The Association Board is ultimately responsible for everything that happens at ACORN, whether it is the Rathke embezzlement or recent allegations of voter fraud. The board can not simply say we did not know about the alleged fraud, the board must demonstrate that they acted reasonably, responsibly and with due diligence in performing their fiduciary duties. The IMC petition, a TRO and Preliminary Injunction were the first steps in that process. Thus, the IMC lawsuit was actually the best protection for the ACORN board of directors.
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But ACORN does not provide board insurance for the Association Board. ACORN can not get board insurance since ACORN staff refuse to provide independently audited financial statements. And Presidential campaigns have already requested a special prosecutor to investigate ACORN. So when (not if) a federal investigation occurs; the actions and the inactions of the Association Board will be examined. Thus, the IMC lawsuit and other recommendations are the only actions that the Association Board can rely on as any defense to the federal investigations.
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Consequently, the real struggle at ACORN is between the Association Board and ACORN staff. Under the Rathke's reign, senior staff wielded complete control of ACORN instead of the Association Board. Prompted by embezzlement which occurred in 1999 and 2000; the Association Board has recently taken charge of ACORN through the actions of the IMC. Therefore, it is no surprise that these actions have caused great upheaval within ACORN and its traditional cronies.
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Summary: ACORN whistleblower Marcel Reid explains that "ours is the voice for hundreds of thousands of otherwise disenfranchised people." Noting that voice must now rise above questionable voter registrations and America's financial crisis, Reid cautions fellow board members to overcome "the ACORN culture of acquiescence to Wade Rathke and his family so that ACORN vindicates the poor and moderate income people it represents." ACORN whistleblower Karen Inman asserts with support of fellow board members known as the ACORN Eight that she and Reid were "authorized and need to pursue a forensic accounting, independent audit, and to preserve ACORN assets". Their efforts come after Wade Rathke, ACORN's former chief organizer, reportedly confessed to concealing an almost one million dollar embezzlement from the group, allegedly by his brother Dale Rathke.
