Charities pose more danger than weapons

In the past few days the media have been awash with cries that the end of the assault weapons ban provides "the terrorists" with a steady source of weapons. Comments from captured al Queda documents encouraging purchase of weapons in the United States because it is easier than in other countries are gleefully quoted to show the administration's error in refusing to extend the ban and to show the superior wisdom of those supporting it.

The alarmist threat that now-legal weapons will make any noticeable improvement in the armament of terrorism pales against the grim reality of far more than $30 billion that have been channeled directly to Hamas, Hezbollah and other terrorists from the United States. The same treasure troves of captured documents that mention purchase of weapons also contain directions for setting up a US-based "charity" to provide a conduit for illegal support to terrorists. The minimal IRS involvement in the finances of non-profit charitable organizations makes it relatively uncomplicated and trouble-free to covertly divert charitable funds directly to murder.

Will the "chattering class" and their allies support a significant tightening up of the IRS rules for charitable organizations in order to limit illegal money transfer?

WALT COPLEY

Sagle