ACORN’s mysterious sugar daddy
posted at 5:15 pm on September 22, 2009 by Ed Morrissey
When life hands you lemons, find a sugar daddy to turn it into lemonade. That appears to be the axiom in play at ACORN today, which has sent out an e-mail blast hoping to turn videos of several offices offering assistance for child-prostitution and tax evasion into a bountiful fund-raising opportunity. Two sources have forwarded the fundraising e-mails to us today, one of whom is our old friend John Ziegler. John says he has no idea how they got his name and e-mail address, except that he donated money once to a Democrat Congressman, a friend of his who is still serving in Congress now. That certainly seems interesting in terms of connections to this political scandal.
Bertha Lewis informs the potential donors that an unnamed individual will match donations up to $20,000 for the privilege of continuing to assist people with the kind of legal advice seen in action:
Dear John ,
I know I speak for everyone at ACORN when I tell you that we are humbled by the outpouring of support, and we are deeply grateful.
I have an exciting update to share with you. An anonymous donor has offered to match all new donations to ACORN — dollar-for-dollar — up to $20,000.
There will never be a more important moment to donate to ACORN — we are in the fight of our lives. And now, when you donate, your gift will be worth TWICE as much, up to $20,000.
Thank you for everything you do to help people in need,
– Bertha Lewis
PS: Did you see the message below? Please take a moment to read it if you haven’t yet.
Yes, it was that dastardly Fox News that made Congress – including most of the Democrats on Capitol Hill — stop funding for ACORN. It had nothing to do with the fact that multiple ACORN offices felt comfortable in instructing self-described purveyors of child prostitution in how to evade taxes and detection. No, Fox News snaps its fingers, and Democrats do their bidding. Uh … sure. It’s not for nothing that I call Bertha Lewis the Baghdad Bob of ACORN.
So who’s the “generous supporter” so inspired by multiple counts of tax evasion and conspiracy to obstruct justice in child prostitution and human trafficking? Shouldn’t ACORN make that plain as part of their attempt to “survive” Fox News and the “right wing”? Or is the generous supporter that embarrassed to show his face?
Let’s hope so.
Update: John’s friend is a current member of Congress, which makes his addition to ACORN’s list even more interesting. Do all Democrats share their e-mail lists with ACORN?
Blowback
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Wrong link. ACLU
davo on September 22, 2009 at 6:11 PM
Oops forgot to sign my comment:
TriciaNC, Southern by the Grace of God, Racist by the proclamation of my President.
TriciaNC on September 22, 2009 at 6:11 PM
I don’t suppose that in a financial investigation we’d find out just who it is – and be able to indict them on conspiracy-to-commit charges?
Blacksmith on September 22, 2009 at 6:11 PM
Bertha Lewis must think folks who support ACORN are stupid and not paying attention. Perhaps Bertha Lewis is right on that one!
Linnea on September 22, 2009 at 6:14 PM
Bertha calls herself ACORN’s “CEO and Chief Organizer.” How can she AND Obama have the same job?
Star20 on September 22, 2009 at 6:14 PM
It has to be George Soros. That Godless, soulless communist has no standard he will not violate in the interest of statism.
sondiehl on September 22, 2009 at 6:16 PM
Does Bertha Lewis share a wardrobe with Jeremiah Wright ?
macncheez on September 22, 2009 at 6:20 PM
You keep referring to it, Ed, as child prostitution. This misses the stark irony that we have on video black Americans nonchalantly discussing the promotion of SLAVERY. Child sex slavery. That is what makes Acorn’s actions so vile and what should turn Americans of all races and political stripes against them.
Chaz on September 22, 2009 at 6:21 PM
I think that she is more Mouth of Sauron than CEO and Chief Organizer really.
Lily on September 22, 2009 at 6:23 PM
At some point in time, can’t these ‘donors’ get charged with funding a criminal enterprise???
Because that’s exactly what it is…
BigWyo on September 22, 2009 at 6:23 PM
When the lowest of the low can’t go any lower, they find a way.
