Cameron uncritically repeats GOP talking point that final version of stimulus bill includes funds that will go to ACORN
SUMMARY: On Fox News' Special Report, Carl Cameron repeated a frequent GOP talking point in reporting that "there could be money ... for such organizations as ACORN" included in the economic recovery plan. In fact, the bill does not mention ACORN or otherwise single it out for funding; ACORN itself has said that it is ineligible for the funds and has no plans to apply for them.
During the February 12 edition of Fox News' Special Report, chief political correspondent Carl Cameron reported that "you heard Mike Pence, the congressman, the member of the GOP leadership, talk about $2 billion for community block grants. That's GOP code for the possibility that there could be money in there for such organizations as ACORN [Association of Community Organizations for Reform Now], that some of the stuff that was so criticized as wasteful, un-stimulative, highly controversial, may have been snuck back in there." Cameron's statement that "there could be money in there for such organizations as ACORN" echoed the frequently repeated Republican claim that Democrats steered money to ACORN in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.
In fact, the Conference version of the bill includes a provision that would appropriate $2 billion "for neighborhood stabilization activities related to emergency assistance for the redevelopment of abandoned and foreclosed homes as authorized under division B, title III of the Housing and Economic Recovery Act of 2008." The bill does not mention ACORN or otherwise single it out for funding.
Moreover, ACORN has denied that it is eligible for "neighborhood stabilization funds," and has stated that it does not intend to apply for them. After House Minority Leader John Boehner's (R-OH) office issued press releases claiming that the recovery bill "makes groups like ACORN eligible for a $4.19 billion pot of money for 'neighborhood stabilization activities,' " in a January 28 press release, ACORN CEO Bertha Lewis called the claim an "obfuscation" that "was picked up across the right-wing echo chamber and has been used as a fig leaf by conservatives in their attempts to justify their opposition to progressive economic policies." Lewis further stated: "We have not received neighborhood stabilization funds, have no plans to apply for such funds, and didn't weigh in on the pending rule changes." On January 29, Lewis wrote on the Huffington Post, "[L]et'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."
Media Matters for America has previously documented Fox News' Dick Morris, Fox News' Karl Rove, Fox News' Steve Doocy, CNN's Lou Dobbs (on two occasions), and conservative radio host Rush Limbaugh making the false claim that ACORN would receive billions of dollars from the stimulus bill and also noted that news reports by The Hill and the San Francisco Chronicle repeated the falsehood.
From the February 12 edition of Fox News' Special Report with Bret Baier:
[begin video clip]
CAMERON: Republicans continue to insist that the package is filled with nonstimulative waste.
PENCE: What does $2 billion for community organizing going to do to put Americans back to work? What does $1 billion for rationing health care, or millions to purchase green golf carts going to do to get people from the unemployment line to the factory line?
[end video clip]
CAMERON: Critical questions about the contents of this package, but since the legislative language has not been written, lawmakers are increasingly frustrated. They recognize that this will take some serious study -- several hours is a lot when you're a national politician -- and then they'll have to vote on it. But they don't want to appear to be rushing it through, which means this could take a while, and it is possible that some House Republicans could vote against this. A number of them are up for re-election, and though no House Republicans backed the bill in the House a few weeks ago, when it comes to final passage, it's possible that as many as 10 to 15 may break ranks and actually vote for it, Bret.
BAIER: Carl, you know the Hill like the back of your hand. Is it possible, also, that many lawmakers really won't know exactly what is in this legislation because they won't see it all?
CAMERON: Yeah -- no, absolutely. While they say they want time to study it and read it, lawmakers historically seldom read it cover to cover. This is hundreds of pages; staffers will analyze it. And you heard Mike Pence, the congressman, the member of the GOP leadership, talk about $2 billion for community block grants. That's GOP code for the possibility that there could be money in there for such organizations as ACORN, that some of the stuff that was so criticized as wasteful, un-stimulative, highly controversial, may have been snuck back in there. Can't say yet, Bret -- no one's seen the language.
There could be money for ACORN. Possibly, but it's just as possible that they'll start subsidizing a fat guy in a red suit who runs a non-profit up at the North Pole.
Another Strawman Arguement
Voter fraud is extremely rare. Unless you live next to Ann Coulter. Election fraud is the real issue. Millions of Americans are disinfranchised by private companies removing them from voter roles, inadequate polling facilities and repressive laws such as not allowing former felons to vote. Why does the liberal media keep falling for this phony arguement?
Voter fraud is extremely rare only because acorn got caught and is under investigation in 13 states. Probably true for your second sentence, too. Millions of voters move, so their previous address's are removed from voter roles (duhhh).
Inadequate facilities? How much of the "stimulus" money is going to building new churches? That's where I vote (and millions of others).
Criminals should not be able to vote. Why would that be repressive? You don't let child abusers live near children, why would you let law abusers vote on law?
The liberal media is causing the phoney arguements, not falling for them.
ACORN has operated for decades all over the US, but in all of that time in all of those places not one single illegal vote has occurred as a result of ACORN activities.
Here's a news flash for you - ACORN isn't seeking to create illegal votes. Never have, never will.
i personally have witnessed acorn storming polling places en masse. what they did in there, i don't know. but i would not trust those obama loving goons for one instant.
Was that when you went to vote with your pals Jerry Seinfeld, Tiger Woods, and Dan Quayle? Please tell us the story.
bravo, its so nice to see how people support our president. you do know the election ended a couple months back right?
i personally have witnessed acorn storming polling places en masse. - fmbanker87
I don't believe you.
