Air America Padding Pockets at the Expense of Inner City Youth?

[RaiderH8r]

Al Franken: Embezlers and Their Embezling Enablers.

http://radioequalizer.blogspot.com/2005/07/federal-funds-diverted-to-air-america.html

Air America's Dirty Dough

Media Cover-Up, Bronx Community Programs Nearly Shut


What happens when the mainstream media, after years of seething over conservative talk radio's success, discover its alternative got diverted public funds, earmarked instead for inner-city youth and seniors?

The answer, with one key exception: they pretend it didn't happen.

Yes, only because of a New York Daily News tidbit do we know that Bronx-based Gloria Wise Boys and Girls Club nearly shut down major programs recently, because almost $500,000 in governmental grant money was instead diverted to Air America's liberal radio network.

It's taken a mad scramble by area politicians, including Rep. Joe Crowley (D-Bronx) to find a way to keep several programs for disadvantaged children and seniors from disappearing.

What's the connection between Air America and Gloria Wise Boys and Girls Club?

How has this stayed out of the papers for the last month, even when community activists have been aware of the Air America connection since early July?

And how has the liberal talk network managed to avoid even the slightest bit of public scrutiny over the matter?
It begins with former Air America CEO Evan Cohen, who resigned last year from the network after some of its more infamous early debacles. You might remember Cohen was a key part of an HBO documentary, detailing its first days.

[RaiderH8r]

Cohen also happened to serve on Gloria Wise's board and convinced club leader and community activist Charles Rosen to "invest" at least $480,000 in the upstart political talk network.

Rosen has recently resigned from the board, according to New York Nonprofit Press.

The money, intended as a loan to be repaid with interest, was agreed to by Rosen after being sold on the idea of stretching their grant money further, according to one account. Part of the deal included promotional consideration of Gloria Wise's activities on Air America's programs.

Did that ever occur? If so, what was the benefit to Gloria Wise?

More importantly, has Air America paid back any of the money to date?

There are many more questions than answers at this point, but New York City's Department Of Investigation (DOI) is leading the effort to find out where the money went. Will indictments follow?

So far, the activity programs have been saved as other non-profit agencies scrambled to pick up the slack, while investigators look at Gloria Wise's records.

Cohen may be long-gone from Air America, but who else still at the network might have knowledge of this "investment"?

Has there been a media cover-up? In the Radio Equalizer's view, yes.

Why? Because Bronx activists and community journalists have known about the Air America connection for some time, while major publications have been ignoring the story.

Radio trade publications, even after the New York Daily News story, failed to mention the scandal, without exception, on Tuesday (if that changes on Wednesday, we'll update it here).

On July 5, for example, a community newspaper called the Gotham Gazette published a story by Michael Horowitz that laid out the evolving scandal in detail. Why wasn't this on the AP wire straightaway?

Horowitz's story named Air America and Cohen, as well as providing specific information about why the money was loaned and its origin. Why did major publications ignore it?

A June 28 Daily News story on the scandal left Air America out of the picture, but did mention Cohen. Of course, what reader would be able to make the connection to his time at Air America?

Both Daily News stories have appeared in the "Boroughs" section of the paper, which is sliced out of the national edition the rest of us see on newsstands.

What does Air America have to say about this? So far, nothing, look for yourself here. They have plenty to say about Karl Rove, though, they want him "fired". And Mike Malloy is busy ranting about the "Bush Crime Family", according to their site.

Can it really be dismissed by the network as something to be blamed only on the long-departed Cohen?

Again, was any of the money repaid to Gloria Wise and do any current Air America staffers or managers have knowledge of this diverted federal money?

If it was repaid, why the governmental investigation? It seems authorities are attempting to account for the missing funds now.

Are the network's hosts, such as Al Franken and Janeane Garofalo, willing to apologize for the severe damage done to community programs for inner-city youth and seniors, as a result of this sleazy scandal?

[enjolras]

*yawns* Heresy and a whole lot of conjecture (and I don't even LIKE air america).

[errand]

*yawns* Heresy and a whole lot of conjecture (and I don't even LIKE air america).


...isn't that the left's claim to fame? That they look out for the underpriveliged and old?

Wow...getting this kind of response from the left when the mere allegations of abuse @ Abu Ghraib has drawn more than it's fair share of outrage by the left.

And yet, oddly enough that story is nothing but a bunch or heresay and conjecture as well, with no proof that these newly alleged abuses have actually happened and definitely no shred of evidence that it was ordered by the White House or Defense Dept....but, is that what is being posted all over cyberspace....ummm, no.


Had this been a budget cut by Bush, you clowns on the left would have been plastering this story all over the nation demanding to know what Bush knew and when did he know it....the seriousness of the charge is all that matters in that case.

