I had planned, and still intend to write, at least one more post regarding ACORN, this one specific to working with the election officials during the 2006 elections, but recent issues compel me to write something different instead. You see, since allegations of voter fraud are running rampant again, there are some “loyal, patriotic Americans” out there who apparently find it both loyal and patriotic to issue threats of violence, even outright death threats, to ACORN employees. E mails threatening that a Cleveland worker “is going to have her life ended,” phone calls to a Rhode Island worker that included racial slurs and the caller stating that they knew what time the worker left the office (Gordon, 2008).
Now, I don’t think anyone in the McCain campaign is behind the threats, nor do I think it’s the RNC or any other legitimate political group. However – and this is important – I do think the McCain campaign has a duty, a responsibility, to do whatever they can to make this stop, right now. He didn’t exactly pull a King Henry and ask “Will no one rid me of these meddlesome community organizers?” but it’s a fine line. First at the nominating convention, when both Giuliani and Palin virtually sneered and spat the phrase out, then in the final presidential debate when McCain himself accused the group of “one of the greatest frauds of voter history in this country, maybe destroying the fabric of democracy in this country” (Stein, 2008). To me, that kind of speech incites the type of violent threats occurring now.
Worse than the inciting speech itself, though, is the McCain has yet to issue any kind of statement condemning these actions. The distinguished gentleman from Arizona was very insistent that he had been hurt deeply by a statement by Obama supporter Congressman John Lewis, a statement comparing McCain and Palin to Governor George Wallace. He was also insistent that he was offended by what he perceived as Obama’s refusal to repudiate that statement, though the Obama campaign had immediately issued their own statement that the characterization of McCain and Palin had gone too far. And yet, two days later, neither Google nor McCain’s own website shows any evidence that McCain has made any kind of statement condemning threats of violence, threats of DEATH toward innocent human beings.
No human being can be held solely responsible for the actions of others, but your failure to attempt to reign in these violent fringe members within the larger realm of your supporters is indefensible, and your own conscience should tell you that your fiery rhetoric and emphatic accusations have played a part in these activities. Senator McCain, I can give you the benefit of the doubt and believe that you don’t condone the threats and destructive actions of your supporters. However, if you won’t be part of the solution, I have no recourse but to see you as part of the problem.
Gordon, G. (2008, October 17). Death threat, vandalism hit ACORN after accusation. Miami Herald .
Stein, S. (2008, October 15). Final Debate: McCain Brings Up Ayers, ACORN. The Huffington Post .
October 19th, 2008 at 9:38 pm
Some guy just his car vandalized because he had a McCain sticker. It was peed upon, KKK was written all over it and numerous other things. I have yet to hear Obama speak up on these types of things. So let’s not make this a one sided issue. Let me not mention how many times I will remind my “friends” that I refuse to get hateful, as they call me stupid and tell me to die because I’m voting for McCain. I’m tired of biased media and people who won’t take a look at both sides. I’m ready for this election to be over.
October 19th, 2008 at 10:48 pm
I don’t condone vandalism or personal attacks, nor does my candidate. That said, are you honestly equating vandalism with death threats?
October 20th, 2008 at 7:48 am
I’m glad you walked away with that I am equating those. I don’t know where my candidate condones them? I’m glad he’s come out to say it. How about the Secret Service finally stepping in to the rallies to see what the people are saying? Let me help you out:
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/10/06/mccain-does-nothing-as-cr_n_132366.html
October 20th, 2008 at 11:40 am
Obama’s mentor Jeremiah Wright sure has a lot of nice things to say doesn’t he. “GAWD DAMN AMERICA!” I do not hear much apologizing from Obama in regards to this racist hypocrite. Obama did sit in this man’s pews for 20 plus years.
October 20th, 2008 at 3:01 pm
Obama talked at length about Jeremiah Wright’s statements back in March, condemning and denouncing them.
I don’t think that either candidate condones vandalism, death threats, or the kind of hateful rhetoric left in ACORN’s voicemail. While I consider myself to be passionate about my candidate, I certainly don’t wish any ill will on his opponent or his opponent’s running mate, aside from that they lose this election.
