Applying for tax-exempt status isn't a straightforward process for anyone. But recent evidence reveals that the Internal Revenue Service put any groups with "Tea Party," "Patriot," or "9/12 Project" in their names through additional and reportedly "burdensome" scrutiny. This is not how democracy should operate.
Federal groups like the IRS should be nonpartisan at all times; they should hold all political groups to the same standard of inquiry, regardless of their specific beliefs. No matter your political affiliation, the fact that certain Americans were essentially targeted for their beliefs is deeply disturbing.
What's more, watchdog groups discovered that senior officials knew about the behavior as early as 2011, despite said officials swearing under oath to be ignorant of the practice.
This sickening example of duplicity must not be waved away with an apology. Demand a resignation from Division Head Lois Lerner and full disclosure of the IRS's actions.
I am writing to express my shock and horror at the revealed evidence that the Internal Revenue Service subjected many conservative groups to burdensome investigations because of their political beliefs. Though the IRS has apologized, I don't feel that that is enough -- I demand a resignation from Division Head Lois Lerner and full disclosure as to the range of groups affected.
No matter one's political affiliations, American citizens should have the right to express concern about the government without being targeted by the IRS. Unfortunately, that is precisely what has occurred: as early as 2011, groups with "Tea Party" or "Patriot" in their names were being flagged for scrutiny, as well as anyone who expressed interest in "making America a better place to live."
It is not the IRS's job to selectively enforce the law based on personal biases. A simple apology is not enough.
