I should also say that I am in favor of criminal investigations of ACORN and their officials, and possible RICO prosecutions. I think the organization falls within the scope of those laws. If the Justice Department won’t investigate, then Congress should do some investigations and some oversight on the DOJ.
Still, I am not 100% comfortable with the Defund ACORN act. I’m not sure it passes muster for adequate ”due process“ protection. There is great potential for a conservative or charitable group getting caught by this Act. Any DA with an ax to grind could get any group defunded with just an indictment. No trial necessary to cut off funds. No opportunity for the organization to present any defense or confront any witnesses against them. It reeks of potential 5th amendment violations.
Add to that the creepy feeling that the Congress can give or take away money at any time for any political reason they want, and I think overall the act was another bad blow to the Constitution and our freedom. IMO, there were better ways to accomplish the goal without these problems.
Just my Opinion. That and a few dollars will get you a cup of coffee at Starbucks.
| From the desk of cc2k: |