Mirimichi on September 22, 2009 at 6:24 PM
Forward this to your congress/senator and DEMAND that ACORN be stopped from fundraising, and demand to know who this person is.
We want a special prosecuter now!
patriotparty1 on September 22, 2009 at 6:25 PM
Ahhh… the video of that…
‘I rescued Tommy last year from a nice german-sounding group funded from a religious group… that wasn’t easy to do but I can bear that burden… this year Tommy needed some surgery so that he could use the durable goods of his older cousins…’
*cue violins*
‘Now with all the problems in our Nation, I have to scramble to meet Tommy’s specialized needs for 230 gr LRN in 45, and I find that this is NOT covered under my health insurance! Tommy does need his meds so that he can get a fine work out, and with market prices driven up it is hard to meet his needs of 20, 30 or 50 units at a time.’
*cue the chorus*
‘So my personal donations now go to the Feed Tommy Fund and you can help with your contribution of fine units from reputable industrial groups. Until Tommy’s needs are met under any health care plan, my donations to any political group is at an end… save for the nice folks at the NRA who made my adoption possible.’
*Show footage of soldier on the beach at Normandy with a Thompson SMG*
‘Our Liberty depended on Tommy, and now Tommy depends on me. I don’t need your help, and God help you if you think you can help me. Thank you, and goodnight.’
ajacksonian on September 22, 2009 at 6:31 PM
Rhymes with morose
phreshone on September 22, 2009 at 6:35 PM
One strong, unified push for a Special Prosecutor to investigate ACORN.
DaMav on September 22, 2009 at 6:35 PM
Priceless – thanks.
Blacksmith on September 22, 2009 at 6:36 PM
Was he handed his summary at the engagement meeting?
They can save money if they do all the icky work for him. This is a valued cause.
seven on September 22, 2009 at 6:45 PM
How would “poor and powerless people” donate to ACORN?
faraway on September 22, 2009 at 6:48 PM
Gee, wouldn’t it be a great big surprise if this “generous supporter” happened to have the last name SOROS?
pilamaye on September 22, 2009 at 6:52 PM
The same way they contributed to Obama’s prez campaign.
Remember even Obama’s illegal alien auntie Olive chipped in with 5 bucks? And that when she was in public housing
macncheez on September 22, 2009 at 6:54 PM
Who’s your daddy, ACORN? Why, it’s O’Keefe
faraway on September 22, 2009 at 6:55 PM
John’s been dead for 5 years. They got his checking account number off a check they stole from his widow when they were registering her to vote…/s
Caper29 on September 22, 2009 at 6:57 PM
ACORN should really follow the PBS model of donation-a-thons.
Donate $25 and get this lovely ACORN mug.
Donate $50 and get this genuine ACORN dime bag – straight from Tijuana
Donate $100 and you can pick the girl we will send to your home!
18-1 on September 22, 2009 at 6:58 PM
WTF?
John the Libertarian on September 22, 2009 at 7:21 PM
lemme guess… Blago? ummm nope.
Rezko…umm. nope, he’s in the can.
Babs Streisand?
Oh yeah, SOROS MAYBE?
ted c on September 22, 2009 at 7:26 PM
I have to give her credit. I saw her interview, and she called the employees “stupid.” There’s really not much doubt about that, but it was frankly refreshing to hear someone come out and say it.
AND she said she understood Congressional action.
I think she’s quite serious about reforming ACORN. Now, if that’s even possible…..
We’ll see.
AnninCA on September 22, 2009 at 7:42 PM
I think they’re just lying. There ain’t no sugar daddy. It’s a tease.
PattyJ on September 22, 2009 at 7:45 PM
AND she said she understood Congressional action.
I think she’s quite serious about reforming ACORN. Now, if that’s even possible…..
AnninCA on September 22, 2009 at 7:42 PM
——–
Oh please. Even your liberal mind can’t believe that.
Oh, and stop pulling an Obama and pretending you are one of us.
YOU LIE!
-TriciaNC, Southern by the Grace of God, Racist by the proclamation of my President.
