September 16, 2009
Posted: September 16th, 2009 04:47 PM ET

From
In the videos, the individuals seek advice on setting up a brothel with underage women from El Salvador.
In the videos, the individuals seek advice on setting up a brothel with underage women from El Salvador.

WASHINGTON (CNN) - The community organizing group ACORN Wednesday announced a hiring freeze, new training programs and an independent review of its programs following the recent release of a series of videotapes embarrassing to the agency.

The videos - secretly taped by two individuals posing as a pimp and prostitute –showed ACORN employees in four of the agency's offices suggesting or condoning a series of illicit actions as the couple sought advice on setting up a brothel with underage women from El Salvador.

"We have all been deeply disturbed by what we've seen in some of these videos," said ACORN CEO Bertha Lewis. "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."

The steps announced include an immediate halt in hiring for all ACORN offices, an immediate training program for all frontline staff, and selection of an independent auditor by the end of this week.

Full story

Filed under: ACORN


just truth   September 16th, 2009 8:36 pm ET

these nitwits can't get there stories straight. when the videos first came out they were saying they knew these people and that it was just a joke. ACORN is the only joke in this.

Denna   September 16th, 2009 8:27 pm ET

If ACORN is guilty of misusing funds or other offenses, then they should be punished. But don't even try to tie President Obama to this problem. Community Organizers to a lot of good in America and some do bad – see Tea Party Organizers – but please don't tar all people connected with community organizations an villains.

Kaci   September 16th, 2009 8:25 pm ET

But I'm still waiting for the investigation and withdrawal of federal taxpayer dollars from Halliburton/KBR, Blackwater, the electric contractors who killed workers over in Iraq, and my tax dollars going to pay Ensign for his affairs, and Vitter to pay his prostitutes, AIG, Wall Street – need I go on? As people get rabid and foam at the mouth about ACORN, which has done immeasurable good for 40 years in communities most of these right wing republican detractors wouldn't even step foot in, it like most other large, national organizations have problems that need to be fixed. But the faux righteous indignation from the right would be laughable if it weren't all together repulsive. And the idiot fring just lap it up. the death of our nation is at had – not from a President that you despise – but from an electorate that more identify as sheep than anything else. God help you people, wake up.

m smith   September 16th, 2009 8:11 pm ET

Im sure it is all the presidents falut anyway. Gee a Fox exclusive. Humm now that is unbiased news. Boy will the repos run with this one. Can we talk about health care instead????

jules sand-perkins   September 16th, 2009 8:09 pm ET

ACORN is not an organization with bad apples in it.
ACORN is one bad apple standing alone.
The Big Bad Apple.

Nunya   September 16th, 2009 8:07 pm ET

So where are the videos of the ACORN offices which rebuffed these buffoons? Some of the offices reported the questionable activity to the police. Why don't we hear that in these stories as well? Because the people who were conducting the exposes only wanted to show you the bad behavior, of course.

Should ACORN be investigated? Yes
Should the employees who engaged in obviously questionable activity be dealt with harshly? Absolutely
Does this indicate that ACORN is some evil organization that's out to destroy America? Not even close

Linda C.   September 16th, 2009 8:02 pm ET

Yes, secretly taped by two "young" individuals who did ABC, NBC, CBS and CNN's job. Pathetic!

jules sand-perkins   September 16th, 2009 8:00 pm ET

ACORN just needs to learn to "get over" a little better, then they can move right on along and drag our country further left with them.
Anybody seriously enough involved in society to deserve to vote would take the initiative to register himself without assistance from somebody out to organize a community.
There is no valid reason to let this criminal entity function at all, and certainly no reason for the government to fund it.

Sniffit   September 16th, 2009 7:58 pm ET

People fail to remember that Acorn is a REPUBLICAN FOUNDED AND FUNDED group that the Republicans have tried to connect to Obama.

ACORN IS REPUBLICAN CORRUPTION AT ITS FINEST (that is worst)

Farrell in Houston   September 16th, 2009 7:42 pm ET

Remember people, there is always a bigger story to be told and it won't be about ACORN or the Democrat Party, so don't be so quick to judge. Just keep your ears open.

Truth-Bomb Thrower   September 16th, 2009 7:33 pm ET

Uh-oh. The democratic party's FLAG-SHIP ORGANIZATION is in trouble. We know now that Acorn is useful when it comes to setting up prostitution rings and rigging elections and censi. I wonder how useful it will be in securing the Olympics for Chicago. :-)

GuyinVA   September 16th, 2009 7:23 pm ET

What new training? How to spot covert cameras? Does this series of ACORN videos surprise anyone?

Lisa P   September 16th, 2009 7:18 pm ET

The funny thing is that the same people who want to condemn ACORN for the actions of a few of its' employees are the first to cry "Foul" when the anti-government/anti-Cbama Right is called racist because of the racist statements and actions of "a few" of its' sympathizers.