That having been said, there is certainly a disturbing trend coming from McCain supporters. I don’t see many Obama supporters hanging effigies of McCain, nor do I find any liberal sites that mirror the hateful trash that I read on freerepublic. While you certainly can’t pick all of your supporters, and I’m sure there are some headcases on the Democratic side of this election as well, the vitriol from the Right Wing is unsettling.
October 20th, 2008 at 4:36 pm
20 years he listened to hate whitey. He only denounced Wright when it started to hurt.
October 20th, 2008 at 4:47 pm
hahaha do you seriously think that every sermon that Wright gave was along those lines?
October 20th, 2008 at 4:53 pm
Yes, or a reasonable facsimile. Wright was hired by Trinity in the 70′s because no other church would have him. Obama is running out of friends, if he keeps denouncing them all there will not be anybody left to tell him how to ruin this country.
October 20th, 2008 at 4:57 pm
I was in France a couple of weeks ago, and a frenchman, drunk on absinthe, came stumbling up to tell me how he just loves Obama. A frenchman! from that moment on, I knew America was doomed.
October 20th, 2008 at 5:27 pm
I was in Alabama and some redneck all juiced up on Milwaukee’s Best came stumbling in and told me how much he loves McCain! A redneck! I knew at that moment America was doomed.
The fun part about anecdotes is that you can make them fit whatever you want! They’re not subject to pesky things like truth.
October 21st, 2008 at 9:21 am
That was the truth, not an anecdote. I do spend my time in the service of others, unlike you, who spends his time whining instead of acting. Yes, we people of Alabama do work hard to keep ineffectual liberal atheists like you away, and it is Budweiser not Milwaukee’s Best. If you are going to call somebody a redneck, study up yank.
October 21st, 2008 at 11:52 am
I’m curious to know if nos0up4you is that couch potato, who would be more than happy to take that grand he’ll be getting from Affable and me, maybe even scfarina. Doooodooodooot.
October 23rd, 2008 at 6:01 pm
http://www.tmz.com/2008/10/23/mccain-backer-attacked-mutilated-in-pittsburgh/
Where is Obama’s response? I left a message for his camp, but no one returned my call. I think it’s because I reminded them of the lawsuit against him…
(Obamacrimes.com)
October 23rd, 2008 at 7:53 pm
Obviously, I’m disappointed that Senator Obama has so far not issued any kind of statement or condemnation of this action, though I don’t think it can be argued that he incited it. I hope he issues a statement soon.
As for this “lawsuit,” since when are the ravings of a misinformed… lunatic isn’t a very PC term, is it?… considered proof of some sort of crime.
People will believe what they want to believe. I would urge people to investigate for themselves.
October 23rd, 2008 at 9:23 pm
Funny. Because if this were my candidate, you’d be on this like a fly to poop.
October 23rd, 2008 at 9:37 pm
Actually, no. I’m not blaming McCain for the crowds at his rallies who are shouting “terrorist” and “kill him” about Obama, though I think he hasn’t done enough to discourage it. But the death threats against ACORN workers are almost assuredly a direct result of his and his running mate’s repeated false accusations against the organization – an organization he once publicly aligned himself with, by the way. These are people who ordinarily wouldn’t even know that ACORN exists; they just feel they have some sort of patriotic duty to act against people who are “threatening democracy.” Well, I’m sorry, but when someone I actually know… have met, have been at meetings with, have played cards with… is threatened by bigoted rednecks, I get a little testy.
October 23rd, 2008 at 10:41 pm
Crap. I just scanned my last comments and found where I was ever accusing ACORN of doing things. But if you persist… I said they’re, most likely, a good corporation. But, as of right now, with the pending investigations, the videos brought forward of their Obama chants, it’s kind of hard to make your case. I do understand that it may have not ALWAYS been like this, but you’re not there to defend it yourself with all of these recent allegations. I’ll keep my bigoted rednecks (did you steal that from the chick who called her town rednecks?) Anyway, your people will keep jumping my people and it’ll be such a good political rendezvous. Maybe we can make smores afterward? Ahhh. You need a little Greg Gutfield in your life.
October 23rd, 2008 at 11:36 pm
Not hard to make my case at all, considering that the same kinds of allegations are trotted out every election cycle, predictable as clockwork, yet THEY HAVE NEVER BEEN FOUND GUILTY OF ANYTHING. Yes, some of their temporary workers have been prosecuted in the past, and ACORN has been right there testifying and providing evidence against employees who have defrauded THEM.
