The Internal Revenge Service: IRS targeting of conservatives

It used to be that every April 15^th, Americans would be united in their dislike of the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) however under the current Administration they are going out of their way to become despised year round.   

Late last year the IRS confessed to targeting conservative groups in a stunning abuse of power.   Now the IRS, under direction from and with the full support of President Obama,  proposes a draconian rule limiting the lawful activities of these same groups and all others organized under Section 501(c)(4).

Most 501c4 entities were formed to engage in citizen education and grassroots lobbying. The proposed IRS definition of ‘candidate related political activities’ sweeps into the definition essentially everything that a 501c4 organization normally does: Grassroots lobbying, Candidate forums, Candidate debates, issue advocacy, voter guides and even voter registration.  The rules go even further to identify “candidates” to include appointees, so groups weighing in on executive or judicial nominations would be restricted.  Such redefinitions normally are beyond the scope of the IRS.

This unprecedented power grab by the IRS further compounds the insult by exempting groups usually aligned with liberal pro-abortion ways of thinking, such as unions and newspapers.  Comments from groups and individuals received by the IRS on this rulemaking were the largest quantity ever received by the agency – and yet the Obama Administration is still likely to go forward in this attempt to shut down free speech.  There is even talk of using the rules to go after non-profits such as the March for Life or National Right to Life.  

It is so egregious even the liberal American Civil Liberties Union opposes the changes. 

Most social welfare organizations – on both the left and right — serve exactly that function as they see it, the promotion of social welfare and community good. Based on their respective visions, they advocate for the powerless and the voiceless. They promote fiscal responsibility and good government. They serve as a check on government overreach, or as a cheerleader for sound public policy.

In many of these functions, social welfare organizations praise or criticize candidates for public office on the issues and they should be able to do so freely, without fear of losing or being denied tax-exempt status, even if doing so could influence a citizen’s vote. Such advocacy is at the heart of our representative democracy. To the extent it influences voting, it does so by promoting an informed citizenry.

Legislation (H.R. 3865, the Stop Targeting of Political Beliefs by the IRS Act of 2014) in the House of Representatives sponsored by Chairman of the Ways and Means Committee Dave Camp (R-Mich.) handedly passed that Chamber (243 yes – 176 no …14 Dems vote yes ) however it is blocked in the Senate by Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) and faces a veto threat from President Obama. 

H.R. 3865 would simply prohibit the IRS from finalizing the rule this year, giving it adequate time to consider all of the practical, statutory, and constitutional criticisms of its proposal – as well as giving investigators time to complete their investigations into the targeting scandal before deciding what, if any, legal reforms are appropriate.  Currently the Obama Administration is doing all it can to prohibit a real investigation.

On the Senate side Senator Ted Cruz (R-Texas) offered two amendments aimed at protecting Americans from IRS abuses.  One prohibited an IRS employee from intentionally targeting individuals or groups based on political views and the other established definitions regarding political activity that were created by the bipartisan Federal Election Commission.

Every Democrat voted to table the amendments.

Here are the two amendments Sen. Cruz brought up:

The highlights video is here: http://www.cruz.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=965

The complete video is here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5YhRzlTObME

Who doesn’t love a good story of redemption?  We rightfully cheer individuals who move from darkness to light, and work to persuade those who are still blind to truth and justice.  Our Nation as a whole has gone through many of these movements.  Consider the abolition of slavery and the civil rights movement, when laws and our culture were changed by being awakened to the injustice of slavery and second-class citizenship for black Americans.   That’s why we celebrate African American History Month in February, which according to the Library of Congress serves to “pay tribute to the generations of African Americans who struggled with adversity to achieve full citizenship in American society.”

As defenders of life, we seek to see “awakenings” or conversions from pro-abortion to pro-life and to open the public’s eyes to the injustice of abortion; an act that brutally takes the life of an unborn child.  Dr. Martin Luther King’s words motivate us to protect future Americans in the womb —   “Moreover, I am cognizant of the interrelatedness of all communities and states.  I cannot sit idly by in Atlanta and not be concerned about what happens in Birmingham.  Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.”

Many African Americans have been an instrumental part of the pro-life movement.  Throughout February, the Radiance Foundation has highlighted some of these heroes, including the late Dr. Mildred Jefferson, who was the first black woman to graduate from Harvard Medical School.  She used her talents to expose the evil of the eugenics movement, in addition to co-founding the National Right to Life.