Which is it, guys? Does the worst part represent the whole or is it "just" a few fringe undesirables? Your hypocrisy is making my head spin!

aaron B.   September 16th, 2009 7:13 pm ET

I'm what you'd call a "Liberal Democrat" in some debates. . . and I'm sorry there is NO EXCUSE for that behavior. . . . ACORN needs to be dismantled and burned.
If most people see this organization as standing for people like me . . . I want it to no longer exist. Thanks xoxo

Lauren in Ohio   September 16th, 2009 7:07 pm ET

The Liberal Democrats in Washington are chomping to the the Attorney General investigate the CIA, but yet not one stinking word from them about having the AG go after ACORN.
They are more worried about someone who called the Prez a liar.

Chipster   September 16th, 2009 7:05 pm ET

Once again, proof that the media doesn't have a clue what investigative journalism is all about. Why did a couple of young kids ferret out this story while the news agencies gave us more of the same old tabloid garbage!

Are there any professional journalists anymore? ABC, NBC, CBS, CNN, FOX NEWS, MSNBC, anyone? Any serious journalists? Hello?

This sort of corrupt can likely be found in most any large organization but we'll never know until a couple of ambitious youngster decide to do a little research.

Sue   September 16th, 2009 6:59 pm ET

Would love to hear Obamas comments on this scandal, considering he was closely associated with them and considered them a great organization.

Mike in MN   September 16th, 2009 6:59 pm ET

I wonder if the Democrats have thought thru this whole thing about trying to label everyone who is opposed to Obama's policies a racists.
Polls show a lot more oppostion to his policies then their are Republicans out there. In fact polls show a lot of independents are opposed to many of Obama's policies.
Are just the Republicans the racists? Aren't they afraid the independents will get really pissed of at being called a racist when they just don't line the public option or are concerned about all the spending and increasing deficits?
Or do they just think the independents will become afraid of the social stigma of being called a racist and change their point of view?

ComradeObummer   September 16th, 2009 6:59 pm ET

I love reading the clowns who blame FOX NEWS for researching and reporting this.

Yeah, let's blame the messenger vs the GUILTY PARTY.

ACORN has been and still is a CORRUPT organization.

Deal with it, Obama's pals got caught in the cookie jar.

WATERGATE 2

Sue   September 16th, 2009 6:58 pm ET

How about a FREEZE on all funding to ACORN...........permanently?

ComradeObummer   September 16th, 2009 6:56 pm ET

NO MORE GOVT FUNDING OF ACORN.

If I see anymore GOVT funding to ACORN, I'll cheat on my taxes.

PERIOD.

I'm not of paying more and more taxes when it goes to PUPPET groups like this.

Sue, WY   September 16th, 2009 6:56 pm ET

It's too late. They should have trained their people better. While I do think that the people on the video are at the bottom of the totem pole, they are still responsible for representing the organization.

ACORN should not be responsible for our census, period. If the govermnent really cares about counting people, they should hire others to do it.

Having said that, ACORN is in no way linked to President Obama. He is a great man, and a great American. He tries to do the right thing, and it would be benificial to ACORN if they followed in his footsteps.

rin   September 16th, 2009 6:55 pm ET

i am just trying to figure out why the acorn story so big to republicans?

David   September 16th, 2009 6:53 pm ET

ACORN = Obama's Halliburton.

David from WI   September 16th, 2009 6:48 pm ET

The federal govt needs to do a full investigation and audit of all ACORN funds and subsidiary organizations.

They only harm those they claim to help if corrupt.

Now 'that' will take some courage Mr Holder.

makesUwonder   September 16th, 2009 6:48 pm ET

Hiring freeze my butt...........the entire corrupt place should be closed down and never be allowed to reopen. AND.........

Dick Durbin (D-IL)
Roland Burris (D-IL)
Robert Casey (D-PA)
Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY)
Patrick Leahy (K-VT)
Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI)

Should all be voted out for voting yes to continue funding for ACORN!
ACORN among many things has no problem with young girls selling themselves for money. DISGUSTING THE HARD WORKING TAX PAYER HAS THEIR MONEY GOING TO THIS CORRUPTION.

New Yorker   September 16th, 2009 6:45 pm ET

What a joke; this organization should be shut down.

DaBird   September 16th, 2009 6:45 pm ET

EVERY person in this country should demand an investigation into child prostitutes and tax fraud. If you find yourself still thinking ACORN is a good organization, then you are dishonest and NOT an American.

Shannon   September 16th, 2009 6:44 pm ET

This organization has become to big and to corrupt to continue. I don't want any more of my tax dollars to go to organizations like this. People here who blame the people who exposed just how dirty this organizaiton are part of the problem.

