Protestors greet ACORN founder
By: Louis Goggans
Issue date: 11/24/09 Section: News
Tomasik, who has two children enrolled at The U of M, said he is opposed to Rathke teaching students how to take the easy way out.
"Teach kids to get up and get a job, and take care of business," Tomasik said. "This man is all about teaching kids how to get a handout."
Rathke, who apologized for the organization's gaffes, said ACORN should take responsibility for past wrongs and work to correct them.
"ACORN is going through its own phase of Britney Spears moments," Rathke said. "De-funding, candid camera escapades - this has been embarrassing to the organization."
Rathke stepped down as ACORN's chief organizer after his brother was released from the organization, but remains chief organizer for Acorn International L.L.C.
David Conner, one of the protesters outside of Fogelman, said de-funding was one of the main issues that drew him to the Fogelman Executive Center.
"The shady business that they do is un-American," he said. "I think that they should be investigated and that (America) shouldn't give them taxpayers' money."
The event was sponsored by The U of M graduate program in city and regional planning and by the School of Urban Affairs and Public Policy.
Scott Denkman, graduate student in safe planning, said he supports the organization's goals of promoting more equitable economic and social policies.
"I support the core mission that ACORN is trying to go for," Demkman said. "Anything that deals with helping the poor and middle class get back on their feet, I'm all for it."
"Teach kids to get up and get a job, and take care of business," Tomasik said. "This man is all about teaching kids how to get a handout."
Rathke, who apologized for the organization's gaffes, said ACORN should take responsibility for past wrongs and work to correct them.
"ACORN is going through its own phase of Britney Spears moments," Rathke said. "De-funding, candid camera escapades - this has been embarrassing to the organization."
Rathke stepped down as ACORN's chief organizer after his brother was released from the organization, but remains chief organizer for Acorn International L.L.C.
David Conner, one of the protesters outside of Fogelman, said de-funding was one of the main issues that drew him to the Fogelman Executive Center.
"The shady business that they do is un-American," he said. "I think that they should be investigated and that (America) shouldn't give them taxpayers' money."
The event was sponsored by The U of M graduate program in city and regional planning and by the School of Urban Affairs and Public Policy.
Scott Denkman, graduate student in safe planning, said he supports the organization's goals of promoting more equitable economic and social policies.
"I support the core mission that ACORN is trying to go for," Demkman said. "Anything that deals with helping the poor and middle class get back on their feet, I'm all for it."