[Spider]

Hilarious! throw a turd see if it sticks .......

[RaiderH8r]

No moral outrage at simple allegations. That's so unlike you libs.

[Montaq]

No moral outrage at simple allegations. That's so unlike you libs.

Actually, from the different articles I've read I believe that AirAmerica should pay the money back. Even though Cohen is no longer with AirAmerica, this does leave a black mark on the company and it should be reconciled. JMO

[Spider]

No moral outrage at simple allegations. That's so unlike you libs.
Of course they should pay the money back if this turns out to be true ....... It should be investigated ..... and Cohen should do some serious time ......

[Montaq]

Of course they should pay the money back if this turns out to be true ....... It should be investigated ..... and Cohen should do some serious time ......

Actually, I'm pretty sure that it's a fact that Rosen did choose to invest the money in AirAmerica. Whether it was illegal is in question but it was certainly inappropriate.

[Spider]

Actually, I'm pretty sure that it's a fact that Rosen did choose to invest the money in AirAmerica. Whether it was illegal is in question but it was certainly inappropriate.
Chances are he did , though Air America is under no obligation to return the Money , they should just to seperate themselfs from this ......

[Montaq]

Chances are he did , though Air America is under no obligation to return the Money , they should just to seperate themselfs from this ......

They're definitely separating themselves from it - that was started before this came out. The HBO documentary on AirAmerica helps their case as well. It shows what an incompent liar Cohen was and what they've done to try and correct the wrongs made by Cohen.

[Spider]

They're definitely separating themselves from it - that was started before this came out. The HBO documentary on AirAmerica helps their case as well. It shows what an incompent liar Cohen was and what they've done to try and correct the wrongs made by Cohen.
that they are .. I say no matter what becomes of the investigation , give the money back .... the new owners are not libel for it , but we know how republicans are , facts and truth are metaphores to these people . Hell that Schmidt tried to swift boat Hackett , exact same tactic ...... just give the money back and continue on hammering the right wing ........

[W*GS]

[...]but we know how republicans are , facts and truth are metaphores to these people . [...]

And the Democrats are better?

Just how naive are you?

Quite, I'd say.

Politicians from both parties lie and lie endlessly.

[Spider]

And the Democrats are better?

Just how naive are you?

Quite, I'd say.

Politicians from both parties lie and lie endlessly.
see the thread Some republicans Idea of family values . then get back with me on this .......

[W*GS]

see the thread Some republicans Idea of family values . then get back with me on this .......

So, you've figured out Republicans are liars - some are child molestors/pedophiles/sex offenders.

Good for you.

Now turn your eyes toward the Democrats.

On a scale of 0 to 100, 0 being beneath contempt and 100 being perfect, where would you rate Republicans and Democrats, as a whole?

I'd put them both between 0 and 1 - closer to zero.

[Spider]

So, you've figured out Republicans are liars - some are child molestors/pedophiles/sex offenders.

Good for you.

Now turn your eyes toward the Democrats.

On a scale of 0 to 100, 0 being beneath contempt and 100 being perfect, where would you rate Republicans and Democrats, as a whole?

I'd put them both between 0 and 1 - closer to zero.
I see where you are going , I will sum it up like this ...... The system is great , the people running the system are not , all Politians are politians ,thats a given ..... so all politians on a scale of 0-100 .... I say 22 ....

[RaiderH8r]

I see where you are going , I will sum it up like this ...... The system is great , the people running the system are not , all Politians are politians ,thats a given ..... so all politians on a scale of 0-100 .... I say 22 ....
File and run. This is truly a job anyone can have and it's the toughest job interview you'll ever have. Good luck. Al Davis platform and all.

[Spider]

File and run. This is truly a job anyone can have and it's the toughest job interview you'll ever have. Good luck. Al Davis platform and all.
;D way too many skeletons in my closet , including an attempted murder charge ( more to it then that , but too long to get in depth)
in out of reform schools .... the way politics is no way I would run .....

[Billy Clyde Puckett]

;D way too many skeletons in my closet , including an attempted murder charge ( more to it then that , but too long to get in depth)
in out of reform schools .... the way politics is no way I would run .....

Sounds like you are over qualified to me Spyder :).

[Spider]

Sounds like you are over qualified to me Spyder :).
;D naw .. we need good people to run ..... not ex thugs ..... Need People that have spent their life trying to do good , help others ......

[W*GS]

I see where you are going , I will sum it up like this ...... The system is great , the people running the system are not , all Politians are politians ,thats a given ..... so all politians on a scale of 0-100 .... I say 22 ....

What's the average Republican? Average Democrat?

