This was a pleasure to hear. Listen to the whole thing as Jim McDermott asks why teabaggers wanted taxpayer subsidies!
Rep. Jim McDermott (D-WA) on Tuesday questioned why tea party groups were seeking to be subsidized by the government.
At a House hearing on IRS misconduct, McDermott acknowledged the federal tax agency had inappropriately used political criteria to locate nonprofit applications that needed extra review.
“But as I listen to this discussion, I’d like to remind everyone what we are talking about here,” he continued. “None of your organizations were kept from organizing or silenced. We are talking about whether or not the American taxpayers would subsidize your work. We are talking about a tax break.”
The tea party groups in question were applying to become tax exempt 501(c)4 groups, also known as social welfare organizations. McDermott noted the purpose of such groups was to advance the common good and general welfare a community. Political organizations, on the other hand, are categorized under section 527 of the federal tax code.
“Each of your groups is highly political,” the congressman said. “From opposing the President’s healthcare reform, to abortion restrictions, to gay marriage, you’re all entrenched in some of the most controversial political issues in this country – and with your applications you are asking the American public to pay for that work. Many of you host and endorse candidates. The line between permitted political activity and non-permitted political activity can be very fine, and it’s important that tax payers know which side you fall on.”
McDermott’s remarks angered Rep. Paul Ryan (R-WI), who accused the congressman of blaming the victim.
The real victims here are the American people. The victimizers are ALL Republicans. What a great country this would be sans anyone who thinks like a Republican thinks. Or the way Blue Dog Democrats think.
“The real victims are the American people.” Bull’s-eye.” “The victimizers are ALL Republicans.” Plain bull. The use of 501c4s to blind major donations and corrupt the political process is equal opportunity employment. All Obama has to do is issue an executive order directing the IRS to withdraw its regulation that twisted “exclusively” to mean “primarily” and the house of cards comes down. There’s not a damn thing the Republicans can do and I doubt that they are going to hopper a bill to restore anonymous political contributions to eligibility. Won’t happen because both parties want skin in this game.