Government

Is the Obama Administration Using Tax Information to Track Adversaries?

It’s no secret that the Obama administration and its allies want to discourage the political activities of libertarian-leaning billionaires Charles and David Koch. As you may be aware, the brothers give a significant proportion of their political donations to the Republican Party and support conservative operations such as Americans for Prosperity, founded in 2004 by David Koch.

Lately, the political Left have been drawing attention to the brothers, painting them as secretive political operatives “out to destroy progressivism” and to launch an all-out “war” against President Obama. But now, as John McCormack of the Weekly Standard reports, “the administration may have crossed a line by revealing tax information about Koch Industries.” According to Mark Holden, senior vice president and general counsel for Koch Industries, one senior Obama official revealed information about the company’s corporate taxes during an on-the-record background briefing for reporters:

So in this country we have partnerships, we have S corps, we have LLCs, we have a series of entities that do not pay corporate income tax. Some of which are really giant firms, you know Koch Industries is a multibillion dollar businesses. So that creates a narrower base because we’ve literally got something like 50 percent of the business income in the U.S. is going to businesses that don’t pay any corporate income tax. They point out [in the report] you could review the boundary between corporate and non-corporate taxation as a way to broaden the base.

According to the Weekly Standard, Holden says the company is “concerned” about why this information would have been discussed and where the White House would’ve obtained this information from. “We also are concerned in light of recent events that we have been singled out by the government and others as a campaign against us because of our political views.”

Click here to read the full report

Comments (111)

  • hamrs_62
    Posted on September 20, 2010 at 8:00pm

    hey obamahussein, I am right here, you dont need my tax records, I WANT YOU OUT OF OFFICE IN CHAINS

    Report Post »  
  • saneromeo
    Posted on September 20, 2010 at 7:49pm

    During the build up to WWII, the rich capitalists all bailed on Germany and came to the U.S…Where, I wonder will the capitalists run to this time? I’m afraid the line in the sand has been drawn, there are no more places for freedom unless we preserve it here….We should support the Koch brothers, if for no other reason than the age old adage “the enemy of my enemy is my friend”…

    Report Post » saneromeo  
    • myrkat
      Posted on September 21, 2010 at 10:18am

      Many wealthy people who fled Europe during the war did so out of physical concerns (i.e. death); financially, the wealthy need not flee anywhere, except out of despot-controlled totalitarian states (Cuba, N. Korea, etc). Even in China it is easy to have massive wealth and be “above the law” – so fleeing for purely financial reasons is much less likely.

      The rich have a tendency to always stay rich (at least the “old money”) and the poor stay poor. Thousands of years of history will show us this. I believe when it comes down to it, the wealthy will do what they need to do to keep their wealth in their family.

      Report Post » myrkat  
  • ConservativeCanuck24
    Posted on September 20, 2010 at 7:47pm

    This is truly laughable.
    The Messiah form Chicago and his czars of “stooges” calling out (illegally) these 2 guys is simply . . . business as usual.
    The Leftist-Liberals have no shame and know their “faithful” will never admit to this hypocrisy.
    November 2nd can’t come soon enough. Just wish I could vote.

    Report Post »  
  • FREEDOMFOX
    Posted on September 20, 2010 at 7:36pm

    After the election and the Republicans gain control over Congress, they are the ones that can present and pass a bill to impeach obuma! Then he can be tried for treason and put in jail for the rest of his life! In the old days he would have went before a firing squad!

    Report Post » FREEDOMFOX  
    • EL ZORRO
      Posted on September 21, 2010 at 1:03am

      No Conspiracy Theories… Just The Facts…

      Here are some of the disturbing facts surrounding Barack Hussein Obama’s ACTUAL BIRTH CERTIFICATE – not rumors, not wild theories – just the FACTS.
      FACT #1: Article 2, Section 1, of the Constitution of the United States, SPECIFICALLY states, “No person except a natural born Citizen, or a Citizen of the United States, at the time of the Adoption of this Constitution, shall be eligible to the Office of President…” It’s NOT a technicality, or lunacy on the part of our Founding Fathers. It is a specific statement within a document that forms the basis for ALL of our laws and not open to interpretation (unless the entire Constitution should be now open to interpretation).

