Flashback to the campaigns. Charges stemming from a months long investigation are being filed in Nevada against two ACORN employees. American Prospect:
The complaint includes 26 counts of Compensation for Registration of Voters, and 13 counts of Principle to the Crime of Compensation for Registration of Voters, both of which are category E felonies in Nevada, which means they carry a punishment of between one and four years in prison. Last October, the ACORN offices in Nevada were raided on suspicion of having paid campaign workers to register fake names. At the time, ACORN countered that they had flagged suspicious registration forms and were working with authorities to identify fraudulent registrations.
Interestingly enough, included in Miller’s statement is an explanation that registration fraud, which includes filling out registration forms with false names is distinct from voter fraud, in which individuals cast fraudulent ballots.
It’s important to keep in mind that this was a case of registration fraud, not voter fraud. … The investigation and subsequent charges that have now been filed demonstrate the effectiveness of the safeguards in our system designed to prevent voter fraud. I’ve been clear from the outset of my administration that we would be aggressive in our pursuit and prosecution of any fraudulent activity that might threaten the integrity of our electoral process. This investigation is the direct result of our aggressive response to those safeguards.
Something to keep in mind, since conservatives regularly seek to blur the difference. Still, the charges are likely to add fodder to the notion that ACORN is not a reputable organization and hamper its efforts to rehabilitate its image.
Two employees acting stupidly (with the help of a lot of wingnut noise, of course) are about to bring down one of the most successful voter registration organizations around. Unfortunate, but the way the game is played I guess.
It seems that you and I have a clear difference in how one defines success, at least concerning this matter.
Did you really just defend ACORN by calling it , “one of the most successful voter registration organizations around?”
Sounds like they could do with a good Union coming in to help protect their employees, right? Ultimately, ACORN at its core is nothing but a hard line left wing PAC designed support left wing candidates while growing the ranks of the left, often feloniously, while using public tax dollars. Even Obama is distancing himself from this corrupt organization and for good reason.
I seriously wonder if your support for ACORN would be so glowing if they spent the last decade supporting Bush and registering primarily Republicans from the burbs all on your dime, Jason.
Oooops… I ment to write that Obama has distanced himself from ACORN. Who knows what the future will bring. Afterall, he was intent on tossing them a stimulous kick back…
Grand conspiracy theories and desperate demonizing aside, Rich, they registered voters. That’s a good thing, whether it’s happening on the left or the right.
And Nigel, two “bad seed” employees is not justification for ignoring years of previous success. I’m glad the charges are being filed (hopefully it will be an example for anyone considering future abuses in voter registration efforts) but don’t let yourself fall trap to the foolishness Rich is falling victim to here. ACORN is not evil. They just weren’t perfect.
And in the end, they’ve still registered millions of new voters over the past several years.
Jason,
Grand conspiracy theories and desperation? Hmmm… So your argument is that all past allegations against ACORN, even those from former employees are mere conspiracy and a sign of desperation on the part of those who appose agendas? Kind of an easy rebuttal don’t you think?
The REALITY is that ACORN receives Federal Tax dollars which it uses to not just register voters but to lobby and support candidates who are willing to push their agenda. If you cannot see a problem with that then we have far greater issues than labeling the testimonies of past ACORN workers as mere conspiracy theory. I wonder if the KKK were to begin doing a voter registration drive; would be so willing to overlook past activities to praise them for their work in getting people to the register to vote? I know that ACORN is no KKK but feel that the comparison shows that registering voters surely doesn’t forgive past transgressions or miraculously convert a narrow focused social/political organization into some sort of altruistic good for society club.
While I disagree with their political leanings and strong arm tactics I have long said that my primary disagreement with ACORN lies with the fact that they do what they do with tax dollars. Once they receive money from the government their actions should remain primarily politically neutral. I would have to imagine that even you would agree Jason that ACORN is far from neutral and that their registration efforts only exist to further their political agenda.
This entire discussion brings up a primary question; is it OK for organizations that receive public funding to also be involved in lobbying and promoting political campaigns? I would say NO! Heck, why don’t we just cut out the middle man and allow politicians to simply pass laws that send tax dollars directly into their re-election campaigns?
There is a reason that Obama broke his promise about disallowing lobbyists within his administration.
Not just one, two, ….15, states can bring Acorn down. They just spring up in new spots. Congratulations to Nevada for beginning their charges; but there is lots more that can be attacked. RICO should be on their trail, but what powerful Democrat will push that. If nothing more, ACORN
can successfully charged for tax evasion. That method has worked with other Mob Bosses in past. Would this government ever permit it? I say NO.
Please keep fight to expose ACORN, Glenn Beck!