Stop all funding to ACORN....   September 16th, 2009 6:43 pm ET

and the 300 organizations associated with them.....they are clearly corrupt and exist only to pay unearned salaries to ACORN executives and employees.....

Dan   September 16th, 2009 6:41 pm ET

acorn= A Crime Organization Runs Nowhere!?

Kate in San Diego   September 16th, 2009 6:40 pm ET

It is really kind of sad. I have worked with ACORN on numerous community projects. The issue stems from the fact they work with problematic people. They hire ex cons, people just coming off welfare, and others with difficulties. it is a huge part of what they do. The organization is big and loosely organized. I can just see people smacking their lips with glee over being able to use this somethow against the POTUS, but it really isn't fair. ACORN over the years has done great work. They need to clean their house at this point, but let's not throw the baby out with the bath water!

TexasAnnie *-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*   September 16th, 2009 6:38 pm ET

I'm basically a Democrat (probably more moderate than liberal) and I think ACORN has reached that Strike Three status and needs to be put O-U-T. They are an out of control organization with no accountability and no chain of command. It's time to shut off any & all public funding to them.

Jeanne   September 16th, 2009 6:38 pm ET

I just hope they pull funding and investigate/audit the almost 300 organizations associated with ACORN out of their New Orleans headquarters. By the way, it's the office for ACORN and the SEIU (Service Employee International Union) share. Are they one and the same?

Some how this isn't mentioned in the stories!

Mark   September 16th, 2009 6:34 pm ET

The 9/12 Project protest was about more than taxes. It was about ending coruption like ACORN, socialism, congressmen and senators who no longer represent the will of the people, Etc. I was there to witness the 1.2 million who are fed up with all of it! ACORN and Van Jones are just the start of cleaning house. If you are smart, CNN, you will follow the stories as they unfold.

Obama Victim II   September 16th, 2009 6:31 pm ET

I had to re-check the website to make sure this was CNN!!

I guess after 10+ days of videos and Congress cutting off funding, you guys HAD To report something!?

Darth Vadik, CA   September 16th, 2009 6:30 pm ET

This is just a fake story put out there by ACORN to let the conservatives drop their guard.

Don't be fooled conservatives, ACORN is coming for your women, your children, your guns and they will make you swear an oath to be a life time Communist party member.

Quick, hide, hide before they get you.

oh_dem   September 16th, 2009 6:29 pm ET

oh and who was ACORNS big-shot lawyer for years? hehe...

(psst...it was obama)

S Callahana NYS   September 16th, 2009 6:26 pm ET

If I recall correctly, 1994 Housing (HUD) was having huge issues (remember the affair) and lots of nepotism going on....I wonder how this agency started, by whom. The financer of this agnecy was primarly HUD (the bigger bucks that is). So with them facing a possible legal issue/investigation which may or may not shut them down my question is ...what happens to the individuals who have their housing on voucher through them or their education/training provided by them???

oh_dem   September 16th, 2009 6:25 pm ET

its about time, CNN. you and the other major media outlets are about 7 days behind on this story. No wonder that FOX has higher ratings – even I know that if I want the REAL news, i watch FOX and wade through the BS

Barb   September 16th, 2009 6:22 pm ET

Why the tie in with ACORN and just the Democrats and President Obama..????.. This project was also funded and supported by the REPUBLICANS!!! How about getting our outrage right!

donnabelle   September 16th, 2009 6:20 pm ET

ACORN needs to be thoroughly investigated, all federal funding stopped and not be able to apply for future funding. Where is the IRS. I have been a tax professional for many years and have represented people being audited before the IRS. They (the IRS) chase after the small businessperson just trying to make a living , yet they let this group get away with fraud and abuse and who knows what else. Let's see the IRS do a audit of ACORN's financial records and do it NOW!

LacrosseMom(stuck in moderation)   September 16th, 2009 6:20 pm ET

Faux News sponsored O'Keefe????????????????????????????????

No wonder this whole thing......... smells.

There are crooks in every organization, EVEN, the Roman Catholic Church! Okay?!

No organization is perfect. ACORN is being targeted because the GOP can not stand this group.

Dale   September 16th, 2009 6:18 pm ET

Training? The only training ACRON will give is how to be corrupt without getting caught and exposed for who they really are, a group led by greedy arrogant people bent on power and control.

stan   September 16th, 2009 6:18 pm ET

fox news is a joke,that woman made fox news look like idiots when she said she killed her hubby,this just shows how desperate fox is to destroying acorn,but acorn is making them look like idiots,acorn knows what fox news is up too,thats why that woman played along with their game,she made them look like fools,so i say good for her,but everyone knows why the republicans wants acorn to fail,because its simple acorn have registerd millions of voters over the years,in the gop wants that to end,the gop dont care about housing for the poor,if acorn wasnt registering poor people the republicans or fox news wouldnot even giva damm about acorn,so lets be real people,this is about acorn registering poor people to vote.