      FACT #2: In order to be a “natural born citizen,” you must be born in the United States or, if you are born abroad, you CAN (if specific circumstances are met) inherit natural born status from your parents. If he was born abroad, then that’s a problem for Barack Hussein Obama because his father was NOT a citizen of the United States and his mother had not lived in the United States the required amount of time after attaining the age of majority when Obama was born – meaning SHE COULD NOT pass her citizenship on to Obama.

      FACT #3: If Barack Hussein Obama WAS NOT born in the United States, he IS NOT a “natural born citizen” and if that is the case, Obama is guilty of perpetuating the most massive fraud in the history of the United States.

      FACT #4: Barack Hussein Obama has ACTIVELY REFUSED to show his ACTUAL BIRTH CERTIFICATE to the people who elected him. This document could remove all doubt of Obama’s status because it would name the hospital, the attending physician at Obama’s birth. Under Hawaiian law, only Obama can legally release the document but HE JUST WON’T DO IT. Why not?

      FACT #5: Obama has multiple teams of lawyers helping him shield the document from the prying eyes of the American people. Why?

      FACT #6: Instead of producing an ACTUAL BIRTH CERTIFICATE, Team Obama produced another document – a “Certification of Live Birth” – and said, in effect, “Here’s his Birth Certificate. Now shut up.”

      So what’s the big deal?

      Report Post »  
  • nomad360
    Posted on September 20, 2010 at 7:32pm

    I not defending the Kochs as they can take care of themselves, but hey Lefty Loons 2 words George Soros.

    Report Post » nomad360  
  • Rickfromillinois
    Posted on September 20, 2010 at 7:32pm

    So it’s okay to release their tax records because they are billionaires? It’s illegal! The White House thugs should have no idea what their tax records are. Laws have been broken and to try to divert attention from the little fact is both disgusting and futile.

    Report Post » Rickfromillinois  
  • msnbciscomedy
    Posted on September 20, 2010 at 7:20pm

    nice job not feeding the trolls guys…….keept it up. Ignore them long enough and they will take their ball and go home.

    Report Post »  
    • CoFX
      Posted on September 20, 2010 at 7:31pm

      I don’t want them to go home – I am challenged everyday to find something in their comments of substance. It’s like my daily “Where’s Waldo” puzzle.

      Report Post » Rogue  
    • poverty.sucks
      Posted on September 20, 2010 at 7:41pm

      D-bag has Monday’s off, they won’t pay him overtime.

      Report Post » poverty.sucks  
    • poverty.sucks
      Posted on September 20, 2010 at 7:47pm

      Union thing, we wouldn’t understand

      Report Post » poverty.sucks  
  • BRAVEHEART
    Posted on September 20, 2010 at 7:18pm

    Don‘t forget we’re all a bunch of Homer Simpson’s and as such we need guidence and direction from the great enlightened masters and the suspreme Bureau Bots. A little nudging from the Tax Masters always helps !!!!

    Report Post »  
  • CaptainSpaulding
    Posted on September 20, 2010 at 7:17pm

    Pick the target, freeze it, personalize it, and polarize it.

    -Saul Alinsky, ‘Rules for Radicals’

    Report Post »  
    • GOTT-EM-MAUSER
      Posted on September 20, 2010 at 7:50pm

      Pick the Target, Mil it, Dial it, Neutralize it,

      -An as yet unknown Roof Top Voter, “Rules of Engagement of Communists”

      Report Post »  
    • jcatlanta
      Posted on September 20, 2010 at 7:57pm

      @ GOTT
      I like your thinking. If they want to play war then war it shall be.

      Report Post » jcatlanta  
  • carol m
    Posted on September 20, 2010 at 7:15pm

    This bothers me quite alot. Between this and the NAACP sending Glenn a e-mail on his private e-mail address, tells me they are trying to imtimidate these people. They are thugs

    Report Post »  
    • booger71
      Posted on September 20, 2010 at 10:38pm

      Check out the NAACP site
      teapartytracker.org.
      The entire purpose of this offshoot of the NAACP is too try and discredit the tea party by publishing facebook statements and tweets from people they claim to be racist tea party members. The people who do this are paid thugs of the NAACP and Media Matters.

