PLATFORM : Open the Books
Every public revelation of a televangelist’s private or financial indiscretion brings an outcry for a government organization to protect the public.
Where would you find these bureaucrats to sit in judgment? Such a suggestion is as silly as Ted Kennedy sitting on the Senate Judiciary Committee passing moral judgment on Judge Clarence Thomas.
There is a simple answer, however. Require all “tax-exempt” organizations to make complete financial disclosures as a condition of their continued tax-exempt status.
This financial disclosure and the press’ continued reporting on the personal lives of these televangelists is all that is needed.
Only individual contributors have a legitimate interest in a televangelist’sprivate life. However, all taxpayers have a legitimate interest in the financial affairs of any organization granted tax-exempt status.
Given the truth, the public will need no government involvement--they will protect themselves by closing their checkbooks to the phonies.
Get the L.A. Times Politics newsletter
Deeply reported insights into legislation, politics and policy from Sacramento, Washington and beyond. In your inbox three times per week.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
