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Related: Editorials & Other Articles, Issue Forums, Alliance Forums, Region ForumsTAX EXEMPT CHEATS: The MORMON Church Egregiously BREAKS The Law to FUND Mitt Romney
" Most Americans comprehend that when two parties enter into a contract, they are legally bound and committed to its promises and must follow the terms explicitly, and if one side fails to meet their obligation, the agreement is broken. There are laws to ensure parties entering into an agreement with the U.S. government abide by the rules, and if they choose to break the agreement, it is breached and the government is obliged to collect damages and take punitive action against the offender if they are a congressional representative, president, or a religious organization. Four years ago, one of the richest religious organizations in the country broke their agreement with the Internal Revenue Service, and they deserve nothing less than revocation of their 501(c)(3) status as a non-profit organization, and the IRS is bound to collect taxes that were lost retroactively by virtue of Section 501(a) of the Internal Revenue Code. Furthermore, the Department of Justice must investigate and prescribe a comprehensive audit to determine the amount of back taxes owed the United States by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints; the Mormons.
In June 2008, the First Presidency of the Mormon church sent a letter to church leaders in California to be read to all congregations on 29 June 2008 regarding California and Same-Sex Marriage, instructing cult adherents to do all you can to support the proposed constitutional amendment by donating of your means and time to assure that marriage in California is legally defined as being between a man and a woman. Our best efforts are required to preserve the sacred institution of marriage. The First Presidency said church teachings are unequivocal and that local Church leaders will provide information about how you may become involved in this important cause. The cause, Proposition 8, discriminates against LGBT couples, and in keeping with their belief that the U.S. Constitution is secondary to Mormon edicts, broke their agreement with the U.S. Internal Revenue Service and should have lost their tax-exempt status immediately.
In June 2011, a member of the Mormon general authority used LDS Church email to solicit campaign contributions for Willard Romneys run for president. W. Craig Zwick, who is a member of the churchs First Quorum of the Seventy and father of Romneys finance chairman wrote, How much can you contribute to the Romney for President Committee today? You can only give $2,500 max for you and your wife. Let me know lets take back America! According to Revenue Ruling 2007-41 of the IRS, the law prohibits political campaign activity by charities and churches by defining a 501(c)(3) organization as one which does not participate in, or intervene in (including the publishing or distributing of statements), any political campaign on behalf of (or in opposition to) any candidate for public office.
In 2004, the IRS selected 110 cases for examination, issued 69 written advisories, revoked the tax-exempt status of five organizations and proposed revocation for two others, and every election cycle sends out reminders to Charities and Churches of Political Activity Ban. The Mormons, like every listed 501(c)(3) religious organization, received the IRS reminder and they ignored the rules because they believe church law supersedes U.S. law and the Constitution. Interestingly, the Mormon hierarchy admonished authorities and general officers of the church and their spouses and other ecclesiastical leaders serving full time should not personally participate in political campaigns, including promoting candidates, fundraising, speaking in behalf of or otherwise endorsing candidates, and making financial contributions. Apparently, even though the church leadership sent out a letter stating its policy on political participation, it was only for show. These are egregious violations and typical of religious fanatics who have inserted their dogmata into legislation and political activism, and it is high time all churches lose their tax-exempt status. However, like the United States Council of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) and evangelical extremists, the Mormons are blatantly thumbing their collective noses at the letter of the law and they are profiting handsomely from their illegal activity.
cont'
http://www.politicususa.com/tax-exempt-mormon-romney.html
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longship
(40,416 posts)From the apparent rampant ignoring of the rules that I've heard of since the Moral Majority and the Christian Coalition began their activities, I think that taxing all churches may be the answer. But I hesitate to advocate such a thing while-heartedly.
Why?
Because that would give all churches tacit permission to be openly and actively partisan in elections. And if there is one thing we know from history it's that mixing religion in politics is, without exception, toxic to both.
So churches should have a choice. Enjoy tax free status but stay the fuck out of politics. Or, pay taxes. There should be zero exceptions. This would be enforced on individual churches, or if a church hierarchy acts politically, all the churches under that hierarchy. In the case of this top hierarchy of LDS church, all Mormon churches would be taxed. No excuses, no exclusions, no exceptions.
I would support such a law.
kentuck
(110,950 posts)I would suspect the Mormon Church is not real fond of the US Government and would look at every opportunity to escape paying taxes? Just look at Mitt....
The Wielding Truth
(11,411 posts)file the papers.
progressivebydesign
(19,458 posts)madrchsod
(58,162 posts)the irs/justice dept will do nothing about this.
WillyT
(72,631 posts)bluedigger
(17,077 posts)Or maybe not.
Dont call me Shirley
(10,998 posts)Bluenorthwest
(45,319 posts)I used to be nice to them when they came to the door. Then Prop 8 ended that. When they came last week, I just looked at them and said 'so is this a religious or Romney based visit?' While they stammered I told them they were to tell their elders that their group was not welcome to knock on my door in the future. I think they'd been hearing a lot of that around here from the looks on their pathetic brainwashed faces.