How Does One Justify Federal Stimulus Funds to ACORN?

[Mr. Ected]

I'm in a heated argument with a freeper who insists that 4.19 billion dollars in federal monies are to be transferred to ACORN as a part of the stimulus package. He says that ACORN is a "democrat vote driving organization".

My research indicates that the 4.19 billion dollars are for neighborhood outreach programs, and that ACORN may only request a portion of the federal funds so allocated.

But how would YOU respond to this Obama-basher?

[county worker]

1. Don't even talk to them. It's a waste of time.

They have a need to think what they do. The need a boogie man and for some that's ACORN.

All the money is accounted for on a web site somewhere. Point them to it.

[blogslut]

2. Here you go

http://www.factcheck.org/askfactcheck/does_the_stimulus_bill_include_a_52.html

Q:

Does the stimulus bill include a $5.2 billion payoff for ACORN?
I would appreciate having FactCheck.org look into whether ACORN will receive $5.23 billion from the Obama stimulus package under the guise of “stabilizing neighborhoods.” I have been bombarded by e-mails from an acquaintance about this. What can you find about this? Thank you.

A:

The bill does include funds for which ACORN would be eligible to compete - against hundreds of other groups. But most is for a housing rehabilitation program ACORN says it never applied for in the past and won't in the future.

[sinkingfeeling]

3. Try this link to Media Matters.

http://mediamatters.org/countyfair/200901290010

So let's be clear. ACORN isn't getting any of this money. Since it is set aside for non-profit housing developers to help purchase, rehab, and resell foreclosed properties, we aren't eligible for it in the first place.

[SidDithers]

4. Always, always, always ask them to prove their claim...

from a reputable source. 99% of the time, they're talking shite.

Sid

[xchrom]

5. with the facts? nt

[Norquist Nemesis]

6. ACORN's purpose is to register people to vote. They are non-partisan

and don't seek out one party over another. If it turns out that more people choose to register as Democrats vs RoboCon, that's an issue he has with his party not ACORN.

[TayTay]

7. Media Matters has a page on this

http://mediamatters.org/items/200901300007

RW hypocrites. Go ahead and fund the Church programs that aid the poor, but by all means don't fund any programs that prevent poverty itself.

[Mr. Ected]

8. Thank You All For Arming Me With The Facts

I love to shoot down lying freepers with the TRUTH.

[JHB]

9. If "Ignore him" is not an option...

Tell him to provide an itemized list, accounting for the full 4.19 billion.

Then when (if) he hands you a random list of RW talking point hearsay, explain to him what an "itemized list" is.

Don't allow him to dodge or waffle. Keep on him about the list (which he will likely never actually provide).

On the remote chance he actually does hand you a list that can be checked and verified, lookat what it reallly says, and give it what it deserves.