IRS v. Obama

Presidential hopeful Barack Obama may have undergone much criticism in his bid to become president, but it now appears his chruch in coming under the microscope. According to multiple articles in widely recognized papers including the Wall Street Journal and the Associated Press "The IRS is investigating the United Church of Christ over a speech Sen. Barack Obama gave at its national meeting last year after he became a candidate for president, the denomination said Tuesday."

The IRS has stated that it has a reasonable belief that the chruch violated restrictions on political activity for tax-exempt organizations. "Obama, a member of Trinity United Church of Christ, spoke about faith and public life at the denomination's June 2007 General Synod in Hartford, Conn."

The IRS has stated its concern that the church violated restrictions through its advertisment that 10,000 people planned to attend. Additionally, tables were set up outside to raise money for the campaign. The IRS has declined to comment on the investigations.

For those that know anything about tax exempt status, it would be a huge blow if the church were to lose such status. It would be ironic if Mr. Obama sacrificed his church in order to get elected president. Although ultimately nothing might come of this, one would thing a politician aspiring to the office of President would know better.