Business

Saul Alinsky-Affiliated Nonprofit Lands $56M Fed Loan

  • Group named Common Ground awarded multimillion dollar loan from federal government
  • That group is an affiliate of the Industrial Areas Foundation, founded in 1940 by Saul Alinsky
  • Common Ground is also run by a “professional organizer” attached to the Industrial Areas Foundation (IAF)
  • Alinsky is the radical author of “Rules for Radicals”

Here’s an interesting development to keep an eye on.

“Common Ground, a coalition of religious groups and other organizations, has been awarded a $56.4 million federal loan to start a nonprofit health insurer that would be run by its members,” the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports. “The money is part of $3.8 billion included federal health care reform to help start nonprofit health insurers, similar to cooperatives, to compete in the market for individuals and small businesses.”

The loans, which are part of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, are meant to help nonprofit health insurers, known as CO-Ops (i.e. Consumer Operated and Oriented Plans ), with start-up costs and to help them meet and maintain the minimum reserves required by insurers to pay for claims.

The loans for the start-up costs are to be repaid in 5 years and the loans for the minimum reserves in 15 years.

“The goal stated in the federal health care law is to fund one CO-OP in each state,” the Sentinel reports. In fact, as of February, seven nonprofits offering coverage in eight states have been awarded a total of $638.7 million from the federal government.

Common Ground Healthcare Cooperative, healthy fed loan in hand, plans to set up shop in southeastern Wisconsin, but the main goal is to expand throughout the state over the course of five years, according to a news release from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.

So, where’s this Alinsky connection? And by the way, who the heck is Saul Alinsky?

For Blaze readers unfamiliar with the name, Alinsky was a “ruthless radical organizer” whose book, “Rules for Radicals,” was the subject of Secretary of State Hilary Clinton’s 1969 Political Science Thesis, and whose message of social revolution through “organization” would play a formative role in the life of President Barack Obama.

So, what does this have to do with Common Ground?

“Common Ground, which also includes some unions and a few small businesses, is the Milwaukee affiliate of the Industrial Areas Foundation, founded in 1940 by Saul Alinsky [emphasis added],” the Sentinel reports. “The organization, based in Chicago, bills itself as the oldest and largest community organizing network.”

Indeed, according to the non-profit site infed:

…Saul Alinsky established the Industrial Areas Foundation to bring his method of reform to other declining urban neighborhoods. He left the Institute to work for the Foundation. His approach depended on uniting ordinary citizens around immediate grievances in their neighborhoods and in protesting vigorously and outside of the ‘established’ ways of expressing dissent…He concentrated on recruiting and training indigenous ‘organizers’ to take a lead in the communities…

The Industrial Areas Foundation gained a significant amount of money from the Archdiocese of Chicago in 1957 to undertake a study of the changes in local communities resulting from population shifts (in particular the growing African American) – and the tensions and discrimination involved…

Furthermore, The Blaze’s Billy Hallowell has detailed the nature of the Industrial Areas Foundation in the past:

…The Industrial Areas Foundation (IAF), [is] an infamous ultra-left group that was founded back in 1940 by the father of community organizing, Saul Alinsky.  IAF, which is still very active today, is known for using religion as an adhesive force to bring individuals together in support of Democratic principles and candidates.

…despite the group’s “non-ideological and strictly non-partisan” rhetoric, the causes and candidates it supports are typically far-left.

Oh, and then there’s Mark Fraley, Common Ground’s “Lead Organizer,” or, as The Warrior puts it, a “professional organizer.” According to the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Fraley “served as the first Lead Organizer for Action In Montgomery (AIM), one of the first suburban organizing projects of the IAF, from 1998 to 2005.”

It continues [emphasis added]:

His efforts focus on building a multi-faith, multi-racial, economically diverse network of congregations committed to engage in the “public life.” In doing this, he works with congregations, unions, community organizations and other civic institutions to identify and develop leaders, to create and conduct issue campaigns focused on the priorities of the leaders involved and to teach the political strategies to make these campaigns successful.

