Rep. McDermott wonders why tea party groups applied for taxpayer-funded subsidies
Somebody call the whaaambulance for Paul Ryan
Rep. Jim McDermott (D-WA) on Tuesday questioned why tea party groups were seeking to be subsidized by the government.
At a House hearing on IRS misconduct, McDermott acknowledged the federal tax agency had inappropriately used political criteria to locate nonprofit applications that needed extra review.
But as I listen to this discussion, Id like to remind everyone what we are talking about here, he continued. None of your organizations were kept from organizing or silenced. We are talking about whether or not the American taxpayers would subsidize your work. We are talking about a tax break.
http://www.rawstory.com/rs/2013/06/04/rep-mcdermott-wonders-why-tea-party-groups-applied-for-taxpayer-funded-subsidies/
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Each of your groups is highly political, the congressman said. From opposing the Presidents healthcare reform, to abortion restrictions, to gay marriage, youre all entrenched in some of the most controversial political issues in this country and with your applications you are asking the American public to pay for that work. Many of you host and endorse candidates. The line between permitted political activity and non-permitted political activity can be very fine, and its important that tax payers know which side you fall on.
McDermotts remarks angered Rep. Paul Ryan (R-WI), who accused the congressman of blaming the victim.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?f&v=OZDnsDa_2as