IRS Scandal

The IRS exhibited scrutiny of conservative organizations in audits of their applications

for tax-exempt status. The director of the division that oversees tax-exempt groups states that it

was not political, just bad judgment. Republicans seized the opportunity and criticisms go flying

as they add this to their list of the current administrations political interference. Review of the

IRS has been demanded to insure that this practice is not present in other departments and the

entire administration. On the other hand, the events occurred under the leadership of a Bush

administration director and there is no blame on either Bush or Obama as the IRS runs

independently of the White House. Tax-exempt status has been abused for years by both

conservative and liberal groups for political gain, rather than the promotion of social welfare as

tax-exempt organizations are supposed to. It has been consistently stated that the IRS intended

no political gain, and that it was all poor judgment and misguided decisions. Certain IRS policies

have been changed, and other measures have been taken to prevent future incidents. Despite

apologies and labeling it a mistake, there is evidence of more demanding applications for tax-

exempt status for the organizations under scrutiny. Many of these organizations charged the IRS

with harassment, and the IRSs actions have been compared to McCarthyism.

This does not directly impact me, however it impacts the nation and definitely puts a bad

image on politics, whether certain sections are responsible or not. I feel as though certain parties

are overreacting and twisting this to their advantage in political standing. This problem can be

swiftly solved and quietly as well with an investigation, resignations of those responsible, and

new policies and new management. A few simple changes could fix the problem, but it has been

blown out of proportion as an attack on conservative organizations. Sure it was unfair, and likely

to have been purposeful, but it was no attack. However, there is still not much known about the
events, and more information will have to come after further investigation. Maybe this will make

more sense as more is discovered, or maybe it will be more complicated. Either way, this calls

for more answers. When more information is known, Im sure the problem will be effectively

handled.