As for the rednecks, read the e mails, listen to the voice mails, and tell me we’re dealing with reasonable, intelligent individuals:
http://www.rightwingwatch.org/content/hate-you-can-believe-acorn-deluged-threatening-and-racist-voicemails-and-emails
October 24th, 2008 at 1:52 am
FYI, breanna… the young lady in question who was “attacked” at the ATM is going to have a polygraph administered by the Pittsburgh Police Department, because her account of the events does not match the video they obtained from the Citizens Bank ATM that she used. I’m not saying that an attack like that couldn’t be possible, and I’m sure that politically-motivated violence has happened and will happen on both sides. There are a**holes who are Democrats and a**holes who are Republicans. The Obama campaign did release a statement about the situation, by the way.
October 24th, 2008 at 2:07 am
and breanna, I’m curious to know what exactly you meant by your “couch potato” comment. Are you insinuating that I’m unemployed, or otherwise waiting for a handout?
October 24th, 2008 at 7:45 am
Yes I am saying that. Because I don’t know you, and all of your comments are always so negative. Anyone of that nature, I believe, doesn’t have enough brains for a job. For many people, they don’t have time to do such a thing, nor do they care to. I do agree that there are democrats and republicans out there who are being out right rude, but like I said. If this were all coming from McCain’s camp, you would be on this and have written article after article on it. Obama has you under his hypnosis and it’s scary. I’m nineteen and I can realize this, do the math of what his plans stand for and KNOW that it’s not right. McCain may not be the strongest candidate for us, but he’s who I am voting for; definitely over the man who is as shady as it comes. Sometimes, I hope he would just win so we can go under and I can laugh hysterically. One of those mad, fat woman’s laugh. But then again, I would like to have the ‘American Dream’ – which means to me – going to school, becoming successful, and pay the bills that need to be paid and be proud that I did all of that for myself, kids and husband I will one day have. Don’t try to make a husband joke, because I know your little fingers will attempt it.
October 24th, 2008 at 10:42 am
I really don’t want to make this a personal thing… but you couldn’t be more wrong about me. I’m gainfully employed, have been with the same company for 7+ years, and have been promoted 4 times in that time span. I don’t need a government handout, nor do I want it. I do perfectly fine for myself.
And in regards to this type of a story, there was a woman in Wisconsin who was canvassing for Obama who was attacked by a McCain supporter, but you didn’t see an article about it from me because I like to see these things play out and have the allegations investigated, rather than make a knee-jerk reaction to them. I’m far more level-headed than you give me credit for.
And Obama doesn’t have me under any spell or hypnosis, I just agree with most of his proposals and ideals, whereas I find myself disagreeing with McCain.
On another note, you sometimes with that Obama would win so “we” (I assume you mean “America”) would “go under”? Wow, not very patriotic of you. I support the candidate that I think will be best for America, and never have I thought something that ridiculous.
October 24th, 2008 at 11:13 am
Well, I am really happy to know that you are employed and well educated, seriously. I respect your opinion and you should respect mine, as well. I know it may not seem like it, but I do know that other people have opinions and I won’t try to drill mine into their heads or shove it down their throats. You and I disagree on this whole election, and that’s fine. I never said that I wanted the American system to die, the Bible states that it will. Revelation 19 scared the bajeezus out of me when I read through it last night. Take a gander, even though I know you’re an atheist. Anyway, I’m glad you are a workin’ man. But paying higher taxes isn’t patriotic, especially during a time like this. In regards to the woman in Wisconsin, I’m sorry that happened and I’m sure McCain is, too.
October 24th, 2008 at 11:24 am
“THEY HAVE NEVER BEEN FOUND GUILTY OF ANYTHING.” Neither has the Mafia, but their thugs get the slam and the heads keep going.
October 24th, 2008 at 11:27 am
What is scary about Revelation 19?
“And I heard as it were the voice of a great multitude, and as the voice of many waters, and as the voice of mighty thunderings, saying, Alleluia: for the Lord God omnipotent reigneth.”
“And I fell at his feet to worship him. And he said unto me, See thou do it not: I am thy fellowservant, and of thy brethren that have the testimony of Jesus: worship God: for the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.”
???
October 24th, 2008 at 11:30 am
She was referring to the whole chapter. You being a democrat I can appreciate why you did not read further.
