Some really good news from the courts!

Judge Strikes Down Congressional Ban on Funding ACORN

March 10, 2010, New York, NY – Today, federal judge, for the second time, granted an injunction against Congress’ unconstitutional de-funding of the Association of Community Organizations for Reform Now (ACORN) to apply to federal budget provisions signed into law by President Obama in December 2009 and ordered the United State of America and several named agencies to rescind orders cutting off funding to ACORN and its affiliates and allies. A preliminary injunction was won in December 2009 in the Center for Constitutional Rights’ (CCR) case charging Congress with violating the U.S. Constitution’s protections against Bill of Attainders and the First and Fifth Amendments in several recurring resolutions. Today’s opinion extends that protection by ordering a permanent injunction and directing agency heads to disregard the provisions denying funding and to rescind the memos that implemented the Congressional action.

Those lying or cowardly members of Congress who voted for this should be deeply ashamed of themselves. Let's hope ACORN can recover after being the target of an orchestrated smear campaign - one aided and abetted by Congress - after this important court decision.

UPDATED: Thanks everyone for putting this story on the Rec list. I believe that the story itself belongs there.

Here are some statements from Acorn's attorneys

CCR Legal Director Bill Quigley,

We are pleased with the ruling made by Judge Nina Gershon today. That Congress passed a budget, signed by President Obama, days after federal judge ruled bills of attainder unconstitutional shows just how intent these lawmakers are to target this one organization while violating their right to due process and freedom of association by targeting affiliated and allied organizations, as well. This is a rebuke of the smear tactics of the far right.

and Jules Lobel, CCR cooperating attorney who argued the case:

This is why the Constitution contains a prohibition against Congress enacting a bill of attainder – to prevent Congress from acting as judge jury and executioner.

and here is news coverage fromDemocracy Now

Finally, if you want to see a vivid example of wingnuts' heads exploding over this, check out the ever loathesome David Horowitz