LacrosseMom(stuck in moderation)   September 16th, 2009 6:17 pm ET

No one has kept this story a secret, its been out for a week or two. My question is what was the motive behind this man video taping unsuspecting people? And secondly, what was EDITED???

This whole thing SMELLS.

PS. The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops have given ACORN, $700, 000 over the years.

JC   September 16th, 2009 6:16 pm ET

Community orgnization and community work is great. The corruption that always seems to be around ACORN is not. ACORN should not be a partisan organization with a political agenda. The whole organization needs to be gutted, new policies and leadership put into place, and a new organization should be created.

Phil   September 16th, 2009 6:08 pm ET

WOW! CNN finally decides to post a story about ACORN? What's next, MSNBC? The media bias is ridiculous. Shame on you CNN. I'm sure this will get deleted.

Sniffit   September 16th, 2009 6:07 pm ET

"Total unquestioned free pass."

I'd be careful accusing the media of giving the Dems a free pass and uncritically airing whatever the Dems say: they treat nonsense like "death panels" as though it needs to be discussed to figure out if it's true or not instead of showing proper outrage at blatant lies that constitute the GOP's abuse of the democratic process...disseminating such inane misinformation to skew peoples' decision-making. Accurate informed, well-educated voters are the cornerstone of a well-functioning democracy...not riled up partisan tribesmen ranting irrational untruths and insults....but hey, the GOP does it to spur its fundraising, so who can blame them, right?

inofritzn   September 16th, 2009 6:06 pm ET

CNN DID try to bury this FYI. Think how many stories they ran on Wilson, Palin, haliburton, etc. It took them many days to actually put this story on their "high-click" area of the web-site

Tim   September 16th, 2009 6:06 pm ET

As a tax exempt organization, they are not supposed to be political. They stumped for Obama during the election, and Obama's camp gave them $888,000 to do so.

Obama is as guilty as they are.

Tim   September 16th, 2009 6:04 pm ET

Maybe Obama can stop by and give them some more training.

jeff jackson, alabama   September 16th, 2009 6:04 pm ET

What is it about the word "evil "that nobody seems to
understand?
This organization is evil. When damage control goes
into a gear this high within an organization it's time to
say goodby to that organization.

SLM   September 16th, 2009 6:03 pm ET

What about Charlie Rangel? When are they going to go after this Tax cheat. He is worse than Joe Wilson, but being a Democrat it is ok NOT to pay your taxes..............oops, I didn't know I was supposed to claim Rental income. Any you think these folks can run our healthcare?

donttreadonme   September 16th, 2009 6:03 pm ET

The dems will support them no matter what! It's all about creating votes for Obama. Voter fraud...prostitution….. embezzlement who cares as long as the dems have the power!

Acorn should have stuck with its mission of helping people and not become a tax payer funded political action group. Obama should be ashamed to have any ties to this group.

No more tax payer funds period!

Steph   September 16th, 2009 6:03 pm ET

ACORN has its problems, but the Obama conspiracy is totally fabricated (shocking, I know, right wingers fabricating information to try to get President Obama!) ACORN has worked with federal contract funds for a long time (like the large amount of money they received in 2006 under Pres. Bush), AND McCain attended rallies with ACORN reps (check out the pictures yourselves – McCain and ACORN administrators right there arm and arm on stage). So, shut it! Like ACORN or not, they are not some secret organization run by President Obama! Now, get out of your parent's basement and get a life.

Mike in MN   September 16th, 2009 5:59 pm ET

The mainstream media and Democrat lead congress are no longer doing their jobs to root out corruption.
And the mainstream media stopped long ago with any thing that would qualify as critical questoning of what Obama and the Democrats are saying or doing. Total unquestioned free pass.
So average everyday citizens who are feed up are taking up the mantle.
ACORN is just the start.
And as for congress, there will be no more major bills rushed into law so fast that voters don't have a chance to understand what is in them. They have pulled that one under the leadership of Obama for the last time. If they aren't going to read the bills, we will have to do it for them.
If liberals thought they were going to get a free pass because the mainstream media was not going to pay attention, they are in for a big surprise.

AntiRush   September 16th, 2009 5:58 pm ET

And now the difference. As a Democrat, I say that ACORN should be fully investigated. Any criminal behavior should be prosecuted. If the investigation reveals an organization that has gone too far down the road of corruption to be saved, then ACORN should be disbanded. That is my view as a Democrat. If this was a Republican organization, the Republicans would be calling this a witch hunt, pointing out all of the bad things that Democratic organizations do (as if 2 wrongs make a right), making every excuse in the world for the bad if not criminal behavior, and blaming Bill Clinton.

