Koch Brother, Cato Institute Legal Battle Could Test Non-Profit Law Limits

Merits of the case aside, though, the dispute could provide an interesting test of the limits of federal tax law relating to organizations like Cato -- a test that could have profound effects on the organization's fundraising, as well as the Kochs' ability to give money to it.

Read the whole story: Kansas City Star

Comments

[l78lancer]

11:47 PM on 03/09/2012

The Koch Brothers don't believe that the right wing is far enough right. So they are attempting a hostile takeover of Cato. What better way to control rightwing thinking that to take over a rightwing think tank - or at least that's how it appears. And if they can get a few negative commercials to support their various political causes, who cares if the organization's tax exempt status is jeopardized?

The Kochs want to buy a party and make it into their own image. Rules don't apply to them.

[Billy Jack]

02:35 PM on 03/09/2012

Hey Koch brothers, suck my koch

[trussia1]

10:53 AM on 03/09/2012

If I remember ancient history right, I believe it was Cato that defended the rich folks in the Roman Senate. I'd bet that this is how the CATO Institute got it's name.

[Floridafish]

09:57 AM on 03/09/2012

Cato Institute independent? Not a chance. And Republicans seem bent on destroying their entire political structure. Take what was once a moderate item and turn it into a partisian item and then proceed to lose it all. Run all the moderates out and all that's left are hacks. Those hacks can't win. Not when they're on the wrong side of History on every issue. If they do that in enough areas of their political machine then Democrats only need to sit back, grab some popcorn, and enjoy the show because it's sure to be EPIC FAIL.

[NameUnknown]

07:47 PM on 03/08/2012

Cato Institute, Cato Kaelin, both leeches.

[BoshSpong]

07:13 PM on 03/08/2012

Ha ha ha! Cato non-partisan what a joke!
A charity? Come on!

This is absurd, how have they been able to fool the IRS with that pig-in-a-poke story is beyond reason!

Give the Koch bros credit for a bit of honesty, at least they do not want to pretend that its a "non-partisan charitable organization" what a joke!

[Karma2U]

06:23 PM on 03/08/2012

Godzilla vs. Rodan a fight to the death.

[alice sophia]

04:51 PM on 03/08/2012

Why do republicans have that constipated look?

[Sisa]

06:20 PM on 03/08/2012

Because there're full of s h ! t.

[Karma2U]

06:28 PM on 03/08/2012

Two main reasons:

1. They don't give a crap about anything.
2. Over the counter laxatives are not covered by their health plans.

[Philclock]

04:13 PM on 03/08/2012

Ah the evil Koch brothers, approved bogeymen of "progressive" seminars everywhere!

Who's next, Chuck Norris and Ted Nugent? the Boy Scouts? the Fraternal Order of Eagles? The Rotary Club?

[stape45]

04:40 PM on 03/08/2012

You conveniently failed to mention the Girl Scouts, I noticed. Oh yeah. They were already condemned, weren't they?

[Philclock]

05:04 PM on 03/08/2012

I confess, another "sexist" conservative.

Back to "progressive" re-education camp with me, to learn progressive-speak.

[castleblanca]

03:47 PM on 03/08/2012

What?!?! The Koch brothers are accused of trying to take over something?

Who'da thunk!

[sbrez]

03:45 PM on 03/08/2012

i hope the koch brothers are eating their bacon and eggs every morning

[Sabrae]

03:40 PM on 03/08/2012

He looks soulless.

[MtnGeek]

03:35 PM on 03/08/2012

Hilarious, if the Koch brothers win their court case, it will end the Cato Institute's tax status and probably end the institute entirely. Well done Koch Bros. Liberals have been trying to get rid of the Cato Institute for years and now the Koch brothers greed will do it for them.

[marilyn 63]

03:20 PM on 03/08/2012

OH evil fighting evil they both need to be outed. they both are putting huge amounts of money just to try to defeat Obama(so they can continue to rule) and with the help of citizens united. i would love for both of them to go down.

[pandag]

03:13 PM on 03/08/2012

I give you the Koch Brothers, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Koch_Industries . Makes for some hair-raising reading. They violate laws at will, lie, cheat and basically are intent on taking over and destroying our country, bleeding it dry, as they will never have "enough".

Can no one go up against them with serious investigations into their "business dealings", e.g. "From 1999 to 2003, Koch Industries was assessed "more than $400 million in fines, penalties and judgments." Also, check out the Political Activity section in the Wikipedia link.

And if that doesn't do it for you, see: http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2011-10-02/koch-brothers-flout-law-getting-richer-with-secret-iran-sales.html . Titled: Koch Brothers Flout Law Getting Richer With Secret Iran Sales. What will it take for our government to finally call them to account?! Greed and avarice abound here.

[sbrez]

03:48 PM on 03/08/2012

this is what absolutely kills me - (and pardon me for assuming that there are any rational thoughts that go through a "tea partiers" head) - how do these absolute fool tea partiers think they have something in common with these super rich industrialists? How could they ? baffles the mind

[MED1025]

05:47 PM on 03/08/2012

They are sociopaths. If they didn't have the means to buy their way out, they would be in prison.