[Billy Clyde Puckett]

;D naw .. we need good people to run ..... not ex thugs ..... Need People that have spent their life trying to do good , help others ......

You do more good for Bronco fans in one season bashing the Squaws than all those clowns do for the country in their 2/4/6 year terms.

[Spider]

What's the average Republican?
9-10 trickle down economics ...... the whole Christian movement ..Tom Delay



Average Democrat?
11-12 ..... No backbone , tend to take somthing simplistic and make it so complex that the greatest minds on earth sit back and ask What the hell is this.. Nancy Pelosi ........

[Spider]

You do more good for Bronco fans in one season bashing the Squaws than all those clowns do for the country in their 2/4/6 year terms.
Thanks , I love ripping into Chief and Raider fan ...... that is pure enjoyment ;D

[Spider]

Speaking of Chiefs and Raiders ..W*GS doesnt like football .... But as long as he doesnt dis the Mighty Denver Broncos ... I guess I could tolerate him .......

[L.A. BRONCOS FAN]

The difference?

Cohen is no longer with Air America.

Had he been a repug, not only would he still have his job - he would have been given a promotion and a raise.

[RaiderH8r]

The difference?

Cohen is no longer with Air America.

Had he been a repug, not only would he still have his job - he would have been given a promotion and a raise.
There's no clamor by Smalley and Janeane to ensure that the people they "care" about actually get the goods and services due to them. They're doing nothing to right the situation. But what else is to be expected, they're too busy covering their asses to worry about kids.

[footstepsfrom#27]

I work in strategic non-profit management by developing various networking and marketing strategies for collaboration between non profits and for profit organizations. Let me see if I understand the basic facts of this:

1. An executive in a for-profit organization served on the non-profit board.
2. The executive's company borrowed money from the non-profit.
3. The transaction was approved by the non-profit's CEO in exchange for
certain considerations including marketing/advertising benefits.
4. Both executives have resigned.

Those are the basic facts. The rest appears to be mere speculation. Some thoughts:

[footstepsfrom#27]

First, there is nothing legally that prohibits business transactions between for-profit and non-profit organizations even if an executive on the non-profit board is tied to the for profit company provided no federal or state laws were violated and the IRS is not being duped. If we were talking for example about federally available contracts requiring competitive bids, and no such bids were taken or they were not considered because of the business relationship between these organizations, that would be criminal conspiracy opening up the organization to possible prosecution. The fact that potential benefit could acrue to the non-profit from the agreement is also not illegal unless it violates law or hides material facts from the IRS. However the story does not give enough information for me to know if this is the case.

Second, the non-profit is responsible for their funds in three ways 1) fiduciary responsibility to the funding organization to use the money in the way it was designated IF such a stipulation existed as a requirement for receiving it, 2) the non-profit must account for how it spends its funds and must comply with IRS regulations about using funds for things related to thier mission purpose and if they fail to do so to the point where it rises to a material violation of the organizational mission the non-profit status could possibly be revoked pending review by the IRS, and 3) the organization must have in place procedures for making decisions related to using its funds. In most cases large expenditures like this would be discussed and voted on by the board of directors.

Third, the article seems to suggest that the funds were federal...this may or may not be the case. They could be state funds, funds provided by philanthropic foundations or corporate/individual sponsors, etc... Without further information related to this, it's not possible to know if the government investigation is warranted or not. It's also possible that the government is using this event as a reason to investigate. Non-profits have come under increasingly intense scrutiny lately on how they handle their money in the wake of numerous financial scandals, and in many cases the government appears to be looking for excuses to snoop. Keep in mind that non-profits have to make their books public access information.

Finally, the fact that both execs have resigned may be significant or it may not be. It's possible the board at the non-profit asked Rosen to step down in order to avoid the appearance of their own culpability as well as PR damage control. Same with the for profit company.

Bottom line: not enough info to know if this is a real story or not at this point. It may be primarily politically motivated or it may be a real case of hanky panky. At this point I don't think enough information is available to call this a scandal yet. If it is a scandal, it's comparatively small in this sector which unfortunately has seen some much bigger stuff lately. The magnitude of the events is probably subject to increased speculation due to political factors as well. This might be a story. It might not be.

[Spider]

Well foootsteps , that is alot to take in , I say Air America just give the money back , Cohen is low down scum whether it is legal or not , you dont take money from those that need it the most .....
Give the Maney back , let everyone know you shít canned those 2 and this will blow over for Air America . they dig in try and keep the money and they are toast ......

