LIMBAUGH: But during all this growth I haven’t lost any audience. I’ve never had financially a down year. There’s supposedly a recession, but we’ve got - what is this May? Back in February we already had 102% of 2008 overbooked for 2009. [applause] So I always believed that if we’re going to have a recession, just don’t participate. [laughter]
What is the Heritage club?
Fundamentally, Heritage is an idea factory, not a political organization. Our goal is not short-term electoral gain (or electoral defeat) for one party or candidate. Instead, our challenge is more profound. We seek to reshape the entire national debate along conservative lines, to advance the core principles of the Founding Fathers: free enterprise, limited government, individual freedom, traditional American values and a strong national defense. - MyHeritage.org
Alrighty then. It is a conservative "think tank."
Well how are they funded?
With 429,924 members, The Heritage Foundation is the most broadly supported think tank in America. Approximately 58% of contributions come from individuals, 37% from foundations, and 5% from corporations. The Heritage Foundation receives no money from government grants and performs no contract work. - MyHeritage.org
But..
In addition, we’re limited in our activity by law. If we’re to retain our status as a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization—which allows you to deduct your membership dues from your taxes, for example—we cannot involve ourselves with partisan politics or electioneering. - MyHeritage.org
Rush gets a deductible his taxes as a member, hunh? And wait a minute, a "think tank" can file under 501(c)(3)?
To be tax-exempt under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, an organization must be organized and operated exclusively for exempt purposes set forth in section 501(c)(3), and none of its earnings may inure to any private shareholder or individual. In addition, it may not be an action organization, i.e., it may not attempt to influence legislation as a substantial part of its activities and it may not participate in any campaign activity for or against political candidates.
Organizations described in section 501(c)(3) are commonly referred to as charitable organizations. Organizations described in section 501(c)(3), other than testing for public safety organizations, are eligible to receive tax-deductible contributions in accordance with Code section 170.
The organization must not be organized or operated for the benefit of private interests, and no part of a section 501(c)(3) organization's net earnings may inure to the benefit of any private shareholder or individual. If the organization engages in an excess benefit transaction with a person having substantial influence over the organization, an excise tax may be imposed on the person and any organization managers agreeing to the transaction. - I.R.S.
The Heritage Foundation has worked for more than 35 years to advance conservative ideas in Washington and around the nation. On issues from missile defense to tax cuts to welfare reform to immigration, The Heritage Foundation has continued to make a real difference in America. - myheritage.org
(?) Again:
We seek to reshape the entire national debate along conservative lines, to advance the core principles of the Founding Fathers: free enterprise, limited government, individual freedom, traditional American values and a strong national defense.
Now, the definition of "charity" is:
char·i·ty (chr-t)
n. pl. char·i·ties
1. Provision of help or relief to the poor; almsgiving.
2. Something given to help the needy; alms.
3. An institution, organization, or fund established to help the needy.
4. Benevolence or generosity toward others or toward humanity.
5. Indulgence or forbearance in judging others. See Synonyms at mercy.
6. often Charity Christianity The theological virtue defined as love directed first toward God but also toward oneself and one's neighbors as objects of God's love.
- The Free Dictionary.com.
'scuse me people, but we know there is nothing charitable about this organization and there is nothing charitable about conservatism--no matter how hard they've tried to merge their ideologies with the christian right--this is nothing but a den of rich white men protecting the interests of the elitist,corporate,racist and greedy.
Reading their so-called "Achievements," it looks like they've been running the white house since being founded in February 16, 1973 and still, they claim to "not be organized or operated for the benefit of private interests".
The Heritage Foundation has worked for more than 35 years to advance conservative ideas in Washington and around the nation. On issues from missile defense to tax cuts to welfare reform to immigration, The Heritage Foundation has continued to make a real difference in America.
Well, it sure has!
Recession? What recession? Guffaw, Guffaw!
Sources: myheritage.org, thefreedictionary.com, IRS
