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A8 • EASTERN HILLS JOURNAL • JUNE 19, 2013
EASTERN HILLS
JOURNAL
Editor: Eric Spangler, espangler@communitypress.com, 576-8251
EDITORIALS | LETTERS | COLUMNS | CH@TROOM
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Tax code abuse is the real scandal Everyone has heard of the Tea Party. Does everybody know that while Tea Party groups were fighting against taxation, they were applying to the Internal Revenue Service for tax exempt status? Huge numbers of entities with “Tea Party” in their name or description applied to the IRS (right during an election) for 501(c)(4) tax exemption. The focus of the current IRS/Tea Party flap should not just be about IRS scrutiny, but more importantly should be about abuse of the tax code. The IRS has admitted to grouping Tea Party supporting groups for review. What isn’t being reported is that the IRS also scrutinized progressive groups. In fact, the liberal-leaning “Emerge America”
had its 501(c) (4) status changed. None of the Tea Party groups was required to change. A prized Richard tax status Schwab from the IRS COMMUNITY PRESS is being desigGUEST COLUMNIST nated as a social welfare, tax free 501(c)(4) organization. This status permits acceptance of secret donations. The Internal Revenue Code Section 501(c)(4) states: “501(c)(4) organizations are generally civic leagues and other companies operated exclusively for the promotion of ‘social welfare’...501(c)(4) organizations are not permitted direct or indirect partici-
pation or intervention in political campaigns on behalf of or in opposition to any candidate for public office.” Does that sound like a description of the Tea Party? The idea that these Tea Party groups are social welfare organizations is ludicrous. The overriding purpose of these groups is to influence elections, making them ineligible for 501(c)(4) tax exempt status. Melanie Sloan, executive director of Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington (CREW) said, “Let’s not be sidetracked. The real problem is that phony 501(c)(4) groups are exploiting the tax laws to protect donors who don’t want to be held accountable for vicious, deceitful, political ads. Hope-
CH@TROOM Last week’s question Ohio legislators are considering a bill which would require only rear license plates on vehicles. Is this a good idea? Why or why not?
“Great idea. Saves money and bumpers.” J.S.G.
“Without enforcement of the current law why have a law? I see many cases where a front plate is lacking. “When I picked up my last new vehicles, the dealer asked whether I wanted the front plates mounted. He said many people do not want the front plate mounted any more. “I defer to the police agencies on this issue. They want to keep the front plate as they claim this aids in missing person cases, wanted persons and stolen vehicles. That is a pretty strong case. “But, if this be the case why don’t they enforce the current law?” T.J.
“I see no real problem with the deletion of the front plate except for specialty plates for the handicap, DUI, etc.. “If the plate was deleted, I think there should be a law that vehicles can not carry plates inside cars in windows. I see a severe problem in accidents that plates become flying objects and can cause injuries or worse. I’m sure there would be a great financial savings to eliminate the front plate.” D.J.
“I do not think it is a good idea, as I feel that both plates being visible would help people to identify the plates of criminals fleeing the scene of a crime. If a witness can only see the front of the car and there is no license plate, an important clue to the identity of the ‘bad guy’ will be lost.” C.H.
“This is a good idea. Makes the car look better, other states
NEXT QUESTION What is your reaction to the Supreme Court ruling that says police can take your DNA when you are arrested for serious and violent crimes? Every week we ask readers a question they can reply to via e-mail. Send your answers to espangler@communitypress.com with Chatroom in the subject line.
allow for 1 rear plate. Why not? What’s taken Ohio so long? “But I would hope the legislators have better things to spend their time on (e.g., right to work legislation, etc) than this.” T.B.
“When I bought my last car the dealer asked if I wanted a front license plate bracket, as if it was optional. Over time, I have observed that a great many people with Ohio plates already leave the front one off. “I have never heard of anyone getting cited for not having one. If the police don’t care, who should. It would save money and make it easier to change plates. Many other states don’t require a front plate.” F.S.D.
“Ohio legislators are lost in the abortion issue, and don’t care about silly license plate stuff. Their thinking is that while they MIGHT vote to save our Earth’s resources, they WILL control decisions you might make in the privacy of your home with your loved ones.” K.P.
“I grew up in PA where the single license plate was the norm, and still is. Of course, we had no ‘deputy’ taking a cut of the finances, and people weren’t required to buy two plates. Car registration was managed by mail and worked just fine. It was also less expensive for the driver. “On balance, they had their
own extra costs in terms of ‘vehicle inspection’ that consumers had to purchase and display a sticker in the window. I see no reason to have two license plates, one on the rear works just fine.” M.A.M.
