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Freedom Alliance Statement on Debbie Schlussel Attack

By on 3.19.10 @ 2:49PM

What follows is a statement from Freedom Alliance on the accusations made against Sean Hannity and Freedom Alliance by Debbie Schlussel, and noted on our blog:  

UPDATE: Please also see the original post referenced in the statement for our editor in chief’s correction.

The Freedom Alliance statement is after the jump.

This week, false and malicious allegations about Freedom Alliance were posted on the Internet and we want to address them with you. We don’t know the motivation for these vicious smears, but we will not allow them to go unanswered.

First, we want to thank you for your support and assure you that Freedom Alliance’s record of financial stewardship and programmatic achievements not only meets, but exceeds standards of program efficiency set by most charity evaluators. We are extraordinarily proud of our work at Freedom Alliance and stand by our efforts 100 percent.

False Accusations

1. The blog posting accuses our friend Sean Hannity of personally benefiting from Freedom Alliance. This is FALSE. Freedom Alliance has never provided planes, hotels, cars, limos, or anything else to Sean. Sean gets nothing from Freedom Alliance except our gratitude for his personal generosity and for all he has done to help the troops and our organization. We have never had to ask Sean for anything, he always generously offers his help before we have a chance to ask him. But to be clear Sean pays for all his own transportation, hotels, and all related expenses for himself and his family and friends and staff, which over the years has added up to tens of thousands of dollars. He does not use any Freedom Alliance Funds or Concert funds in any way, period.

2. Sean Hannity has contributed $100,000 to the Wounded Warriors Foundation, over $200,000 to the Freedom Alliance, and over tens of thousands of dollars to other military charities and individuals. We only make this information public because of the outrageous slander against him. Sean has no management or operational involvement in, or control over, Freedom Alliance. He has been a selfless patriot in his efforts to raise funds for the education of children of armed services personnel.

3. The blog posting accuses Freedom Alliance of spending less than 20% of money raised on program activities. This is FALSE. Listed below are the amounts that Freedom Alliance spent for each of the past three years and the categories on which they were spent. The figures are taken from our Federal Form 990 which is filed with the Internal Revenue Service and posted on our web site and audited by an independent auditor using Generally Accepted Accounting Principles. This financial record not only meets, but exceeds standards of program efficiency set by most charity evaluators.

4. In 2008, Freedom Alliance spent a total of $6,745,717. Of that:

• 79 percent ($5,317,970) was spent on Program Activities

•14 percent ($945,950) was spent on Fundraising

•7 percent ($481,797) was spent on Management

In 2007, Freedom Alliance spent a total of $7,461,350. Of that:

• 81.5 percent ($6,084,474) was spent on Program Activities

• 13.5 percent ($1,011,501) was spent on Fundraising

• 5 percent ($365,375) was spent on Management

In 2006, Freedom Alliance spent a total of $7,064,839. Of that:
• 77 percent ($5,434,538) was spent on Program Activities

• 18.5 percent ($1,308,414) was spent on Fundraising

• 4.5 percent ($321,887) was spent on Management

5. The blog posting accuses Freedom Alliance of spending money intended for student scholarships on other expenses. This is FALSE. Freedom Alliance has distributed $3.4 million in Scholarships and created a Scholarship Trust Fund with the additional money that we have raised for that program. That fund now contains $15 million, over $10 million of which has been raised by Hannity and the concerts. Our scholarship program is managed with the understanding that it will be needed for at least the next 20 years as there are children who will ultimately receive a scholarship who are now only a few years old. As indicated on our Federal Form 990, these funds are restricted and used only for future scholarships.

6. Our Scholarship Fund is one of four programs operated by Freedom Alliance. Supporters may donate to a specific program or for general operating purposes. In 2008, Freedom Alliance received $2.1 million in scholarship donations. The same year, we awarded $802,250 in scholarships and applied $1.3 million to our Scholarship Trust Fund. The funds donated by Sean Hannity directly — or through the proceeds of the Freedom Concerts — and the support of thousands of Americans are used for these purposes:

• Freedom Alliance Scholarship Fund: Providing scholarships to those whose parents have been killed or severely injured in their service to our Country. There is now over $15 million in the scholarship fund for the students as they come of age.

