Sean Hannity’s Freedom CONcert Scam

Debbie Schlussel Blog Post ^ | March 18, 2010 | Debbie Schlussel

[TRY ONE]

For the last several years, Sean Hannity and the Freedom Alliance “charity” have conducted “Freedom Concerts” across America. They’ve told you that they are raising money to pay for the college tuition of the children of fallen soldiers and to pay severely wounded war vets. And on Friday Night, Hannity will be honored with an award for this “Outstanding Community Service by a Radio Talk Show Host” at Talkers Magazine’s convention.

But it’s all a huge scam.

[autumnraine]

“He should be able to cover his own expenses with the endorsement deals and his salaries, and his book money. Why does he need to bill the charity for expenses to and from these events? One would think he would be paying his own way to ensure that every dollar possible would go to the charity.”

I could be mistaken, but I could have sworn I remember him claiming he did pay for his own expenses. At the time I thought “Wow, that’s oddly specific.” But hey, maybe he does pay for all this on his own...

It’s kind of hard to argue with the tax documents.

[fightinJAG]

Why is this not “fair”?

[montag813]

Freedom Alliance claims Charity Navigator gave them a 4 star ("highest") rating, and they appeared (at least in 2007) to be on the up and up. Not sure since then. I will check the 990s myself and get back to the thread.

[merry10]

and she said it was a friend, and they are both from Michigan apparently.

[mockingbyrd]

Geeze, people.

We KNOW Debbie lies. It’s been documented numerous times, on this forum. Maybe Sean lies, I don’t know. But let’s wait for his answer before declaring him done. Remember the source.

[giotto]

There's probably some truth in Schluessel's allegation. I don't doubt that Hannity started doing the concerts with the best of intentions. But over the years, it has probably taken on a life of its own, becoming more of an event and less of a fundraising effort.

The bottom line is that Hannity is using the soldiers and their families to sell tickets. He must be held accountable to them and to the people who buy concert tickets. An audit is needed.

[Memphis Moe]

Eternal Soldier writes: “Here’s a video of Debbie trying to (pathetically) discredit another conservative - Steven Crowder - on Youtube.”

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6VqsmPbFapg

Thanks for this info! Based upon Debbie's attack posture against high-profile conservatives, I could be led to think she is funded by someone like George Soros. Brutal, unfounded, factually inaccurate attacks out of the blue.

Someone needs to hire a private investigator and see who might be funding Debbie. Things just don't add up. Her actions make her seem to be a “seminar” reporter.

[fightinJAG]

My point exactly. This may not be accurate, but it’s certainly not unfair to raise questions if it is or is anywhere near accurate.

[montag813]

I could be mistaken, but I could have sworn I remember him claiming he did pay for his own expenses.

Nope. He always is careful to say "any NET PROFITS" will go to the FA.

[autumnraine]

She’s been pretty good on investigating the phony Obama Selective Service documents, not sure about the HCR issue. But other than attacking other conservatives (mostly Sarah Palin-but that’s a jealousy issue if you ask me), she seems pretty conservative herself.

From my talks with others in parts of the industry, not many conservatives are gung ho about Hannity. He is an intellectual lightweight who likes to repeat talking points.

[Pharmboy]

Are you saying the tax return data for the organization that Debbie has in her column are false? That is, out of 10 million raised, less than 400,000 went to the children...

[Chaguito]

Thank you.

[machogirl]

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2351198/posts

this rant against Hannity might be a reason he wouldn’t speak to her, she hates him.

[CajunConservative]

I see that.

[halo66]

Again...I will reiterate...this has been the focus of liberal groups since at least 2006...what is the problem??? If you do not like the end result of what the Freedom Concert does...you do not have to support it, but it’s not like Sean is pocketing money!!!

[fightinJAG]

I don’t know why Hannity would have to spend a dime for marketing or consultants. He’s got free-to-him airtime every day, which he uses to push his stuff at least 30 minutes of every hour.

[smokingfrog]

I think you are right. A lot of the money probably goes into an investment fund that is given out as needed.

[MichiganConservative]

It is quite obvious if you listen to him, that Rush is a thinker. It is obvious from listening to Beck that he’s emotional, but a reader and a true believer in what he believes.

Hannity is a whore and not very bright.

[stormer]

They’re both from Detroit.

[ken5050]

Thanks for the link..interesting to see how it unfolds..