Mr. Fraley began his work with the Industrial Areas Foundation as a leader with West Presbyterian Church in Wilmington, DE, in 1995. He became an Organizer with the IAF in 1997.

So, let’s recap: Common Ground (the recipient of the multimillion dollar loan) was not explicitly created by Saul Alinsky, but it is an affiliate of the Alinsky-created Industrial Areas Foundation. Moreover, Common Ground is a “coalition of religious groups” or, as Mr. Hallowell points out, the type of organization the “ultra-left“ IAF prefers to use ”as an adhesive force to bring individuals together in support of Democratic principles and candidates.” Lastly, Common Ground is led by a “professional organizer” who has logged over 15 years experience working with the IAF.

With that in mind, and as stated in the very beginning of this article, this may be a development worth following.

See William F. Buckley, the father of the modern conservative movement, briefly discuss with Saul Alinsky the primary purpose of the IAF:

(H/T: Weasel Zippers)

Comments (113)

1 2 3
  • geonj
    Posted on February 22, 2012 at 4:49pm

    so who do we blame when this group goes under and we lose another 55 million dollars? just like the kindergarteners chant, “Barack Hussein Obama”. say it with me.

    Report Post » geonj  
    • turkey13
      Posted on February 22, 2012 at 5:58pm

      Man, all you have to do to get loans or grant money is say you are going into health insurence or making battery operated cars! THe nice thing is they are non profit so you can take your investment off of taxes. I would like to take my NRA dues off but for some reason it isn’t tax exempt which is stupid because it involves the 2ND Ammendment. Now I don’t see an amendment stating that the government should support or be in business to compete against companys like Ford Motor Co.

      Report Post »  
    • Un-informed
      Posted on February 22, 2012 at 7:19pm

      All of you …..please start looking into non-profits. They are a way to hide intentions and affiliations.
      You would be amazed about how much money these things move….
      Do not take my word….look these up on Guidestar ( who maintains a database on non profits )

      Review their submitted IRS form 990 and it will tell you all.

      be more informed!

      Report Post » Un-informed  
    • Patriot of My America
      Posted on February 22, 2012 at 7:57pm

      This current American Imposter in the Peoples House makes me absolutely P##@@d Off every damn time he does any thing. He is the most destructive, let me rephrase that, BHO is more destructive to this nation than what we lost in Blood and Treasure in the Last wars. As the damage he is doing will continue to damage this bastion of Liberty & Freedom. Our posterity will not enjoy the same happiness as a free society that we have. Our Posterity will be in a state of Tyranny and confiscation. As we are already in a federal state of wealth confiscation. The Federal Government can and does confiscate Our Private property to redistribute to the ilk of Saul Alinsky. This is blatant tyranny and use of a police state Laws to compel Citizens at threat of Fines and or penalties to be submissive to the this blatant theft of Private Property. This federal government is so far out in LEFT field that we may never attain our Liberties as intended by the Founders. There are so many people on the welfare list it is possible that there are more takers than Citizens actually putting in though Compelled as it may be.! When does this Stop.. This year, on election day we can Roust this Socialist from the Peoples House. We must be come active and inform our Family, Friends, Neighbors. And most importantly, All those whom we work with., Remember to be tactful and be informed, I suggest printing out some great links and also print out some of the Laws this tyrant has signed… LOL. God Bless USA

      Report Post »  
    • georgiavietvet
      Posted on February 22, 2012 at 9:50pm

      this money is intended for the sole purpose of getting obama reelected. the claim that its for an insurance cooperative is a red herring. completely bogus. its nothing more than the federal govt. giving a “loan” to help in a sitting presidents reelection. but proving it will be difficult unless someone talks……………………….

      Report Post »  
    • jzs
      Posted on February 22, 2012 at 10:28pm

      Who the f- is Saul Alinsky?

      http://www.mediaite.com/tv/bill-maher-wants-to-know-who-the-fk-is-saul-alinsky/

      Report Post » jzs  
    • Therightsofbilly
      Posted on February 22, 2012 at 11:34pm

      Getting desperate JZS? Linking to that disgusting excuse for a human?