• Support our Troops: Many events each year are planned and executed by our staff to show appreciate and provide special opportunities for those actively serving in the military.

• Leadership Academy: A program for high school students in which they are encouraged and trained to serve their country.

These programs would not be possible without the support of Mr. Hannity and many others.

We are proud of our work and numerous accomplishments. We are grateful to our supporters whose voluntary contributions make it possible and we thank you. While it is discouraging to have our record misrepresented in such a malicious way, our work is important and, with your support, it will continue.

Respectfully,


Thomas P. Kilgannon, President

Oliver L. North, Founder & Honorary Chairman

View all comments (234) |

Susie Q| 3.19.10 @ 2:53PM

Put that in your crack pipe and smoke it, Debbie.

Glenn Koona | 3.19.10 @ 8:13PM

Like Debbie, I hope there is some good Pub who will challenge her in her safe district. The Dems have now made a fashion statement of prevarication on as many conservPubChristians as they can. Their issues are now pure socialist pacifism. They must be all defeated. All of them. Their trial lawyers, NEA teachers, gays, feminists, union thugs, will not be able to save the Obamabots next Nov. All of them need to be defeated. All of them. Sweep the swamp out voters. At age 71, I have never seen or known such corruption and I have taught history for 50 years. I know whereof I speak.

Philip Miller| 3.20.10 @ 9:47AM

"conservPubChristians" is a ridiculous assortment of letters and double-speak, but just right for the perfectly silly members of your cult (the only polite term I can find for it). "Socialist pacifism"--what is that? You're 71; I'm 66. Consider getting a decent education before it's too late. You must have been brainwashed so easily because of the weakness of your brain! Is this a logical refutation of your arguments? Of course not. It is name calling, but the only kind of language a Bigot/Lunatic can understand. You taught history for 50 years? God help us all; no wonder so many Americans are utterly uninformed, misinformed, or dangerously misguided. You must have been Hannity's teach! Please, please, please read a book, rethink (if you can think) all of your Consrvpubideas.

Jeremiah| 3.20.10 @ 2:50PM

Philip, forget "Socialist pacifism," Marxism better describes your belief system.

Jane| 4.6.10 @ 2:58PM

Philip,
You are obviously an unhappy person. I am so sorry that one of your generation would have no problem being so disrespectful of someone 71 years old and so angry that she would have an opinion that differs from yours. America is about the freedom to have a philosophy of life that you choose for yourself. You are free to embrace liberalism and I am free to embrace conservatism and Christianity. I may disagree with your philosophy of life, but I will respect your right to hold those beliefs as I try to promote conservatism and Christianity. I will treat YOU with respect, though I disagree with you. I think our country would be better served by following our Constitution and returning to our Judeo-Christian value system. Is it possible to have a discussion about the direction our country should take without being ugly to each other and calling names like grammar school kids? Give us your well-thought out arguments for your belief system. Who knows you may win someone to your side of the question. Also, lets not use false information to prove our points or win fame. Hannity's life is an open book for anyone who chooses to look therein. I knew the blog was wrong as soon as I read it. Any thinking person knows the truth when they hear it. If I have a question, I do my own research. What do you say? Shall we have a real discussion of the issues?

Jane| 4.6.10 @ 2:43PM

I have taught English and Reading for 40 years and never belonged to the NEA. I think you are right on. We need to clean house and senate in Nov.
before it is too late.

Glenn Koona's brain| 3.29.10 @ 7:40PM

Chek the record and see how many times this last year alone Republican senators have stopped legislation from moving forward. GW Bush and his gang have us embroiled in TWO wars, with no economic basis, and how's that working out for out country? I mean your country and my country since your pinheaded view is that there are somehow separate lands in which we abide.

Tim| 3.19.10 @ 2:57PM

Is there any editorial control on this blog? Do you vet anything like "this is disgusting" blah blah before it goes up? Tabin's piece wasn't exactly cautious or balanced.

Guest| 3.19.10 @ 3:10PM

Sinceriest of apologies are owed to Sean Hannity. Any fool with a blog can try to disparage and impunge a man's character. e.g. Debbie is a......

