O’Keefe to ACORN: Sue me
posted at 4:55 pm on September 14, 2009 by Allahpundit
A typically ballsy reply to their latest desperate threats; the first half of the clip’s mostly background so skip ahead if you can’t be bothered. This was recorded yesterday morning, before the new tape from the New York office was posted, so it’s unclear whether the hints dropped here about more footage on the way refer to anything beyond today’s video. I’m intrigued, though, that Giles seems to say near the end that they weren’t turned away from any ACORN offices they approached. She and O’Keefe have been cagey about that, but if it’s true, this may be another very busy week for BigGovernment.com.
The true stroke of genius in this sting was adding the detail about the underaged girls. Helping out a prostitute would have earned ACORN some defenders on the left and among libertarians. Helping out child-sex-slave traffickers, not so much. Exit question: Do O’Keefe and Giles realize they’re going to be marked for revenge by the left forever? That’s what you deserve for exposing systemic criminal corruption, haters.
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No, in most courts as long as one party is informed (not a third party), and too add to this, if it is for the collection of illegal activities, it is legal.
You only need a warrant, if you are a third party like a police officer, and you are taping a conversation between two different people.
Nice try, but ACORN is scum and they were legally exposed.
right2bright on September 14, 2009 at 5:30 PM
Woodward and Bernstein for the new generation? Nah, probably not in this media climate.
spmat on September 14, 2009 at 5:31 PM
Wanna wager on that?
Gator Country on September 14, 2009 at 5:31 PM
O’Keefe truly represents the will of the American spirit.
mobydutch on September 14, 2009 at 5:32 PM
If ACORN sued, it would be over the taping and publishing of the tapes. Therefore, the tapes would not only be admissible but necessary for them to sue to begin with.
Blake on September 14, 2009 at 5:32 PM
I volunteer to be Hannah’s body guard!
Tim Burton on September 14, 2009 at 5:33 PM
Really like this brand of activism. Expose hypocrisy and illegality on the enemy’s turf. Force the MSM to eventually pay attention or lose even more credibility (if that’s possible).
Of course, conservatives have to watch out for incidents like this as well. I think Cong. Jean Schmidt learned this the hard way recently.
blackrepublican on September 14, 2009 at 5:33 PM
The President of the United States had a relationship with ACORN.
The President, while a candidate for that office, spoke to ACORN promising them a “seat at the table” in an Obama Administration regarding policy.
Why is the President of the United States SILENT in the face of these disturbing videos regarding ACORN?
He seemed to have plenty to say when it came to a caucasian police officer just doing his job. Sheltering sex slaves from the law and the IRS doesn’t bring the same outrage from Obama?
David2.0 on September 14, 2009 at 5:33 PM
No, you are correct. The hilarious part is that all journalism students want to be Bob Woodward. When they get to the networks the nets turn them into Jerry Springer. O’Keefe is now Sir O’Keefe to any would be journalism major….professors and producers be damned.
Limerick on September 14, 2009 at 5:34 PM
Glenn just said that there is another tape on the way tomorrow…can’t wait.
donkichi on September 14, 2009 at 5:34 PM
Ruh Roh… Beck just said he has a NEW tape for tomorow…
Romeo13 on September 14, 2009 at 5:34 PM
Glenn just said he has cleared the deck on the TV show for the next ACORN installment tomorrow. He says “You’re not gonna believe this one.” He said they have friends in high places
kingsjester on September 14, 2009 at 5:35 PM
but i heard on MSNBC today that these were just people trying to tear down an organization trying to help the poor.
give me a F*CKING break.
kelley in virginia on September 14, 2009 at 5:35 PM
If this duo is holding tapes of other stings as part of a planned response to the inevitable slanderour attacks by the Left, they are diabolically brilliant and have my everlasting admiration.
rrpjr on September 14, 2009 at 5:35 PM
You guys may be right. I googled private tapes in criminal cases, and there’s not a clear answer.
AnninCA on September 14, 2009 at 5:36 PM
We need a judge to immediately order and injunction that that Beck and O’Keefe must stay 150 feet away from all aspirin products.
