Is ACORN operating in Maryland illegally?
posted at 1:36 pm on September 15, 2009 by Ed Morrissey
Last week, when undercover journalists James O’Keefe and Hannah Giles released video of staffers at the Baltimore office of ACORN offering advice on how to evade taxes and hide a child-prostitution ring, the City State’s Attorney responded by threatening to prosecute … O’Keefe and Giles. Before Patricia Jessamy attacks the messengers, she might want to review ACORN’s records. Big Government reports that ACORN forfeited their registrations in 2006 and 2008, and have no legal basis for operating in the state of Maryland:
Last week, we saw some pretty disturbing activities revealed in the undercover footage from ACORN Housing’s Baltimore office. By any measure of conduct, the actions of ACORN’s employees should never have happened. It turns out the actions shouldn’t have happened for another, very simple, reason: ACORN can’t legally operate in the state of Maryland.
According to the following documents, ACORN, Inc.–the parent organization of all things ACORN–forfeited its corporate charter in Maryland in 2006. ACORN Housing forfeited its corporate charter in 2008. Any ACORN office in the state of Maryland is potentially operating illegally.
Here are the certifications from Maryland showing that the state does not consider them to be incorporated in good standing:
ACORN Illegally Operating in Maryland –
In my previous work as a call center manager, I can attest from personal experience that Maryland usually enforces its licensing and registration requirements very, very strictly. Compliance failures resulted in stinging fines, and on occasion with threats to block business in the state. I can’t think of a state with tougher compliance laws, with the possible exception of Virginia. We practically built our compliance group just for those two states.
With that in mind, ACORN’s ability to maintain its operations without valid registration — if indeed that’s what happened here — should get considerable scrutiny. Were their operations merely overlooked, or was there something more deliberate in keeping compliance enforcement off of their backs? Could it be because partisan hacks like Jessamy are more interested in protecting their political allies than actually enforcing the law?
Update: I tweaked the language to be more accurate; we’re talking about registrations and not licenses in this case.
Blowback
Note from Hot Air management: This section is for comments from Hot Air's community of registered readers. Please don't assume that Hot Air management agrees with or otherwise endorses any particular comment just because we let it stand. A reminder: Anyone who fails to comply with our terms of use may lose their posting privilege.
Trackbacks/Pings
Trackback URL
Comments
Comment pages: « Previous 1 2 3 Next »
I’m not worried about her finances. The way this story keeps getting bigger every day, she’s gonna have a book deal and countless TV appearances in her future.
Doughboy on September 15, 2009 at 2:04 PM
say it ain’t so Ed!
cmsinaz on September 15, 2009 at 2:04 PM
I would have been instantly leery of those two. See, none of the good-time girls on Craigslist look like dat.
Bad-dow.
TMK on September 15, 2009 at 2:05 PM
I was concerned about the way this form looked so I went and verified it myself at thy Maryland Assesment and Taxation website.
I posted this at biggovernment too, and some fools were complaining of the details on the link. So let me say here, I didn’t design the Maryland website. Call them. The document listed in the article, they paid $40 bucks to get an “official” form.
barnone on September 15, 2009 at 2:05 PM
Thanks!
I went to the State of Calif Business Portal for Corporate listings and found nothing for Association of Community Organizations for Reform Now. I also found nothing for what you suggested. I did find something under Acorn Community Enterprises. A google search of the name links it to social services but I have no idea if this is what we are talking about. They are listed in California. I was going to suggest that everyone check their own state to see if they are legally registered.
Blake on September 15, 2009 at 2:05 PM
Let me start by stating unequivocally that Paul Anderson is a racist.
Now, if I walk into a “business” that is operating illegally and tape/video/record anything or everything going on there, am I supposed to get the gangsters’ permission first?
Try it this way, if I video tape you in the commission of a felony, do I have to even provide notice that I am in fact recording you for your future trial/imprisonment?
Seems to me the intrepid journalists and other parties involved may have known about the charter before they walked through the door the first time. After all, it would be in the public record.
Giles and O’Keefe are setting the libs’ world on fire. Where do I get in line to help pour the gasoline?
Blacksmith8 on September 15, 2009 at 2:05 PM
Maryland is chalk full of tax-fattened Democrat political hacks, I’m sure they chose to look the other way.
Virginia is becoming the same way, unfortunately. Used to be, normal people could seek refuge there from Maryland and DC, now it’s just turning into a high-tax, corrupt and incompetent Democrat run mess.