Heather from Beautiful Seattle   September 16th, 2009 5:58 pm ET

People need to learn to differentiate. Being a community organizer shows great leadership and civil service. Just because a lot of corruption has come from ACORN does not mean that being a community organizer is a bad thing. Supporting organization that try to assist others in not a bad thing. Their is no doubt that ACORN has proven itself to have too much corruption in too many of its offices that there is no way for them to legitimately come back from this. By the way CNN did have this story on the front page last week, just an FYI for all you Fox lovers.

Simonsays/Orlando   September 16th, 2009 5:54 pm ET

This criminal behavior does not suprise me. They are still being investigated in 11 states for voter fraud. They actuially registered a now deceased Paul Newman in Florida. How stupid can you get. It is an organization that started out with high ideals, but deteriorated into organized fraud through lack of morals, leadership, and oversight. They should be giving back the $50 milion that the tax payers have given them. I'm glad that some of the other media outlets besides FOX have picked up on this story.

Robert New Concord, ohio   September 16th, 2009 5:53 pm ET

This is minor compared to the Billions being paid the naked security guards in Afghanistan! We all have stupid employees and I'm hard pressed to find one I can trust! The fact that they all acted very similar kind of makes me think they were playing a role for a part in the film! Let us wait for the facts before blaming the employer!

steve   September 16th, 2009 5:53 pm ET

ACORN is going down in flames. I cannot beleive what they are doing. First they were in complete denial, now they are going to investigate, sounds like to little to late. This might be the ugliest taxpayer scandal in U.S. history, and our president supports this organization.

Lila   September 16th, 2009 5:52 pm ET

For all of you complaining about how much quicker Fox News is...shut it.

CNN first reported on this September 10th, a week ago!

Fox News was just quicker to blow it up into some whackjob conspiracy theory.

tee   September 16th, 2009 5:52 pm ET

If they shut down ACORN.......they should shut down Wall street and the Republican party........they are the biggest crooks.

Lila   September 16th, 2009 5:51 pm ET

CNN first reported this on September 10th. Take THAT!!!!

Kim-SC   September 16th, 2009 5:51 pm ET

The people who are angry with the two reporters need to get a job and you can donate all your tax money to this corrupt organization!

The stupity conveyed by people on this website is beyond belief. Acorn is corrupt and you want to GET the people who exposed them? WOW!

Bill in California   September 16th, 2009 5:51 pm ET

MAKES ONE PROUD TO BE PATRIOTIC AND "CONTRIBUTE' ONE'S TAXES EVERY YEAR! I guarantee that as long as we keep filling up the trough the PIGS will continue to show up.

Sniffit   September 16th, 2009 5:50 pm ET

"This was a Fox entertainment exclusive"

Slight correction: it was FOX sponsored. Someone ask O'Keefe who funded his little project.

Sniffit   September 16th, 2009 5:49 pm ET

Financial industry peppered with corruption, money laundering and unethical behavior: Gopers scream "stay out of private industry!!!"

Grass roots organization that most recently made a name for itself generating a lot of voter registrations that presumably helped get a black Dem POTUS elected (despite helping GOPers as well in the past): GOPers scream "interfere in private industry and tear them apart!!!"

hmmmm...isn't private industry supposed to magically fix and regulate itself GOPers? Shouldn't we be saying, just like you say about the insurance giants, "leave it alone, it will fix itself"???

JGB   September 16th, 2009 5:49 pm ET

What does this story have to do with FOX news? Unfortunately FOX is the only place you will get ALL the news and that is why they are #1 in the ratings. CNN could and should get back into the ratings game by reporting all the news, unbiased, it only took CNN a week. To bash FOX for reporting it is insane, blame the others for NOT reporting it.

Jimmy   September 16th, 2009 5:46 pm ET

Shut down ACORN, do not give them ANY more Tax payer dollars. This organization is corrupt and any fool who supports them can donate to them, NOT the tax payers. Love the advice given by the Acorn employee to classify her job as a "performing artist". Yup, your tax dollars at work and they are scheduled to get 8.5 billion more! And people wonder why there are Tea parties!!

Independent Thinker   September 16th, 2009 5:46 pm ET

I am one who thinks that both the far left and the far right are so entrenched in their beliefs that it is hard to get anything accomplished, but I have, for the first time, become very concerned about the media. This story has been out for a week and all the major media, except FOX, have ignored it. No one has reported the census bureau cutting ACORN lose and the proposed investigations by the Congress. It makes one question whether the media is being controlled or whether most of the media reports only those things that are congruent with their own beliefs. In either case, it's just a bit scary...
And yes, this organization needs to be investigated independently.

victim of republican greed   September 16th, 2009 5:46 pm ET

This was a Fox entertainment exclusive, so it took a while to see if there was any merit to the story, as Fox is not a very reliable source of news. Now, it is time to investigate Blackwater(Xe) about their illegal activities

Sniffit   September 16th, 2009 5:45 pm ET

"ACORN should be busted up and ALL goverment money stripped."

