I know that the WTP petitions have limited utility, but please consider taking a moment to sign this petition requesting a review of the "secret" IRS agreement and consideration of the multiple claims of private inurement.
http://wh.gov/VZG8
It was hard to narrow down to 800 words, but the original text is below:
[COMMENT]Investigate the Church of Scientology and all related entities for violation of section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code
While the free practice of religion is deeply ingrained in our Nation’s values, it is reasonably expected that religious organizations will follow all applicable laws. This is especially true today, as the government works hard to balance the Nation’s budget and the citizens are asked to pick up the financial burden for worthwhile and law-abiding organizations that provide a community benefit.
In 1993, after a twenty-five year legal battle and multiple lawsuits, the IRS granted Scientology tax-exempt status in a sealed agreement. We, the people, have been asked to support this organization by taking up its tax burden without having the benefit of knowing what we’re supporting and why. Given recent lawsuits (one currently for fraud), criminal convictions and international criticism of this entity, the people of the United States need assurance that the laws are being followed by this organization. This is the same organization that, in 1984, the tax court ruled, “made a business out of selling religion.” This is the same organization that the US claims court described using such terms as, “the commercial character of much of Scientology,” “its virtually incomprehensible financial procedures” and its “scripturally based hostility to taxation.” Now the organization is tax-exempt with no explanation and no visible changes to its structure.
There are three key requirements under IRC 501c3; the charitable organization must be organized and operated for exempt purposes, none of its earnings may benefit (inure) an individual and it must not attempt to influence legislation or campaign for or against a particular political candidate. We, the people feel that Scientology has broken the law on all counts.
Operated for Exempt Purposes: Scientology operates largely for non-exempt purposes; scientology receives money from secular classes, held in exempt facilities, for “communications” classes and other non-religious purposes. One doesn’t have to be an adherent to take these sometimes expensive courses, and their “free stress tests” (which have been linked to multiple suicides) are used to bring students into the courses. Scientology also targets schools and businesses under the heading of ABLE, the Association for Better Living and Education. Scientology claims to operate the “largest digital publication” facility, which it recently used to print an entire magazine issue dedicated to smearing former members and the news media. Scientology holds copyrights for all of its founder’s non-fiction books and profits off their sale.
None of its earnings may benefit (inure) an individual: There are many former members that have criticized the lifestyle of Scientology’s current leader, David Miscavige. Debbie Cook ([1] http://www.tampabay.com/news/scientology/article1226702.ece) was sued by Scientology for sending a private email claiming that funds were mismanaged; Scientology settled when her testimony was damning. Miscavige has hired private investigators for millions of dollars ([2] http://www.tampabay.com/news/scient...ivate-investigators-millions-to-trail/1252846) to trail his personal enemies and lives in a multi-million dollar home, has many cars and motorcycles, and has used church funds and manpower to throw expensive birthday parties for Tom Cruise, tailor his expensive clothes, install a personal sound system, music studio and a private gym ([3] http://www.savescientology.com/excess_benefits.pdf). According to former members, his lifestyle and vacations far exceeds the reasonable benefit test for a charity’s employee. These same funds have been extended to Miscavige’s personal friend, Tom Cruise, who frequently accompanies him at races and other events. This is while individual scientologists struggle to pay the high fees that their religion requires ([4] http://www.xenu.net/archive/books/tsos/sos-19.html).
It must not attempt to influence legislation or campaign for or against a particular political candidate: LA Country Sheriff Lee Baca has been under investigation for his involvement with Scientology, and has been given exclusive endorsement and speaking opportunities during election years. The church instructed members to support Jeff Stone in his California Senate run, directly violating the Internal Revenue Code, for which Stone was fined $60,000. This is one of many illegal campaigns and interferences with elections ([5] http://ocmb.xenu.net/ocmb/viewtopic.php?f=9&t=35527).
Scientology has been linked to many scandals and law violations in the US and the rest of the world, and has been declared a criminal organization and denied tax exempt status in multiple countries for their flagrant disregard for law. Scientology has been linked to the largest single infiltration of the United States government ([6] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Operation_Snow_White), harassed critics ([7] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Operation_Freakout and multiple current examples) and directly broken the tax law. It’s no wonder that Miscavige so publicly opposes the current tax structure!
Finally, one must look at this simple representation of Miscavige’s lifestyle and ask themselves if this is how a charity should spend its money on an individual: [8] http://markrathbun.files.wordpress.com/2010/05/bikesbuilding50.jpg
We the people respectfully request a thorough investigation into the 1993 reversal and Scientology’s apparent violation of IRC 501c3.
