's what they'd say to it though: "That's DIFFERENT!"
~There's just no reasoning with them. Not till they choose to wake up.. or till God wakes them up. :^)
Big J| 12.2.09 @ 11:55PM
Mattled,
Ditto, but my neighbors are the lunatics. We used to get along great (I have done a lot of favors, and they have been returned - you know, regular neighborly stuff like changing out electrical panels, hooking up generators etc.). Now, you would think I have the H1N1 virus.
I try to keep that stuff out of the cold beer on a Friday night discussion, but it's pretty tough when you friendly neighborhood yoonion member is telling you that the federal government is the only answer to our health insurance problems. Horse hockey!
I generally just get sideways glances anymore. Even though it bothers me, I DON'T GIVE A DAMN! They can all plant a big wet one on the left cheek for all I care.
You know what? When your right, it doesn't matter if everyone knows it or not. Remember: you and I, as well as most of the other fine authors and posters on this site (not to be confused with the posers) are in the majority.
Keep your head high like we all do, and keep telling yourself - there's no place like Reaganomics, there's no place like Reaganomics...
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Ret. Marine| 12.2.09 @ 9:27PM
Life without ACORN. Believe it if you want. I can recomend a good read for all regarding the entire story of ACORN, Obama, Clinton, Carter, Holder, F. Raines, and McMansion -r-us on Wall Street. ( the Architects of Ruin, Peter Schweizer) but prepared to be really pidssed off when you finish and understand the connection to the Cloward-Piven strategy in effect today. The day will be coming when many, many more will realize the extent of the damage they have brought to this Country. We may never recover from this episode straight from the "progressives" themsleves.
Margie| 12.2.09 @ 10:31PM
I wouldn't read it for that very reason. I cannot watch his "speeches" for the same reason. It is worse than with Clinton. I can't even contain it toward anyone who says they are voting for him again. It's surreal. If we don't unite and vote Republican we will have more of this horror.
Ret. Marine| 12.3.09 @ 5:59AM
Margi, In order to not fall into the trap once again, We The People must understand why this happened, who are the players, how they have gotton away with it for so long and what charges We the People must demand out of the next Administration This nightmare has only begun, expect to see something on the order of 2-1/2-3.0 trillion more need to cover their illegal plans for the Country. Believe it or not, there are equal amounts of Republicans aboard this ship wreck so just voting Repubican is not the solution . We need people of verifiable resolve, moral integrity, and skin in the game to get to the matter of all of this illegal activities on both sides of the isle. Anyone who is someone currently serving in the gubmint sector regarding this matter need investigations into their personal financial/political matters records have a funny way of showing just how corupt they are and they cannot hide the facts for eternity. They are all involved and must not be left off the hook for their actions and the end result of this scandle. The very people who created this mess are up to their necks trying to convince the sheeples they have the fix. Foxes guarding the henhouse if ever there was a good example.
Margie| 12.3.09 @ 1:34PM
Ret. Marine (awesome!)
Thank you for your service to our country, Sir!
I am SO aware of the fact that just voting Republican isn't the answer, but it certainly begins there. It won't be possible to do what you say without a Republican President & admin. just for starters.
I don't have the ability to be able to fully follow all the corruption. I literally cannot even get through it all it is so overwhelming. I DO know enough to realize the scope and do not live with my head in the sand. I know it is beyond huge and we are finding out more every single day.
I'd call it Leviathan.
We can only vote with our feet, work our rear ends off helping to get conservative Repubs. nominated & elected, and then~~ PRAY for the mercy of God on our great, beloved country.
God bless you.
baume mercier | 12.2.09 @ 10:04PM
Good post!
Thanks!
Cindy, CA| 12.2.09 @ 11:30PM
I am honored to live in your district. You have stood up to this administration from the very beginning when most were silent in fear. You have shown no fear and have stood by your principals calling this administration on questionable tactics.
I'd love to see you as a Presidential Candidate someday.
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http://theprecinctproject.wordpress.com/ read all the way to the bottom. VOTE EM OUT 2010/2012
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VoteTheBumbsOut| 12.4.09 @ 12:05AM
When it comes to voter registration -- a key component of ACORN's national strategy to elect Democratic candidates- the nation's four largest nonpartisan groups (Declare Yourself, HeadCount, Student PIRGs, and Rock the Vote) registered 5.5 million people during the 2008 election cycle.
Am I reading this right? Is Darrell isaying there are other nut-job organizations out there sucking up tax dollars and might have possibly registered more reject Democrat voters?
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Where in our Constitution does congress receive the authority to pay funds to any of those benevolent organisations,much less ACORN? Justice has no authority to force the unconstitutional funding either.
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Hercules won’t help you until you have all five items from Zeus’ quest.Poptropica Once you have the five items, bring them to Athena. Zeus will appear and steal them. The big jerk! Once this happens, talk to Athena and she will tell you that Hercules will help you. You’ll need to have the magic mirror from Aphrodite because Hercules doesn’t want to have to walk. He’s so lazy!
Getting the Hydra Scale
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