That would be interference in private industry.

4 Palin   September 16th, 2009 5:44 pm ET

Well, CNN have you just now realized what everyone else knows about ACORN. It is so obvious that you want to get into the story, but you wait until you think that ACORN is trying to fix some of its problems!! How does it feel to not have any journalists that are smart enough to do what these 2 young people had enough guts to do. Tell me what do you require of your reporters??? Should they not be out trying to "uncover" stories such as this??? Wht do you suppose that they took it to Fox News instead of you??

Mark   September 16th, 2009 5:43 pm ET

I watch Fox News so that I get the story a week ahead of time. CNN's bias news reporting will be their ratings death as Fox News continues to crush them!

Jimmy   September 16th, 2009 5:43 pm ET

Well it's about time CNN ran some sort of story on this. This is bigger News than Joe Wilson and yet it took this long. Let's have 7-8 stories on ACORN.

Lila   September 16th, 2009 5:42 pm ET

By doing this, ACORN is doing the right thing. Just as they did the right thing investigating workers who engaged in voter fraud to get a paycheck.

Every organization has bad apples in it, and the best you can hope is the organization will deal with those few bad apples accordingly. (God how I wish Fox News would do the same)

But you can't run around proclaiming that ACORN is the right hand of Obama, and that there is some vast conspiracy to take over the country...it's completely unfounded and ridiculous!!!

inofritzn   September 16th, 2009 5:42 pm ET

STOP giving these scum OUR money!!!! It's DISGUSTING what acorn really does and what they say they do

Christian Values   September 16th, 2009 5:40 pm ET

Well, I can't condone ACORN myself. They should be terminated completely.

One thing is for sure though, the most corrupt thing ACORN has ever done is small compared to the massive crimes of hate and treason committed by conservative and republican special interest groups.

Bluebonnet   September 16th, 2009 5:40 pm ET

These crooks and thieves have been allowed to operate, WITH TAXPAYERS' MONEY. What I find appalling is the fact that they are mainly a democrat outlet, no one seems interested in pursuing this. A full investigation is totally warranted!!!

Felonious Monk   September 16th, 2009 5:37 pm ET

The silly thing is:
Only an idiot would not realize they were being set up.
It's all a con.

Dean   September 16th, 2009 5:36 pm ET

I am amazed at the liberal comments in here defending ACORN and denying the Obama connection to them.

malclave   September 16th, 2009 5:36 pm ET

Clearly, ACORN needs to improve its training on how to identify fakes, so they only provide assistance to REAL pimps and hookers looking to start underage Latin American sex slave rings.

Your tax dollars at work. Kinda gives a new meaning to "stimulus package", doesn't it?

ketrout   September 16th, 2009 5:36 pm ET

I believe that ACORN should be shut down by the government and finally start hanging those that are so corrupt that they are doing whatever they want.

We must also remember that Obama did have ties to them and that they helped get him elected. WHAT IS WRONG WITH THIS PICTURE?

Great work CNN! Keep it up and expose such corruption that is going on right before our eyes!

Bill R in Oakland   September 16th, 2009 5:33 pm ET

I'm not defending ACORN but where was the public outcry over the tax-payer funded no-bid contracts in the Iraq reconstruction effort where billions of dollars disappeared?

Proud Member..Party of No   September 16th, 2009 5:32 pm ET

These are Obama's community organizer friends and this is an organization that Obama has very close ties to and it is an organization that is receiving billions of our taxpayer money. Oh, and Obama also has very close ties to Bill Ayers, Bernadine Dorn, Jeremiah Wright, Tony Rezko and Van Jones. Does any of this ever sink in to democrats?? This is a hugely corrupt administration.

Sniffit   September 16th, 2009 5:26 pm ET

Something tells me that the rabid GOPers on this site and elsewhere might end up regretting an investigation that will, in all likelihood, include investigation into the two so-called "journalists" who shopped around for an ACORN employee dumb enough to fall for their ruse. I know I'm dying to find out what's under that rock...you GOPers really want to stay giddy about it? Go ahead. I'll keep th etissues handy for when I get to tell you "I told you so."

Jimmy   September 16th, 2009 5:23 pm ET

Time to cut off all government funds to this corrupt organization. You don't need training to know that it is WRONG to counsel people how to run a prostitution ring and call it "performing arts". ACORN is corrupt and our tax dollars should NOT be supporting anything to do with it.

