Mrs. Leary soon to be homeless. UPDATE: Daniel Leary responds–see comments.

By Dr. Theo on June 29th, 2009

The following is excerpted from an e-mail I received today from “Daniel Leary” newsacorn@acorn.org:

Dear Dr. Theo,

I love my mom. Her name is Irene. She’s 84-years-old, and she is the most important person in the world to me.

Today, her bank is selling the house she has lived in for 34 years, and it’s breaking my heart.

I asked my mom to tell me about how she got into this situation — she’s been the same house for 34 years, after all. How did this happen?

Here’s what my mom told me:

“Your father was receiving dialysis three times a week and suffering from chronic, congestive heart failure. He was vulnerable and realized he was on the verge of passing. He was worried that he’d leave me with $30,000 to $40,000 in credit card debt. With those concerns, we sought advice.

“[The bank] advised us we would qualify for a loan based on our credit scores and the loan would ’solve our problems.’ They definitely preyed upon our vulnerability.

“Your father died a month after we received the loan. Our fixed income was $2,388.81 per month. With his passing, the income dropped to $1,600.00 per month. I continued to make payments, but they kept going up and up. They went up so much that even if my husband was still alive, we could not have made them.”

From the bottom of my heart, and on behalf of the most wonderful woman in the whole world, my mother, Irene Leary, thank you for taking action today.

Sincerely,

Dennis Leary
Proud Son of Irene Leary

ACORN, now re-named Community Organizations International (COI) because of the heavy baggage accumulated by suspicious activities conducted during the last election cycle in which a Chicago street thug was elected president, is using this e-mail message to enlist the liberal and uninformed in support of putting political pressure on several financial institutions to let folks keep homes that they can’t or won’t pay for. Presumably, Emperor Zero has not taken enough from taxpayers yet to satisfy the demands of the “takers” on the Left.

I don’t know what to make of it, but note that the e-mail address identifies the sender as “Daniel” but the letter is signed “Dennis.” Could it be the whole thing is a fraud? A search for information on Daniel or Dennis Leary (not the actor) finds no pertinent references except as relates to this e-mail.

OK, I’ll give Daniel or Dennis the benefit of the doubt and accept the message as authentic. Re-read the quote from Mrs. Leary and ask yourself if this sounds like an 84 year old women explaining her predicament to her son? Irene is pretty articulate and knows how to push the right buttons to excite the socialists. Maybe she can find some gainful work writing for other Soros organizations. Just a thought.

Daniel or Dennis doesn’t tell us what HE has done to save his mother’s home. She being the “the most wonderful woman in the whole world” and he being the “proud son of Irene Leary” you’d think he would have exhausted every resource to help his mother keep her home. I know I would have. But I guess that’s the attitude one would expect from a callous right-wing Christian extremist nutcase.

June 30, 2009. Badger Blogger in Wisconsin has some thoughts on the matter as well.

Note: Reader comments are reviewed before publishing, and only salient comments that add to the topic will be published. Profanity is absolutely not allowed and will be summarily deleted. Spam, copied statements and other material not comprised of the reader’s own opinion will also be deleted.

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Categories: Commentary
Tags: ,

  • So, according to the article at Pasadena News, the day was saved by ACORN activists who "threatened to protest at OneWest branches on Tuesday if the bank did not offer to participate in the Obama administration's plan." I am happy to hear that Mrs. Leary will not be sleeping under a bridge tonight.

    This whole affair would not have been possible were it not for interference from government do-gooders like Bonnie Fwank and Chris (I got mine) Dodd, and groups like ACORN. They coerced banks to make loans that were not secure then protested the same banks when they exercised their rights when people failed to repay the loans as agreed. A pretty sweet deal for everyone except the bank depositors and those who actually repay their loans on time.

    Whatever the particulars in this case, it is unfortunate that ACORN became involved. This makes the whole matter stink and we believe that people like Mrs. Leary are simply being used to advance a socialist agenda in which some folks are forced to give up the fruits of their labor to others who may or may not be deserving of any help. ACORN is not about helping people anyway. They only seek greater and greater power and control over others. Like socialist organization before them the end justifies any means. Useful idiots and dupes have always been effective tools of socialist movements.
  • Daniel Leary
    Dr. Theo.

    I cannot believe you called my mother and I and I quote "Useful idiots and dupes." I am appalled that a man of the cloth would stoop to that!

