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IRS apologizes for inappropriately targeting conservative political groups[W:484,732]

rocket88

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Re: IRS apologizes for inappropriately targeting conservative political groups in 201

Apology is not sufficient. Anyone involved should be criminally prosecuted for civil rights violations and official oppression. The IRS should be sued for civil damages.
 
Re: IRS apologizes for inappropriately targeting conservative political groups in 201

Apologies are nice but if they REALLY wanted to make a mends they should go back and review those tax exempt groups who have 'progress', 'prosperity', 'socialist'...I mean fair is fair.
 
Re: IRS apologizes for inappropriately targeting conservative political groups in 201

i'd definitely like to see a more thorough explanation of this from the IRS. i'd also like to know why these groups are tax exempt.
 
Re: IRS apologizes for inappropriately targeting conservative political groups in 201

In a nation where we have free speech this should never happen. One of the biggest fears with bloated bureaucracy is that they will use their position to squash or hinder political groups or people they don't like.

My concern is I wonder how high up this goes. The person in charge of trying to disadvantage conservative groups does not need to have his/her position and abuse his/her authority to try and squash groups they don't like. Charges should be made if applicable, trying to disadvantage a group based on their beliefs is a very severe form government oppression in my opinion and should not be tolerated at all. This is what I would expect from more totalitarian nations with less freedom like China, Iran, or Russia. This should absolutely not be happening in the United States where one of our chief principals is freedom of speech and the right to believe what you want without the government impeding upon that.
 
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Re: IRS apologizes for inappropriately targeting conservative political groups in 201

Key:
Lerner said the practice, initiated by low-level workers in Cincinnati, was wrong and she apologized while speaking at a conference in Washington.

Certainly inexcusable behavior, just trying to make sure nobody reads the headline and pictures some massive conspiracy.
 
Re: IRS apologizes for inappropriately targeting conservative political groups in 201

Simply amazing to see that a political enemies list has penetrated nearly all layers of the bureaucracy.

Its only a matter of time before they start asking for political affiliation on entitlement program eligibility forms.
 
Re: IRS apologizes for inappropriately targeting conservative political groups in 201

Why do political advocacy groups get tax exempt status anyways? I thought politics and tax exempt weren't to be mixed?

To be tax-exempt under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, an organization must be organized and operated exclusively for exempt purposes set forth in section 501(c)(3), and none of its earnings may inure to any private shareholder or individual. In addition, it may not be an action organization, i.e., it may not attempt to influence legislation as a substantial part of its activities and it may not participate in any campaign activity for or against political candidates.
 
Re: IRS apologizes for inappropriately targeting conservative political groups in 201

Key:


Certainly inexcusable behavior, just trying to make sure nobody reads the headline and pictures some massive conspiracy.

While I understand your point and do not believe there is a 'massive conspiracy' the excerpt you provided reveals 'initiated'. Were these 'low-level workers' not supervised? Was supervision so disengaged they didn't say 'hey, why are we targeting only 'right wing' entities'? Or do the IRS workers have the autonomy to approach their duties all 'willy nilly'? For reasons Dig's pointed out, this is potentially dangerous.

Reminds me of students hesitant to take on professors' comments/positions for fear of grade retribution.
 
Re: IRS apologizes for inappropriately targeting conservative political groups in 201

Lerner said the practice, initiated by low-level workers in Cincinnati, was wrong and she apologized while speaking at a conference in Washington.
Is this supposed to make people feel better? It was just some low-level workers?

Knowing that some low-level worker can me through hell simply because he doesn't like my name has sort of the opposite effect.
 
Re: IRS apologizes for inappropriately targeting conservative political groups in 201

Why do political advocacy groups get tax exempt status anyways? I thought politics and tax exempt weren't to be mixed?

I believe this to be quite a fine line. For example both the LGBT and 'gun nuts' need associations to further their interests. It would be impossible for these associations to communicate their 'constituents' desires/opinions without having a public effect on legislation. Trying to delineate direct and 'subliminal' influence seems to be somewhat complicated.
 
Re: IRS apologizes for inappropriately targeting conservative political groups in 201

The IRS apologizes? That's it?

The IRS has the power to destroy a business, or an individual, even if the business or individual is innocent of any wrongdoing.

It's not surprising, but should be inconceivable, that a low-level IRS hack could be in a position to stalk groups at their own whim.