NoDonkey on September 15, 2009 at 1:43 PM
Here in Chicago, being the epicenter if not the HQ of ACORN, and indeed is where the SEIU’s HQ is, wherever the unions and these supposed not-for-profits proliferate, polital hackery exponentially proliferates with them!
Archimedes on September 15, 2009 at 2:05 PM
Hah, Jessamy/ACORN might say “so, if we didn’t exist, you didn’t film anything”. It’s the liberal mind, er lack thereof.
Schadenfreude on September 15, 2009 at 2:05 PM
Now that you have the ACORN location link, with their e-mail info, wouldn’t it be funny to e-mail each office regarding hooker/pimping questions, or on how to get rid of a not so loved one?..LOL
Jeff from WI on September 15, 2009 at 2:06 PM
Back off Jack. I saw her first. She’s mine :)
Geochelone on September 15, 2009 at 2:06 PM
Duh , it is a weird muppet.
the_nile on September 15, 2009 at 2:06 PM
You racist!
drjohn on September 15, 2009 at 2:06 PM
Where it comes to Maryland and business licensing, think Tin Men.
sdferr on September 15, 2009 at 2:06 PM
Fourth ACORN video by Veritas Visuals shows more misconduct and a surprise link to escort services
Dr.Cwac.Cwac on September 15, 2009 at 2:06 PM
Question: Why is the email address for SEIU Local 880 in Illinois seiu880 at acorn.org?
faraway on September 15, 2009 at 2:06 PM
Ooooo, Barbara (Don’t Call Me Ma’am) Boxer linked to pimp money! It don’t get better than this!!!
joedoe on September 15, 2009 at 2:06 PM
yep, had an internship there. They still have an office at UW but for the most part, they are now in Denver
Doctor Zhivago on September 15, 2009 at 2:07 PM
Now that’s my kind of chick. Smoking hot, independently minded, and very intelligent.
Chaz706 on September 15, 2009 at 2:07 PM
Who the hell is going to tell a couple of strangers they killed someone? Might be a slight credibility problem with this whack-o.
joedoe on September 15, 2009 at 2:07 PM
I hope we remember to drive that point home, once we’re done documenting it.
petefrt on September 15, 2009 at 2:08 PM
Yup..know all about it….lol
Jeff from WI on September 15, 2009 at 2:08 PM
That goes directly to their union goon division.
Jeff from WI on September 15, 2009 at 2:09 PM
Well I’m an optimist and I’m hoping for:
“I just spoke with Obama last week and he told me that maybe he was wrong about communism and tyranny and just maybe he should put everything back the way it was.”
Call me a dreamer but I prefer to be called optimistic.
shick on September 15, 2009 at 2:09 PM
I have to admit I get a savage sort of glee at watching this unfold, but in the back of my mind is the thought that this kind of thing must have been going on for years. Can you imagine the damage to race relations, let alone any community they may have “served.” Helping pimps out. Making sure fraudulent votes/registrations are counted. Having kids in the office while they help pimps out. Just corruption at such a level I find it hard to even imagine. It’s just sad. I would be angriest if I lived in neighborhoods where they’ve been the most influential.
WitchDoctor on September 15, 2009 at 2:09 PM
The Man in Black.
Blacksmith8 on September 15, 2009 at 2:10 PM
“Who the hell is going to tell a couple of strangers they killed someone? Might be a slight credibility problem with this whack-o.”
It was told to a pimp. you know, wink, wink, someone who understands.
WitchDoctor on September 15, 2009 at 2:10 PM
You have a clever wit Akzed. LOL
shick on September 15, 2009 at 2:12 PM
I hope O’Keefe and Giles are watching their backs.
keebs on September 15, 2009 at 2:12 PM
Is Obama’s aunt living in America illegally?
faraway on September 15, 2009 at 2:13 PM
ok, these people are corrupt. but think about this: they don’t bat an eye when the guy says “i’m a law student & i’m going to be a congressman”.
you know why they don’t bat an eye? cause they could just defraud the ballot box to get somebody elected. of course, they just nod at this statement.
kelley in virginia on September 15, 2009 at 2:13 PM
Damn! Full court press.
a capella on September 15, 2009 at 2:13 PM
Your… sarc fu … is greater than mine. (*bows*)
Blacksmith8 on September 15, 2009 at 2:13 PM
Is it 5 yet?
becki51758 on September 15, 2009 at 2:14 PM
You betcha’ !
petefrt on September 15, 2009 at 2:14 PM
some of the most fun I ever had doing that. The drive back and forth from Kenosha each day sucked balls though
Doctor Zhivago on September 15, 2009 at 2:14 PM
Yeah, but as the country song says…
I Loved Her First
TXUS on September 15, 2009 at 2:14 PM
O’Keefe and Giles deserves our version of the Pulitzer – let’s call it the “Malkin Award”
faraway on September 15, 2009 at 2:14 PM
I agree with you, WitchDoctor. This is fabulous to watch the evil ones get busted, but it’s very sad to see what they and others like them have done to our cities and neighborhoods.