[footstepsfrom#27]

Well foootsteps , that is alot to take in , I say Air America just give the money back , Cohen is low down scum whether it is legal or not , you dont take money from those that need it the most .....
Give the Maney back , let everyone know you shít canned those 2 and this will blow over for Air America . they dig in try and keep the money and they are toast ......
There seem to be some notable and crucial elements missing from this story. First of all, the story indicates that this was a loan and it was encouraged by AA offering the B & G Club some value added benefits. I don't see the problem with that...obviously if it is a loan, it's undoubtedly all on paper. You don't hand over nearly half a million dollars to somebody without a contract. So the call to "give it back" is probably unecessary. If it's a loan it's obvious it has to be repaid as a debt by AA. Also, this story makes it sound as if Rosen simply pulled the organization's operational funds out of the bank and wrote a check to Cohen/Air America that drained the Boys & Girls Club account. I rather doubt this is what transpired. For one thing, such an idiotic act would have left him open to immediate termination by the board of directors, not to mention civil and criminal prosecution. He would not have had the authority to do that anyway. I'm pretty sure a major financial decision like that was thoroughly discussed by the board so that's simply not something I can even envision the manageing exec of a major non-profit doing. It makes no sense. What benefit would the non-profit gain from this? None of course. What's more likely is that the organization is short X percentage of their expected funding and is facing cutbacks because of that; a common problem for many non-profits. A financial audit probably brought to light that they have funds tied up in this loan that could have been used for operational expenses. In other words, it sounds like a situation where they may have gotten in over their heads and the circumstances are being used for political gain. Given their choice of parners in this endeavor, it seems even more likely since the AA organization apparently draws a lot of fire from oppositional groups. Again, the bottom line is there is not enough info to really know what's going on here.

[Spider]

There seem to be some notable and crucial elements missing from this story. First of all, the story indicates that this was a loan and it was encouraged by AA offering the B & G Club some value added benefits. I don't see the problem with that...obviously if it is a loan, it's undoubtedly all on paper. You don't hand over nearly half a million dollars to somebody without a contract. So the call to "give it back" is probably unecessary. If it's a loan it's obvious it has to be repaid as a debt by AA. Also, this story makes it sound as if Rosen simply pulled the organization's operational funds out of the bank and wrote a check to Cohen/Air America that drained the Boys & Girls Club account. I rather doubt this is what transpired. For one thing, such an idiotic act would have left him open to immediate termination by the board of directors, not to mention civil and criminal prosecution. He would not have had the authority to do that anyway. I'm pretty sure a major financial decision like that was thoroughly discussed by the board so that's simply not something I can even envision the manageing exec of a major non-profit doing. It makes no sense. What benefit would the non-profit gain from this? None of course. What's more likely is that the organization is short X percentage of their expected funding and is facing cutbacks because of that; a common problem for many non-profits. A financial audit probably brought to light that they have funds tied up in this loan that could have been used for operational expenses. In other words, it sounds like a situation where they may have gotten in over their heads and the circumstances are being used for political gain. Given their choice of parners in this endeavor, it seems even more likely since the AA organization apparently draws a lot of fire from oppositional groups. Again, the bottom line is there is not enough info to really know what's going on here.

Fair enough .....

[L.A. BRONCOS FAN]

There's no clamor by Smalley and Janeane to ensure that the people they "care" about actually get the goods and services due to them. They're doing nothing to right the situation. But what else is to be expected, they're too busy covering their asses to worry about kids.

A statement which, even if true, still doesn't refute the following (as you seem to believe.)


The difference?

Cohen is no longer with Air America.

Had he been a repug, not only would he still have his job - he would have been given a promotion and a raise.

[Rigs11]

...isn't that the left's claim to fame? That they look out for the underpriveliged and old?

Wow...getting this kind of response from the left when the mere allegations of abuse @ Abu Ghraib has drawn more than it's fair share of outrage by the left.

And yet, oddly enough that story is nothing but a bunch or heresay and conjecture as well, with no proof that these newly alleged abuses have actually happened and definitely no shred of evidence that it was ordered by the White House or Defense Dept....but, is that what is being posted all over cyberspace....ummm, no.


Had this been a budget cut by Bush, you clowns on the left would have been plastering this story all over the nation demanding to know what Bush knew and when did he know it....the seriousness of the charge is all that matters in that case.

Only Cletus would be *smart* enough to compare this to Abu Graib. Lets' respond as Cletus does shall we? "You have no proof", "You can't prove anything".

[TomServo]

i'd equate aar to the xfl-all kindsa money poured into it, given every chance to succeed, but in the end. just bad, Bad product.

[Spider]

i'd equate aar to the xfl-all kindsa money poured into it, given every chance to succeed, but in the end. just bad, Bad product.
and I would equate you with an Idiot ........ But then like that is only an opinion ..... Much like youres on Air America .....