Maybe it's time we got rid of the gag rule on tax-exempts?

[reformist2]

Personally, I find it contrary to the first amendment that legitimate charitable organizations can't speak their mind about political issues without running afoul of the IRS. There can and should be certain criteria that need to be met to qualify as a valid tax-exempt charity, but being apolitical shouldn't be one of them.

[Buzz Clik]

1. They can.

IRC 501(c)(3) (charitable) groups "May engage in general advocacy not related to legislation or the election of candidates as an educational activity."

So, if these groups want to howl about current laws or regulatory environments or whatever, it's fine. They can be anti-abortion, pro-choice, anti-death penalty, pissed off about tax rates, or whatever. Their limitations are quite specific and quite narrow.

[Anansi1171]

2. Better yet, lets just get rid of their tax exemption...

...then they can say what they want without my having to subsidize it. Yes, I prefer that much more than your proposal; simply do away with the fraud that is the 501(c)4. If you want to advocate, do it on your funders dime and not at a discount. If you want to provide true social welfare, you can be a true non-profit. That way I don't have to subsidize tea party bigotry.