UPDATE: The Times obtained a copy of the warning letter (HERE) and a $100,000 bounty (HERE)
The New York Times reported yesterday on a disturbing, yet predictable, outgrowth of our over-regulated campaign finance system.
A new group, "Accountable America", is "planning to confront donors to conservative groups, hoping to create a chilling effect that will dry up contributions."
They’ve begun by sending a "foreboding ‘warning’ letter" to more than 10,000 Republican donors.
According to the Times, "The warning letter is intended as a first step, alerting donors who might be considering giving to right-wing groups to a variety of potential dangers, including legal trouble, public exposure and watchdog groups digging through their lives. "
The Times further reports that the group has already raised $200,000 and ultimately hopes to raise $2 million for their efforts to harrass and intimidate citizens from exercising their First Amendment rights.
Ironically, Tom Mattzie, the founder of the new anti-independent speech group, previously attempted to run a liberal independent speech group called Progressive Media U.S.A., but that effort folded after Mattzie failed to raise enough money.
Unable to find financing to fund his media efforts, Mattzie now simply seeks to silence his ideological opponents.
