re: A Plea To Ignore O'Keefe

The removal of federal ACORN funding demonstrated that ACORN is so politically insignificant that it couldn't get Democrats to support even the relatively small amount of spending it used to receive; weak-kneed congressional Democrats were perfectly willing to throw ACORN overboard to avoid prolonging the media coverage (which the story should never have gotten in the first place) -- they wouldn't do that to an organization with actual influence.

By David S. Bernstein on 01-29-2010

re: A Plea To Ignore O'Keefe

If you think that giving advice on how to continue prostituting out what these members thought were a minor is "nothing" then why did ACORN lose its funding?  I'm sure if this was some sort of religious organization or conservative community organizer your thoughts would be different.  And in the charges, there is no mention of wiretapping/bugging of phone lines.  O'keefe claims to have been using the "disguise" as phone repair man just to gain close access to the office to take pictures of no one answering calls in regards to health care.  Which sounds more plausible than trying to tap a federal phone line.  Stupid, yes, I give you that.  But more plausible.  To even start to defend a group of people for giving the advice these ACORN affiliated members AND employees did is putrid.  

By Jennifer Wachowski on 01-29-2010

re: A Plea To Ignore O'Keefe

I'm not sure I follow your logic in what you're saying.

Regardless of the fact that O'Keefe's actions in putting ACORN in a bad light should not have been taken seriously, they were and had serious consequences for ACORN, as in a bill from Congress to stop ALL federal funding of the organization. ACORN is no where close to recovering from the tarnished image O'Keefe portrayed.

O'Keefe was hailed as a hero on the right and a formal Congressional honor was in the process of being drafted for him.

So it is not just appropriate, but necessary to tear the man down, if it comes to light that his current actions make him less than credible and honorable, and certainly not worthy of being praised for honest journalism.

It also serves to shame all those who jumped on his bandwagon in the first place.

The right would have certainly continued to praise and proclaim him a star reporter had his current ploy worked instead of backfiring.

By The Centrist on 01-29-2010

re: A Plea To Ignore O'Keefe

Please, please, James O'Keefe is one arrogant who believes he's above the law. His intended motive is to wreck the lives of those he can't agree with. What does that make him? A terrorist, no better than the Nigerian terrorist. Americans would feel safer without the likes of James O'Keefe on our streets. The man broke into a government office illegally. He had, in his group of rogues, a man falsifying to be a telephone repairer. That's no prank, but obviously a felonious plan. And, of course, parents with sons, rich or poor, ought to keep talking about James O'Keefe, as a warning example of a young man never to imitate!  

By Janey08 on 01-29-2010

re: A Plea To Ignore O'Keefe

"A) organized into largely autonomous chapters, some of which are run more competently than others, and B) poorly managed centrally, it is prone to having, shall we say, poor quality control."

..absloutely correct.

"A) the incidents were significant and malevolent, when they were neither; and B) ACORN is politically significant and powerful, when it is not."

both incorrect. while it appears that some of the audio comments on the acorn tapes may have been false, one cant possibly conclude say that there was "loose quality control" in this situation.

acorn is both politically significant and powerful, proven in its performance during the obama campaign to register politically significant amounts of voters. Acorn has long been a republican foe, and for good reason.

By Dave, Des Moines, IA on 01-29-2010

re: A Plea To Ignore O'Keefe

Well said!

By timcajun on 01-28-2010

re: Nice One, Mr. President

LOL! Totally agreed. I can't believe there were actually some Republicans who didn't applaud the women's rights part...but then again, I guess I shouldn't be TOO surprised!

By Lisa Spinelli on 01-28-2010

re: Picking Up The Tab At Tecce's

Ecco (East Boston)

Scollay Square (Beacon Hill)

Omni Parker House

Venezia's

Silvertone (Boston)

Holiday Inn (Beacon Hill)

21st Amendment (Beacon Hill)

By Theophilus North on 01-26-2010

re: Q&A #2 -- Who Challenges Brown?

I find it interesting that the back story on Vicki, (the felonious Reggie family of Louisiana), has gotten so little play. She needs a Senate run like another set of elbows. Let Ted rest in peace.

By aging cynic on 01-26-2010

re: Q&A #8 -- Brown Effect On Beacon Hill

Have you heard any State House Dems acknowledge that they created this situation with their vote in 2004 to switch from Governor appointment of Senatorial replacements?

By charlie24 on 01-22-2010

re: Q&A #6 -- Brown's Available Daughters

David, when, in your opinion, does Scott's halo begin to fade?

By BCondron on 01-22-2010

re: Ask Me Anything Friday, 1/22

Who on earth was in charge of Martha Coakley's campaign? What are the names of her top advisers, and to what address can we send strongly worded letters?

By Venkman on 01-22-2010

re: Q&A #2 -- Who Challenges Brown?

Don't forget Joe Kennedy.  Joe will be in a perfect position to say, "Told ya so!"

By obi juan on 01-22-2010

re: Ask Me Anything Friday, 1/22

Have you had a chance to review Tuesday’s election results in Boston?  If so, is there anything that jumps out at you?

By Mike D. on 01-22-2010

re: Ask Me Anything Friday, 1/22

With no AG appointment from the legislature how has the dynamic of the legislature changed (or not changed) with Brown's win?

By Bob on 01-22-2010

re: Ask Me Anything Friday, 1/22

What are Scott Brown's chances for re-election in 2012? How best do you think he can position himself for it?

By Rob on 01-22-2010

re: Ask Me Anything Friday, 1/22

What has Sam Yoon been up to since the campaign and his city council term ended?

By victoriaryan on 01-22-2010

re: Ask Me Anything Friday, 1/22

Is Ayanna really taken?

Have you, or anybody you know, asked Ayanna or Ayla out since Tuesday night?

By Anonymous on 01-22-2010

re: Ask Me Anything Friday, 1/22

what Jay-z song best describes your persona ?

could be your personal theme song ?

By 2 Timer on 01-22-2010

re: Ask Me Anything Friday, 1/22

What will Boston City Councilor Steve Murphy be up to this fall? Running for Treasurer, Auditor, or raking his leaves?

By John on 01-22-2010