    You state that the government and ACORN created this mess by coercing banks? How naive are you? Greed is the motive for which all these loans were made. As a matter of fact, many have been sued for their deceptive loan practices. Review the following:

    http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2008/06/c...

    http://homeequitytheft-cases-articles.blogspot....

    As for OneWest bank, (formerly Indymac bank – which was the child of Country Wide) I suggest you look at the ownership of the new bank. Several hedge fund megastars such as John Paulson are the investors. Review the following article.
    http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601087...

    I encourage you to review the information herein and rethink your position. It is my belief that your views will not change. Nevertheless, I do forgive you for your thoughtless, name calling.

    Daniel Leary
  • Guy Smylie
    I guess he doesn't get it!

    I blame YOU, Dr. Theo! You wrote this article. He just wanted your money! He didn't care about your life or who you help. He just wanted - what was it $100,000 from a couple of people - to pay off his moms house and pay off medical bills!?! Why couldn't you just write the check?

    I hope, when we can't pay our medical bills anymore and our house starts the 6 month foreclosure process, you atleast pay off our debt when I ask a couple days before the sheriffs sale!

    How COULD you! People from god are supposed to be ignorantly helpful!!!!

    OK. I'm all out of sarcasm for now...this is starting to irk me a little.
  • Daniel Leary
    Supporters and Dissenters,

    Let me direct you to this link. http://www.pasadenastarnews.com/ci_12726730

    This is one of the many news papers and media that coverd the press conference. As for the signing of my name as dennis leary, that was an error on the part of the proof reader. I know, get a new one; I agree.

    So if you want to uncover exposure, read the article and stand corrected.

    Daniel Leary
  • Guy Smylie
    I noticed that story was the #4 "Most Emailed", but it wasn't even in the top 10 "Most Viewed". Better get those emails out D. Leary
    Just a side note:
    leery /ˈlɪəri/
    –adjective 1. wary; suspicious : I'm leery of his financial advice.

    Maybe you shouldn't get the bank to help you out anymore. Look what has already happened. If you get your mother into MORE trouble, thanks to the kind folks at ACORN, you probably won't feel too good about yourself.
  • The question isn't whether Mrs. Leary truly exists. Under the cloak of internet anonymity, any ACORN / DemocracyInAction troll can create a Hotmail account and "claim" to be Daniel / Dennis Leary (he should clear up the confusion about what his own name is before authoring those e-mails, I suppose); the question is why ACORN is making this woman the face of what is clearly a deliberate phishing campaign, orchestrated by a third party that specializes in information-gathering; and presenting what, in my opinion, is a psychologically manipulative tactic in order to get a reader on their mailing list, petition, YouTube video, who knows what?

    As the link at "Salsa Commons" suggests, it's all about getting the names. There's "power" in having the names.

    Why not just come out and say "we'd like your name for our future marketing efforts?" Why the hysterics, "sign this letter, or this nice old lady will lose her house TODAY?"

    If a right-wing activist group (yes, I recognize the humor of that premise) pulled something like this, it would be at the top of the elite media's news cycle. "Republicans using deceptive marketing practices," I can hear it now.

    ACORN / DIA / WiredForChange does it? Sound of crickets chirping.
  • Thanks for your comments, Bruce.

    Readers can read more of Bruce's analysis and opinion at badgerblogger.com, which is also linked at the bottom of the original post.
  • Daniel Leary
    Dr. Theo,

    Rather than blast ACORN and speculate that we are pawns, why don't you use your forum to condemn those that are really to blame for this crisis. The banks! I do know what happens when people do not make their payments. We are in agreement that when people do not repay things, consequences will occur. Therefore, in some instances, foreclosure is fair and just.

    What you failing to realize from your internet pulpit, is that the banks created these loans and preyed upon seniors with fixed incomes and encouraged them to utilize the loans. In the Truth and Lending document, it states that one’s loan is approved based on their credit history and ability to repay future payments. As a matter of fact, that same document contains an amortization schedule that showed in 2 1/2 years they would not be able to afford the loan. Yet, the bank approved them. Additionally, in a phone call with one of their Loss Mitigation Supervisors, it was stated that my parents should have never been approved for this loan. So you tell me, who’s at fault here?

    As far as reverse mortgages are concerned, in principal, they are great. Yet, when the housing market tanked and home values dropped to half the value, it leaves negative equity in the home. With a mortgage that is double than what the house is worth, one has no equity to leverage the mortgage. As a result, without a positive equity, reverse mortgages do not work.

