Posted on 09/08/2006 10:11:32 AM PDT by willyd
September 8, 2006
To whom it may concern:
It has come to my attention recently that the National Education Association may have breached their commitment to refrain from endorsing candidates in an election year. The IRS has the following to say about 501(c)(5) organizations:
* The G.C.M. notes that the content of specific legislative proposals may be
readily identified and related to the business or labor interests of the organizations. Therefore, business leagues and labor unions may engage in lobbying activities that are germane to their exempt purposes as their primary activity.
* However, "support of a candidate for public office necessarily involves the organization in the total political attitudes and positions of the candidate." Because of this, the G.C.M. concluded that "this involvement transcends the narrower [exempt] interest" of the organization and could not be the primary activity of an organization described in either IRC 501(c)(5) or IRC 501(c)(6).
Source: ( http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-tege/eotopicl03.pdf)
I believe that the cover of their most recent “This Active Life” issue represents a breach of their responsibilities as a 501(c)(5) organization for the following reasons:
1. All of the campaign signs that listed in the picture are Democratic Presidential hopefuls.
2. The “Clinton for President” sign that is being displayed prominently in the center is actually an old Bill Clinton campaign sign from a previous election. The name “Bill” has been digitally edited out. In my opinion, this proves that the NEA is making the statement that they specifically endorse Hillary Clinton for President instead of the much more legal statement that NEA members should get out and vote for whatever political candidate represents their interests as a teacher.
3. I also make this statement because it is the only sign that appears to be altered from its original design and it is the only sign in the picture that has the nea logo digitally attached to it. UPDATE: The Gore sign is also digitally enhanced. The only readable letters say, ”the NEA and I’m for Gore.” This is nothing more than propaganda and blatant candidate endorsement.
Not only is the NEA only supporting candidates from one political party in this photograph, they are actually going so far as to put their seal of approval on their candidate of choice. The only other candidate that we are given an unobstructed view of their name is Tim Kaine. Should these two pair up on the same ticket for 2008, I think this case will be proven beyond a shadow of a doubt.
I am not a judge or a jury member though, so all I am asking is that the appropriate authorities look into this matter and conduct an appropriate investigation. I have attached a copy of the original campaign sign for your perusal. Source:(http://collections.politicallibrary.org)
I have also attached a copy of the referenced IRS article. Also, attached is a copy of the front cover of the September 2006 issue of “The Active Life”.
Sincerely,
Name Withheld
The rules regarding 501(c)(5) organizations can be looked up here Link here
I am posting a copy of the front of the September Issue of The Active Life (NEA polical action magazine) and will post the link whenever I do. I have it scanned if someone could just tell me how to post it I would very much appreciate it.
ping!
Rules only apply to Republicans if they cause them harm politically.
Got it. Thanks.
They should've lost tax exempt status years ago.
I have them both posted now... thanks for the info...
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