| [Op-Ed]
There
has been intense discussion and scrutiny in the media regarding the
viral “Kony2012” video created by Invisible Children. Many people have
questioned the purpose of the video and the questionable finances behind
the organization. The group’s ideological and financial ties to radical evangelical Christian organizations have been revealed.
Invisible
Children’s true agenda has also recently been put into serious doubt
after revelation that the San Diego based organization had provided an intelligence tip leading to the arrest of several suspected Gen. Museveni regime opponents.
In June 2010, I wrote an article that was
published in Black Star News about Invisible Children’s intense lobbying efforts regarding the “The LRA Disarmament and Northern Uganda Recovery
Act”. The bill was passed by the United States Congress and signed by
President Barack Obama, paved the way for sending U.S. troops to Uganda
in October and opened the way for increased U.S. military activity
there.
I stated at the time that as a 501(c)3 tax-exempt
charity, Invisible Children had crossed the legal line of permissible
lobbying that could influence Congressional legislation. Federal law
clearly prohibits heavy political lobbying by a 501(c)3 tax-exempt
charity. I challenged the organization to surrender its tax-exempt
status or face a potential audit by the Internal Revenue Service.
In
the aftermath of “Kony2012”, there has been little discussion of
Invisible Children’s legal accountability People may agree or disagree
with their methods or simplistic approach to very complicated issues.
However, there are some laws that may have been violated.
Invisible
Children has been able to profit from the sale of merchandise,
including the monetization of the “Kony2012” video on YouTube. Videos on
YouTube can now earn the owners income with every click by a user.
Jason Russell and other representatives of Invisible Children have
publicly stated that the organization is a business.
That
should allow every donor to question the authenticity of Invisible
Children’s tax-exempt, non-profit status. If they are a business, then
their status as a 501(c)3 tax-exempt charity constitutes fraud. That
would expose them to a class-action lawsuit by donors.
Invisible Children has not paid any taxes for years while continuing to profit from the exploitation of the Acholi
people who inhabit the area where fighting was concentrated between the
Lord’s Resistance Army and the U.S.-backed army of Gen. Yoweri Museveni
the Ugandan ruler of 26 years. Invisible Children also committed
emotional extortion of impressionable youth around the world.
Millions of responsible Americans annually pay taxes as required by law. It’s time that Invisible Children also pay taxes or face the penalties that they deserve for tax evasion and fraud.
“Speaking Truth To Empower.”
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