    I accept your apology and good wishes. I am extending them to you as well. I do understand your motivation for slamming ACORN. And yes, there have been issues surrounding them; just as there is in every organization and political official. However, I have personally witnessed them flush out foreclosure scam artists, push for quality education, and fight for members of their community that they don’t know, purely out of the goodness of their heart.

    I welcome the opportunity you have extended to pen more about this matter and look forward to it.

    Daniel (not dennis)
  • I sympathize with your plight and that of your family. However, blaming the banks that did you a favor and loaned you the money is disingenuous and ungrateful.

    No one knows better than you what your own financial state and outlook it is. It is up to you to determine the state of your financial stability and your ability to repay, regardless of what anyone else tells you .

    I know that socialists in our country have for years been telling people that you are not responsible for anything, that government is here to make all the tough decisions for you and rescue you from any discomfort that comes your way in life.

    But God gave you a mind, and he gave you character. Furthermore, God expects you to use them, and that means not getting yourself into financial situations you can't handle, and it also means not listening to warm fuzzy promises from the government that run counter to ethical practices and personal responsibility.

    That same government who has been misleading you has been forcing banks to make loans to people with dubious ability to repay. If you want to blame anyone (other than yourself) for your situation, blame the government that got both you and the bank into this mess.

    ACORN is deep in bed with the same government that caused you problems, so it would make sense not to trust them, either.
  • Guy Smylie
    Why did you sign the letter Dennis?

    Anyway, Banks have no reason to loan money to people who can't pay them back. Then they would be out money. Do you understand that!?

    Banks have been let's say encouraged by groups, ACORN inparticular to loan money to persons who can't pay. As in demonstrated against, by blocking the banks doors. Out of the goodness of their hearts they wanted to make sure people like your parents got the money they deserved. However, they did not understand, your parents needed to repay the loan.
    You just want your mother to have her house without paying for it!
    Reverse Mortgages are stupid! They take a house you own and let you buy it all over again!

    You need education and stop wasting you time, begging!

    Guy
  • Daniel Leary
    Dr. Theo,

    I am Daniel Leary and Irene Leary is my mom. We sought out ACORN because every other organization that states they can assist with preventing foreclosures are, for the most part, scam artists, They take your money and you still loose the home. And so what that I chose ACORN, the issue isn’t about them, it’s about my mom!

    How dare you assert that my mom isn’t articulate! You spew venom from the pulpit of your website. How can you, a man of the cloth, who espouses Christian values, stand and judge with out full knowledge? You also assume that I have done nothing. However, I have been involved with her plight since January 3, 2008 when I reached out to the bank. I have exhausted countless resources of time and money to save her. At what cost would you protect your mother?

    Your assertions are ludicrous and without merit. Your judgmental comments are contrary to Christian values. I welcome the opportunity to discuss this and show you her in person and the foreclosure documents. Possibly, you can’t handle the truth or stand being corrected.

    Daniel Leary
  • Guy Smylie
    Dennis,
    Maybe it's time you care for your mother. It's not anyone elses responsibility! You take her into your home and care for her. My sister in law and their families have four generations living in one household and have no debt. They all contribute and bring in at least 5 full time incomes plus part time. If you want a solution, look to YOURSELF not others because you are more powerful, quicker and smarter about your situation than anyone else you know.

    The best scam artist is one who makes you believe you aren't being used!

    Guy
  • Mr. Leary, I will also invite you to write a more detailed account of this situation and your thoughts on the matter and submit it to drewas@gmail.com. I will consider posting it (with the adivce and consent of the owner of the website) without comment from me, but will open the forum for reader comments. There might even be some reader suggestions you may find helpful.
  • Assuming you are who you say, thank you for writing and providing the additional information that I speculated about in this piece. You say "And so what that I chose ACORN, the issue isn’t about them, it’s about my mom"! Well, it most certainly IS about ACORN, an organization that has refused to open its books to independent examiners and has been charged in several states with illegal activities. ACORN also stands to receive billions in federal dollars through several of its myriad of interconnected agencies.

    I believe that this plea was for the benefit of ACORN first and foremost, and that you and your mother are simply being used as expendable pawns. Am I wrong? Well, I could be, but ACORN's history gives me plenty of reasons to be suspicious of any cause that they endorse.