October 24th, 2008 at 11:35 am
I read the whole chapter, thanks. As I did several times in the 12 years I attended Catholic school, and in my religious upbringing both before and after. Stop jumping to conclusions about me, and point out even one verse in that chapter that could be considered “scary.”
October 24th, 2008 at 11:35 am
By the way… way to throw a Mafia reference at the Italian chick. I’m underwhelmed by your wit.
October 24th, 2008 at 11:37 am
Tis so funny how people always say “I was raised in Catholic school! I know everything about the Bible!! EVERYTHING!!! RRAWWWRR!!!$(!*$” Thank you, Affable, but I did mean to correct myself. It is 18, not 19. So she caught that. Try Revelation 18: 9-24. There. Enjoy.
October 24th, 2008 at 11:43 am
Now, I can see how you’d be scared by that. I’m curious to see how you interpret it.
I wasn’t just “raised in Catholic school,” honey, and since I don’t bash your religious leanings, I don’t appreciate you bashing mine – former, or current. The point I was making is that I’m much more familiar with the Bible than affable (and apparently, you) want to give me credit for. Just because I’m a Democrat doesn’t mean I’m a heretic or an atheist – it just so happens that for me, the Bible’s teachings on social justice and caring for my fellow man are what “took.”
October 24th, 2008 at 11:57 am
Sorry, that was rude of me. I just wish people would not use that as their main crutch for their views on God. I know alcholics now who were in Catholic school since diapers. But, again, I’m sorry. I interpret it as “Her” being the sin of the Great Babylon, which represents the entire economic system of the world. Everything eventually goes haywire from all of the greed, and money hungry people from all over the world.
October 24th, 2008 at 12:01 pm
Could “her” possibly refer to the earth, and verses 9, 11, and 15 specifically refer to the denigration of the earth by robbing her of all her natural resources?
October 24th, 2008 at 2:06 pm
by the way, your girl from Pittsburgh just admitted that her story was completely made up.
October 24th, 2008 at 2:36 pm
scfarina, if you are such a saint, why are you supporting a baby killer. I go to third world countries several times a year, see and try to help with their struggles; yet they continue caring for their young. Most OF THE TIME THESE ARE RAPE VICTIMS. Maybe I should have said read the whole book of Revelations this book is the final warning and if you do not come away humbled by it, then nobody on earth can help you. As for your last comment, with all of your catholic training you should know the earth itself means squat in the final days. Her natural resources will burn as well as all of the catholic’s mighty temples. Just to save you and the resident atheist time I already know Obama’s stand on the issue of abortion and that is he is 100% for it.
October 24th, 2008 at 2:41 pm
Obama’s for keeping abortion legal, it’s true, and I’m not going to argue about that. Making it illegal wouldn’t stop it, it would only increase the number of deaths and serious injuries of desperate women. He’s also for putting programs into place to help prevent unwanted pregnancies in the first place. What does your candidate say or do about that?
I never claimed to be a saint, and I’ve worked in service to others for my entire professional life. Don’t dare get high-and-mighty on me because I don’t subscribe to the same hellfire-and-damnation idea of faith that you do.
And FYI – Revelation. No “s.”
October 24th, 2008 at 3:19 pm
I know, nosupper. If only you had a name. Anyway, I do apologize. I shouldn’t have jumped to conclusions. I can admit when wrong and was too judgmental.
Sc, I do believe that in Revelation 18, it does represent the entire sin nature that’s throughout the world, including the economic system. People stop buying and people suffer. It clearly states that and Gods judgment then is pending on those who loved ‘her’ and worshipped ‘her’; materialism, other Gods, the darkness.
October 24th, 2008 at 3:57 pm
I will pit my resume against yours anyday. My candidate feels people should have enough since to pull out. They are to dumb, young or weak to control themselves. Instead, they prefer to shove a needle into a baby’s head and suck out it’s brain. Too graphic? Well thats life lady! I will get high and mighty on you as I look at anyone for abortion as scum no matter what the circumstances. It is always “women’s choice” until their teenage daughter crosses the states line and kills their grandchild. Then they start yelling NO ABORTION IS NOT RIGHT. No, making it illegal will not stop it, but it would slow it down. I have personally heard a young woman state if she got drunk and got knocked up “I wouldn’t worry about it I’d just get an abortion.
