BREAKING: ACORN Suspends Intakes- Will Start Immediate In-Service Training

Too late for ACORN?

September 16, 2009 by Bob Collins


The ACORN scandal is mushrooming.

It started after BigGovernment.com, a site run by commentator Andrew Breitbart, sent a couple of kids into an ACORN (Association of Community Organizations for Reform Now) office to try to get funding for a prostitution ring. Hidden video revealed an intake worker ready to help.

For conservatives, it was proof of a story they claim mainstream media has been ignoring: that of a fraudulent organization tied to the president.

ACORN's response has been -- charitably put -- uneven. At first, according to a press release, the group said an intake worker was just kidding:

When the actors approached Ms. Kaelke with their provocative costuming and outlandish scenario, she could not take them seriously. So she met their outrageousness with her own personal style of outrageousness. She matched their false scenario with her own false scenarios.

But another press release today from ACORN CEO Bertha Lewis suggests now that they weren't:

"As a result of the indefensible action of a handful of our employees, I am, in consultation with ACORN's Executive Committee , immediately ordering a halt to any new intakes into ACORN's service programs until completion of an independent review. I have also communicated with ACORN's independent Advisory Council, and they will assist ACORN in naming an independent auditor and investigator to conduct a thorough review of all of the organizations relevant systems and processes. That reviewer, to be named within 48 hours, will make recommendations directly to me and to the full ACORN Board. We enter this process with a commitment that all recommendations will be implemented."

Said Ms. Lewis: "We have all been deeply disturbed by what we've seen in some of these videos. I must say, on behalf of ACORN's Board and our Advisory Council, that we will go to whatever lengths necessary to reestablish the public trust. For nearly forty years, ACORN has given voice to communities, and gotten results. Right now, our nearly 500,000 member are working their hearts out for quality, affordable healthcare for every American and to help stop the foreclosure crisis. We must get this process right, so the good work can go forward."

It may be too late. Earlier this week, the Senate voted to prevent the organization from getting -- and distributing -- any housing money..."

http://minnesota.publicradio.org/collections/special/columns/news_cut/archive/2009/09/too_late_for_acorn.shtml

ACORN plans internal investigation

By SHARON THEIMER, Associated Press Writer

WASHINGTON – An advocacy group under fire after employees were caught on camera appearing to advise a couple posing as a prostitute and pimp to lie about the woman's profession said Wednesday it is ordering an independent investigation.

The group also said it is refusing new admissions into its service programs.

ACORN will work with its advisory council, which includes prominent supporters of President Barack Obama, such as John Podesta, president of the nonprofit Center for American Progress, and Andrew Stern, president of the Service Employees International Union, to name an independent auditor and investigator, ACORN chief executive Bertha Lewis said in a written statement.

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The moves by ACORN, which stands for Association of Community Organizations for Reform Now, come as some Republicans urge the Justice Department to investigate the group. In addition to the hidden-camera video, is under scrutiny for several voter-registration fraud cases.

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