The Internal Revenue Service’s investigation of the United Church of Christ, which invited Sen. Barack Obama to give a speech at its 50th anniversary celebration, has prompted observers to worry that many other charities will now shy away from legitimate political activities. The denomination, which is affiliated with the church where Mr. Obama worships, has denied any wrongdoing.
Tom Durso of 501cfiles
notes that Chicago’s Gene Siskel Film Center already had decided to avoid screening a documentary about the senator’s 2006 trip to Africa out of fear that “showing the movie could be interpreted as support for Obama, a no-no if it wanted to retain its nonprofit status in the eyes of the IRS.”
And while Mr. Durso says that the center was wise to not show the movie, he finds the current IRS investigation disconcerting.
It is not only “unusual for the federal agency to investigate an entire denomination,” but Mr. Durso wonders, “doesn’t the IRS have better things to do than harass a church about a speech by one of its members? Especially this time of year?”
Allison Fine of A. Fine Blog says the Obama inquiry has similarities with a 2004 incident involving Julian Bond, who was questrioned on remarks he made as chairman of the group at its annual conference. During the investigation, the IRS said it was focusing on his remarks that “condemned the administration policies of George W. Bush on education, the economy and the war in Iraq.” The IRS investigated for two years and then “cleared”: the organization of any wrongdoing.
In the current political climate, Ms. Fine is concerned that the timing of the investigation could be “intended to suppress support for and activity on behalf of [Senator Obama’s] candidacy for president.” Even if this is not the case, she states, “This is at best a silly use of taxpayer money, or at worst a pattern of political intimidation by this administration.”
What do you think? Does the IRS investigation appear justified? Should nonprofit groups of all types be more wary of their political activity? Click on the comments link below to share your thoughts.