October 24th, 2008 at 4:04 pm
Ah, affable, that would really hurt if it had come from someone who didn’t display a track record of intolerance, judgment, and inconsistent arguments based on propaganda rather than objective evidence.
October 24th, 2008 at 4:11 pm
scfarina, go home and look at your children. Look into their eyes and tell me if you really believe Obama’s “TELL YOU WHAT YOU WANT TO HEAR” crap. No matter what the TV or Obama says abortion is done casually. I know you are a mother, and if you still feel the same tomorrow; I would have to call you a liar, because you hold your course out of pride. You would throw yourself in front of a bullet for your child. Children deserve better. America deserves better. I am sick to my stomach of this liberal, baby killer supporting website. I guess you and the resident atheist have won. I am done, I simply cannot stomach anymore. I will keep all of you in my prayers.
October 24th, 2008 at 4:27 pm
Actually, affable, since two of my daughters are in middle school, we’ve already had some discussions about sex and pregnancy, and yes, we’ve even broached the subject of abortion. As a parent, I believe it is not only my right but my sacred responsibility to raise children who are aware of the realities of life, and who learn from an early age to collect information and make independent decisions based on that information along with their own morals, values and experiences. I hope to God that none of my children ever have to face that decision, but if they do, they will know in their hearts that I love and support them no matter what they decide. You can call me whatever you like; I just pray that you don’t have to eat your own words someday.
October 24th, 2008 at 4:31 pm
I’m with Affable. I’ve never been able to fathom abortion. I’ve done research papers on it, and when the images came up, I cried. I don’t know how anyone would ever want to do that to a human being. Life begins at conception and science can even tell you that. Murder is a sin, every child is a blessing and the Bible clearly states that. Partial-birth abortions, the bill Obama has voted for, is something more grotesque that I don’t even like talking about. Most people who haven’t had abortions are pro-choice. And all people who are for them, are already born. I don’t see if a pregnant woman is murdered, even if she’s only one month into her pregnancy, the court counts it as two counts of murder. Abortion should be illegal and stay illegal. I just don’t get it.
October 24th, 2008 at 4:34 pm
“Most people who haven’t had abortions are pro-choice.”
Can you explain that statement to me? I don’t think you’re saying what you meant to say there, though I would agree that most people who are pro-choice, have not had an abortion.
October 24th, 2008 at 4:36 pm
I’m saying exactly what you just said. I may have worded it differently, but those who have not had abortions are typically the ones who are pro-choice.
October 24th, 2008 at 4:38 pm
I was going to comment, but breannawanna did it for me. She has stated several times that she is only 19, so that puts her into a handful of the wisest people in America AND ONLY 19. She gives me hope for the future.
October 24th, 2008 at 4:41 pm
I’m still not seeing how that makes your point. It’s NOT the same thing as saying that people who HAVE had abortions are now ANTI-choice, which I would bet is your intended argument.
I never said people shouldn’t have to live with the consequences of making that choice, whatever they may be. I know people who have done it and regretted it, also people who have done it and still feel it was the best decision for the circumstances. I honor and respect both of those reactions.
October 24th, 2008 at 4:48 pm
Oh, sorry. I did not know you weren’t familiar with pro-choice/pro-life? Hmmmm. Yeah, that’s what they would be – Pro-life. Just to clear that up. That’s cool that you may respect it, but becoming the mother of a dead baby will not be added to my list of things to do in life. Not that I’m sexually active, but if I were. I did, before I was saved, have a scare and I told myself “This is my fault, and no matter what, I will take responsiblity.” Because that’s what it all comes down to, correct? Responsibility? Let’s not blame a child who did nothing wrong. There are those out there who cannot bore a child, so giving a child a loving home is an option. You can claim rape or incest is the cause for an abortion, but in MY eyes, it will never be accepted. God is love.
October 24th, 2008 at 4:53 pm
How’s this for scary – your position reminds me of me when I was your age, before I learned that nothing is black-and-white, and the world can be a cruel place.
You’re right. God is love. And God loves everyone, even the people you disagree with. Just as I told affable, I pray you never have to eat your words.
October 24th, 2008 at 4:54 pm
Don’t worry. I won’t. Every unborn child deserves a chance at life. At least we semi-agree with Gods word.