Is Obama really so callous that he knew about this and just wanted power? Is he totally without vision or morals?
PattyJ on September 15, 2009 at 2:15 PM
Kenosha…yup..but the drive from “Stallis” didn’t seem too bad.
Jeff from WI on September 15, 2009 at 2:15 PM
Unfortunately, in Maryland, yes. I can see in some instances you don’t want people recording you and having the tape published. It’s just an invasion of privacy. However, when a crime is being committed or to protect yourself, I think you should have the right to protect yourself.
There are other situations of this nature that bother me, too. I had a client that was ordered to see a psychologist and he secretly taped it for his own protection because he knew the tape would be contradicted by the tape. He was right. However, there is a law on the books in Calif that this is illegal. Again, I think my client should have been the holder of the privilege – not the psych.
Blake on September 15, 2009 at 2:15 PM
Probably the happy recipient of an Acorn consultation.
R Square on September 15, 2009 at 2:15 PM
Tape #4 is comedy gold if you like gallows humor.
ACORN Rep just said that she thinks her own supervisor turns tricks on the side. Bwaaahhhh.
Then she says she shot her hubby “and he died right there”. He was 6’2″ weighed 300 lbs and she “laid out the ground work” so she could claim abuse.
UNFRIGGIN BAWEVABULL
Geochelone on September 15, 2009 at 2:16 PM
With Michelle Obama providing the advice!
BuckeyeSam on September 15, 2009 at 2:16 PM
\
She and her younger sister are both black belts and rsmcain has a pic of the younger one after having shot a wild pig.
aikidoka on September 15, 2009 at 2:16 PM
From what I’ve heard, and read, Glenn Beck comes on the Fox channel. 4 p.m. central for me. Otherwise, maybe try glennbeck.com. He might post this stuff on his site. Or go to biggovernment.com as someone posted. It will be posted at 4 p.m as well. The only problem might be, getting on. As I’m sure there will be an influx of people accessing both sites to get a gander of this. Look for Ed, or Allah to post it here too though. I’m sure they will. ;)
capejasmine on September 15, 2009 at 2:17 PM
The really sad part is $53 million bucks already down the drain! Somebody has been getting stinking rich off of this con job.
joedoe on September 15, 2009 at 2:17 PM
As a hooker???
Jeff from WI on September 15, 2009 at 2:17 PM
5 shows on Sunday weren’t enough. Obama’s also scheduled to appear on Letterman on Monday. Man if you thought Leno softballed the guy, wait til Dave gets to interview him.
Doughboy on September 15, 2009 at 2:17 PM
Reminds me of another conservative female hunter!
keebs on September 15, 2009 at 2:18 PM
Don’t know, but right now Rush is making noises like he’s going to offer his brother some private humanitarian aid, since Barry won’t help him. Har, leave it to Rush to poke ‘em with a stick.
petefrt on September 15, 2009 at 2:18 PM
Yes..the Obamas
Jeff from WI on September 15, 2009 at 2:18 PM
Can get Fox News in High Definition on TVPC.com. Go to “LiveTV” scroll down to United States and then find the Fox News link.
joedoe on September 15, 2009 at 2:19 PM
On Greta last night, Beck kept insisting that SEIU is all tied up in this and that Obama was wrapped up in both of them.
Could Beck have as many shoes to drop as Imelda Marcos?
Ratings Bonanza! Who needs Congressional hearings?
BuckeyeSam on September 15, 2009 at 2:19 PM
Letterman is planning a few more Palin daughter attacks just for the occasion.
Jeff from WI on September 15, 2009 at 2:20 PM
pant…pant…swoooon…
petefrt on September 15, 2009 at 2:20 PM
I am pretty sure that Hannah Giles wrestles bears, hunts baby seals, and climbs K2 without oxygen.
faraway on September 15, 2009 at 2:20 PM
AcornGate: What did Obama know and when did he know it?
MB4 on September 15, 2009 at 2:20 PM
Hannah has got some cuda in her.
Geochelone on September 15, 2009 at 2:21 PM
ACORN opperating illegally? Really? Who knew?
