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Anti-Fox website takes up ACORN cause
By: Byron York
Chief Political Correspondent
10/28/09 1:45 PM EDT
With Congress getting ready to pass a continuing resolution that might -- or might not -- extend the ban on federal funds for ACORN, there's a new campaign urging lawmakers to restore federal funding for the community organizing group. The website DeFOX America, which is devoted both to attacking Fox News and defending ACORN, is asking readers to sign a petition urging Congress "to stand up to [Fox's] McCarthyite tactics by voting against any unconstitutional legislation that singles out specific organizations. This includes the continuing resolution that cuts off Federal support to the national anti-poverty group ACORN."
I reported yesterday that the congressional defunding of ACORN, which some observers assumed was permanent, was actually written to last just for the duration of the current continuing resolution that keeps money flowing to the federal government. That resolution expires at midnight October 31 -- this Saturday. To keep the government running, Congress must pass a new continuing resolution before that time. Insiders expect the ACORN defunding language will be included in the new resolution, which would extend the ACORN funding ban until mid-December. At that time, Congress will probably be ready to pass its actual appropriation measures for fiscal year 2010, and that is when there could be significant debate about money for ACORN. Unless language specifically defunding ACORN is in those appropriations bills, ACORN could again be eligible for federal dollars.
"DeFOX America" is urging the public to "email Congress and tell them to vote NO on the Defund ACORN Act." The site also includes a box which readers can check if they want to receive email updates from ACORN itself.
"DeFOX America" is the work of Brave New Films, an organization founded by Hollywood filmmaker Robert Greenwald. Greenwald has made several documentaries, including films on the war in Iraq, on Fox News, and, most recently, on the war in Afghanistan, that have been distributed by left-wing netroots groups.
Author's note -- For full disclosure, I am a Fox News contributor.
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