Unfortunately, we sometimes see “reverse conversions.”  That is, when an individual has spoken out for the truth and then taken a “180^o.” Case in point, the Rev. Jesse Jackson.  In 1978, 5 years after the U.S. Supreme Court’s Roe v. Wade decision, Rev. Jackson was a featured speaker for the March for Life activities due to his outspoken work to promote a constitutional amendment banning abortion and for his leadership in the formation of the parent organization to CareNet.

However, a few years after his March for Life appearance, the Rev. Jackson reversed course and has been radically pro-abortion ever since.  Let us not give up hope that he would once again see the light.  Perhaps, the latest news out of New York City will convict him –the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, Office of Vital Statistics just released a report for 2012 for Pregnancy Outcomes revealing that in 2012, there were more black babies killed by abortion (31,328) in New York City than were born there (24,758).”  The number of abortions alone in the Big Apple is disturbing, but the disproportionate number of abortions for African Americans makes the information even more alarming.

We can take great inspiration from leaders like Dr. King and Dr. Jefferson who spoke out against evil and “injustice everywhere.”  By speaking the truth and defending life, we can change hearts and minds one by one.

In case your home calendar isn’t designed by House Majority Leader Eric Cantor (R-Va.) this week is Stop Government Abuse Week in the House.  The House will consider another series of measures to stop government abuse and hold the Obama Administration accountable for its executive overreach.  Leader Cantor explains it thusly:

“The Obama Administration continues to abuse its power through selective enforcement of the laws and the use of executive actions to bypass Congress. Each day, hard-working, middle class Americans are worried about their jobs, worried about their health care, and worried about whether they will ever be able to get ahead. This month, the House will consider another package of bills to address government abuse that is threatening people’s liberty and their hard-earned paychecks. The House will act to hold the Obama Administration accountable for its continual overreach. The American people expect and deserve better from their government.”

While the bills scheduled to be voted are important in their own right (especially Rep. Camp’s H.R. 3865, Stop Targeting of Political Beliefs by the IRS Act of 2014 – more on that later this week.) when it comes to countering the abuse of government happening under the current reign of President Obama the First you would need more than a week of legislation to counter it.  Case in point the way the current Administration caters to abortion giant Planned Parenthood and ignores the intent, if not the letter of the law, of the states where Planned Parenthood sells its dangerous wares.

(Thanks to Kellie Feidorek at Americans United for Life for most of these)

• In the summer of 2011, President Obama threatened to pull $4.3 billion in Medicaid funding from Indiana after the state’s legislature voted to prohibit all health care contracts with and grants to any “entity,” including Planned Parenthood that performs abortions or operates a facility where abortions are performed.

• Early Fall of 2011 the Obama administration awarded $1 million in federal tax funds after New Hampshire canceled a $1.8 million contract with Planned Parenthood.

• In March 2012 the Texas Health and Human Services Commission issued a rule excluding abortion providers from participation in the Texas Women’s Health Program (Texas WHP) because it wanted to prioritize funding to organizations that would provide quality, comprehensive health care to low-income women and their families (as opposed to the abortion-centric policies of Planned Parenthood).  A federal court ruled that Texas has the right to do this (and private donors jumped in to help the billion dollar Planned Parenthood organization), however the Obama Administration decided to stop sending federal funds to Texas unless Texas chooses Planned Parenthood over women.  (NOTE: not surprisingly the sly abortion giant has found a way to still get tax funds from the good citizens of Texas, truth be damned.)

• In July, 2012 the Obama administration’s awarded $3.1 million in federal funds to Planned Parenthood affiliates and other family planning groups in New Jersey.

• Also in July, 2012 the Obama administration overrode North Carolina’s decision to redirect funds away from Planned Parenthood, and directly awarded $426,000 in federal grants to Planned Parenthood affiliates in the state.

Additionally, Obamacare, a top priority for Planned Parenthood, has proven to be the cash cow they hoped it would be.  Among the spoils Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius awarded branches of Planned Parenthood in Iowa, Montana and New Hampshire at least $655,000 and gave a $350,000 grant to Planned Parenthood of Metropolitan Washington, D.C. 

Worse of all?  The Planned Parenthood in Pennsylvania, which likely knew about the horrors of butcher abortionist Kermit Gosnell, was also awarded taxpayer funds by President Obama. 