I’m sure the justice department will be all over this – NOT!
Glenn Beck needs to call Holder out on this.
Mangy Scot on September 15, 2009 at 2:22 PM
This moment-by-moment meltdown is rather enjoyable to witness. Very unlike Election Night 2008 when I watched everything fall apart and felt quite doomed.
keebs on September 15, 2009 at 2:22 PM
Idiocy works both ways in law. There’s a law (I think also in MD, not sure) that says if you’re going to break into a house and steal property, you have to give the owner 24 hours notice first.
Daggett on September 15, 2009 at 2:22 PM
Hannah’s younger sister and dad out hunting. Good lord.
Dr.Cwac.Cwac on September 15, 2009 at 2:22 PM
This post is mildly relevant IMO. A corporate registration foot fault is relatively minor and can be readily cured. (Lots of legit businesses, including Ed’s former employer it appears, fall into these types of traps especially when they work in multiple jurisdictions.) ACORN’s activities that taxpayers unwittingly fund is not minor and cannot be cured.
Remember that Senator Franken had all these types of registration and multi-state taxation probs, and it was not such a big deal to Minn voters apparently.
clorensen on September 15, 2009 at 2:23 PM
Yeah, that thing.
BKeyser on September 15, 2009 at 2:23 PM
Central can kiss my ass.
Doctor Zhivago on September 15, 2009 at 2:24 PM
Seriously. I don’t understand why the FBI hasn’t closed down at least 3 of the ACORN offices.
Really.
faraway on September 15, 2009 at 2:24 PM
What did Obama know?: M&M’s do melt in your hand.
When did he know it?: When he was sitting outside Soros’ DC office waiting for Rahm Emmanuel and Michelle to get done with their boring, non-basket ball meeting.
TMK on September 15, 2009 at 2:24 PM
Mine too..LOL
Jeff from WI on September 15, 2009 at 2:24 PM
Great sentiment. But I suspect Andrew Breitbart is helping these two make their rent payments.
John the Libertarian on September 15, 2009 at 2:25 PM
Cuda
Hannah Giles
Malkin
Ingraham
Coulter
Tammy Bruce
Megyn Kelly
Jeri Thomson
Barbara Bachman
Monica Crowley
Am I leaving anyone out?
You gals are showing us Dudes up.
Geochelone on September 15, 2009 at 2:25 PM
Our reps need to demand that the fed gubmit sue ACORN to recover the misused funds. Won’t happen anytime soon, of course, but they need to press the issue to showcase it.
petefrt on September 15, 2009 at 2:25 PM
Acorns roasting on an open fire
Flames nipping Obama in the
asstoesSituation for the gangsters looks more and more dire
And Obama folks all looking like big syndicate schmoes
MB4 on September 15, 2009 at 2:25 PM
WOW, She IS like Sarah!
Jeff from WI on September 15, 2009 at 2:26 PM
No kidding? is this the one who also bragged about being tight with Senators?
a capella on September 15, 2009 at 2:26 PM
Hell hath no fury…
keebs on September 15, 2009 at 2:26 PM
And the train keeps coming….
Dr Evil on September 15, 2009 at 2:26 PM
Some like it hot and some sweat
When the heat is on
Some feel the heat and decide that
They can´t go on
Some like it hot, but you can´t tell how hot
Til you try
Some like it hot, so let´s turn up the heat
Til on a burning pile of Acorns Obama does fry!
MB4 on September 15, 2009 at 2:27 PM
The all-new and improved feminism.
John the Libertarian on September 15, 2009 at 2:27 PM
I know most of these, and I just realized Democrat women are the ugly ones.
Jeff from WI on September 15, 2009 at 2:28 PM
AMEN!
Jeff from WI on September 15, 2009 at 2:28 PM
Dream Harem. -_*
TXUS on September 15, 2009 at 2:29 PM
Yep. She was singing like a canary, namin’ names too. Boxer was the biggie.
Geochelone on September 15, 2009 at 2:29 PM
Almost as if a linked political party was actively trying to enslave a segment of the population to the government dollar for voting block purposes……thats if you have a bent towards conspiracies though.
Koa on September 15, 2009 at 2:30 PM
The City of Baltimore should investigate Patricia Jessamy.
She was so quick to condemn the actions of investigative reporters O’Keefe and Giles, but why did she ignore ACORN operating in Maryland illegally?
The City of Baltimore should reconsider their decision to have Patricia Jessamy on their payroll. WTF?