      Sine you never acknowledged my last post, here is the link to the book again. The one that you insisted was written by Michael Savage, when in fact you can see that it is not.

      I’m pretty sure you did that to discredit my post and keep people from seeing the actual book, and what it was about.

      So here, see for yourself.

      And to anyone else reading this, check out the link and read some his other published articles, and testimonials.

      Excellent book.

      http://www.libertymind.com/

      Report Post » Therightsofbilly  
    • lukerw
      Posted on February 23, 2012 at 12:38am

      Arggggggggggggg…

      Report Post » lukerw  
  • skiz
    Posted on February 22, 2012 at 4:25pm

    I guess this is the “fairness” and “level playing field” odumba talks about. What a _______ (fill in the blank). mad lib style.

    Report Post » skiz  
  • Nevermind
    Posted on February 22, 2012 at 4:19pm

    I love how you guys try to demonize Alinksy when most of you know nothing of him. He tried to help the poor and blacks which is more than likely the reason you all seem to hate him. He wasnt a communist, marxist or any other name you all call him. But go ahead and run with it , demonize him all you want. The truth is easy for all to see and in the end you all look foolish as always

    Report Post »  
    • sooner12
      Posted on February 22, 2012 at 4:26pm

      SA dedicated his book, Rules For Radicals, to Satan

      Report Post »  
    • Baddoggy
      Posted on February 22, 2012 at 4:26pm

      Gee…I think I read a book that would make this post look awfully stupid…
      Troll on back to Huffpo

      Report Post » Baddoggy  
    • wewantchillywilly
      Posted on February 22, 2012 at 4:30pm

      i find is so, so sad that you could defend this horrible person. what’s next? are you going to build margaret sanger a statue for her womens right movement? or george bernard shaw? Che? you liberals honor people who were terrorists in their own way, and who just wanted to kill whoever they deemed to be a problem. you are the fool to believe that Alinsky was somebody who wanted to help the poor and all of that other BS you liberals puke out when you defend any of your propaganda agendas. he just wanted cities and people with wealth to burn. he was a violent revolutionary. plain and simple. I see you have followed all of his rules very well.

      Report Post »  
    • A1955Rosie
      Posted on February 22, 2012 at 4:33pm

      If he was sooo good? Why is Chicago, the icon of his works in such shambles? Their shooting numbers are the worst in the country! $$$$ constantly thrown into their impoverished education system lead still to FAILING SCHOOL. WHERE HAS BEEN THE IMPROVEMENT?
      No sir, you are incorrect and the children of chicago are paying the price of your DECEPTION!

      Report Post » A1955Rosie  
    • I.Gaspar
      Posted on February 22, 2012 at 4:39pm

      Never mind:
      Never mind; you are not worth it.

      Report Post »  
    • riverdog1
      Posted on February 22, 2012 at 5:03pm

      sooner, he did not dedicate his book to satan. sorry

      Report Post »  
    • Blackhawk1
      Posted on February 22, 2012 at 5:21pm

      Uh, oh yes he did. From the first page.

      “Lest we forget at least an over-the-shoulder acknowledgment to the very first radical: from all our legends, mythology, and history… the first radical known to man who rebelled against the establishment and did it so effectively that he at least won his own kingdom — Lucifer.”

      Report Post » Blackhawk1  
    • Rocky_biskit
      Posted on February 22, 2012 at 5:28pm

      Riverdog …

      ummm…. YES HE DID!

      Report Post »  
    • BannedByHuffpo
      Posted on February 22, 2012 at 5:29pm

      Look at Alinsky’s picture.

      That shows him committing one of the left’s most heinous crimes ….

      HE WAS A SMOKER!!!

