Bertha goes to Washington

In 2006 ACORN's Legislative Conference was held in March and it was during the height of the minimum wage campaign. I was three months pregnant and working in the basement of a building in Capitol Hill. ACORN members from across the country streamed in for lunch after an afternoon of walking the halls of Congress. For some, it was their first time in DC and they never imagined meeting such powerful government officials. The members were sometimes welcomed very warmly and came away with a sense of purpose. The night before had been one of discovery as members were trained on how to lobby their representatives.

Contrary to how some wish to portray it, I do not think ACORN is the axis of evil, the members can bring tears your eyes, or have you falling down laughing. There is a lot of joy in people who have finally found their voice and are rejoicing in its sound. However, I worry that their voices are becoming lost in the crowd ACORN's entities and various interests.

This year the conference has been moved up to allow ACORN full use of its members to pressure Congress to pass the stimulus bill. You know, the one where they are “not” mentioned.

For Immediate Release: For More Information:

Tuesday, February 10 Eliza Brinkmeyer or Emma Mackinnon (202) 822-5200

*MEDIA ADVSIORY*

Hundreds of ACORN members, AFL-CIO gather to urge Economic Recovery Passage

ACORN members ask Congress to provide economic recovery and more jobs now

February 9, 2009 Washington D.C. - On Tuesday, ACORN National President Maude Hurd, AFL-CIO Executive Vice President Arlene Holt Baker, and over 500 ACORN members will rally on the U.S. Capitol West Lawn urging Congress to pass the economic recovery package and provide hard-working Americans with the economic resurgence and jobs they need and deserve. The rally is a part of ACORN's annual legislative and political conference.

 Bertha Lewis and ACORN are coming to Washington, DC this week and for once they are not welcomed. CNN reported in November of 2008 that ACORN had thrown board members out of ACORN after they filed a lawsuit for access to the ACORN books. Over the past few months the situation has progressed to a state where members around the country have been thrown out of ACORN for voicing support for the ideas of the ACORN 8.

ACORN's actions have created a tenuous situation in DC. The board met in November of 2008, but because an ACORN staff member was not present, the meeting was not recognized by ACORN national. The DC board has refused to meet with Bertha Lewis, who according to insiders, issued a statement that inferred that the board had no real power. It seems that ACORN wants to organize the people, but every time they stand up and dust off their knees-Acorn cuts their legs out from under them.

It is usually customary to get the hosts permission before making a visit, but in this case, Bertha Lewis, never known for being gracious, has decided to charge forward and trample on the DC board. When ACORN's rally takes place this week, it is a divided ACORN that stands before you. A divided ACORN that marches the streets of DC, as board members across the country voice their support for truth and transparency. As members are removed in DC, CA, MN, OH, TX, MI, NC, etc. you have to wonder how long ACORN can keep the lid on this pot.

Disgruntled employees are easy targets, board members who are on your tax returns, not so much. Its a bitter and nasty divorce, but its the reality that is ACORN. You may not hear this from your DC board, but welcome to DC Bertha!