BigMike252 on September 15, 2009 at 2:30 PM
Well, get along
Sweet little woman get along
On your way
Well, get along
Sweet little woman get along
On your way
Train Kept Rollin…
Dr Evil on September 15, 2009 at 2:30 PM
faraway on September 15, 2009 at 2:02 PM
http://www.seiulocal880.com/
Joe Caps on September 15, 2009 at 2:30 PM
//OT
Shick, You better sit down to read this.
The Texas Education Association (TEA) has a proposal before the State Board of Education tomorrow. The standards currently instruct sixth-grade students to be able to explain the significance of religious holidays such as the Christian holidays of Christmas and Easter, the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, and the Jewish holidays of Yom Kippur and Rosh Hashanah. The proposal, which is set to be debated during a hearing tomorrow, removes the words Christmas and Rosh Hashanah. Diwali, a Hindu festival, is added.
In a note explaining the change, members of a review committee wrote “the examples include the key holiday from each of the five major religions.”
*Apparently, Jews and Christians are no longer part of “the five major religions.”
Blacksmith8 on September 15, 2009 at 2:31 PM
Many of us think Obama is really a George Soros puppet. If that’s true, then this country is actually being run by whitey, using and exploiting a black person in the so-called office of the president.
So if anyone wants to talk racism, maybe they should start looking at those particular white racists.
Daggett on September 15, 2009 at 1:53 PM
I hope we remember to drive that point home, once we’re done documenting it.
petefrt on September 15, 2009 at 2:08 PM
————————————————–
So, George Soros is the plantation owner and Obama is the slave.
.
ms on September 15, 2009 at 2:33 PM
I hear the train a comin’
It’s rollin’ ’round the bend,
And I ain’t seen the sunshine,
Since, I don’t know when,
I’m stuck in Folsom Prison,
And time keeps draggin’ on,
But that train keeps a-rollin’,
On down to San Antone.
Knucklehead on September 15, 2009 at 2:33 PM
At least 5 on that list are packin heat. They got hand guns baby.
Geochelone on September 15, 2009 at 2:33 PM
From my understanding….one of the 2 brothers, who formed ACORN was embezzeling, from ACORN. So they created SEIU, and the embezzeler went there, to run the show. They are connected in more ways, than one. They work together, and share an address in New Orleans. This goes far deeper me thinks, than any of us can even imagine. It’s just getting started!
capejasmine on September 15, 2009 at 2:34 PM
I saw Johnny Cash live and up close. He could melt you with one look.
Geochelone on September 15, 2009 at 2:36 PM
ACORN
Dr Evil on September 15, 2009 at 2:36 PM
Reps. Boener, Cantor, Camp to IRS: Sever ACORN Ties Now
petefrt on September 15, 2009 at 2:36 PM
PattyJ,
I concur. Some are rejoicing at this news. It isn’t something to rejoice in. It is truly BAD news. While it is good that corruption, deceipt and depravity receives justice it is still sad that men are capable of such evil.
With that being said, it may be God’s plan that after all this is over the righteous will prevail and evil will be limited to demonstrate his glory.
shick on September 15, 2009 at 2:36 PM
Conservative women arent bitter.
becki51758 on September 15, 2009 at 2:37 PM
Shhh..lol..yes…but it’s not PC…lol
Jeff from WI on September 15, 2009 at 2:38 PM
Have Teleprompter Will Travel reads the card of the man.
A cipher without a thought of his own in what he’s turning into a bankrupt land.
His ah, oh, umm, loose mouth heeds the calling of a Soros wind.
A man without a clue of his own is the cipher called Obamadin.
Obamadin, Obamadin, Where do you roam?
Obamadin, Obamadin, Just be sure to never leave your teleprompter at home.
He travels on to dissemble and deceive whenever he feels he must
His yearning for power is his guiding lust
These are legends that themselves do spin
Of the Soros the Ventriloquist’s puppet
Of the cipher called Obamadin
Obamadin, Obamadin, Where do you roam?
Obamadin, Obamadin, Just be sure to never leave your teleprompter at home.
MB4 on September 15, 2009 at 2:39 PM
That’s a requirement in my harem, packin’ heat and shootin’ straight.
TXUS on September 15, 2009 at 2:39 PM
A lot of folks, including Rush and Glenn and David Horowitz and probably O’Reilly, seem to think that Soros is the force behind it all, that the restructuring package Obama is trying to install was designed by Soros for Kerry to install. But Kerry lost, so now it goes to Obama.
petefrt on September 15, 2009 at 2:40 PM
Comment pages: « Previous 1 2 3 Next »