      Report Post » BannedByHuffpo  
    • Rocky_biskit
      Posted on February 22, 2012 at 5:31pm

      http://sweetness-light.com/archive/hillary-clintons-idol-saul-alinsky-and-satan

      Report Post »  
    • dublinthewagons
      Posted on February 22, 2012 at 6:35pm

      You are the one that knows nothing of S.A. anyone that dedicates his book to satian must be anti-christ. You should change never mind it no-mind or mind-less

      Report Post »  
    • DrFrost
      Posted on February 22, 2012 at 6:36pm

      I don’t understand how anyone could defend Alinksy, Chavez, Castro, Mao, etc. Among other failings, they all crossed that important moral line and embraced the idea that the end justifies the means. Go read Rules for Radicals. Saul is very clear that all actions are justified in war. If you come away from that book still admiring Alinksy then your understanding of right and wrong varies greatly from mine.

      It’s no wonder he admired Lucifer. Saul endeavored to build his own kingdom and the thought of building it on lies didn’t seem to bother him in the least.

      Report Post »  
    • fightinggranny
      Posted on February 22, 2012 at 7:31pm

      Your name should be Lostyourmind. We are well aware of the tactics of the alinsky and cloward and piven. Go away, you are lost.

      Report Post »  
    • Patriot of My America
      Posted on February 22, 2012 at 7:59pm

      Hey, hey, hey… Have you actually read his writings. I have and this man is a POS…

      Report Post »  
    • pamela kay
      Posted on February 23, 2012 at 6:05am

      NEVERMIND, What planet do you come from? Who planted you here? “Never mind” trying to explain this to you is a waste of time. Yawn……………………………………….!

      Report Post » pamela kay  
  • Nativetexana
    Posted on February 22, 2012 at 4:17pm

    Remember Catholics, your Nov. special collection to the CCHD (Catholic Campaign for Human Development) goes to the IAF and other Alinsky-style organizations. Demand the USCCB stop the CCHD funding !! Millions of your $$ support same-sex “marriage”, abortion, euthanasia!

    Report Post »  
    • sooner12
      Posted on February 22, 2012 at 4:27pm

      I’m calling my Archbishop. Thanks.

      Report Post »  
    • Wilma
      Posted on February 22, 2012 at 5:03pm

      I found more info on this site regarding grantees of CCHD. It is very disconcerting.

      http://www.catholicmediacoalition.org/CCHD_reformed_NOT.htm

      Report Post » Wilma  
    • riverdog1
      Posted on February 22, 2012 at 6:21pm

      BLACKHAWK. yes that was in the front of his book but was a quote as an example. he dedicated it to “irene”. also dick army has used to book for the tea party. i love how you all go lock step for whatever beck says. funny really.

      Report Post »  
    • DrFrost
      Posted on February 23, 2012 at 11:28am

      @RIVERDOG

      Forget Beck. Go read the book. If, after reading it, you still defend S.A. then you‘re the type of person who doesn’t mind lying, cheating, stealing, etc. to achieve your ends… and having any meaningful discussion with you is not possible.

      Report Post »  
  • crazyoz
    Posted on February 22, 2012 at 4:10pm

    How come the Tea Party can’t get federal loans. The republican congress needs to block this loan.

    Report Post »  
    • Patriot of My America
      Posted on February 22, 2012 at 8:12pm

      The Tea Party is still attempting to attain the IRS desgination as a 501 ( c ) non profit.. In other words the leftist controlled Treasury ( Geitner ) is using the IRS to Harass and harang the efforts of the Tea Party to be designated as a Non Profit. It is all over the net. Just look and you can find the info. One group out of Ohio sent the IRS a letter and flatly told them they would not comply with the Outragious demands and also said they would notify their Elected Congressman to look into the NON IRS code demands made by the IRS.. Also know this the IRS is a private collection agency for the Federal Reserve. A Privately Owned Bank… The IRS is actually a arm of the Federal Reserve. It is not a part of the federal government. As the federal reserve needs its own enforcement department so it may collect the Interest Owed on the debt the United States has borrowed from the Private Bank. Got it..