      Report Post » booger71  
  • poverty.sucks
    Posted on September 20, 2010 at 7:15pm

    Has Obama ever disclosed the donors of all the millions of dollars into his campaign, how do we get that information?

    Report Post » poverty.sucks  
    • CNK
      Posted on September 20, 2010 at 8:09pm

      You don’t! It’s all hidden away with his college grades, loans, birth certificate. By the way, there are no loans, you can bet your life everything was paid for him, but that info is also a secret.

      Report Post »  
    • democratgirl
      Posted on September 21, 2010 at 1:24am

      Just like you won’t find HIS BIRTH CERTIFICATE. Ya think?

      Report Post » ChildOfTheKing  
  • CoFX
    Posted on September 20, 2010 at 7:13pm

    I agree that no business, regardless of size, should be able to circumvent tax laws. However, I‘d sure like to see how many members of Obama’s Administration, and ALL of Congress, have used the same tactic of setting up LLC’s to limit their liability, protect personal assets, and get business tax breaks on personal income. ” Hi there, Kettle, I’m the Pot.” (would have put the actual saying in there, but that would be a typical conservative racist statement.)

    Then again, these guys don’t pay taxes anyway. Last I checked, the Obama Administration officials alone still owed $831,000 in back taxes. Might want to clear that up before you start pointing fingers at anyone else.

    Report Post » Rogue  
    • DanB
      Posted on September 21, 2010 at 9:13am

      See, here is the problem. We assume they are circumventing tax laws. Maybe. Maybe not. Here are a few possibilities. I have no access to their records as I write this so I am just guessing blindly.

      For example, they might be doing business internationally so it merely US taxes they are avoiding by doing business from the country with the best tax rate. If this is part of the equation, perhaps instead of asking why they are doing this to avoid US taxes, we should ask how many businesses we are driving overseas like this because of tax rates that are not competitive with the international community. If a business moves from one state to another to get a better tax rate, we are fine with it? But if they move to another country for the same reason, it is now a crime? We sure are stupid and run a double standard on taxes….

      Maybe they give charitably. We assume that just because they aren’t paying taxes that the money is just sitting idly in their accounts making them extremely wealthy. Perhaps there is charity involved. Not the political contributions. We are quick to assume the worst then really ask if perhaps there might be a greater good accomplished with that money. Now government has been reducing the tax write offs of charity and taking over the charity monies of the United States, so I am not too inclined to think this is really the case…. Just saying we are quick to assume and the politicians know it. The politicians know they can throw this bone out there and we won’t ask why they are paying no taxes. We’ll just assume they are being irresponsible Americans.

      And did you know that the tax code actually offers deferments and incentives to invest money in a certain way. In other words, the tax code includes a direct pattern for investors and millionaires to follow to avoid paying taxes. So why are so many politicians millionaires and becoming wealthier even during the recession(s)? Perhaps because they write the game. And when another politician plays the game they write as well, they can point to these few and incriminate them in the eyes of the public while avoiding the limelight that could be shone on them and their friends for applying to the same rules. In fact, as someone pointed out, the government is full of people who owe taxes. While they point out that some corporations pay no taxes, what they don’t say is that these corporations probably OWE NO TAXES. Big difference for those who pay attention.

      Report Post »  
  • SnapTie
    Posted on September 20, 2010 at 7:13pm

    I want a investigation of Obama’s campaign finance. How did he get all that money through untraceable prepaid credit cards? The name throwing from the left is getting unbearable.

    Report Post » SnapTie  
    • markj2
      Posted on September 20, 2010 at 7:28pm

      George Soros funded the pre-paid credit cards and well as the Union leadership. I agree Darrel Issa should launch an immediate investigation into alot things the Dem’s & Obozo have done . How they have circumvented Congress to push through unconstitutional policies, given unlimited power to departments and Agencies that shouldn’t have any power at all and should just be advisory in nature. I pray that Nov. will bring about the Change millions of people are crying out for and we start ridding Congress of these crooks liars and thieves., then in Nov 2012 we can complete the process.

      Report Post »  
    • independentvoteril
      Posted on September 20, 2010 at 7:42pm

      We here in CHICAGO KNOW it was through the UNIONS/Soros.. COLLEGE KIDS who were paid to use the cards for donations..wonder how many of those kids parents can’t get a loan for them to go back to school with the NEW regulations.. well just someone else OBAMA used and threw under the bus..