SteelyDan| 3.19.10 @ 4:31PM

You all should know from whence comes Debbie's motivation to constantly attack Sean - she's been at it for several years now. And yes, it is strange that this "friendly fire" is coming from a fellow conservative! The truth is, she has been trying to break through to become a major media voice in conservative media, a household name, if you will, like Anne Coulter, Laura Ingraham, etc. A few years back, Hannity did something to offend her like bumping her appearance on his TV show (which happens all the time in live TV). She regarded it as a slight and blames that for her career as a major conservative pundit for never taking off. So offended was she that she set about to spend more time trying to take Sean Hannity down than she did on George Soros and similar entities on the left. Go figure! I know, it's a shame, but at least it helps to know what motivates someone.
Look, if you don't like Hannity you have that right. But he's golden on these Freedom Concerts - doesn't make or take a nickel and spends a lot of his own money, covers his own expenses and does a lot of good. If you must spew vitriol, just be honest and say you hate the guy and you would do anything to take him down. Don't try and pretend that you have a case because you don't. Otherwise, you'll just sound like the bitter person that Schlussel has become. Indeed, hell hath no fury, etc, etc!

AuntieMadder| 3.20.10 @ 2:20AM

Ahhh. So, jealousy must explain her problem with Michelle Malkin, who often makes guest appearances on Fox News programs. I wondered how any conservative woman could hate Malkin. Even if you don't always agree with her (I don't) she's fighting the good fight and doing a fine job of it.

barenakedislam | 3.20.10 @ 1:33PM

Yes, Auntie, I was wondering myself why she was so obsessed with Hannity, to the point of paranoia. Conservative hosts Glen Beck, Mark Levin, too as well as Aaron Klein of World Net Daily, too. She's always accusing everyone of "stealing her stuff." She even did a hate piece on Pamela Geller of Atlas Shrugs which truly shocked me. She accused me of not being a real Jew because I questioned Kosher laws in the 21st century. But no one dare disagree with her or she turns into a snake.

I hope this exposes her for the hatemonger she has turned into.

Missy| 3.20.10 @ 2:51PM

Seriously, she sounds mentally ill. I feel sorry for her.

JohnD| 3.19.10 @ 3:11PM

Wait a minute; what are "Program Activities" that they spend 75% of their money on? Are these costs associuated with fund raising? Salaries? Payments to wounded veterans? Just what are these "Program Activities?"

JohnD| 3.19.10 @ 3:13PM

OK, I see a big chunk of the "Program Activities" seem to be funds set aside for a scholarship fund now totalling $15 million. That's better.

Number of the Least| 3.19.10 @ 3:12PM

So you guys are okay with triple amputees getting 200 dollars, and double amputees getting 165 dollars, while consultants get hundreds of thousands? That's what the IRS filings say and that is not rebutted by the release.

JohnD| 3.19.10 @ 3:21PM

I am OK with most of the money going into a scholarship fund for the children of the wounded and fallen, and I am OK with Hannity paying his own expenses to travel to the concerts while also donating $100s of thousands of dollars to the Freedom Alliance.

Number of the Least| 3.19.10 @ 3:30PM

OK Thanks John, good to know that you are good with the facts that you choose. Good to know that by omission you support giving triple amputees 200 dollars. You are the kind of guy that gives the rest of us a bad name...

JohnD| 3.19.10 @ 3:49PM

I would hope that wounded veterans receive benefits from the VA. I would expect those benefits do not include college tuition for their children. It makes sense that FA may have decided that setting up scholarship funds for the children of wounded veterans was a better way to help than giving them redundant cash benefits.

I am satisfied that the bulk of FAs funds are going to help wounded veterans and their families.

Thanks for the personal attack.

Missy| 3.19.10 @ 3:57PM

Least is just ticked off because the unvetted accusations against Hannity are a proven LIE!

Liberals stink on ice so they think everyone does.

"Thanks for the personal attack." Hahaha!!

tailgunner| 3.20.10 @ 1:42AM

If you were reading you'd realize that expenditures of $200 or so were made for specific and limited needs like a 'bus ticket' or accommodations to a vehicle or home for a handicapped veteran.
For Schlussel to make these poorly researched allegations, some based on pure hearsay and gossip, is reckless, vicious and bitter in the extreme.