Carnell   September 16th, 2009 5:20 pm ET

ACORN Should File A Lawsuit Against Those 2 Undercover "Despicable Clowns!" Who Came Onto Their Premises And Illegal Videotaped And Disguised Themselves. I Don't In No Way Shape Or Form Support Any Activity Carried On In Those Videos. I Hope That Those Who Engaged In Those Activities Get Fired!

Steve, Columbia SC   September 16th, 2009 5:20 pm ET

This organization needs to be put out of business...........

Chris   September 16th, 2009 5:19 pm ET

Newflash commenters, ACORN is not a democratic organization and has been supported and employed by GOP candidates as well. Will you now finally stop wailing about it?

Loup Garou 782   September 16th, 2009 5:17 pm ET

It is nothing short of amazing that employees in four different offices, in four different cities, in four different states, allwere giving this couple the same type advice and yet ACORN wants to claim they were not trained to do that. That is what community advisers are trained to do, chesk with barack obama , he is the self proclaimed world champion at just what these people were doing.

Terry, TX   September 16th, 2009 5:17 pm ET

"Reestablish the public trust".....nah....Independent prosecutor is needed ...this organization....needs to loose all taxpayer money for life...they are eligible for 8 BILLION dollars from the stimulus bill.....needs to return money they have received.....needs to have their tax exempt status for life removed.

CNN....you might want to ask the 7 senators why they voted for ACORN to not be touched.....here's their names ....send reporters over to the Senate to talk to the following....Burris (D-IL).... Casey (D-PA) ....Durbin (D-IL) ......Gillibrand (D-NY) .....Leahy (D-VT) ....Sanders (I-VT) ........Whitehouse (D-RI)......we got some really creepy in office.....

Red by choice   September 16th, 2009 5:16 pm ET

This story has been going for over a week and finally CNN shows up. MSNBC has yet to acknowledge ACORN's problems.

Considering the 15+ voter fraud actions and the four videos, ACORN should be shut down, its books audited and its leadership be put in prison. Was that a racist thing to say?

These jerks should never get another penny of government support. But will they? Yea, probably. Let the dust settle and the liberals will once again start feeding this beast and all its really ignorant empolyees. Was that racist as well?

Paul from Phoenix   September 16th, 2009 5:16 pm ET

I am so happy that my tax dollars are funding this group. Also, thank you CNN for reporting this....finally. This group is a bunch of crooks. People talk about election fraud with the GOP, but nobody talks about this group.

I hope everyone got to read about the arrogance of Charlie Gibson, who on his own decided this news wasn't worth his time.

Unbiased journalism at its finest.

Alan   September 16th, 2009 5:15 pm ET

As it should be.

And, no, GOP loonies - I'm sorry but Obama doesn't run things over there any more than he can run his past pastor.

Yes - it sounds like continued support for this organization is a waste of time. They can't get it together, let alone keep it together.

Is it a reflection on Obama?

No.

Kathy S. Cloughn   September 16th, 2009 5:15 pm ET

Don't throw out the baby with the bath water. Do a thorough audit, throw out the scoundrels and let the good people help provide the services only they can provide.

b franklin   September 16th, 2009 5:11 pm ET

Well, well, well....Welcome to the party CNN!! This thing has been out there for over a week, but you couldn't print anything negative about your buddies at ACORN now could you....at least not until several more of the instances came to light. Both CNN and ACORN are nothing but hand-maidens to the Democratic Party.
This is yet another reason that Fox News consistently gets higher ratings.
Next time act like a news organization and actually report the news. Don't just select the stories negative to conservatives. You've been all over the Sanford story, nearly every day printing something that is of little news value, but this ACORN thing, with countless law violations....

N   September 16th, 2009 5:11 pm ET

It is only right, if there is any ties to tax payers money going to this firm, that there be a full Federal Investigation to include an audit of all of their works. We the People cannot stand by and let fraud happend when our tax dollars are involved.

Mike in MN   September 16th, 2009 5:10 pm ET

They'll train them better on how to not get caught.

marissa   September 16th, 2009 5:09 pm ET

I'm glad ACORN is taking internal steps however that should not excuse ACORN from government investigation. They recieve federal funding therefore they should not be advising people on how to cheat the government on their tax forms. That combined with the voter registration fraud should exclude ACORN from any more federal funding. If they are to remain functioning they should function as a seperate entity.

Mic   September 16th, 2009 5:05 pm ET

Oh, Please do you want your tax dollors being spent on these people.

G2   September 16th, 2009 5:05 pm ET

This organization is soooo corrupt, they should shut it down and stop giving it our tax dollars. We need a full investigation by the Justice Dept into their activities and a full audit of their books and finances. There is more scandal to come.

Those 7 senators who voted to continue funding of ACORN (Burris, Casey et al) should all be voted out of office. They are a disgrace!

