Posted on 03/24/2009 10:17:26 AM PDT by Shellybenoit
The catch is that THE GOVERNMENT decides what it means to be ‘supporting a candidate’
A good story about a democrap: Fair and Balanced
A good story about a Republican: Evil partisan support
To be tax-exempt under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, an organization must be organized and operated exclusively for exempt purposes set forth in section 501(c)(3), and none of its earnings may inure to any private shareholder or individual. In addition, it may not be an action organization, i.e., it may not attempt to influence legislation as a substantial part of its activities and it may not participate in any campaign activity for or against political candidates.
Well, if they cannot endorse a dimocrat for office, they might as well shut down. That is their main reason for living anyway.
"In addition, it may not be an action organization, i.e., it may not attempt to influence legislation as a substantial part of its activities and it may not participate in any campaign activity for or against political candidates.
"Substantial part" has never been defined by the IRS or anyone else, although general rule of thumb is no more than 10% of resources allocated to lobbying/legislation.
It does not mean & should not be interpreted as ZERO lobbying/legislative activities.
This is the next nail in the coffin of the first amendment. When the government “grants” tax exempt status, they will find a way to own the newspapers. Of course, the papers already “self-censor” so it hardly matters...except, now they will not fail because of their lack of journalistic integrity...the government will hold them up just as they do with PBS.
When you are a newspaper, minister preaching to the congregation, radio station broadcasting daily...
Every word towards advocacy counts. They strip 501c3 status over such matters when they pan out.
Some organizations will establish a non-501 PAC to handle their political activism.
It won’t be “State Run Media”, that would mean that the Republican(s) controls it when in power.
This is Party Run Media that will receive the talking points from the DNC. There is already rampent collusion on news items and “scandals” (like 2006’s “Culture of Corruption”).
Even when Republicans are in power, the Shadow Government will push forth propaganda slanted against the seated administration. Just as there were those who sought to sabotage the Bush Administration’s plans.
Very rarely, if at all. On the rare instances when an organization is stripped of its 501(c)(3) status it's almost always for candidate endorsements not lobbying/legislative work. Unless, of course, you can come up with some examples.
Some organizations will establish a non-501 PAC to handle their political activism.
Irrelevant. (And many do not because then contributions are not tax-exempt).
“How about tax exempt status to talk radio?”
If the criteria for non-profit status is not endorsing candidates, shouldn’t virtually ALL businesses be tax-exempt?
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.