      Report Post »  
  • MidWestMom
    Posted on February 22, 2012 at 3:42pm

    Wait a minute…. What about Obamacare? I thought they told us it was the best thing since sliced bread? Or does this loan come out of Obamacare money?

    Report Post »  
    • SamIamTwo
      Posted on February 22, 2012 at 6:12pm

      Yep like I stated the other day, you ain’t seen nothing…it’s a rolling out like the train leaving the station…

      Report Post » SamIamTwo  
  • MEANS2RESIST
    Posted on February 22, 2012 at 3:41pm

    Where can we steal another few million today, how can we continue to bankrupt the true American people? obama scorched earth policy, getting our $$ out to their interests before they are ousted….I truly hope that obam doesn’t make it to the end of the year. Sheriff Joe to drop some serious intel on the fraud Soetoro on March 1st…

    Gear up while you still can….we are getting close to all hell breking loose…..

    Report Post » MEANS2RESIST  
  • Chet Hempstead
    Posted on February 22, 2012 at 3:37pm

    Since most of the member organizations of Common Ground are churches and synagogues, if they had been turned down for this loan that story would probably have appeared here too. It wouldn’t mention of their connection with IAF and would be spun as a story about government hostility to organized religion and a misinterpretation of separation of church and state causing funds to be denied to an organization that had the capacity to efficiently provide a needed service. All of the people who are writing in today to express how angry they are that Common Ground is receiving government funding would be writing in to express equal anger that Common Ground was being unjustly denied government funding.

    Report Post »  
  • bhelmet
    Posted on February 22, 2012 at 3:30pm

    Who’s shocked by this? Par for the Marxist course. In WI, nonetheless – another shocker. Another “loan” that will not be paid back.

    Report Post » bhelmet  
  • JVicinanzo
    Posted on February 22, 2012 at 3:10pm

    Sounds like a Trojan Horse to me.

    Also, WFB FTW!

    Report Post »  
  • JRook
    Posted on February 22, 2012 at 3:09pm

    Perhaps some day the Blaze will do a series on identifying the lobbyists who direct most of the federal spending, tax breaks and tax credits…. who they represent and who funds them. It would be significantly more illuminating than 2nd. or 3rd. level removed insinuations.

    Report Post »  
    • Therightsofbilly
      Posted on February 22, 2012 at 3:19pm

      Rook,

      If someone is breaking any laws, please point them out specifically.

      Otherwise, you should not complain, because you have stated here previously that as long as something is legal, you can have no moral objection to it.

      Right?

      Report Post » Therightsofbilly  
    • Doctor MD
      Posted on February 22, 2012 at 3:24pm

      Rook it’s all there do your homework

      Report Post »  
  • Therightsofbilly
    Posted on February 22, 2012 at 3:09pm

    Old Saul looks, acts, and speaks just like I imagined he would.

    Report Post » Therightsofbilly  
  • mapgirl10
    Posted on February 22, 2012 at 3:09pm

    Interesting commentary and he is a very pompous jerk is he not?

    Report Post »  
  • Baddoggy
    Posted on February 22, 2012 at 3:09pm

    The revolution will begin shortly. I dont care if its peaceful or bloody. If the Marxist want a fight. I will give them one. F’em!

    Report Post » Baddoggy  
    • kentuckypatriot
      Posted on February 22, 2012 at 3:33pm

      I’m with ya, count me in!

      Report Post » kentuckypatriot  
    • skiz
      Posted on February 22, 2012 at 4:20pm

      Count me in DOG! I am so ready to get it on. These pansies wont stand a chance and they know it!

      Report Post » skiz  
  • Carlinpa
    Posted on February 22, 2012 at 3:02pm

    Man I miss William F Buckley!

    Report Post »  
  • Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}
    Posted on February 22, 2012 at 3:01pm

    One more example of political graft and cronism.

    Report Post » Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}  
  • Brontefan
    Posted on February 22, 2012 at 2:59pm

    It’s all about the Marxist movement.. using tax dollars and spending the US economy into oblivion to destroy all signs of capitalism, freedom, liberty, destroying the US Constitution.. and punishing military and seniors for not wanting a Marxist take-over. Don’t worry.. they won’t pay any of the money back! No agency should receive government monies unless they represent more than 60% of the population.

