FEC Lawyers Back Socialist Workers Party (SWP EXEMPT from reporting req. of political parties)

Newsday.com ^ | March 31, 2003 | SHARON THEIMER

[FairOpinion]

WASHINGTON -- The Socialist Workers Party, long allowed to keep its donors secret because of the danger of harassment, should continue to receive the special protection, Federal Election Commission lawyers say.

The party asked the commission to extend its exemption from FEC reporting requirements that other political parties face, including identifying its contributors, the candidates it supports and the businesses it buys from. The exemption, given for six years at a time, was first granted by a court in 1979 and last renewed by the commission in 1996.

The Socialist Workers Party advocates a Marxist revolution to overthrow the U.S. government.

[FairOpinion]

This is preposterous!!!!

[WOSG]

It is preposterous. This party has been actively engaged in political action and electioneering. They are not above the law!!

Absurd that COMMIES have MORE RIGHTS than PATRIOTS!

[Texas_Jarhead]

un-freakin-believable

I'm gonna give these aholes a huge peace of my mind

[Terriergal]

HEAR HEAR! Preposterous is too kind.

[hoosierham]

Isn't it illegal to advocate violent overthrow of the Constitutional gov't ?

Why wasn't Bush I and Clinton prosecuting these scum instead of harassing 2nd Admendment groups ?

No SPECIAL rights for anyone !!!

[Texas_Jarhead]

peace = piece

(been typing so-called "peace" etc... alot)

[FairOpinion]

Note they are voting on this Thurdsay:

"FEC attorneys are recommending that the commission approve the extension when it meets Thursday."

Time to Freep the FEC (Federal Election Commission -- whose lawyers are recommending that this exemption be extended)?

http://www.fec.gov/

[Illbay]

Ridiculous. They have free speech, but their opponents don't, is that what they're saying?

[SandRat]

Take the FEC and the scum they are supporting to court for violating the 14th amendment. Remember that the FEC was created by the Dems so that ought to tell you whose side the Dems are on and it is not ours.

[FairOpinion]

They don't want to be subject to the same rules governing all other political parties. Note the courts gave them the exemption. All parties have to report certain basic information, but not them. I can't believe the FEC will give them this exemption again, but it sure looks like it. In addition they advocate the overthrow of the US government by force!

"The party asked the commission to extend its exemption from FEC reporting requirements that other political parties face, including identifying its contributors, the candidates it supports and the businesses it buys from. The exemption, given for six years at a time, was first granted by a court in 1979 and last renewed by the commission in 1996."

[Carry_Okie]

I wonder if the American Nazi Party enjoys similar protection? I'd doubt it, but it's possible.

This appears to be a equal protection violation. How is anyone to know if there is rackteering involved in SWP operations if a responsible party can't do discovery of their contribution records? Just because they don't elect public officials doesn't mean that they can't exert corrupting influence.

It isn't the job of the Federal government to provide special protection from crimes unless such crimes are proven to exist. If they have a beef about harassment from private parties, they can sue.

[Behind Liberal Lines]

If "fear of harassment" is enough, shouldn't the Board of Elections in Ithaca allow Republicans donors to remain anonymous?

Seriously, this is insane. If you live in Boehlert's district or Walsh's I would suggest you send them an email on this.

[MonroeDNA]

Federal Election Commission | 999 E. Street, NW | Washington, DC 20463

(800) 424-9530

I suggest phone calls. Tell them to pull the commie exemption.

This is outrageous!

[MonroeDNA]

Communists can only thrive in secrecy.

Let the sun shine in!

[iconoclast]

Calm down ... all will be well when we get a conservative, constitutionally centered party.

[Soaring Feather]

bttt

[MonroeDNA]

Who's got a bump list, to prevent the communists from another 6 years of secrecy?

[Tamzee]

Unbelievable... So there is no tracking where the money comes from to support the SWP and there is no tracking which candidates they help support. It gives absolute clearance for hostile foreign governments to financially influence American politics totally under the radar.

[MonroeDNA]

Please take a peek, and can you possibly flag your bump list?

[Behind Liberal Lines]

http://www.freerepublic.com/perl/bump-list