“Well, if anyone noticed, many vehicles do not display front plates anyway. My question is what is the purpose of a front plate? Do away with the front plate!” O.H.R.
“Front plates obviously are not important. Kentucky doesn't have one, Florida didn't have one when I started driving in 1966. I guess 50 years is about right for Ohio to catch up with other states plus it will save money in material costs. “I will say that making license plates is something the state of Ohio does well and seems to like doing. They probably offer 50 different varieties.” D.J.H.
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U.S. Rep. Brad Wenstrup 2nd District includes nearly all the northeastern and eastern Cincinnati communities. Washington, D.C., office: 1223 Longworth House Office Building, Washington, DC 20515 Phone: 202-225-3164 Hours: 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday-Friday Cincinnati Office: 7954 Beechmont Ave.,
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EASTERN HILLS
JOURNAL
A publication of
fully this scandal will put these obscure but politically significant groups on the public’s radar.” We need to be asking the right questions about all aspects of 501(c)(4) enforcement. And, Congress isn’t. » Why does an IRS regulation allow these groups to work “primarily” (a vague term) for social welfare when the statute clearly requires them to engage in such activity “exclusively?” » Why is the IRS allowing excessive political action by 501(c)(4) groups? » Why is the IRS allowing political action groups to pose as “social welfare” groups? » Do any of these so- called “social welfare” organizations perform any function that is not basically political? If the
answer is no, why isn’t the IRS calling their 501(c)(4) status into question? » How can we put a stop to the abuse of tax filing status for overtly political purposes? The IRS would have been remiss had it not paid special attention to groups, rife with duplicity and concealment, masquerading as “social welfare” entities. If the name of your socalled “social welfare” group stands for Taxed Enough Already, you probably deserve and should expect extra scrutiny from the IRS.
Richard O. Schwab was associate head of school, and middle school head, Cincinnati Country Day School. He is founder of Glendale Organizing For America Community Team.
Good vacations start with good planning It is finally here summer vacation, the opportunity to recharge your batteries, reconnect with family and have some fun. Here are some tips to help keep troubles at bay before, during and after time away: Ian Before Mitchell leaving town: • ThorCOMMUNITY PRESS GUEST COLUMNIST oughly research your destination and associated costs. Know the price ranges of the restaurants you want to visit and the activities you want to pursue, and understand the terms of your rental or hotel booking. • Set a budget based on your research. Put aside money each week toward your goal and start early. • Look for deals. Several organizations offer membership discounts, and you may find additional savings through your credit card, the area’s visitors bureau, attraction websites and travel sites. • Try to be flexible on dates. It can make a big difference in the cost of lodging and flights. • Notify trusted neighbors that you’ll be away and when you expect to return. Let them know if you will have a house sitter. • Place a hold on your mail and newspaper deliveries or ask a friend or neighbor to pick them up. You also may want to have your yard maintained. A pile of newspapers and an overgrown yard can signal an empty house. • Simulate a “lived-in” appearance by using timers for turn lights and a radio or TV during expected hours. • Notify your credit card providers of your travel plans: When you’re leaving, where you’re going and when you’ll return. This helps com-
394 Wards Corner Road Loveland, Ohio 45140 phone: 248-8600 email: easternhills@communitypress.com web site: www.communitypress.com
panies identify fraudulent charges if your card is used in an area you’re not visiting. • Do not share your travel plans on social networking sites. During your trip: • Make lunch, rather than dinner, your big meal out. Prices are lower and often the menu is the same. • Take advantage of smartphone apps that can help find the best prices for gas and other savings. • Use mobile banking apps to monitor accounts and track spending so you don’t have surprises when statements arrive. Ice cream, souvenirs and drink tabs add up fast. • Never carry large amounts of cash; use traveler’s checks or credit cards. • Take only your driver’s license/official ID and two credit cards: One to carry, another to lock in a safe in case your wallet is stolen. • Don’t access financial data or personal information on public computers or public Wi-Fi networks. Be cautious when accessing a hotel room Internet connection. • If you use an ATM, choose one inside a bank. Well-lit lobbies with security cameras, bank employees and customers provide more security for you and for the ATM, meaning it is less likely to be a tampering target. When You Return: • Let friends and family know you’re home. • Get your mail. Open it and electronic mail promptly to address bills or other urgent matters. • Continue to monitor your accounts. Check statements to make sure nothing is out of place. If you notice something unusual or fraudulent, contact your provider immediately.
Ian Mitchell is vice president and director of enterprise fraud risk management at Fifth Third Bank.
Eastern Hills Journal Editor Eric Spangler espangler@communitypress.com, 576-8251 Office hours: 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday See page A2 for additional contact information.