And you're no better for peddling this misleading slime.

light| 3.22.10 @ 2:30PM

well, thank you so much for being OK with things. that makes me feel so much better.

Warrior | 3.19.10 @ 3:29PM

Morons like you are tedious. So the IRS filings specifically say that there was 200 dollars given to a triple amputee. Please humor us and post the specific link to these documents. I understand you might not like Sean Hannity, but stop trying to smear the guy without a shred of proof.

Maire| 3.19.10 @ 3:18PM

That is consistent with how Hannity described the operation last year on his radio show. Yeah, it is expensive to put on the concerts, and not all (if any) of the acts donate all or part of their time, but the proceeds go to the foundation.

As I said, I have not listened to him for a while because of the rather inane content of his show, but I am glad the charity cleared it up.

OK, I have to say it - the verbal tic of his that drives me crazy is when he says "anyway" after he has interrupted one inanity with another!

Anyway (!), it is a bit disappointing that her vitriol was disseminated on this site prior to any fact-checking. Anything she says (other than her movie reviews, which are obviously her opinions) should be approached carefully.

Sometimes she gets it right, but she has a weird thing going on for Sean and Sarah Palin.

Sometimes she kinda reminds me of that CJ guy and that Sully fellow.

Kadeem| 3.19.10 @ 3:25PM

The story seemed shaky at best. Thank you Sean for the tireless work you do for our veterans and our citizens.

CptKendrick| 3.19.10 @ 3:32PM

I'm by no means a fan of Hannity or his simple-minded patriovitrolic flag-waving, but when I read about this today, I smelled a rat right away.

I listen to Hannity off and on for laughs and giggles, but he has always, always come off to me as a genuinely nice and honest man.

Delfin J Beltran MD| 3.19.10 @ 3:33PM

Have been involved in charity for DD children in Los Angeles involving name individuals. When we would turn in our final accounting the demonstrated greater than 75% cause benefit the public officers would indicate that most LA benefits showed just the opposite, 75% costs and 25% to benefits - DS must have an internal brain reversal on the arithmetic channel.

MikeN| 3.19.10 @ 3:39PM

Debbie Schlussel is not a credible journalist. While her takedowns of women sports are entertaining, her 'reporting' is at a Jayson Blair level. She has made claims of seeing Farrakhan railing against Jews in a black audience, and going undercover in mosques, and what do you know, a hatefest was brewing just when she showed up...

Tobi| 3.19.10 @ 3:42PM

This is a shameless atempt to white wash the accusations that Debbie Shlusster has written in her blog after carefully going thrugh the IRS filings. You mention a toatl of 15 million in trust fund and payments to troops and their families. However more than 49 million has been collected in these freedom concerts. Can you explain where the rest of it went. Debbie's accusations about paltry sums (like just $200 to a soldier) paid to soldiers taken from IRS records has not been disputed.
Ollie North and Sean Hannity should be ashamed of themselves for scamming hard working trusting Americans .

NO TROLLS!| 3.19.10 @ 3:59PM

Go away, troll. You nasty liberals don't do a thing to help others.

michael| 3.31.10 @ 12:45AM

NO TROLLS
You can dismiss the comment by calling Tobi a troll but the fact is that the IRS filings tell the truth of the matter. Look this isnt that complicated. If Freedom Alliance wants to legitimately defend the organization they need to stop lumping massive amounts of money under the vague term "program activities". The amounts actually annually given for Scholarships and Grants to wounded soldiers are in fact itemized on the organizations tax returns and ARE in fact a very small amount of its revenues. The defense offered by Freedom Alliance is that they provide "other" services and programs besides the grants and scholarships. The problem is that none of costs for those services and programs is itemized. It all gets lumped into this "program services" catagory. Be straight up guys and tell us how much and where and when you spent money for programs like support our troops, leadership academies etc etc. If you dont itemize where you spend the money you end of leaving a cloud of suspicion suggesting that you are playing accounting games. Debbie Schlussel's only fault was that she made the mistake of puting Freedom Alliance and Freedom Concerts (the company that actually promotes these events ) in the same basket. Freedom Alliance may indeed be telling the truth when they say that they personally do not pay transportation costs for Hannity. The question is whether Freedom Concerts is paying these costs and deducting it from the Gross before Freedom Alliance ever sees a penny of the money. This question would only be answered by taking a look at the books for Freedom Concerts (Premiere Speakers). But since thats a private company the chances of that happening are slim and none.

