Sure, Fred Thompson’s committee says it will investigate the “misuse of charitable and tax-exempt” groups. But that doesn’t mean that concerned citizens especially readers of THE WEEKLY STANDARD — should be content merely to sit back and watch the fireworks on C-SPAN. You can help to root out tax fraud, too.
The Wall Street Journal reported last week that the IRS is gearing up to audit lots of non-profits. Many conservative and right-leaning groups are reportedly already under the auditors’ microscopes. Why the one- sidedness? According to the IRS battle plan, “During the election cycle of 1994-96, numerous news articles were published concerning exempt organizations’ intervention in political activities and their increased electioneering efforts.” The IRS, in other words, is following up on leads it gleaned from the media, which tend to be more interested in the abuses of conservatives.
In the spirit of “public journalism,” then, we propose to balance the playing field. Send your candidates for left-wing “charities” most needing an audit to THE WEEKLY STANDARD, 1150 17th St., NW, Suite 505, Dept. VM, Washington, DC 20036. We will forward them to the IRS and publicize favorites. Readers whose tips lead to audits will receive the gratitude of their fellow citizens.
