Sign the ACORN petition

By Michelle Malkin  •  June 5, 2009 05:25 PM


Photoshop credit: Leo Alberti

Kevin Mooney, Washington Examiner:

Thousands of Americans are expressing support via an on-line petition for new legislation that would block taxpayer funding for organizations with a criminal history such as the Association of Community Organizers for Reform Now (ACORN).

Rep. Michele Bachmann (R-Minn.) has introduced the Taxpayer Protection and Anti-Fraud Act, which would restrict access to taxpayer dollars available through the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) for groups that have been indicted for violations of state or federal laws. Almost 5,000 citizens have registered their support for the bill available through Bachmann’s online site, according to her press office.

As The Examiner has previously reported ACORN has received at least $53 million in federal funds since 1994, and the controversial group could potentially gain access to $8.5 billion in additional taxpayer dollars, unless Congress intervenes. The track record is not encouraging.

…“No one has a right to federal funds,” she said. “We have a fiduciary responsibility as members of Congress to establish criteria by which groups can gain access to federal dollars. I believe we should be able to raise the bar above indictment and not be restricted solely to convictions. This in no way denies someone their due process rights in court.”

Under her new bill a determination would be made on a “case by case” basis to determine whether or not a particular organization should be eligible for federal support, despite indictments.

Sign the petition here.

Eight words that need to be repeated often and loudly:

“No one has a right to federal funds.”

Posted in: ACORN Watch

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Trackbacks

  1. Petition: Stop ACORN from Accessing Taxpayer Dollars « Gunservatively!
  2. Stop ACORN from Accessing Taxpayer Dollars - Sign the Petition! | Fire Andrea Mitchell!
  3. Michelle Malkin » Sign the ACORN petition | Democrat = Socialist
  4. Stop ACORN from Getting Billions from Porkulus Bill: Sign Rep. Bachmann’s Petition — ‘Taxpayer Protection and Anti-Fraud Act’ « Frugal Café Blog Zone
  5. Sign the ACORN petition « The Daley Gator
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  7. Can ACORN Be Crushed Under Our Weight? « Jane Q. Republican
  8. silent E speaks » Blog Archive » Sign the ACORN Petition
  9. Sma' Talk Wi' T
  10. Around the Blogroll… | Political News | Annuit Coeptis
  11. No One Has A Right To Federal Funds « Justbkuz
  12. Sign the ACORN petition

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Comments


  1. #714492
    On June 5th, 2009 at 5:30 pm, Ragspierre said:

    Done.

    Excellent post, Michelle, for the nation.

  2. #714494
    On June 5th, 2009 at 5:33 pm, Big Hammer and Anvil said:

    Done as well.

    Can the DOJ be impartial and investigate honestly this political fraud? Nudge, Nudge, Wink, Wink.

    Talk about RICO prone

  3. #714496
    On June 5th, 2009 at 5:34 pm, Dexter Alarius said:

    Just signed, and thanked Representative Bachmann for doing the right thing.

    She’s one of our stars!

  4. #714498
    On June 5th, 2009 at 5:38 pm, allrsn said:

    done

  5. #714503
    On June 5th, 2009 at 5:43 pm, walterc said:

    My impression of ACORN is a rebirth of the Italian mafia without the pasta. Organized crime syndicate, nothing more.

  6. #714505
    On June 5th, 2009 at 5:45 pm, Ragspierre said:

    Organized crime syndicate, nothing more.

    Well, there is that picture of them palpating the national treasury up to their arm-pit…

    That’s kinda new…

  7. #714507
    On June 5th, 2009 at 5:46 pm, nlebou said:

    Did this early this AM. It came in my email.

    I also spoke to David Vitter in person this morning at an event for Americans for Prosperity. He spoke about Cap & Trade and after his speech I talked with him about ACORN. I asked him to please speak with Gov Jindal about investigating ACORN in New Orleans and he assured me that he would.

  8. #714509
    On June 5th, 2009 at 5:47 pm, JamieD said:

    Done.

    Since congress is failing to protect taxpayers funds from being used in a partisan manner and enforcing current laws against such criminal actions of groups like ACORN, this bill is necessary to protect taxpayers.