      Report Post » independentvoteril  
  • pajamash
    Posted on September 20, 2010 at 7:13pm

    I have a feeling the brothers Koch would have no problem openly saying they are against progressivism. I am as well!

    Report Post »  
  • canuck44
    Posted on September 20, 2010 at 7:06pm

    Sounds like this needs to go on Darrell Icca’s list of Congressional investigations for the new year…along with the perjury investigations related to the Civil Rights division of DOJ, selective application of the law etc.

    Report Post »  
  • cheezwhiz
    Posted on September 20, 2010 at 7:03pm

    Oh com’on folks,
    Barack Hussain found a judge to unseal the sealed divorce records of his political opponent
    ( who had kids)
    just to win a senate election…….
    what makes you think he will use IRS to extract revenge on his political adversaries, specially if they have money
    ;-)

    Report Post » cheezwhiz  
    • independentvoteril
      Posted on September 20, 2010 at 7:38pm

      Sounds like you come from CHICAGO.. LOL.. he’s done much more than that or had his conies do it..

      Report Post » independentvoteril  
  • forthepeople
    Posted on September 20, 2010 at 7:00pm

    So what’s new, clinton did the same thing and got away with it.

    Report Post » forthepeople  
    • wingedwolf
      Posted on September 20, 2010 at 9:24pm

      Clinton did worse than that. People used to drop dead around the Clintons like crazy. Like the 17 yr old who was supposed to be pregnant when he was attorney general who shot herself in the face TWICE with a 12 gauge at the side of the road. I always wondered how she GOT herself to the side of that road, since there was no vehicle ever found near there. TWO TIMES IN THE FACE with a shot gun. What are the chances? That’s called, “committing Arkancide.”

      Report Post » wingedwolf  
  • Stupid Windmill
    Posted on September 20, 2010 at 6:59pm

    “Lately, the political Left have been drawing attention to the brothers, painting them as secretive political operatives “out to destroy progressivism” and to launch an all-out “war” against President Obama. ”

    Because it is all so true… an article by the subversive unknown paper…

    http://www.newyorker.com/reporting/2010/08/30/100830fa_fact_mayer

    Report Post » Stupid Windmill  
    • pajamash
      Posted on September 20, 2010 at 7:26pm

      Okay Stupid Windmill, who is worse. The Koch’s for trying to stop an agenda they believe is contrary to the history and good of our country or Michelle Obama who childishly avoided an “awkward” situation with one of her husbands detractors and shirking her duty as an honorary co-chair. Her not being there is akin to saying, “we will take your money but spit in your face because you have made the money you are donating”.

      Report Post »  
    • CoFX
      Posted on September 20, 2010 at 7:27pm

      Stupid – thanks for the link! Great read. I’m sure The New Yorker is 100% accurate in their reporting and unbiased.
      While their buisness practices may be questioned, there is no doubt that they are “out to destroy progressivism” and to launch an all-out “war” against President Obama. ” You are right – this is VERY true. Is that the part you have issue with? Billionaires spending mountains of cash to destroy the political opposition? I’m glad to see that the Progressives have risen about this petty game of politics through private funding…*cough*huffington*cough*soros*cough*

      Report Post » Rogue  
    • rfpzzzzz
      Posted on September 20, 2010 at 7:29pm

      Why wouldn’t people want to destroy progressive-ism , it is an assault on our country and btw, it sounds a lot like a disease anyway.

      What is the unsubsidized cost per kwh on that windmill?…..compared to other sources of electricity….don’t forget due to the vagaries of the winds , traditional generation still must exist to supply continuous power no matter the wind or sun. How about the cost of those storage batteries and the enviromental concerns of their disposal?
      This is a serious question , I am looking for a source for these particular facts.

      Report Post »  
    • CNK
      Posted on September 20, 2010 at 8:12pm

      Oh yes they’re so dangerous, you better run and hide over at George Soros’s house. It’s nice and safe over there

      Report Post »  
    • alienguns
      Posted on September 20, 2010 at 10:30pm

      “out to destroy progressivism” and to launch an all-out “war” against President Obama. ”

      sounds like a great idea…where do I sign up…hope it happens…..go Koch brothers!!!

