Not much thought is given to the subject of non-profits, but the public
needs to understand the power this "industry" has.
In good times or bad the American people have always given generously
to charities. This abundance of giving has also "given" birth to an
entire industry, tax exempt non-profits!
Federal and state tax laws allow exemption for qualifying organizations,
resulting in more than 1,500,000 non profits ranging from education,
environment, health care and even sports!
Every group committed to advancing its cause organize as a non-profit
to receive favorable treatment by the government. This is troubling
since the largest non-profits use its considerable "muscle" to wield
political power!
Most well known are the Red Cross, National Rifle Assoc. and Planned
Parenthood. Less known are the National Football League, Harvard
University, United Auto Workers the PGA and US Chambers of Commerce,
they also reside in the safe tax haven non-profit status provides.
But, having tax exempt status is not enough for these already well-
healed organizations.
However, they want more, in the form of political clout which is why
most have offices in Washington, DC, in the shadow of Congress, making
it convenient to visit legislators who will do their bidding for more
favorable treatment which provides a tremendous edge that individuals
will never have.
The only true access for citizens occurs on the 2nd Tuesday of November,
Election Day!
Most may not view this as a concern since they believe non-profits are
However, they want more, in the form of political clout which is why
most have offices in Washington, DC, in the shadow of Congress, making
it convenient to visit legislators who will do their bidding for more
favorable treatment which provides a tremendous edge that individuals
will never have.
The only true access for citizens occurs on the 2nd Tuesday of November,
Election Day!
Most may not view this as a concern since they believe non-profits are
self-less, doing what govt does not or will not do!
Its easy to defend the good work of the Red Cross, Catholic Charities
and many hospitals. But when we view the non-profit "industry" as the
behemoth it actually is, totaling more than $1 trillion, we should be
concerned.
Its easy to defend the good work of the Red Cross, Catholic Charities
and many hospitals. But when we view the non-profit "industry" as the
behemoth it actually is, totaling more than $1 trillion, we should be
concerned.
Lastly, is problem which reared its disturbing head recently when we
learned some organizations were refused non-profit status based on
political decisions rather than failure to meet qualifications.
Upon investigation the refusal was a pattern found at the IRS, which
determines eligibility. This being true puts our nation in perilous
political waters!
What can be done to end the abuse of power and the corruptibility which
comes with influence?
"Means test" may be a partial solution. Eligibility for non-profit
status should be set by size. Let the 'big fish' swim on their own.
"Means test" may be a partial solution. Eligibility for non-profit
status should be set by size. Let the 'big fish' swim on their own.
Continue to allow tax exempt status to the thousands of small
organization spread across our nation, but end the financial benefit
for major non-profits who use their financial muscle to influence
Congress. Let them use their influence once a year, as we do, on
Election Day!
organization spread across our nation, but end the financial benefit
for major non-profits who use their financial muscle to influence
Congress. Let them use their influence once a year, as we do, on
Election Day!
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