    This is the foremost duty of congress, which is to pass laws to protect my right to pursue happiness and enjoy freedom without being overburdened by taxation. When tax funds are issued to assist known criminal entities it becomes an undue burden on the taxpayer and therefore suppresses the rights afforded by the constitution.

  9. #714512
    On June 5th, 2009 at 5:50 pm, jrgdds said:

    Talk about RICO prone

    Exacly.

  10. #714513
    On June 5th, 2009 at 5:52 pm, Regulus said:

    Signed.

    Had to resist the urge to write a comment for San Fran Nan, though …

  11. #714515
    On June 5th, 2009 at 5:53 pm, zorro said:

    Done. Up-root Acorn!

  12. #714516
    On June 5th, 2009 at 5:53 pm, Yashmak said:

    Seems like a good idea to me, but we should be careful. Could said legislation be used to bar funds to groups we support? Law of unintended consequences, and all that? I suppose it depends on the language of the proposed legislation.

    I cannot find the text of the Taxpayer Protection and Anti-Fraud act, and would like to read it before signing the petition.

  13. #714518
    On June 5th, 2009 at 5:55 pm, Big Hammer and Anvil said:

    Thanks Doc!

  14. #714526
    On June 5th, 2009 at 6:12 pm, TimLenox said:

    I hate to rain on a parade or a protest,
    but Glenn Beck, with help from Bill O’Reilly,
    found 270 different agencies using the ACORN address.

    This means that keeping ACORN from receiving funds
    does not hurt the main organization because
    the money will just go to one of the others.

    In order for this idea to work,
    we will need the biggest RICO in history.

    Then again, this IS a historic presidency.

  15. #714535
    On June 5th, 2009 at 6:29 pm, letget said:

    Done and thanks Michelle. This bho thug group needs to be under the bus by us taxpayers.
    L

  16. #714537
    On June 5th, 2009 at 6:33 pm, Truesoldier said:

    Under her new bill a determination would be made on a “case by case” basis to determine whether or not a particular organization should be eligible for federal support, despite indictments.

    Who would be the one to make the case by case determination? I sure hope it is not the DOJ as their track record has shown they are not capable of impartiality.

  17. #714539
    On June 5th, 2009 at 6:39 pm, calamityville said:

    I’m on board. Acorns are nuts.

  18. #714550
    On June 5th, 2009 at 7:08 pm, robhic said:

    Just signed a similar, albeit much more complex and legal-sounding, petition yesterday to the Louisiana Attorney General to investigate ACORN here in LA.

    Especially since their main address is a former funeral home in the city of New Orleans!

    Oh, and it’s a SEIU union address, too. They share ACORN’s name across the front of the building.

  19. #714554
    On June 5th, 2009 at 7:31 pm, nativeaz08 said:

    robhic: link, please.

    Signed and sent to all in my email list.

  20. #714555
    On June 5th, 2009 at 7:32 pm, nlebou said:

    robhic I too would like that link.

  21. #714560
    On June 5th, 2009 at 8:26 pm, Papa Louie said:

    ACORN claims to be non-partisan, but it and its many affiliates have ardently supported Democratic incumbents and candidates at all levels of government. For example, the Obama campaign in 2008 paid more than $880,000 to Citizen Services Incorporated, an ACORN affiliate that helps organize get-out-the-vote efforts that always seem to focus on heavily Democratic precincts.

    Examiner Editorial; 5/24/09

    Why would the Obama campaign give CSI all that money if the ACORN affiliate was really non-partisan? Obviously, they knew it would help their campaign. And the fact that Obama and the Democrats continue to steer federal money toward ACORN speaks volumes about partisanship.

    Try to imagine Democrats giving federal money to a group that spent half of its time organizing get-out-the-vote efforts in predominantly White precincts. While that would be close to bipartisanship, Democrats would refuse to give them a dime.

  22. #714562
    On June 5th, 2009 at 8:32 pm, purplepeep said:
  23. #714563
    On June 5th, 2009 at 8:34 pm, Pasadena Phil said:

    We should also ban government employee unions at all levels. If that isn’t a blatantly corrupting conflict of interest, I don’t know what is.