      Report Post » alienguns  
  • Contrarianthinker
    Posted on September 20, 2010 at 6:59pm

    FYI, The Koch family almost totally financed the 2000 POTUS campaign of Libetarian Ed Clark against both Carter and Reagan. I have met them at a meeting where many supporter of Ron Paul met in Wichita. KS. The meeting was to see if Ron Paul would run for POTUS.

    Yes, these Kochs are VERY dangerous… to those who seek to transform the USA. I’m glad to saee they still put their dollars where their hearts are.

    Report Post »  
    • Stupid Windmill
      Posted on September 20, 2010 at 7:11pm

      Really though, you don’t hear of many Billionaires making front groups to cast doubt on Climate Science for profit purposes do you?

      Report Post » Stupid Windmill  
    • jcatlanta
      Posted on September 20, 2010 at 7:55pm

      @Stupid Windmill
      The billionaires don’t have to make front groups to cast doubt on Climate Science, the pseudo science being peddled casts doubt on itself when you see the manipulation of the people peddling the crap. This is what happens when science is funded by the government. They want funding so bad, they will forget scientific method for forging facts and numbers to get their funding.
      And yes before you ask I am a scientist and engineer and have a degree in Engineering from Texas A&M University.

      Report Post » jcatlanta  
    • CNK
      Posted on September 20, 2010 at 8:06pm

      Oh yes they’re so dangerous, you better run and hide over at George Soros’s house. It’s nice and safe over there.

      Report Post »  
  • Highland
    Posted on September 20, 2010 at 6:55pm

    When all is said and done, Obama will make the Nixon Administration look like Sunday School.

    Report Post » Highland  
    • Eagle07
      Posted on September 20, 2010 at 9:27pm

      He already makes Carter look like a genius

      Report Post »  
    • myrkat
      Posted on September 21, 2010 at 10:14am

      Carter is a pretty smart guy, he just was a horrible administrator – or at least had a really bad team of advisors. Carter is one of the best ex-presidents we’ve ever had!

      Report Post » myrkat  
  • Noogan
    Posted on September 20, 2010 at 6:54pm

    The Chicago Way.

    Report Post » Noogan  
    • dressseller
      Posted on September 20, 2010 at 7:14pm

      You took the words right out of my mouth. Thugocracy in action.

      Report Post »  
  • eboyd
    Posted on September 20, 2010 at 6:50pm

    The Koch Industries should be very afraid because the Obama Administration is a circle of thugs. Nothing is too low for the circle and the aim is to destroy good conservatives.

    Report Post »  
    • Rev. WC
      Posted on September 20, 2010 at 7:32pm

      It was Bill Clinton as the first to call Obama and his likes nothing more than Chicago Thugs!

      Report Post » Rev. WC  
  • plunderpower
    Posted on September 20, 2010 at 6:49pm

    Any person that doesn‘t kiss Obama’s butt is fair game for becoming one of his political prisoners. What he hasn’t figured out yet is that he is Ours.

    Report Post » plunderpower  
  • guardianforce
    Posted on September 20, 2010 at 6:47pm

    The Obama/Soros government are nothing but a crime mob. Those who blindly follow these weasels are on the hit list as well. The collective gasp and whinning will be heard ’round the world.
    GET THESE CRIMINALS OUT OF OUR GOVERNMENT>

    Report Post »  
    • Stupid Windmill
      Posted on September 20, 2010 at 7:02pm

      Spoken like a guy who does everything a guy on TV told him to do.

      Report Post » Stupid Windmill  
    • CNK
      Posted on September 20, 2010 at 8:04pm

      You’re 100% right! By the way, remember one thing, the progressives are smart enough to know, if they ever ran on their principals and ideas they would lose every election in every state. That’s why they lie, cheat and mislead people in order to win.

       
    • Max jones
      Posted on September 20, 2010 at 8:35pm

      HEY STUPID…..(I love sending notes to you, man!!!) Have you watched the video? It is 111 minutes long. It’s about some kind of conspiracy. Its really good. you can pull it up online—type in “Obama deception” This group of guys really got him down. Funny stuff!!

