The New York Times profiled a highly-secretive "collection of perhaps 1,500 right-leaning players in the entertainment industry" whose belated application for non-profit status may be complicated by their seemingly partisan affiliation with political candidates and figures, possible campaign activity that is prohibited. Notably, the Times missed a significant inclusion on this list of right-wing stars: Justice Antonin Scalia.The group's application for a 501(c)(3) designation, a tax status for non-partisan groups that would allow donors to claim deductions, is currently being scrutinized because its claim that it "has absolutely no political agenda" is at odds with its record of hosting right-wing media and officials, according to the January 22 Timesarticle.
didn't we just indict a republican for taking bribes of the same kind? this is why i say there should never have been nor should there be a lifetime appt. of anything in gov't position. bullet proof thinking appointee's tend not to have any self restriction while sitting in judgement of what and what not we can have,
you know like declaring NC not racist and didn't need permission to screw thousands of qualified voters out of exercising that right, decision made by those on the republican side of that disgraceful court.
[T]he Internal Revenue Service is reviewing the group's activities in connection with its application for tax-exempt status. Last week, federal tax authorities presented the group with a 10-point request for detailed information about its meetings with politicians like Paul D. Ryan, Thaddeus McCotter and Herman Cain, among other matters, according to people briefed on the inquiry.Tax experts said that an organization's membership list is information that would not typically be required. The I.R.S. already had access to the site's basic levels, a request it considers routine for applications for 501(c)(3) nonprofit status.Friends of Abe -- the name refers to Abraham Lincoln -- has strongly discouraged the naming of its members. That policy even prohibits the use of cameras at group events, to avoid the unwilling identification of all but a few associates -- the actors Gary Sinise, Jon Voight and Kelsey Grammer, or the writer-producer Lionel Chetwynd, for instance -- who have spoken openly about their conservative political views.
wait a minute this is the same thing with that other gift of ciizens united you can stay anonymous and not let your political preference interfere with your work or business. i still think the secrecy of who is trying to by the gov't is wrong we don't know whom contributes to republican interest for all we know Iran's Ahmadinejad could own a controling interest in our republican party, only those trying to hide from something don't want their pictures taken or names revealed. who you trust?