  24. #714566
    On June 5th, 2009 at 8:52 pm, lilbean said:

    my comment on the petition was that we need a 100 million strong class action suit against the congress for gross mismanagement of the public fund.
    12 trillion dollar debt? the founders would vomit.

  25. #714567
    On June 5th, 2009 at 8:56 pm, Truesoldier said:

    During the floor debate over his pro-ACORN amendment, Frank suggested that false allegations could be brought against an organization an effort to deny them funding.

    First of all, the petition says indicted not just accused. Usually indictments only come if a court feels there is sufficient evidence to reasonably believe that there has been a crime committed and a DA ususally will not usually file charges unless they think they have a case. Secondly, once cleared of any false accusations they would be able to request the funds.

  26. #714568
    On June 5th, 2009 at 8:59 pm, Truesoldier said:

    On June 5th, 2009 at 8:34 pm, Pasadena Phil said:
    We should also ban government employee unions at all levels. If that isn’t a blatantly corrupting conflict of interest, I don’t know what is.

    We know that out here in WA all too well. First the State workers Union paid into the campaign of our current governor (and I beleive helped pay for her recount or court costs in 2004). Then she turns around and negotiates a contract to make all workers in the state pay union dues whether they are part of the union or not (they get a slight discount if they are non union) or face termination, not to mention a nice payraise and a ton of new union jobs.

  27. #714572
    On June 5th, 2009 at 9:10 pm, Flyoverman said:

    Another round down range. Love it.

  28. #714574
    On June 5th, 2009 at 9:12 pm, granite said:

    Signed and sent to all in my email list.

    Same here.

  29. #714575
    On June 5th, 2009 at 9:12 pm, jsmiddleton4 said:

    “the founders would vomit.”

    I disagree. Our founders would have gotten on a ship, set sail to a new land, worked very hard to create a new country founded on principles of freedom and liberty.

    Problem is where does one go today?

  30. #714580
    On June 5th, 2009 at 9:26 pm, Wade said:

    No more money to ACORN nutz

  31. #714583
    On June 5th, 2009 at 9:39 pm, Flyoverman said:

    Problem is where does one go today?

    Surrender is not in our creed.

  32. #714584
    On June 5th, 2009 at 9:39 pm, DesertLover said:

    Done … We need to be rid of the …

    Association of
    Criminals,
    Outlaws,
    Racketeers, and
    Ne’er-Do-Wells

  33. #714587
    On June 5th, 2009 at 9:53 pm, Bruce said:

    Rather stunning that our tax forms ASK us if we would like to contribute a paltry 2 bucks to the presidential campaign fund – yet these thieves have no compunction at all to giving millions of our tax dollars to a rogue, corrupt outfit without so much as a fair thee well.

  34. #714590
    On June 5th, 2009 at 10:12 pm, Ragspierre said:

    Surrender is not in our creed.

    I will fight. I will fight effectively, using new tools that are fashioned for this fight.

    This place is my place.

  35. #714592
    On June 5th, 2009 at 10:21 pm, WarEagle82 said:

    What do you do when the government itself becomes a Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organization? Well, I mean I know the answer and that is what 1776 was all about.

    How quickly before we find ourselves in that same boat again? We now have a government more corrupt than the one we threw off.

    “Hope and Change,” not so much…

  36. #714593
    On June 5th, 2009 at 10:23 pm, WarTip said:

    “The Lesson should be constantly enforced that though the people support the Government, Government should not support the people.”

    – Democrat President Grover Cleveland –

    The (actual) powers of the federal government are few and well defined. Any powers not specifically granted to the federal government revert to the states and to we the people.

    NO money should go to private industries by the federal government unless it is to actually promote the general defense. When money is given to people who turn around and give it to politicians IN ANY FORM it is a criminal act and should be pursued as such.

    I daresay NO (In)justice department in recent history would have the audacity to follow any laws that were not politically expedient unfortunately. Much the same as the SCOTUS … just because they tell me that it is Constitutional to silence the people with bills like McCain/Feingold and tell me that they really do have the power to decide whether or not I am legally “allowed” to be able to adequately defend myself … it does not make it so.