    Report Post »  
  • LouC57
    Posted on February 22, 2012 at 2:59pm

    Is there anyone connected with The Blaze, or even one of it’s readers, who knows how to combat this kind of …c**p??
    These people must be stopped. Is there nothing in the Constitution that prohibits shameful waste of tax dollars?

    Report Post »  
    • Therightsofbilly
      Posted on February 22, 2012 at 3:15pm

      Supposedly voting would take care of that.

      But as the founders stated quite nicely…………The survival of the Republic will require a well educated, and morally grounded people.

      Report Post » Therightsofbilly  
    • Therightsofbilly
      Posted on February 22, 2012 at 3:21pm

      @LOU57

      My comment was not a snipe at you at all.

      Was just a good spot to state my opinion.

      Report Post » Therightsofbilly  
  • brntout
    Posted on February 22, 2012 at 2:59pm

    Back when the still were able to smoke on T.V. With all these acronyms for groups, can some one come up with a good one for READY,AIM,FIRE?????????

    Report Post »  
  • JP16
    Posted on February 22, 2012 at 2:59pm

    Wasn’t this also promoted in Obamacare? Creating a non-profit alternative insurance carrier. Sounds like they are just getting a loan to do what Obama (leftist organizations) was originally hoping to see happen. Not a huge surprise here. It’s almost worth hoping that they do fail so it just is further evidence that Obamacare is terrible.

    Report Post »  
  • progressiveslayer
    Posted on February 22, 2012 at 2:57pm

    This government is way too big and out of control,burning through money like this,billions and billions wasted ensuring generational poverty.It doesn‘t matter who the money is ’given‘ to or loaned to it shouldn’t be happening at all,we’re broke.

    Report Post » progressiveslayer  
  • 13th Imam
    Posted on February 22, 2012 at 2:54pm

    This will be the Beginning of BARRY”S Health Care Corporation. He figure that even if he loses in Nov, he can be the President and CEO , and Treasurer, and Political Donation Community Organizer, and Liason to the DNC, and the Media Matters cabal.

    Report Post » 13th Imam  
    • havsumtea
      Posted on February 22, 2012 at 3:22pm

      I do believe you may have stumbled onto something here!!

      Report Post » havsumtea  
  • BonnieBlueFlag
    Posted on February 22, 2012 at 2:52pm

    Loan? Loans are expected to be repaid. Thuggery occupying the White House.

    Report Post » BonnieBlueFlag  
  • AJAYW
    Posted on February 22, 2012 at 2:51pm

    Where in the heck is our congress

    Report Post »  
    • progressiveslayer
      Posted on February 22, 2012 at 2:59pm

      You’re referring to those spineless cowards who have no clue what their role is in a constitutional republic
      those people? They’re currently spending us into oblivion.

      Report Post » progressiveslayer  
    • HKS
      Posted on February 22, 2012 at 3:13pm

      Maybe the ones that are puppets of a political party, they do as told. Yes the spineless ones.

      Report Post » HKS  
    • 13th Imam
      Posted on February 22, 2012 at 3:13pm

      I think this stolen Taxpayer Money is already accounted for in Obamacare, therefore the current Congress has no say .

      Report Post » 13th Imam  
    • brntout
      Posted on February 22, 2012 at 3:27pm

      @ 13THIMAM. Iseem to remember a 600 and something billion dollar check Obama was standing in front of right after the Obama bill was passed,and he said that was being put aside to fund the initial start up.Think that’s already spent?

      Report Post »  
    • angeleyes63
      Posted on February 23, 2012 at 8:46am

      Bought and paid for.

      Report Post »  
  • HKS
    Posted on February 22, 2012 at 2:51pm

    Why not, Right on Obama’s favorite list. Use your tax dollars to promote your demise. Is this a great country or what?

    Report Post » HKS  
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