Heads should roll.

That an apology was deemed sufficient speaks volumes of the arrogance of the above the law forces that make up the Internal Revenue Service.
 
Re: IRS apologizes for inappropriately targeting conservative political groups in 201

Is this supposed to make people feel better? It was just some low-level workers?

Knowing that some low-level worker can me through hell simply because he doesn't like my name has sort of the opposite effect.

Lol, easy there buddy. They were asked a lot of questions. Hardly "going through hell". Unless you feel the same about the TSA, then carry on with the faux outrage.
 
Re: IRS apologizes for inappropriately targeting conservative political groups in 201


I would assume that any group trying to seek tax-exempt status would/should receive a lot of scrutiny.

I don't know how the system works in America, but don't all of the "Tea Party" and "Tea Party Patriots" groups claim that they're not associated with any political party so why would they get tax-exempt status?
 
Re: IRS apologizes for inappropriately targeting conservative political groups in 201

In a nation where we have free speech this should never happen. One of the biggest fears with bloated bureaucracy is that they will use their position to squash or hinder political groups or people they don't like.

My concern is I wonder how high up this goes. The person in charge of trying to disadvantage conservative groups does not need to have his/her position and abuse his/her authority to try and squash groups they don't like. Charges should be made if applicable, trying to disadvantage a group based on their beliefs is a very severe form government oppression in my opinion and should not be tolerated at all. This is what I would expect from more totalitarian nations with less freedom like China, Iran, or Russia. This should absolutely not be happening in the United States where one of our chief principals is freedom of speech and the right to believe what you want without the government impeding upon that.

To me, it just reeks of Nixon.
 
Re: IRS apologizes for inappropriately targeting conservative political groups in 201

Apology is not sufficient. Anyone involved should be criminally prosecuted for civil rights violations and official oppression. The IRS should be sued for civil damages.

More money out of our pockets?

No thanks.

Fire the decision makers.
 
Re: IRS apologizes for inappropriately targeting conservative political groups in 201

I would assume that any group trying to seek tax-exempt status would/should receive a lot of scrutiny.

I don't know how the system works in America, but don't all of the "Tea Party" and "Tea Party Patriots" groups claim that they're not associated with any political party so why would they get tax-exempt status?

I'll bet that they didn't audit Westboro......
 
Re: IRS apologizes for inappropriately targeting conservative political groups in 201

how is this different from profiling those looking middle eastern when boarding planes because of the greater likelihood of catching a bad guy?
 
Re: IRS apologizes for inappropriately targeting conservative political groups in 201

so the IRS used gestapo tactics in an attempt to silence groups that opposed Obama. this is the same department that will have access to our medical records thanks to Obama care. And we supposed to have faith in the government and not fear tyranny according to Obama
 
Re: IRS apologizes for inappropriately targeting conservative political groups in 201

I would assume that any group trying to seek tax-exempt status would/should receive a lot of scrutiny.

I don't know how the system works in America, but don't all of the "Tea Party" and "Tea Party Patriots" groups claim that they're not associated with any political party so why would they get tax-exempt status?

I've thought of that. It's very early in the timeline, but it seems that these groups were singled out for more scrutiny because of which side of the spectrum they lean toward. Giving them some scrutiny to see that they fall under the guidelines is one thing, but more scrutiny because of their "lean" bothers me.
 
Re: IRS apologizes for inappropriately targeting conservative political groups in 201

how is this different from profiling those looking middle eastern when boarding planes because of the greater likelihood of catching a bad guy?

It's not that much different. I don't like either.
 
Re: IRS apologizes for inappropriately targeting conservative political groups in 201

how is this different from profiling those looking middle eastern when boarding planes because of the greater likelihood of catching a bad guy?

when has the Tea Party ever flown a plane into a building? when has the Tea Party ever done any acts of violence?
 
Re: IRS apologizes for inappropriately targeting conservative political groups in 201

I would assume that any group trying to seek tax-exempt status would/should receive a lot of scrutiny.

I don't know how the system works in America, but don't all of the "Tea Party" and "Tea Party Patriots" groups claim that they're not associated with any political party so why would they get tax-exempt status?

the key word is ANY but it doesn't work that way atleast under this administration, We have groups like MMA that has stated its purpose is to shut down FNC and they get TES
 
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