    When the law of the land has been perverted to the extent of abuse and usurpation of power … it is time to seriously consider methods of destroying these criminal bonds before we are all fully enslaved.

    Radical? Ten years ago I would have said yes and understood why people called me to the mat for it … these days? Just take a look at what is happening to private industry, banking, privately drawn contracts and to we the people.

  37. #714598
    On June 5th, 2009 at 11:05 pm, Flyoverman said:

    Ragspierre,

    Give yourself a Hoooah and keepup the good work!

  38. #714599
    On June 5th, 2009 at 11:08 pm, Stillwaiting said:

    Decided on a “case-by-case basis” by who? Eric Holder??? Acorn won’t lose a penny until the next adminstration.

  39. #714605
    On June 5th, 2009 at 11:29 pm, Oink said:

    Done!

    Thanks Michelle.

  40. #714607
    On June 5th, 2009 at 11:34 pm, ITookTheRedPill said:

    Done.

  41. #714616
    On June 6th, 2009 at 12:05 am, bjc said:

    *Done, and this entity that created P-BO is a great place to start; I smell a Tax Revolt on the horizon to combat this taxing/spending/borrowing insanity; Incumbents are going to get rolled!

  42. #714624
    On June 6th, 2009 at 12:32 am, Mach1Duck said:

    This says it all.
    We the people of the United States, in order to form a more perfect union, establish justice, insure domestic tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general welfare, and secure the blessings of liberty to ourselves and our prosperity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.

  43. #714625
    On June 6th, 2009 at 12:44 am, Ragspierre said:

    I smell a Tax Revolt on the horizon to combat this taxing/spending/borrowing insanity; Incumbents are going to get rolled!

    The STARVE THE BEAST website is in development. I hope to have bumper stickers and tee-shirts ready by the Fourth, but it is out of my hands.

  44. #714626
    On June 6th, 2009 at 12:53 am, leepro said:

    ALERT!!!

    Unfortunately, that petition site led directly to a donation page for the group sponsoring the petition. The petition signer is not allowed to leave the “donation” page without entering a donation amount. If you exit at that point, your name is obviously NOT entered into the total count.

  45. #714663
    On June 6th, 2009 at 8:02 am, DagneyT said:

    On June 5th, 2009 at 5:43 pm, walterc said:

    My impression of ACORN is a rebirth of the Italian mafia without the pasta.

    Walter, that is exactly the comment I posted when I signed the petition! They’re a modern day mafia!

  46. #714669
    On June 6th, 2009 at 8:52 am, shanimal said:

    I just signed the petition. How long before the New Black Panther comes knocking on my door with billy clubs drawn? It’s ok, I’ll be ready and waiting…

  47. #714679
    On June 6th, 2009 at 9:58 am, BOB said:

    On June 6th, 2009 at 12:53 am, leepro said:
    ALERT!!!

    Unfortunately, that petition site led directly to a donation page for the group sponsoring the petition. The petition signer is not allowed to leave the “donation” page without entering a donation amount. If you exit at that point, your name is obviously NOT entered into the total count.

    Glad you pointed that out. I won’t be signing any petition that forces me to make a donation. They must be kidding?

  48. #714680
    On June 6th, 2009 at 10:06 am, Truesoldier said:

    On June 6th, 2009 at 9:58 am, BOB said:
    On June 6th, 2009 at 12:53 am, leepro said:
    ALERT!!!

    Unfortunately, that petition site led directly to a donation page for the group sponsoring the petition. The petition signer is not allowed to leave the “donation” page without entering a donation amount. If you exit at that point, your name is obviously NOT entered into the total count.
    Glad you pointed that out. I won’t be signing any petition that forces me to make a donation. They must be kidding?

    If you look at the top of the page when you get to the donation page it clearly states that your name has been added to the petition, so no worries.

  49. #714682
    On June 6th, 2009 at 10:09 am, Ragspierre said:

    If you look at the top of the page when you get to the donation page it clearly states that your name has been added to the petition, so no worries.

    Correct-a-mundo…

    After submitting your signature, you are taken to the donation page.

    Simply…quietly…navigate away…

    Shortly you will get an email confirming your endorsement of the petition.