TriciaNC on September 22, 2009 at 7:46 PM
I’ll bet you’re right; $20,000 is chump change to Dr. Evil.
George Soros is the cartoon version of C. Montgomery Burns … except he’s real!
SagebrushPuppet on September 22, 2009 at 7:52 PM
When she was on with Issa republican from California she would not look him in the eye. sure sign of a liar.
CWforFreedom on September 22, 2009 at 8:14 PM
You couldn’t get more direct than she was. She absolutely made no apologies or tried to say it was just a few employees.
It’s obvious that there’s a systemic problem. The question to me is HOW will you reform?
AnninCA on September 22, 2009 at 8:21 PM
Words fail me. Folks who support ACORN are stupid by definition.
MikeA on September 22, 2009 at 8:27 PM
I noticed the “old” photo of Bertha Lewis at the bottom of the Acorn Flyer which was below the Ziegler letter. Man, running Acorn must really wear on a person!!
InfantryBeanie on September 22, 2009 at 8:29 PM
I was kinda’ sad when I heard that Acorn wasn’t going to be able to be involved with the census. I was really looking forward to having one of those puppets knocking on my door and ripping them a new one.
ronnyraygun on September 22, 2009 at 8:53 PM
I love her signature. I remember practicing mine (when a boy) for hours. Then, later, settling for the simplest one.
I wish I had the power to confuse the tonques of such people. The Tower of Babel. I feel offended by the fact that they twist/steal English language: O’s questioning the Merriam-Webster definition of the word “tax.”
Both, left and right, use the same language: patriotism, pragmatism, sacrifice, etc, but why is it that I’m ill of the O’s language and politics? Gosh, if I could only mangle his/their language!
albertpale on September 22, 2009 at 9:04 PM
naaaah nana na… nah na… nah na… hammer time.
MC Hammer is the leader of ACORN? Now THAT is newsworthy. ;-)
cannonball on September 22, 2009 at 9:28 PM
I’m just wondering who on earth would donate to these clowns AFTER the child sex slave videos surfaced? Dude.
Mojave Mark on September 22, 2009 at 9:29 PM
Not to question the paragon of integrity that is ACORN, but what are the chances the anonymous donor is fictitious? A way to dupe folks into donating? I’m just sayin’…
Onus on September 22, 2009 at 9:37 PM
So John Yarmuth (D- KY) is selling out his contributors. Nice.
Monica on September 22, 2009 at 10:21 PM
The right wing aren’t “fighting mean and nasty,” we just turned the lights on.
Merovign on September 22, 2009 at 10:29 PM
Memo to: Ed Morrissey
From: Dave
RE: Bertha Lewis photo.
Might it be possible to locate a photograph of said woman that doesn’t make her appear as a Zulu tribe member.
-Assuming, of course, that such a photograph actually exists.
Your cooperation in this matter would be greatly appreciated.
-Dave
Dave R. on September 22, 2009 at 10:42 PM
Interesting.
Say, AnninCA, I received an e-mail today from a gentleman named Mr. Morhokum Fouryewtu, a former high governmental official in Nigeria, who writes:
The e-mail goes on to describe in some detail a fascinating and potentially quite lucrative financial offer, which I personally am unable to pursue at this time. But I would be more than willing to forward it along, so that you — as a person who is so obviously willing to trust in the obvious and basic goodness of so many others — might be able to share in reaping the rich rewards described in the offer contained therein.
You would only need to forward some very personal information along to Mr. Morhokum Fouryewtu.
Any interest?
Trochilus on September 22, 2009 at 10:49 PM
Let’s see…taking a few off-the-cuff guesses as to this “unnamed donor”:
– Teresa Heinz Kerry and/or husband
– David Geffen
– Steven Spielberg
– Bill Gates
– Ron Burkle
– Mr. Pelosi
– Berkshire-Hathaway guy in the MidWest…
Lourdes on September 23, 2009 at 12:09 AM
Aaiieeee, how could I ever forget the Dark Lord…
– George Soros.
Lourdes on September 23, 2009 at 12:10 AM
– Steve Bing.
