LETTERS: BILL THREATENS SOME TAX-EXEMPT ORGANIZATIONS

To the editor:

Congress is set to vote on the amended McCain-Feingold campaign-finance bill.

It is commendable that Congress is trying to stop the flow of millions of dollars into the campaigns of politicians running for election. However, this bill will turn out to be a disaster for all tax-exempt organizations including National Right to Life and its affiliates. Why? Because this bill would impair the right to effectively inform the public about events in Congress and place not only the organization, but the politicians as well in jeopardy of legal action for engaging in constitutionally protected communications regarding public-policy issues.

Not only is this a danger to our rights of free speech, but it is a slap in the face to those of us who rely on the donations of individuals to keep our tax-exempt advocacy groups active. We do not collect tax dollars each year to keep our offices open. Planned Parenthood collects millions of dollars each year from the likes of Bill Gates and Ted Turner and then collects a like amount from taxpayers. In effect, we are penalized financially.

If this bill passes as written, we would be prevented from using our constitutional right to free speech while Planned Parenthood, NARAL and NOW, which are tax-exempt, would be allowed to continue talking and buying ads.

CHRISTINE E. STEPHENS

Cape Girardeau