Your sadly obligatory ACORN update.

ACORN: Dear haters, quit using our name... or else. Oh, by the way, we’re changing our name.

Association of Community Organizers for Reform Now (ACORN) leaders are using the threat of a law suit to silence and intimidate critics, according to current and former members of the liberal activist group.

In a letter dated June 11 an attorney for ACORN advised top whistleblowers that their unauthorized use of the organization’s name could make them liable for monetary damages and injunctive relief.

ACORN executives have also changed their organization’s name, which was tarnished by investigations in at least 14 states of allegations of voter registration fraud during the 2008 presidential campaign, and charges by current and former members of financial mismanagement and misrepresentation.

The new name will let ACORN leaders continue their operations without worrying about prior bad publicity, according to Marcel Reid of ACORN 8, a group of present and former members.

And the new name, which no doubt hundreds of hours of brain-storming and focus group research was expended in order to best distance themselves from their own tawdry and unsavory past? "Community Organizations International"

Like a one-trick pony - go with what you know.