Limerick on September 14, 2009 at 5:36 PM
Dukeboy01 on September 14, 2009 at 5:17 PM
I agree. And if any idiot started to talk to a NRA board member about sex slaves, they would be held at gunpoint until the police arrived.
If they did not and were caught on tape, they would be mercilessly thrown out of the NRA.
barnone on September 14, 2009 at 5:36 PM
I just sent a note to my Senators asking them to introduce legislation to deny ACORN any more of our tax dollars.
I suggest everyone do likewise. Ask them to specifically INTRODUCE the legislation themselves OR …
Explain why they don’t have a problem giving public funds to a criminal organization that supports underage prostitution and trafficing in illegal aliens.
HondaV65 on September 14, 2009 at 5:36 PM
Just seeing this guy with the fur, what the heck is that, a cloak?
Fur cloak and cane, is just priceless. Watching this again I just burst into laughter.
I can’t believe these acorn people fell for this. These acorn people are brain dead.
What planet are they even from? If they had worn sombreros, maracas, fake mustaches and plastic AK-47s, could they have passed for a Mexican drug cartel?
jhffmn on September 14, 2009 at 5:37 PM
since obama didn’t even know there were any “protestors” in DC on saturday (just a million, barry), he certainly can’t know that there are any bad people at ACORN.
help! there’s just so much to know! help!
kelley in virginia on September 14, 2009 at 5:37 PM
Yes…yes…*rubbing hands together diabolically*
donkichi on September 14, 2009 at 5:37 PM
LOLOL
As others have said, that pimp outfit was HILARIOUS, right down to the pimp walk (see end of the DC vid) hahahaha – and they fell for it – idiots.
inviolet on September 14, 2009 at 5:37 PM
Hannah is hot.
Good for these young’ens. Hopefully this will start a new generation of conservatives who are willing to stand up and fight.
txag92 on September 14, 2009 at 5:37 PM
How much worse can it get? From the way Beck sounded we are going to discover a new low.
stldave on September 14, 2009 at 5:38 PM
To equate the Boy Scouts to ACORN, what a farce…you aren’t even in disguise on this one.
Trying to pretend to be “offended” by ACORN, but then saying it is no worse then the Boy Scouts…you are disgusting, and neurotic.
right2bright on September 14, 2009 at 5:38 PM
There’s the real damage. It’s obvious. He’s silent when he wishes to be silent, eh?
It’s terribly damaging.
But so is the far-right beating a horse to death. My gosh, but I listened to Fox News this weekend. (I was interested mostly in teaparty news.)
They bored me beyond belief about this story!
I couldn’t take it anymore finally.
AnninCA on September 14, 2009 at 5:38 PM
Yep, they are playing the News Cycle very well…
Romeo13 on September 14, 2009 at 5:38 PM
I would all but guarantee the “fired” “bad apples” have been given jobs elsewhere within the organization (or with one of their supporters), and at higher pay to keep them quiet.
Spiny Norman on September 14, 2009 at 5:39 PM
Well, we’ll have to disagree. I can’t name the number of sexual abuse stories that have come out of that organization.
I find that completely disgusting.
AnninCA on September 14, 2009 at 5:39 PM
I’d love to be on that Jury, just for the privlige of seeing the ACORN who’s who list.
MikeA on September 14, 2009 at 5:39 PM
“michellemalkin – Sen. Johanns citing sting videos on Sen floor: “Until full investigation is launched, no federal $ should go to ACORN.”
Ask and ye shall receive….
donkichi on September 14, 2009 at 5:40 PM
ACORN does not want to help the poor. Just like the President, ACORN wants to enslave the poor.
mobydutch on September 14, 2009 at 5:40 PM
We’re not talking about a criminal lawsuit but a civil one. ACORN is threatening to sue civilly. The tape is admissible if not mandatory for ACORN to sue civilly.
Blake on September 14, 2009 at 5:40 PM
I tried to find the article. But there was a lengthly article about this and its relation to Linda Tripp.
