IRS Admits They Targeted Conservative Groups

[Revoltingest]

This is true! And thanks. Today is much better. This morning, no spasms, But nearly my entire left arm is numb. As long as it doesn't start to lose strength though, I'm in the clear.

If your left side is impaired, is this a sign that you're moving to the right?
But I judge you not.

 

[esmith]

How are they supposed to guess ahead of time what kind of manufactured controversy the right wing media is going to come up with next? Do you want every single government employee in the country checking in with the President to make sure they've dotted all their i's and crossed all their t's? "Excuse me Mr. President, just wanted to ring you up and make sure I'm doing my job properly".

Um, no. Government workers report to their managers, who report to their managers, etc. up the food chain. Nobody in that pyramid bothers any higher-ups with something they believe they can figure out for themselves, particularly if figuring it out is their job.

Last time I checked everyone within the White House is a "government employee". So far we know for a fact that the White House Legal Counsel, and the White House Chief of Staff knew about the possibility of a scandal. As a matter of fact the Treasury Dept and the White House Staff had meetings on how they would handle the IRS targeting conservative groups. See Meetings. We now know that their is a pending suit against the IRS by at least 25 groups targeted by the IRS. For those of you who say it was only a "local" practice, it has been reviled that Lois Lerner's signature is on a letter and letters from other IRS offices throughout the country. See IRS Higher-Ups Requested Info
Now back to your statement

Nobody in that pyramid bothers any higher-ups with something they believe they can figure out for themselves, particularly if figuring it out is their job.

Is it the White House's Chief of Staff job to handle problems within the Treasure Dept? It is the opinion of many, including myself, that the White House Staff circled their wagons around Obama to provide him "Plausible Deniability" or they made the wrong assumption that the problem with the IRS was of no consequences and they didn't want to bother the Campaigner-In-Chief with mundane problems. Either way this administration should take to heart what Bob Schieffer of CBS has said. See White House Must Rethink How It Communicates

 

[Magic Man]

They did something very very wrong.

What was it?

Another issue I have is why did IRS employees invoked the fifth admendment if they did nothing wrong?

This is a common criticism, but it's pretty obvious. Whether or not Lerner did anything wrong, the hearing would have attempted to pin something on her. The questions would have been such that they could get something incriminating, even if it had to be taken out of context. It's perfectly reasonable for someone in her position to not subject herself to that, even if she didn't do anything wrong.

 

[Revoltingest]

What was it?

You should read all the posts if you want to converse.

 

[Magic Man]

You should read all the posts if you want to converse.

I did. Your position seems to be that targeting conservative groups, even if you also target liberal ones, is wrong. If that's not accurate, please correct me. If it is accurate, why do you think that?

 

[Revoltingest]

I did. Your position seems to be that targeting conservative groups, even if you also target liberal ones, is wrong. If that's not accurate, please correct me. If it is accurate, why do you think that?

Some day perhaps, if you read with intent to understand instead of misreading to bicker, we might converse.

 

[Magic Man]

Some day perhaps, if you read with intent to understand instead of misreading to bicker, we might converse.

Ah, the old dismissal, rather than have to attempt a real debate. I remain undaunted, though, so I'll try again:

What is your problem with what the IRS did? If they also investigated liberal and non-conservative groups the same way they did the conservative ones, would you have a problem with this?

 

[Revoltingest]

Woof!

 

[Magic Man]

Woof!

So, you just refuse to have an honest debate with me? I don't understand. Can you not answer the questions?

What is your problem with what the IRS did? If they also investigated liberal and non-conservative groups the same way they did the conservative ones, would you have a problem with this?

Try to move on from your normal dismissal of me, and let's have a real conversation. But it has to start with you answering the above honest questions.

 

[Revoltingest]

Woof!

 

[Magic Man]

Woof!

Come on. Humor me. Do you think what the IRS did is wrong because they targeted conservative groups for extra scrutiny but didn't treat non-conservative groups the same way?

 

[Revoltingest]

Tell you what.
You post what happened, you comment on it, & I'll respond to what interests me.

 

[Magic Man]

Tell you what.
You post what happened, you comment on it, & I'll respond to what interests me.

I'm trying to have a real conversation here, so I'm trying to clarify your position before I reply to it.

 

[Magic Man]

I guess you're just not up for an honest conversation, huh, Rev? Oh well, I tried. Just don't pretend from now on that when you dismiss my posts, it's my fault.

 

[Revoltingest]

I await your interesting post.

 

[Magic Man]

I await your interesting post.

I await your response to my questions, but you already knew that. Nice try, though.

 

[Magic Man]

I guess still not, huh? Too bad. I was really hoping to have a good discussion with you. If you're ever up for one, let me know.

 

[Reverend Rick]

ehh!!.....then again....I don't attribute this situation to the president.....meaning..I don't think it has much to do with his "reign"...:sad:

I have to agree with this. I believe the average IRS employee has plenty of contempt for the TEA party on their own.

Next to passing a balanced budget amendment, next on our list is to abolish the IRS and implement a fair tax. I could see how that might upset an IRS employee and why they would abuse their power against these folks.

 

[kiwimac]

Frankly I hope the IRS taxes the Tea party out of existence.

 

[Revoltingest]

Frankly I hope the IRS taxes the Tea party out of existence.

There's a waiting list, & I'm ahead of the Tea Party, so they'll have to wait their turn.

But let's the IRS has the authority to tax a political party out of existence, what do
you suppose would happen if Romney had won? Bye bye Green Party & their ilk.