Editor&Publisher: Why Media Can't See the Trees for the ACORNs

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Why Media Can't See the Trees for the ACORNs
The media attention granted the right-wing attacks on ACORN begs the question: Why does it seem to be a greater sin to be suspected of voter registration mistakes than to publicly engage in voter suppression efforts?

By Glenn W. Smith

AUSTIN (October 15, 2008) -- John McCain and other Republicans making criminal allegations against the community-organizing group ACORN know exactly what they're doing. They're using alarmist allegations of "voter fraud" to fire up their conservative base and suppress the votes of some citizens who may, out of fear, stay away from the polls.

They exploit lingering unease among the poor and minorities who, with some justification, believe themselves to suffer disproportionately from unbalanced wheels of justice in America. These innocents know they don't have to commit crimes to be accused of crimes. Better to stay away from the places where the accusations might be leveled. Like the polls.

The allegations can also help cover up actual election fraud undertaken on behalf of McCain. This is the tactic Karl Rove learned so well from his right-wing predecessors: accuse your opponent of your own unethical or illegal acts.

These are a tried and true – and grossly undemocratic – tactics. And they are often accomplished with the complicity of the press.

I don't think there is a journalist covering the ACORN matter who doesn't know with a great deal of certainty that there is a substantial difference between fictionalized voter registration forms and real voter suppression and election fraud. The former are easily identified and never result in fraudulent voting. No one covering these stories believes that someone is going to show up at the polls this year and say, "My name is Mickey Mouse." .......(more)

The complete piece is at: http://www.editorandpublisher.com/eandp/columns/shoptalk_display.jsp?vnu_content_id=1003874422