To the point, he may be prosecuted, but if he can stick it out to the Supreme Court they have ruled against this law in MA before.
barnone on September 14, 2009 at 5:41 PM
anninCA: don’t be all bored with the ACORN news at Fox. go to any MSM outlet where it won’t be mentioned at all. you’ll hear alot of bambi worshipping however. now that isn’t boring, uh uh.
kelley in virginia on September 14, 2009 at 5:41 PM
Why did I just flash to that famous scene in Blazing Saddles where they are hireing bad guys?
“Badges… we don’t need no stinkin badges…”
Romeo13 on September 14, 2009 at 5:41 PM
If there are other tapes, and it sounds like there are, then acorn should know it, don’t you think.
rjoco1 on September 14, 2009 at 5:41 PM
That’s an excellent question. At what point can we hope to hear Obama utter the words, “ACORN acted stupidly”???
NoLeftTurn on September 14, 2009 at 5:42 PM
no, ACORN probably doesn’t know if there are other tapes because their employees were duped. they probably have no clue.
ha ha ha.
kelley in virginia on September 14, 2009 at 5:43 PM
should okeefe be sued his defense fund would very quickly make joe Wilson’s campaign chest seem penny ante/
reliapundit on September 14, 2009 at 5:44 PM
IOW: I AGREE: BRING THEM ON!
reliapundit on September 14, 2009 at 5:45 PM
AnninCA on September 14, 2009 at 5:39 PM
Yeah, Ann. The Boy Scouts are disgusting. Esspecially that oath they take to do their best to do their duty to God and their Country. And that time their leadership has given for free to work with the Scouts. Just horrible. /s ACORN is totally corrupt and this is fixing to blow up in Mr. President’s face. So just stay bored and watch what happens.
kingsjester on September 14, 2009 at 5:45 PM
Eff off. :)
I, and most people here, are not “far-right” – so stuff it!
You bore us beyond belief. You just can’t hide your true feelings and intentions beyond 30 seconds.
Blake on September 14, 2009 at 5:45 PM
Well, Acorn proved itself to me in the primaries. I voted Democrat.
It was truly horrifying what they were involved with, and I don’t mean those silly stories about listing Mickey Mouse.
The Democrats have dropped the issue entirely, of course, but it was the primary reason I left that party.
So this story is icing on the cake for me, personally. I feel completely vindicated.
That is one organization that is beyond saving.
AnninCA on September 14, 2009 at 5:45 PM
ACORN’s Bertha Lewis statement regarding the taping of its employees in Baltimore:
http://biggovernment.com/2009/09/12/statement-from-bertha-lewis-acorn-chief-organizer/
Did you know that Fox is not a “News Organization” cause its an “Entertainment Conglomerate” says Bertha Lewis. Well, if MSNBC is the gold standard for a news organization, then I’m for the entertainment guys at Fox.
BigAlSouth on September 14, 2009 at 5:45 PM
I’m sorry you feel that way. Just skip over my posts. I do that a lot, personally. Saves wear and tear.
AnninCA on September 14, 2009 at 5:46 PM
Vote to defund them going on the floor now and Dems are starting to jump on board.
donkichi on September 14, 2009 at 5:46 PM
Ha ha ha indeed. And the more common it is for employees to help out criminal types, the less sure the individual offices will be.
They don’t know if there are other co-conspirators, they don’t know how many other videos there are, and I for one am thoroughly enjoying the thought of all the corrupt employees panicking, getting no sleep tonight thinking, “what the HE** could I get in trouble for?”
inviolet on September 14, 2009 at 5:47 PM
Calling Mr. Lox. MassRighty might want to record this one too.
Canned compares ACORN to Boy Scouts.
Tries to make it “work in her head“.
Geochelone on September 14, 2009 at 5:48 PM
Acorn has no idea how many other tapes there are because, I expect, their local offices have given out this same sort of advice to plenty of others who weren’t taping them.
The next question is: how many government-funded brothels are out there?
Spiny Norman on September 14, 2009 at 5:48 PM
If we are talking about a criminal investigation of ACORN, then yes, the tapes are probably inadmissible. It’s likely to be considered a tainted evidence—obtained without warrant and all; not to mention provisions that cover official sting operations probably apply only to officers of the law.