All of this is occurring in the middle of an ongoing investigation by the Government Accounting Office is investigating into how the country’s largest abortion provider spent millions of taxpayer dollars.

If Congress wants to seriously #StopGovtAbuse it should both stop funding Planned Parenthood completely and also stop overriding state efforts doing the same.

by Laura Peredo, student at Benedictine College

Note: Benedictine College’s Ravens for Life held the March for Life banner to lead the march this year.

Coming back from the March for Life is kind of like coming home after a church retreat. But instead of being on a Jesus high, you’re on a saving babies high. And that is awesome. There is no better time than NOW to be excited about joining the pro-life generation in defending and promoting a greater culture of life here in America.

After being in one city with hundreds of thousands of people who also believe in the sanctity of life, I am encouraged and inspired to continue exposing and being a witness to the beauty of each life. To see so many people who are willing to stand in frigid temperatures? It was incredible. And my college was given the honor of leading the march this year, which made it even more unique and inspiring.

Like all the marches and rallies I’ve been to before, it made me think about why I march. Why is that? It’s because I believe mothers, fathers, children, families, and our society deserve better than abortion. But marching is not enough. We’ve got to harness the excitement we all have about being pro-life right now and channel it into constructive ways to bring the end of abortion closer.

Everyone can get involved in promoting life in one way or another. We’re not called to do everything, but we’re all called to do something. And the time is now.

Here are some ways you can start the end to abortion today:

1. Post about your experience at the March for Life on social media.

Have a Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Tumblr, or blogging account? Use them! Tell your friends about how awesome it was to stand up for what you believe in, and be able to answer questions they might respond with.

2. Get educated.

We’re not credible if we don’t know what we’re talking about. Read pro-life books (here are some ideas to get started) and articles. Stay up to date on current life issues too! One way to do that is by signing up for a Google alert daily email to send you headlines about abortion.

3. Get involved with your local pregnancy center.

Are you good with excel, or have mad organization skills? Pregnancy centers are always in need of your help! Try a quick online search or go here to find one near you.

4. Start or get involved with an already existing pro-life ministry at your high school, college, or church.

No matter where you are in your life, there’s some place you could bless with a pro-life ministry. Maybe you’re being called to start an Embrace Grace chapter for moms in your area, or maybe your school needs some help starting a club. There are lots of resources (like Students for Life high school and college!) for you to start a club, so get friends together and start with some of the activities on this list!

5. Get outside your local abortion clinic.

In a recent interview I watched with Abby Johnson (a former Planned Parenthood worker), she said that when people are outside praying the no-show rate for appointments would go up to 75% at her clinic. Now if that isn’t motivation enough, I don’t know what is! Just praying can make a world of difference, or even host a candle light vigil. You can also increase your impact outside clinics by being trained in sidewalk counseling and having a mobile ultrasound unit to offer concrete support to families.

6. Fundraise or host a dr
ive for a local life affirming organization.

The possibilities are endless: a diaper drive, banquet fundraiser, baby shower for new moms, or baby bottle coin collection. One thing you could do is stand outside a local store (like Target or Walmart) and as people walk is ask them to support your organization by purchasing an item on a list you give to them. This is an easy way to get people involved. Just be sure to check with the management of the store so they know what you’re doing.

7. Pass out life affirming literature in public places.

Order Live Action’s Advocate magazine or a variety of other literature, grab a few friends and get on the streets engaging your community. Just be prepared to answer basic arguments people may bring up!

8. Wear pro-life gear.

You never know what impact it might have or the conversations it could start. Heritage House, Pro-Life Depot, and And Then There Were None all have great options.

9. Get ready for the next 40 Days for Life campaign.

It starts on March 5. Get your community ready!

10. Host a pro-life movie night.

40 is a great new pro-life film you can bring to your community. Also try hosting October Baby, or going as a group to see Gimme Shelter.

There’s so much more we can do to promote life, and these are just a few ideas (Have more ideas? Share them in the comments!). More than anything, though, I encourage you to be a witness in your everyday life to those around you, because that is more powerful than any sign holding event could be. There’s a quote I read from Madeleine L’Engle recently that goes like this:

“We do not draw people to Christ by loudly discrediting what they believe, by telling them how wrong they are and how right we are, but by showing them a light that is so lovely that they want with all their hearts to know the source of it.”

Be that light.

This article first appeared at Live Action News and is reprinted with permission.

About Laura Peredo