Citing July Speech, I.R.S. Decides to Review N.A.A.C.P.

Citing July Speech, I.R.S. Decides to Review N.A.A.C.P.

By MICHAEL JANOFSKY

Published: October 29, 2004

ASHINGTON, Oct. 28 - The Internal Revenue Service has begun reviewing the tax-exempt status of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, citing concerns over a speech given by its chairman, Julian Bond, at its annual convention last July in Philadelphia.
In a letter dated Oct. 8 and released Thursday, the I.R.S. told the association it had received information that Mr. Bond conveyed "statements in opposition of George W. Bush for the office of presidency" and specifically that he had "condemned the administration policies of George W. Bush in education, the economy and the war in Iraq."

The letter reminded the association that tax-exempt organizations are legally barred from supporting or opposing any candidate for elective office.

Mr. Bond's speech on July 11 included a long section that sharply criticized the Republican Party, Mr. Bush and Vice President Dick Cheney for their positions on an array of issues important to black Americans.

In an interview Thursday, Mr. Bond defended his remarks, saying they focused on policy, not politics.

"This is an attempt to silence the N.A.A.C.P. on the very eve of a presidential election," he said. "We are best known for registering and turning out large numbers of African-American voters. Clearly, someone in the I.R.S. doesn't want that to happen."


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I wonder why based on the same standards religious organizations are not faced with the loss of tax exemption.
The Church for instance has been selling the premise that Catholics who support abortion and stem cell research should not be elected officials. Churches all over the nation have one or the other candidates or their representatives visiting and spreading their gospel. If that is not showing bias and electioneering and in the case of the Catholic Church, religious blackmail, for candidates what is?