    I didn't make assertions, Daniel (or is it Dennis?). I raised questions and speculated about what the story was really about. I am sorry that you don't see that. Of course, I am sympathetic to anyone who falls on hard times and sometimes it is through no fault of their own, but in the original e-mail from you, via ACORN, it is asserted that this situation is all the fault of some evil bank that conspired to steal your mother's home without conscience. Do you not realize that when people don't repay loans that we all have to pay in some way to make up the losses. Is it fair that some people are held responsible for their debts and others are not?

    In 1997 and '98 I spent a total of 207 days in the hospital and my unemployment insurance refused to pay on a technicality. We lost all we had worked for for nearly 20 years. We were able to hold on to our house, but only by hard work and the generosity of family and friends. I learned that life isn't always fair, but that through the grace and power of Jesus Christ we can persevere and prevail.

    I have nothing but best wishes for you and your family and I will pray that all works out according to God's will for your mother. I am sorry that you were personally offended by any of my remarks, but I honestly didn't even believe the story was true or accurate given what I know about ACORN. If I was wrong, then please accept my apologies to you and your mother.

    I think you made a mistake in getting involved with a corrupt organization like ACORN. It only lessens your credibility and corrupts your cause.

    Best wishes and blessings,

    Dr.Theo
  • Guy Smylie
    The moral of the story is under Obama's One-Payer health coverage the father wouldn't have had to waste that money on dialysis, because he would have been denied coverage. Then his mom could have saved thousands to catch up on her house payment!
    What no Life Insurance? Working in a Union he should have gotten great insurance benefits! And why wasn't she working in a union? Double benefits.
    I thought Social Security and Medicare were supposed to fix these problems!?!?
    Did they go to the bank and ask for a 'solution to their problems?' I think the bank might have just sold them an option and mom/dad had a problem signing things.

    I really wonder why his 'mom' is the most important person in his life... I hope this guy is at least 40!
  • You made me smyle ;>)
  • Persia Walker
    How do know that he hasn't done everything in his power to help his mother. You're assuming that he hasn't. How many people have $30,000 at hand to come to a parent's rescue? You left a comment elsewhere about this, alluding to your Christian values. Your hard-heartedness doesn't enfuriate me as much as your willingness to invoke Christ's name. He would never be so judgmental. Our Lord had compassion. He had understanding. Qualities I find sorely lacking in your post.
  • Guy Smylie
    Christ may have told this son to take his mother into his house and care for her! Christ might have also told her to let go of the things of this world and follow him. But one thing Christ is - is a Savior from sin. Not from debt, not from poverty, not from oppression...only sin.
    God judged our sins and found us in an ever growing, unpayable debt. Jesus Christ is the willing Savior, out of Love!
    Dr. Theo makes some valid points, that the letter is misleading and blaming others is a poor way to handle your affairs. It would be better for you to find similar traps and warn others, so they too are not mislead. THAT would be a helpful thing you could do!
  • Ms. Walker, I don't know if Daniel (or Dennis) has done anything to help his mother or not. I don't know if there even is an Irene Leary. I know that if I was going to others for help I would first make it a point to tell them what I had done to help myself. As Mr. Ellis has said, the Lord commands us to take care of our own first and then help those who are in need through Christian works, not by empowering government to take from some to give to others.

    The Lord knows what I have done to answer His call to me and that is all that matters. You, Persia, are making assumptions that are judgmental and lacking understanding and compassion, but I'll assume that you too are a committed follower of Jesus Christ and are trying your best to be faithful to the Word. God bless you.
  • Persia, this woman has my sympathies. However, this family didn't get into this predicament in a vacuum.

    God gave us intelligence, brains for us to exercise analytical thought and hopefully good judgment. Why is it's the bank's fault for extended a needed loan to people when those people should have known better than anyone else whether they had the ability to repay.

    It seems in our "poor me" entitlement culture that businesses simply cannot do anything right. If banks loan to someone who cannot or will not repay the loan, they are "preying" on them. If they refuse to loan to someone who doesn't have the ability to repay, or that ability is dubious, then they're being "hard hearted" and "discriminatory."

    The Bible makes it clear that it is first and foremost the duty of family to take care of their own. After that, friends, church and other private charities can help.

    But as the Founders have told us (http://www.dakotavoice.com/2009/02/return-of-th...), "Charity is no part of the legislative duty of the government." (James Madison)
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