MSNBC Contributor Claims He Was Audited 5 Years In A Row By IRS For Criticizing Bush

[Auburn85 438]

http://www.mediaite....iticizing-bush/

Noah Rothman

Georgetown University professor and MSNBC contributor Michael Eric Dyson revealed on MSNBC’s Now on Wednesday that he has been the target of political intimidation by the Internal Revenue Service during the administration of President George W. Bush. Dyson claimed that, after criticizing Bush on television for his government’s response to Hurricane Katrina, he was audited for five consecutive years by the IRS.

In a discussion about the unfolding scandal in which IRS agents are implicated in forcing conservative groups to undergo more scrutiny in requests for tax-exempt status than liberal groups, the MSNBC panel agreed that added scrutiny across the board would be welcome.

The conversation shifted to the scandal surrounding the Justice Department’s unilateral seizure of telephone records from the Associated Press.

“We just had a fierce debate before the election about who could vote and could not vote,” Dyson declared. He said that Attorney General Eric Holder defended the voting rights of minorities who were threatened by voter identification laws. “I’m here to hold on for Holder,” Dyson added.

“It’s hard at the top for two brothers.”

“It’s also worth noting that the IRS has been used as a political tool throughout history,” asserted MSNBC host Alex Wagner. She noted that the IRS has targeted NAACP, Green Peace, and Planned Parenthood.

“Brian Williams interviewed me on television after Hurricane Katrina,” Dyson said. He noted that he was critical of Bush and Williams played that clip for the president the following day. “For the next five years I was audited by the IRS.”

“I’m sure it’s coincidence,” Dyson concluded sarcastically.

[RunInRed 18,708]

These types of examples are all over the place and I guarantee you span every administration in our collective lifetimes. And in the coming days and weeks, we'll keep hearing about them. Again, not condoning the recent actions by the IRS but rather just dumping some cold water on those who seek to use this recent 'example' for political gain.

[alexava 6,976]

Nonono, boener said jail.

[AURaptor 1,137]

He sad this when? Today ?

Not last year.

Not 3 years ago ?

Not Jan 20th, 2009 ?

[autigeremt 7,260]

Same old Liberals. It's never their fault. Ever!

[ToomersRevenge 284]

The IRS has been using audits as a weapon for years. They love to use their leverage to intimidate and coerce.

[alexava 6,976]

He sad this when? Today ?

Not last year.

Not 3 years ago ?

Not Jan 20th, 2009 ?

<_</>

yes, today or yesterday. I saw it on cnn. Pretty sure thats what he was talking about.

[AURaptor 1,137]

The head of the IRS was sacked over this. It's not even debatable that something really wrong was going on, and this was even in excess of the heavy handedness for what the IRS is usually know.

It's sad and beyond laughable to try to claim , once again, " but BUSH! " on this matter.

[DKW 86 7,950]

Well, lets allow the calendar to speak.

Katrina was in 2005. He likely criticized in late 2005.

Bush was out of office Jan 2009.

2005+5 years=2010.

Congrats, he was audited at least two years under the Obama Administration.

[MDM4AU 338]

Serious question, wasn't Miller supposed to be stepping away in a couple of weeks anyway?

[Weegle777 78]

Lets hope that the IRS comes under even greater scrutiny so that maybe the agency will be gotten rid of and a new, simpler, more fair system can be implemented. Hey we can dream right!

[AUcivE09 582]

Serious question, wasn't Miller supposed to be stepping away in a couple of weeks anyway?

We have a winner! Yes, he was. Easy scapegoat and he keeps all his benefits. pffft

[autigeremt 7,260]

Serious question, wasn't Miller supposed to be stepping away in a couple of weeks anyway?

We have a winner! Yes, he was. Easy scapegoat and he keeps all his benefits. pffft

Mr. Miller also, even after being appointed by G.W. Bush, gave money to the DNC during the 2004 election cycle. So much for Nancy Pelosi's bushboomerang theory.