...the public operative for Gary Sinise, went on a media blitz in late January and early February, decrying the IRS for purposely withholding the group’s request for 501(c)(3) status as part of a program to “target” and “harass” conservatives. Far from being victims, FOA was perpetrating a fraud, probably an illegal one. There is also evidence that Sinise was funneling FOA money through his supposed “veterans” charity. According to the site CitizenAudit.org, in 2010, when Sinise got approval for his own nonprofit, the Gary Sinise Foundation, he listed “Abe’s Pal” as a secondary DBA. “Abe’s Pal” was the name through which FOA solicited money. In the Sinise Foundation’s filings with the IRS, it lists its very specific goals: “To serve the nation by honoring our defenders, veterans, first responders, their families, and those in need,” adding that the nonprofit will provide “relief for wounded warriors, entertainment for service members and their families, school supplies for children where U.S. troops are deployed, and scholarships for veterans.” If Sinise was indeed funneling money from a partisan GOP organization through his foundation, that may very well be another instance of criminal activity, along with the fraudulent claim that FOA had 501(c)(3) status. -- Dole CEO David H. Murdock has hosted FOAs annual gatherings at his 1,300-acre estate, Ventura Farms. The group meets monthly to hear guest speakers. It has hosted a number of Republican politicians at its events, including Herman Cain, Michele Bachmann, Paul Ryan, Rick Santorum, John Boehner, and Thaddeus McCotter. Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia received reimbursement for giving a speech at a FOA fundraiser in 2012. Glenn Beck, Ann Coulter, Michael Steele and Mark Levin have also met with Friends of Abe, as have political operatives Frank Luntz and Karl Rove. As of January 2012 the organization had more than 1800 members. In addition to Sinise, Pat Boone, Jon Voight and Kelsey Grammer have stated that they are members of the organization. [other known members: Clint Eastwood, Jerry Bruckheimer, Patricia Heaton, Robert Duvall, and David Mamet] The organization fiercely protects its list of members for whom it maintains a secure private website, abespal. en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Friends_of_Abe
Posted on: Sat, 29 Mar 2014 20:01:24 +0000
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