Lourdes on September 23, 2009 at 12:10 AM
Yeah, certainly is, a Classic.
Lourdes on September 23, 2009 at 12:14 AM
Systematic as in violation of RICO Statutes. Reform? How about appointment of a Special Prosecutor,seizure of their books, revocation of their Non Profit Tax status and a combined IRS/FBI investigation? That would suit me just fine.
old trooper2 on September 23, 2009 at 1:28 AM
I wonder how much welfare and stimulus money will be donated to ACORN?
PatriotRider on September 23, 2009 at 8:39 AM
Do you suppose that some Congressional insiders knew this before they pulled funding? I look forward to finding out who the anonymous donor is. That’s something that will come out sooner or later. Says much about the morals and ethics of this presumed donor though.
jeanie on September 23, 2009 at 8:42 AM
Dear
Johnjohns,FIFY
kg598301 on September 23, 2009 at 8:44 AM
It’s pretty naive to think that she did not have some idea of what was going on. Personally, I think her ‘commitment to reform’ will last only as long as the spotlight shines on them. However, time will tell. Let me suggest though, that you do not risk large amounts of cash betting on Bertha’s and her group’s ethics improving markedly over the long term.(perhaps you’d rather use some this cash to send ACORN a donation to be matched?)
jeanie on September 23, 2009 at 8:52 AM
As a member of the collective, the DNC shared all of John’s friend’s email lists with their business partners: ACORN, SEIU, Tides, Moveon, MediaMatters…
Blacksmith8 on September 23, 2009 at 11:46 AM
Why would anyone actually believe Bertha Lewis is telling the truth about the magical mystery matcher?
There may be such a person, but try to recall that she has worked herself to the top rung of an organization that is based, in part, on utilizing a form of extortion to get money. Michelle has more than amply exposed the “coordinated corruption” that has been taking place internally within ACORN in order to hide money, and/or to illegally free up charitable money for political purposes.
And, let’s not forget that in Maryland, at least, a State’s attorney is perfectly willing to utilize the power of the State to threaten prosecution of the two journalists who have exposed the Baltimore ACORN affiliate by taping ACORN officials there giving the duo advice on how to engage in criminal activity to hide their scheme! The congressional duo of Barney Frank and John Conyers are taking a more subtle approach by asking the non partisan Congressional Research Service (CRS) to investigate the “propriety” of the journalists methods by compiling the — “the federal and state laws that could apply to such videotaping and distribution of conversations without the consent of all parties,” i.e., using our federal taxpayer funds to search for ways to frustrate or stop those who have exposed the ACORN web of criminality!
One of the really fascinating stories — yet incomplete so far as I am aware — is the full story behind ACORN working it’s way into the “tax advice” business in the first place. It is pretty obvious they never did it with an eye for actually providing people with good sound advice!
According to what has been reported by Mark Tapscott, and The Washington Examiner’s Kevin Mooney, we do know that ACORN went after H & R Block for their lending practices in certain neighborhoods, where H & R Block was advancing people their tax windfalls, but at high interest rates.
Smith, who would never do his taxes in detail on his own, goes to H & R Block, and is suddenly in line for a $250, or maybe even a $550 earned income tax credit, or a refund. Wanting the money NOW, and not in mid-July, Smith quite eagerly signs up for, or is coaxed into signing over the refund at a handsome discount for H & R Block. Cash in hand!
Their national organizing structure gave ACORN the capacity to go after a corporate giant like H & R Block by confronting them simultaneously at multiple locations, with angry activists even showing up in the home neighborhood of the H & R Block CEO. The tax advisor caved and is now literally a working “partner” of ACORN. And they will not talk about the relationship, or how much they make in regular “payments” to the group.
My guess would be that if there is a big-time matcher-donor, there is a very good chance it is someone with something to lose if they do not “help” ACORN through their current travails.
Trochilus on September 23, 2009 at 12:23 PM
Wow, that’s the first combination Mohawk/mullet I have ever seen. Sweet!
Dukehoopsfan on September 23, 2009 at 3:43 PM
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