Ramblings' Journal

IRS reviewing NAACP's tax exempt status

The Internal Revenue Service has begun an examination of the tax exempt status of the NAACP, in light of a speech by chairman Julian Bond at last July's NAACP National Convention. Bond's speech was especially partisan, vilifying Republicans in general, and President Bush in particular.

In a letter dated Oct. 8 and released Thursday, the IRS told the NAACP it had received information that chairman Julian Bond conveyed "statements in opposition of George W. Bush for the office of presidency" and specifically "condemned the administration policies of George W. Bush in education, the economy and the war in Iraq."

The letter reminded the NAACP that tax-exempt organizations are legally barred from supporting or opposing any candidate for elective office.

Bond's speech on July 11 included a long section that sharply criticized the Republican Party, Bush and Vice President Dick Cheney for their positions on an array of issues important to black Americans.

Bond defended his remarks Thursday, saying they focused on policy, not politics. "This is an attempt to silence the NAACP on the very eve of a presidential election," he said. "We are best known for registering and turning out large numbers of African-American voters. Clearly, someone in the IRS doesn't want that to happen."

He added, "It's Orwellian to believe that criticism of the president is not allowed or that the president is somehow immune from criticism."

The NAACP has refrained from endorsing a Presidential candidate this year, but speeches by Bond and others associated with the organization leave little doubt that the organization fully supports John Kerry, and would do everything within it's power to remove Republicans in general and the Bush Administration in particular from office.

Bond's statements in response to the IRS letter reenforce that notion.

It's a wonder that Bond hasn't cried "Racism," in response. Then again, the day is still young.

Posted by mhking at October 28, 2004 10:57 PM