However, it is incumbent on any prosecutor not in bed with ACORN to start their own investigations (after all, if this is widespread, ACORN cannot hide all the evidences) and gather evidences that are admissible in a court of law. These two brave man and woman are simply giving the prosecutors a very good tip, not doing their work for them.
I think the fact that they are not even trying says something. I just hope that they are but are also keeping quiet in order not to expose their own operation, but we will know in, oh, 6 months?
novakyu on September 14, 2009 at 5:49 PM
Glen Beck just announced there is a new tape to be released tomorrow.
Guardian on September 14, 2009 at 5:49 PM
That’s impossible since you hijack every damn thread and post about 20:1 to everyone else. Why don’t you just knock your $h*te off?
Blake on September 14, 2009 at 5:49 PM
Webb is one of the Dems that voted to defund Acorn. Smart man, he is one of mine.
Dodd voted for it as well, if you can believe that. I think that means that they are losing their funding.
donkichi on September 14, 2009 at 5:49 PM
Ann…
everytime you start to gain a grain of respect here you blow it with comments like that.
Joe Caps on September 14, 2009 at 5:50 PM
ACORN’s HUD funding is being cut off as we speak, amendment is being voted on and it’s passing. Several major Dems have thrown ACORN under the bus–including Boxer, Kerry, Feingold, etc.
Enoxo on September 14, 2009 at 5:50 PM
Out of the tens of million of young men and women who have served in the scouts, you pick out a whopping .00002% of abuse.
And these people just walk in to three ACORN’s to set up a sex ring for underage girls and are embraced.
We have had several presidents as Eagle Scouts, great generals, the number one most positive thing on a resume is being an Eagle Scout, boy and girl scouts have succeeded in producing the highest GPA’s, and the lowest % of any group in prison…and you try to diss it because a few, over the decades, a few leaders are perverse…less % of teachers, professors, attorneys, Senators, Congressman…not even a good try.
You come on with this “unbiased” foolish statements, then always sneak in some undermining comment that parrots the ACLU and other liberal organization stances.
Only the few that have just joined are fooled by your pretense and lies…
right2bright on September 14, 2009 at 5:50 PM
Senate roll call now – some lefties crossed over…let’s see how many know right from wrong.
Schadenfreude on September 14, 2009 at 5:51 PM
I wrote to my reps, too.
From MichelleMalkin.com:
This is what it says:
Burn the phones, type the emails. Let them hear you! This is an outrage.
doctormom on September 14, 2009 at 5:52 PM
Wanna bet?
Dave R. on September 14, 2009 at 5:52 PM
AHaha. Corrupt cow Senator Stab-me-now was the first Democrat to vote NO on the amendment to cut ACORN funding. But after almost all major Dems have voted AYE, she changed her vote to Aye.
Enoxo on September 14, 2009 at 5:53 PM
Dude, she is gaming us. Her opinions are artificially moderated until the inflammatory punch line. Then we react and she hijacks the thread.
An ACORN thread is suddenly about her experiences in life and the Boy Scouts. With her any rationalization can me made “to work in her head.”
Geochelone on September 14, 2009 at 5:54 PM
She doesn’t “blow it”, that is her M.O.
She pretends to “fit in”, and then throws in a zinger like she did.
She wasn’t winning on the “tapes are not admissible”, so she took the other tack(t), and tried to equate ACORN as no worse then any other non-profit.
Always beginning with “I don’t like them, blah blah”, but they are no worse then blah, blah…the sister to that argument is “I have always votes Republican, but for this once I, blah, blah, yadda yadda”.
She has already said she is socially liberal, so ACORN is no problem.
right2bright on September 14, 2009 at 5:55 PM
This will literally destroy ACORN … Three strikes – you’re out – but apparently O’Keefe even threw them some more strikes just to put the lid on the coffin.
There’s a paradigm shift here. ACORN (and virtually all organizations like them) operated in a “dark spot” in our society promoting their socialist agenda.
The light is now shed on them.
And it doesn’t matter if O’Keefe stops doing these tapes tomorrow – others will follow his footsteps.