      Report Post » Max jones  
    • fande3rls
      Posted on September 20, 2010 at 9:07pm

      To stupid windmill . We do our own research on our own we do not just need glenn beck or anyone else to see what is happening . study for your self, The more you post here the more all you truly look like is a borg drone .

      Report Post » fande3rls  
    • SureSure
      Posted on September 21, 2010 at 12:36am

      Stupid Windmill…. you mean a Obama? That guy on TV telling us all what to do/not do all the time???

      Report Post »  
  • Joseph
    Posted on September 20, 2010 at 6:47pm

    Almost not worth writting about, why? who doesn’t use these tactics…It’s been going on since Truman, maybe before that…

     
    • Sheepdog911
      Posted on September 20, 2010 at 6:56pm

      No Duh. Isn’t Hillary part of this administration?

      Report Post » Sheepdog911  
    • missilefish.com
      Posted on September 20, 2010 at 7:19pm

      It’s campaign fund raising 101, and systems like Aristotle for example even predict a level of willingness to donate money during certain times of day, etc. Predictability modeling. FEC data is too revealing, far too revealing.

      Report Post » missilefish.com  
    • tobywil2
      Posted on September 20, 2010 at 8:36pm

      Both FDR and Nixon were the worst offenders that we know about. Because the offense has been carried out for over 75 years this does not make it right. The use of the Bureaucracy to punish political dissent and reward political cronnies is the greatest danger to the American Revolution. Use of the Bureaucarcy by an elected official to punish or prevent political dissent should carry mandartory jail time for both the politician and the bureaucrat.. Political dissent is the life blood of the Republic. There should be a permanent independent counsel to investigate allegations of use of the Bureaucracy to punish political dissent. See chapters 11 & 12 of “21st Century Common Sense” or use the Google search for “FDR and the IRS” & Nixon and IRS if you don’t believe the danger is real. http://commonsense21c.com/

      Report Post » tobywil2  
    • doncarr61
      Posted on September 20, 2010 at 8:37pm

      Absolutely. I am conservative but Nixon and his enemies list. One solution is to abolish the income tax..one less tool for corruption.

      Report Post » doncarr61  
    • teaputts
      Posted on September 20, 2010 at 9:22pm

      FDR‘s son said he wasn’t the first to use the gov. to go after enemies, but he was the most voratous at using it.

      Report Post »  
    • Eagle07
      Posted on September 20, 2010 at 9:25pm

      Where is the DOJ? oh yeah Arizona

      Report Post »  
    • solaveritas
      Posted on September 20, 2010 at 10:34pm

      Joseph – when will you quit offering the excuse “everybody has been doing it”!!! THAT DOESN‘T MAKE IT RIGHT and it certainly DOESN’T STOP IT!!! You get what you tolerate. Call a spade a spade, no matter who is doing it wrong!

      Report Post » solaveritas  
    • sonnetswan
      Posted on September 21, 2010 at 1:16am

      LOOK AT THIS

      http://vodpod.com/watch/4324079-man-assaulted-arrested-at-alaska-state-fair-for-impeach-obama-sign

      Report Post » sonnetswan  
    • tobywil2
      Posted on September 21, 2010 at 8:16am

      My research on use of the IRS for political purposes did not find evidence that Truman used the IRS to punish political enemies. do you have such evidence and where can I find the source of the information. The abuse goes back to Hoover and It is hard to believe that Woodrow Wilson did not use that method of dealing with political enemies. http://commonsense21c.com/

      tobywil2  
    • hempstead1944
      Posted on September 21, 2010 at 8:48am

      Doesn’t make it right………………

      Report Post »  
    • jerryod1627
      Posted on September 21, 2010 at 9:08am

      I get really sick of hearing “that‘s the way its’s done in Washington” or some such thing. Wake up people that has to change, it is our right to privacy and freedom that they are attacking and it makes no difference which party it is, it’s wrong!

      Report Post »  
    • luvtheright
      Posted on September 21, 2010 at 4:49pm

      Maybe the WH could reveal some dem $$$ supporters publicly like: PROGRESSIVE & GE! I make it a point to NEVER purchase anything made by GE & would NEVER purchase insurance through PROGRESSIVE!!

      Report Post »  

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