Sure you have.
No phil, it's extremely rare because with the exception of ann coulter it's a GOP strawman. Kinda like anything you say, capiche?
Criminals should not be able to vote.
Why?
and where have you gotten your information that ACORN was investigated. if its only from Fox Noise, you have lost already
That's GOP code for the possibility that there could be money in there for such organizations as ACORN...
The ACORN "story" has been so discredited that FOX and Cameron are now reduced to reporting it with qualifiers. The GOP is worried about the possibility that there could be money for such organizations as ACORN? Well, I might be worried about the possibility that there could be a terrorist attack tomorrow by organizations such as ALQaeda. However, I have nothing to support that concern so it would be irresponsible for me to spread the notion that such an attack tomorrow is likely.
Oh the irony of it.... and mmfa complains that those words are used (and have been since the beginning of this liberaly produced phoney arguement). Mmfa is the one creating a stir by whining about facts and wanting everyone to believe different facts. Facts that they make up to suit their minnion who dutifully follow every command they are told to follow. Remember, you liberals would never question authority...what gives anyone else that right?
Different facts? Facts which are backed up, unlike yours.
And the last three sentances appear to be total projection.
Drinking early today?
No, he is just sucking from the teat of Uncle Rush. Another one of his great pals. Probably having dinner tonite with Palin.
Philbib, you are still as Radical Right as they get. But for heavens sake read a little more and get your ears fixed.
Why shouldn't "criminals" have the right to vote?
Well, if you're in jail, that's proof that you've basically gave up your rights in exchange for engaging in criminal activities which fall outside the constrains of our social compact. But once OUTSIDE of jail, you are part of society and should have the right to vote regardless of history.
Randy
Ok, I can agree with that!
hey guess what genius im a republican, not a neo con nut head who can't tell lies and propaganda when they see it. just because fixed news's lies and the neo con lies are exposed you say that they are distorting the facts. wake up and smell the coffee, your being liked to by fixed news
thejbomb65, I wish you and the rest of the GOP good luck in ridding your once proud party of the Vermin Cons that have hijacked your party.
Philib is only an underling doing the bidding for much higher level vermin. Hell, you have representatives bowing at the feet of show TalkJock for forgiveness, Now that is real leadership.
I believe that within the next year, the party will give itself an enema an rid itself of the crap that should've been rushed out years ago. GOOD LUCK
lol, no i don't need luck, we need Teddy Roosevelt to rise from the grave and do to Bush and the rest of them like he did to Taft when things were tanking. ie, go to the white house and actually punch him
Fox for Repubs...1st and for most, they ought to put the elephant on their logo!
make banks lend to people who can't afford loans
Liar.
I thought Bush left the White House. By the way, all you Radicals on the Right finally know what a COMMUNITY ORGANIZER DOES, they become President.. Isn't it great to have some knowledge.
P.S. as stated before, no red-state should accept any money from the government...I think we can all agree to that one.
Double liar spewing more conservative BS. Poor people forcing banks to lend to them???? Your crazy. What about the all those who qualified for regular loans but were stirred into sub-prime loans because it made those doing the lending more money? Go peddle your crap somewhere else !
and what exactly do you do for a living, prove to us that you yourself are not a miscreant that doesnt deserve a mortage. have you ever been on welfare? whats your profession?
WOW, ACORN is one powerful organization. They signle handedly rigged the election and got Pre Obama elected and they dictate to banks how to run their business. There is no 2 bill for community organization. Neighborhood Stabilization Programs are state and local government programs set up to put a floor in the declining home prices. The most important thing that needs to be done to fix the economy.
What are you talking about? Do you hear this stuff somewhere, or do you just make it up yourself?
Bertha is correct! ACORN won't get any of the money, but this group, which is not ACORN itself, probably will..............................
http://acornhousing.org/TEXT/wwa.php
Different group than ACORN for sure!
Did you answer fmradiobanker by saying that ACORN won't get any money. Thanx proud, why not tell the banker directly. Can't you guys give it a rest. There are so many other things the Dems do wrong. Go after those and put your white sheets away for a few weeks.
We have Socialized medicine to look forward to. We have to do something about these socialized policemen and firemen. And those socialized road systems. And darn those socialized court systems. Let's get rid of them all.
Pround, the banker started the name calling.
This is ACORN and they will not get any of the money. DO you even know anything about ACORN other than what Rush & FOx have said? Is it bad that they have helped thousands of people avoid foreclosure and thousands other become more informed home buyers. 50% of the subprime borrwers could have been put in Fannie/Freddie fixed rate loans instead of pushed in to these criminal sub prime adjustables if they had had the counseling that ACORN provides. The money is going to state and ldown payment local governments to provide down payment assistance to buyers who are purchasing forclosed homes. It is money from last yeaers FHA modernization bill. 2% of the money will go to competively bidded community groups to provide home buyer education prior to purchasing. Teaching and man to fish instead of giving him a fish.
And Stevens & Cunningham
as convicted felons they can't. dems rarely get convicted, they are of the people.
Heck, Ann Coulter votes too - and in multiple locations!
dont forget w, dick, and karl
Some people cruise bars to get picked up..Aunt Annie cruises voting places.
ammoneychanger, I missed the convictions of Frank, Daschle and Rangle for enders. I think steveanders post sent philib off to dinner with the Beatles.