And EVEN IF they don’t – the danger that there might be others out there ready to “sting” these organizations will force them to change their modus operandi and …
Doing THAT – will make them less effective in achieving their goals by an order of magnitude.
HondaV65 on September 14, 2009 at 5:56 PM
The ACORNites were familiar and comfortable with candidates for Congress being bankrolled by their prostitute/girlfriend. Apparently there’s another story hidden behind this one… any takers?
ya2daup on September 14, 2009 at 5:57 PM
Well at least Fox is willing to report on this and expose ACORN for what it truly is, a corrupt and socialist/Marxist organization that was also complicit in election fraud!
So where are the other MSM news organizations on this important story? *crickets* Nah, the MSM in’t biased…BWAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!
Liberty or Death on September 14, 2009 at 5:58 PM
Well said. I was Boy Scout. Scout’s honor.
ACORN, on the other hand, is a criminal organization from top to bottom.
Geochelone on September 14, 2009 at 5:58 PM
No taxpayer money should be used to fund its activities, period. All organizations should raise their own money, if they can’t, too freaking bad.
jimmy2shoes on September 14, 2009 at 5:59 PM
That is a great point. “The One” did not hesitate, with absolutely no facts, to trash a police officer doing his job, but nothing but crickets chirping about 3 offices of his pet organization promoting tax fraud and sex slavery. Of course, the media has not asked him about this scandal, so he has cover, and always will from the MSM.
kam582 on September 14, 2009 at 5:59 PM
Mr. Lox will need to study this thread very carefully. His nemesis has been true to form and most transparent.
This one should be chronicled for the archives.
Geochelone on September 14, 2009 at 6:02 PM
From Michelle:
Senate votes on Johanns amendment to cut off ACORN housing funds; Update: Amendment passes, 83-7
Those kids did it. Wow.
doctormom on September 14, 2009 at 6:02 PM
I stand by my point. Acorn is a volunteer organization with deep, deep problems.
There are others.
Including the Catholic church.
I don’t care to debate this issue.
It’s too apparent.
There are sick, sick, sick people out there.
And they are often in these organizations.
AnninCA on September 14, 2009 at 6:03 PM
LOL-I think that body needs more than one guard. :-)
Dave R. on September 14, 2009 at 6:04 PM
Who are the 7? Imagine
Schadenfreude on September 14, 2009 at 6:04 PM
Systemic, ideologically motivated abuse vs. a group of very sick men abusing kids.
Which of these two scenarios is more damning for the organization? You tell me. Be honest.
TheUnrepentantGeek on September 14, 2009 at 6:04 PM
Isnt Scott Levenson Acorn’s Lawyer ? Yeah I wouldnt worry if I was O’Keefe.
William Amos on September 14, 2009 at 6:05 PM
To save the country from the damage ACORN could do during the census and upcoming elections… yes, it’s worth it.
behiker on September 14, 2009 at 6:05 PM
I saw her first.
Geochelone on September 14, 2009 at 6:05 PM
I agree. Some coverage isn’t quite enough. Too much coverage is just getting into nutso land.
This story? Nutso land time. BTW, it’s about like the Wilson story.
Man, we have somehow jumped the shark on political stories in this country!
It’s truly good news for reruns on A&E.
AnninCA on September 14, 2009 at 6:06 PM
How long before the hordes of liberal lawyers begin digging into O’Keefe and Giles families? Remember Palin, Joe the Plumber, etc. I predict a major meltdown of harassment against thse folks very soon. The left does not need facts to be on their side. They have the media.
MikeA on September 14, 2009 at 6:06 PM
Acorns roasting on an open fire
O’Keefe and Giles punching them in the nose
Situation for the gangsters looks dire
And Obama folks all looking like big schmoes
MB4 on September 14, 2009 at 6:08 PM
AnninCA on September 14, 2009 at 5:20 PM
I don’t see ACORN as a huge source of black volunteerism either. As someone who has been active in volunteer organizations that were predominantly comprised by people of color, I had never heard or interacted with this organization until it popped up in the news.
