IRS Should Probe Liberal Groups

Like you, I'm beginning to assemble canceled checks and other paperwork for the annual ritual of tax filing. I have to be ready to provide receipts, upon request, to prove my deductions.

Not some lobbying groups. Many of them recently trashed John Ashcroft during his confirmation hearings. The Landmark Legal Foundation has asked the IRS to investigate these groups to see if tax-exempt funds went for political activism. While they're at it, they might want to take a look at the Rev. Jesse Jackson's books. Bill O'Reilly on Fox News Channel has been doing a good job of asking a lot of questions about Jackson's activities. Jackson has gotten away with things none of the rest of us could. Is the government afraid of being labeled "racist" if it applies the same standard to Jackson that it applies to the rest of us?

It's long past time for these liberal activist groups that receive tax breaks to be investigated. The Clinton administration audited conservative groups. Let's see what's in the books of liberal organizations.

I'm Cal Thomas in Washington.