This week, the US Internal Revenue Service acknowledged and apologized for behavior that had long been rumored. The IRS improperly targeted for extra scrutiny conservative groups seeking tax-exempt status.
The IRS did not ultimately deny tax-exempt status to a single group receiving extra scrutiny. Some say this proves that the actions of the IRS were baseless.
The scandal has now shaken the nation’s capital:
President Barack Obama directed Jack Lew, Secretary of the Treasury, to request the resignation of Steven Miller, Acting IRS Commissioner.
Miller resigned and Lew accepted the resignation.
The Justice Department has initiated a criminal investigation.
Exercising its oversight responsibility, Congress has begun its own probe of the IRS scandal.
Obama addressed the nation on television saying, “It’s inexcusable and Americans are right to be angry about it and I am angry about it. I will not tolerate this kind of behavior in any agency, but particularly the IRS given the power that it has and the reach that it has in all of our lives.” He promised reforms.
When wrongdoing by the government is uncovered, it is rightfully news. But, this latest government scandal cuts deeper.
It’s easy for some to ignore or minimize the IRS scandal. The fact that certain conservative groups were targeted and had their tax-exempt applications delayed will not upset some.
However, whenever any tax-exempt organization or prospective tax-exempt organization is unfairly dealt with by the government, it is an attack on the entire sector. Beyond that, it is an attack on democracy itself.
No matter one’s political orientation, we must all stand united against this attack on our nation’s core values. We must demand that our government officials fully investigate this scandal, determine if other agencies are guilty of similar misbehavior, and enact appropriate reforms.
As I watched the IRS scandal unfold, I heard the Leonard Cohen song “Democracy” playing in my head:
I’m sentimental if you know what I mean
I love the country but I can’t stand the scene
And I’m neither left or right
I’m just staying home tonight
Getting lost in that hopeless little screen
But I’m stubborn as those garbage bags
That time cannot decay
I’m junk but I’m still holding up
This little wild bouquet
Democracy is coming to the U.S.A.”
For the complete lyrics to “Democracy,” click here. To hear the legendary Cohen perform the song, click here.
That’s what Michael Rosen says… What do you say?
UPDATE (May 21, 2013): The Washington Post has documented the lies told by Lois G. Lerner, the IRS’s Director of Exempt Organizations Division. The Post also reports that Lerner is expected to plead the Fifth during her appearance before Congress tomorrow. So, let’s see. Lerner has lied. Now, Lerner is refusing to cooperate with Congress as it exercises its Constitutional oversight responsibilities. Why is she still drawing a government, taxpayer-funded paycheck?
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