MatthewDetroit   September 16th, 2009 5:01 pm ET

Corrupt...corrupt...corrupt....

ACORN should be busted up and ALL goverment money stripped.

Navy Vet   September 16th, 2009 5:00 pm ET

Unfortunately, with as much corruption and total lack of integrity that so many of their workers have, they should do more than have a hiring freeze.

They should start firing everyone from the head on down. They've gone from the Nations largest communty organization of low and moderate income families to the nations largest community organization of crooks.

This is one Dem that thinks they should scrap it and start from scratch with people with integrity and follow the law.

Joshua   September 16th, 2009 5:00 pm ET

We have said for at least a year ACORN is a criminal organization and now it seems everyone else is seeing it also. It is unbelievable that ACORN has and continues to receive Federal funds. Any representatives that support ACORN are goiing to be challenged.

enough already   September 16th, 2009 5:00 pm ET

"Fortunately, ACORN derives most of its income from its members and other supporters, so the decision will have little impact on overall operations," Lewis said.

Terrific! Then ACORN won't mind if the government immediately cuts off all funding for this inherently corrupt organization. I'm sure the DNC will make up the difference.

Chuck, Tennessee   September 16th, 2009 5:00 pm ET

Darn they were going to create many of the new jobs that Obama promised!

James-STL   September 16th, 2009 5:00 pm ET

WOW CNN–

An ACCORN Story on the ticker...It only took you a week. No wonder FOX NEWS is destroying you in the ratings.

MatthewDetroit   September 16th, 2009 4:59 pm ET

Haahahahaha.

Oh I thought they said the tape was doctored and a lie.....

Clearly the community organization that was given 500 million in the stimulus plan is an illegal operating entity of the left wing democrats.

They are a bunch of lying, crooked, criminals.
They registered thousands and thousands of illegal voters...
They are crooks and supported by the president who is a crook.

Heather from Beautiful Seattle   September 16th, 2009 4:59 pm ET

This is very unfortunate. ACORN has done some wonderful things to help communities across the country. However, now that they have been caught in these videos and voter scams, it will erase most of the good they have done. ACORN itself may not condone what these employees got caught doing on tape but they are responsible for their employees.

Willy Brown   September 16th, 2009 4:59 pm ET

A leopard can’t change its spots. Why do we allow congress to fund these clowns? Is it payback for manufactured votes?

V in Chicago   September 16th, 2009 4:58 pm ET

It would be very interesting to find out who was behind the making of those videos. It just seems almost too scripted to be just a "gotcha". CNN – why don't you investigate this part?

TangledThorns   September 16th, 2009 4:56 pm ET

Why hasn't the Justice Department investigated these criminals yet? Oh wai...

Rick in OP   September 16th, 2009 4:56 pm ET

CNN,
Congatulations on finally picking up this story.

Steph   September 16th, 2009 4:56 pm ET

I'm quite sick of hearing about ACORN. They just aren't that important. A few bad employees (now ex-employees) doesn't a conspiracy make.

Henry   September 16th, 2009 4:55 pm ET

Acorn....Stupid R. send some so called spys, Too make Acorn look bad. Now in my eyes these spys have been trying to bring them down since the BEGGINING OF THIS YEAR!...Now hear me out if you send some people too 200 Pizza Huts & ask the person be...hind the counter for Drugs I bet, I BET you would get at least one person to give or get you some...Now thats what these people did FOR the Republicans went too about 720 Acorn employees I bet this secret VIDEO took them months apon MONTHS to get...I would be any job no matter how BIG or HIGH up it is you would find a rotten egg "Bad employee" at least one!!..................My point right HERE!!! Maybe if these STUPID Republicans had put as much effort in trying to bring down the DEMS & Obama & trying to Attain this VIDEO....Just maybe we would have gone somewhere!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! GRRR They need to get a LIFE.....OBAMA IS PRESIDENT & YOU DONT HAVE CONTROL ANYMORE FACE IT!!!

Tate   September 16th, 2009 4:53 pm ET

What a joke, glad you finally had the story CNN. Another knock out job of reporting. Why do you guys get paid again, please let Charlie Gibson no, because either he is the biggest idiot or the worst reporter in history. A little of both I assume. Do you wonder why your ratings are falling off the cliff, you stiff half the country and they are the ones with jobs and money. Brilliant

iamsparkling@twitter   September 16th, 2009 4:52 pm ET

this won't hurt them a bit. they're getting more $$ than they ever had before just from publicity & ties in high places. they no longer need the government.

Sam Sixpack   September 16th, 2009 4:52 pm ET

Why on earth has this news been kept secret all this time? Was somebody hoping this news would somehow get better? Was somebody hoping to wait until after the fake health care "reform" was passed before the story broke?

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