Regardless, the allegations of voter fraud and now this videotaped advocacy by some volunteers of tax evasion is as far away from volunteerism and “helping low income communities” as I can think of.
blackrepublican on September 14, 2009 at 6:08 PM
Senate just voted to cut off their funds…
You’re WHACKED if you don’t think this story is important.
You have an organization which is under investigation in 15 States, gets MILLIONS of tax payer dollars, and is helping people get houses for Brothels for underage Foreign Hookers?
And this is not important?
Romeo13 on September 14, 2009 at 6:10 PM
+100. When there is no defense, he/she goes on offense with some ridiculous ‘moral equivalence’ argument. Please just ignore him/her.
Back on topic, there are a lot of lawyers who will be honored to defend these kids pro bono.
LASue on September 14, 2009 at 6:11 PM
Yup, and now one of them is the President of the United States. ACORN is where he comes from. It is who he is; like it or not. And all of these people have a side they do not want the public to see. Barack Obama IS ACORN.
MikeA on September 14, 2009 at 6:11 PM
AnninCA on September 14, 2009 at 6:03 PM
Some things are just unjustifiable and getting the same response from multiple sites indicates a systemic, organization-wide problem. Who hires people who wouldn’t be horrified by a client trying to pass off underage prostitution as a legitimate business enterprise?
blackrepublican on September 14, 2009 at 6:12 PM
It would be great for O’Keefe is Acorn sued him. He then gets that lovely thing called DISCOVERY, a veritable nirvana like access for a journalist. There are limits, of course, but in a defamation suit, TRUTH is an ultimate defense, so O’Keefe has the right to whatever would prove the truth of his arguments. He could make a feature length film! Awesome.
JustTruth101 on September 14, 2009 at 6:13 PM
These kids will need some well organized legal defense fund “money bombs”
Ozprey on September 14, 2009 at 6:13 PM
“NONE OF THE ACORN OFFICES ‘KICKED US OUT”
If that isnt’ a red flag to ACORN, what will it take to get their attention?
GarandFan on September 14, 2009 at 6:14 PM
If your name here is accurate, I’d like to welcome you to the fray. And I sure hope more of your friends and family join us in our quest to right a major wrong in our country. Despite all the efforts by the left to the contrary, this is not really about race. Well it is to them, but not to us. It is about duty, honor and country.
MikeA on September 14, 2009 at 6:16 PM
And the amendment passed! Yes!
haikusrock on September 14, 2009 at 6:18 PM
Count me in for the same!
Gang-of-One on September 14, 2009 at 6:18 PM
Ahahahahaha!!!
justltl on September 14, 2009 at 6:18 PM
Jim Geraghty, on Twitter “Who were the seven Child-Whoring Pimp Assistance Program defenders?”
Durbin and Sanders are two of the 7.
Schadenfreude on September 14, 2009 at 6:20 PM
If the corrupt Justice Department doesn’t act immediately to
seize all records of the 3 ACORN offices in question as well as the ACORN headquarters and start an immediate investigation under possible RICO law violations.
If the US Attorney General doesn’t act within 48 hours I’d say it must be forced by the President. If HE doesn’t act to force his Attorney General to do his duty than the President should be brought up on Articles of Impeachment for dereliction of duty.
Jeff from WI on September 14, 2009 at 6:21 PM
He is most welcome. Go to QOTD last night. The Dude is for real.
Geochelone on September 14, 2009 at 6:22 PM
The President must act immediately to set up a blue ribbon panel to investigate ACORN.
Jeff from WI on September 14, 2009 at 6:23 PM
MikeA on September 14, 2009 at 6:16 PM
Thanks. Yes, the name is accurate.
I haven’t posted in a long time but have read the site daily. I’m trying to comment a little more frequently now.
Spreading the word is tough but failure’s not an option if we care about the direction of this country.
blackrepublican on September 14, 2009 at 6:23 PM
Rejoice. O’Keef is the new magnificent bastard.
Geochelone on September 14, 2009 at 6:24 PM
Bumpersticker material!!! Think I may steal that for a sign!
lovingmyUSA on September 14, 2009 at 6:25 PM
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