[/COMMENT]
http://wh.gov/VZG8
It was hard to narrow down to 800 words, but the original text is below:
[COMMENT]Investigate the Church of Scientology and all related entities for violation of section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code
While the free practice of religion is deeply ingrained in our Nation’s values, it is reasonably expected that religious organizations will follow all applicable laws. This is especially true today, as the government works hard to balance the Nation’s budget and the citizens are asked to pick up the financial burden for worthwhile and law-abiding organizations that provide a community benefit.
In 1993, after a twenty-five year legal battle and multiple lawsuits, the IRS granted Scientology tax-exempt status in a sealed agreement. We, the people, have been asked to support this organization by taking up its tax burden without having the benefit of knowing what we’re supporting and why. Given recent lawsuits (one currently for fraud), criminal convictions and international criticism of this entity, the people of the United States need assurance that the laws are being followed by this organization. This is the same organization that, in 1984, the tax court ruled, “made a business out of selling religion.” This is the same organization that the US claims court described using such terms as, “the commercial character of much of Scientology,” “its virtually incomprehensible financial procedures” and its “scripturally based hostility to taxation.” Now the organization is tax-exempt with no explanation and no visible changes to its structure.
There are three key requirements under IRC 501c3; the charitable organization must be organized and operated for exempt purposes, none of its earnings may benefit (inure) an individual and it must not attempt to influence legislation or campaign for or against a particular political candidate. We, the people feel that Scientology has broken the law on all counts.
Operated for Exempt Purposes: Scientology operates largely for non-exempt purposes; scientology receives money from secular classes, held in exempt facilities, for “communications” classes and other non-religious purposes. One doesn’t have to be an adherent to take these sometimes expensive courses, and their “free stress tests” (which have been linked to multiple suicides) are used to bring students into the courses. Scientology also targets schools and businesses under the heading of ABLE, the Association for Better Living and Education. Scientology claims to operate the “largest digital publication” facility, which it recently used to print an entire magazine issue dedicated to smearing former members and the news media. Scientology holds copyrights for all of its founder’s non-fiction books and profits off their sale.
None of its earnings may benefit (inure) an individual: There are many former members that have criticized the lifestyle of Scientology’s current leader, David Miscavige. Debbie Cook ([1] http://www.tampabay.com/news/scientology/article1226702.ece) was sued by Scientology for sending a private email claiming that funds were mismanaged; Scientology settled when her testimony was damning. Miscavige has hired private investigators for millions of dollars ([2] http://www.tampabay.com/news/scient...ivate-investigators-millions-to-trail/1252846) to trail his personal enemies and lives in a multi-million dollar home, has many cars and motorcycles, and has used church funds and manpower to throw expensive birthday parties for Tom Cruise, tailor his expensive clothes, install a personal sound system, music studio and a private gym ([3] http://www.savescientology.com/excess_benefits.pdf). According to former members, his lifestyle and vacations far exceeds the reasonable benefit test for a charity’s employee. These same funds have been extended to Miscavige’s personal friend, Tom Cruise, who frequently accompanies him at races and other events. This is while individual scientologists struggle to pay the high fees that their religion requires ([4] http://www.xenu.net/archive/books/tsos/sos-19.html).
It must not attempt to influence legislation or campaign for or against a particular political candidate: LA Country Sheriff Lee Baca has been under investigation for his involvement with Scientology, and has been given exclusive endorsement and speaking opportunities during election years. The church instructed members to support Jeff Stone in his California Senate run, directly violating the Internal Revenue Code, for which Stone was fined $60,000. This is one of many illegal campaigns and interferences with elections ([5] http://ocmb.xenu.net/ocmb/viewtopic.php?f=9&t=35527).
Scientology has been linked to many scandals and law violations in the US and the rest of the world, and has been declared a criminal organization and denied tax exempt status in multiple countries for their flagrant disregard for law. Scientology has been linked to the largest single infiltration of the United States government ([6] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Operation_Snow_White), harassed critics ([7] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Operation_Freakout and multiple current examples) and directly broken the tax law. It’s no wonder that Miscavige so publicly opposes the current tax structure!
Finally, one must look at this simple representation of Miscavige’s lifestyle and ask themselves if this is how a charity should spend its money on an individual: [8] http://markrathbun.files.wordpress.com/2010/05/bikesbuilding50.jpg
We the people respectfully request a thorough investigation into the 1993 reversal and Scientology’s apparent violation of IRC 501c3.
[/COMMENT]