  50. #714685
    On June 6th, 2009 at 10:29 am, DBNinKY said:
  51. #714686
    On June 6th, 2009 at 10:30 am, BOB said:

    On June 6th, 2009 at 10:09 am, Ragspierre said:
    If you look at the top of the page when you get to the donation page it clearly states that your name has been added to the petition, so no worries.
    Correct-a-mundo…

    After submitting your signature, you are taken to the donation page.

    Simply…quietly…navigate away…

    Shortly you will get an email confirming your endorsement of the petition.

    I navigated away from the donation page yesterday and I’m still waiting for my endorsement e-mail.

  52. #714687
    On June 6th, 2009 at 10:31 am, eforhan said:

    Internet petitions are pretty much worthless, although I suppose it could be a “thumb on the pulse” kind of thing.

  53. #714688
    On June 6th, 2009 at 10:35 am, BOB said:

    Went back and tried to sign again and it said my name was already recorded.

    Didn’t get the confirmation e-mail though.

  54. #714694
    On June 6th, 2009 at 11:10 am, Ragspierre said:

    Internet petitions are pretty much worthless, although I suppose it could be a “thumb on the pulse” kind of thing.

    I have no great understanding of the efficacy internet petitions, but I think that Michele Bachmann is doing the work of the angels, and deserves any support we can give her.

    I read a lot of kvetching about how our elected representatives are worthless, cowardly, etc. Here is an example of one who is trying to do something positive. She has my support, and the simple act of subscribing to this petition is sort of the least we can do to both encourage her and add our voices to hers.

  55. #714696
    On June 6th, 2009 at 11:17 am, Truesoldier said:

    I concur with your assesment Ragspierre, but I would also like to point out that unlike many other internet petitions this one is being done by a Congressperson. When this bill comes up for debate it would be great if she could show up with hundreds of thousands of signatures (millions would be even better) to show the support of “We the people” for this bill.

  56. #714697
    On June 6th, 2009 at 11:21 am, eforhan said:

    The trouble with them is that they can’t be verified. What’s to stop one person to sign up with ten different email accounts and friend’s names?

    I should say I did sign up, though.

  57. #714709
    On June 6th, 2009 at 1:05 pm, ITookTheRedPill said:

    The petition does not make it clear, but other commenters here are correct that you do not have to contribute in order to have your name count for the petition.

    I did not donate $, and here is what the confirmation email looks like (bolding mine on the “It’s free“)

    —–Original Message—–
    From: iPetitions Signature [mailto:confirm@ipetitions.com]
    Sent: Friday, June 05, 2009
    To: [my email]
    Subject: About your ‘TaxDollars’ petition signature

    Dear [my email],

    Thank you for signing the “Stop ACORN from Accessing Taxpayer Dollars” petition at iPetitions.com website.
    Your signature is valuable and makes a real difference. Please encourage others to sign the petition as well. To do that, just forward the text below to everyone who might be interested:

    ——- FORWARD THIS TO YOUR FRIENDS ——-
    Hi,

    I wanted to draw your attention to this important petition that I recently signed:

    “Stop ACORN from Accessing Taxpayer Dollars”
    http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/TaxDollars?e

    I really think this is an important cause, and I’d like to encourage you to add your signature, too. It’s free and takes less than a minute of your time.

    Thanks!
    ———————————————

    Once again, thanks for signing the petition!
    Sincerely,
    -iPetitions Campaigns Team

    p.s. If you would like to start your own free petition, you can do so here:
    http://www.ipetitions.com/start-petition


    UNSUBSCRIBE: This
    email is a one-time correspondence from iPetitions to confirm your petition signature and you will not be contacted again by iPetitions regarding this matter. You are not part of any iPetitions mailing list and there is nothing to ‘unsubscribe’ from.

    Did you receive this email in error? Sometimes people enter wrong email addresses when they sign a petition. If this is the case, please send us an email at support@ipetitions.com and explain the problem. Thank you!

  58. #714743
    On June 6th, 2009 at 5:24 pm, DannoJyd said:

    Darn right I’m going to sign this petition, and I’ll even pass along this information.

    We must not allow the Democrat Party to bankrupt the U.S. for political expedience!

  59. #714807
    On June 7th, 2009 at 8:21 am, Tuesday said:

    The statement addressed to Nancy Pelosi that states “… Congress has a duty to the taxpayers to keep our hard-earned money out of the hands of those who play fast and loose with the law…” if to be strictly applied should also keep Congress and the current WH resident from squandering our hard-earned money!

    They have been playing fast and loose with the law! They have not been mindful of their fiduciary duties. They have overreached, totally disregarding the constitutional constraints of the executive and legislative branches of government.

  60. #714810
    On June 7th, 2009 at 9:44 am, katablog said:

    all these petitions to sign where they can get your email address and this one asks for donations when you submit.

  61. #714944
    On June 7th, 2009 at 4:14 pm, Kahuna said:

    STARVE THE BEAST is great, i will also do what i can. Remember, though, when the time comes due to pay taxes or face contention (whatever form results) penalties are always invoked on those that underpaid through the year (i.e. 100 exemptions claimed through the year and 2 when finally filing). Be careful!!!

  62. #714945
    On June 7th, 2009 at 4:14 pm, Kahuna said:

    STARVE THE BEAST is great, i will also do what i can. Remember, though, when the time comes due to pay taxes or face contention (whatever form results) penalties are always invoked on those that underpaid through the year (i.e. 100 exemptions claimed through the year and 2 when finally filing). Be careful!!!

  63. #714946
    On June 7th, 2009 at 4:14 pm, Kahuna said:

    STARVE THE BEAST is great, i will also do what i can. Remember, though, when the time comes due to pay taxes or face contention (whatever form results) penalties are always invoked on those that underpaid through the year (i.e. 100 exemptions claimed through the year and 2 when finally filing). Be careful!!!

  64. #714947
    On June 7th, 2009 at 4:15 pm, Kahuna said:

    OOPS!! Sorry itchy trigger finger!

  65. #715158
    On June 8th, 2009 at 9:06 am, dan708 said:

    Thanks for the heads-up, MM. The government simply should NEVER fund an overtly political organization like ACORN, be they Democrat- or Republican-leaning.

  66. #715164
    On June 8th, 2009 at 9:11 am, dan708 said:

    On June 7th, 2009 at 8:21 am, Tuesday said:
    The statement addressed to Nancy Pelosi that states “… Congress has a duty to the taxpayers to keep our hard-earned money out of the hands of those who play fast and loose with the law…” if to be strictly applied should also keep Congress and the current WH resident from squandering our hard-earned money!

    They have been playing fast and loose with the law! They have not been mindful of their fiduciary duties. They have overreached, totally disregarding the constitutional constraints of the executive and legislative branches of government.

    And to think, in the 90’s we were thisclose to having a balanced-budget amendment to our constitution. But RINO Mark Hatfield of OR cast the deciding Senate vote against it! I will never forgive him for that. And people like Colin Powell wonder why conservatives have no more tolerance for squishy moderates/liberals in the Repub Party?!

  67. #715675
    On June 8th, 2009 at 10:27 pm, ITookTheRedPill said:

    I just received this email from Congresswoman Michele Bachmann:

    Dear Friend:

    Thank you so much for the tremendous outpouring of support for my efforts to stop funneling your tax dollars to ACORN!

    Since I introduced my legislation to cut ACORN off from federal funds on Thursday, nearly 25,000 Americans have signed my petition asking Speaker Pelosi to bring it to the floor for a vote.

    If you haven’t signed the petition, please do so now:

    SIGN THE PETITION! And, stop ACORN from accessing up to $8.5 billion of your tax dollars!

    And, please forward this email on to all your friends and family and co-workers. Ask them to sign as well!

    This is a real test of Congress’ will. If Congress can’t stop funding organizations that have violated the public trust and the law, where will it draw the line?

    As I’ve asked from the very beginning: Congress needs to decide once and for all if it’s on your side or on ACORN’s.

    I will continue to fight for you. I will not shrink from any fight to protect your family budget or to protect your rights!

    I thank you for your hard work for freedom and hope I can continue to count on your support.

    Sincerely,

    Congresswoman Michele Bachmann

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