Cougar| 3.19.10 @ 5:31PM

In response to you Tobi, what do you suppose the cost is to rent The Arena at Gwinnett Center in Atlanta? What is the cost for the security at The Arena? What is the cost to reimburse Atlanta for the law enforcement required to direct traffic around The Arena? What do you think the local taxes are on the revenues from this event at the Arena? How much are the legal fees required to negotiate the rental of the Arena? How much will the liability insurance cost to host this event at the Arena? And last but not least, what do you suppose the cost was for the local union workers required to construct and set up the stage for the performers? And lets not forget the city imspectors required to insure the venue us up to code following final set up, and the cash required to grease their palms...........
These are just a few of the expenses I can think of but I can guarantee you there are many, many more........

$49 million collected and $15 million in trust for the Fund recipients? I consider that pretty damn good dude..............now go choke on your socialism.

Sharon| 4.2.10 @ 5:18PM

So, if these concerts are so expensive to put on, and such a small percentage of the revenue goes to scolarships, it appears their main purpose is to promote Mr. Hannity. Surely, there is a cheaper better way to raise funds.

Brendan | 4.5.10 @ 2:09AM

I'm sure there's an open field 30 minutes outside of Atlanta that would host such an event for free, no?

rlo| 3.19.10 @ 9:06PM

Even if it was only 1% that went to soldiers and family it is more than you have probably given. What do you support?

TC Freely| 3.19.10 @ 3:49PM

This response doesn't answer a lot of Debbie's questions. Freedom Alliance says that about 80% of their money was spent on program expenses, but Debbie's WHOLE POINT is that very little of that actually went to veterans, whereas a whole lot went to mail/print shops, consultants, etc. Notice that FA didn't break down their program expenses in their response, presumably because they know how it would look if they did.

That said, it's good to have FA confirm that they're not paying for Hannity's Gulfstream.

tailgunner| 3.20.10 @ 1:48AM

"...it's good to have FA confirm that they're not paying for Hannity's Gulfstream."

THAT ALONE proves that Schlussel is a reckless and irresponsible bomb-thrower who bases her smears on flimsy, anonymous gossip and hearsay.

Her primary character-assassination charge has just blown up in her face.

Tell us please, did Ms Schlussel contact the Freedom Alliance, Sean Hannity or COL Oliver North before running with this garbage?

Or did she even care about getting to the truth?

M| 3.20.10 @ 4:05PM

well, cmon, she does say she contacted them and they refused to be interviewed...so whats your point?

?| 3.20.10 @ 5:58PM

She's a proven liar--why would you believe what she says now?

Fool.

tailgunner| 3.22.10 @ 10:35PM

I don't believe a word she says.

Her source for Hannity's 'living high' on the backs of the children of wounded and killed soldiers was third-hand gossip from an anonymous 'friend of a friend'.

In fact, Hannity pays all his own expenses and has donated $200,000 to FA.

Even if FA 'refused' to be interviewed (BS) she should not have run such a libellous piece without credible substantiated evidence.

Schlussel's vicious hit piece was based purely on false and misleading disinformation.

Val| 3.19.10 @ 3:50PM

Still don't believe your numbers, I do believe the numbers provided to the IRS.

NO TROLLS!| 3.19.10 @ 4:01PM

Who cares what you believe, moron? You've never given a dime to help the children of American vets.

Go back to your bong.

Autumn Raine| 3.19.10 @ 4:18PM

Wow, this is what we like to call "ad hominem", right? Cause you certainly didn't add to the conversation.

If a conservative organization is skimming money off of a very good cause, I want to know. Even if it has just lost it's way, let's find out so we can give them an opportunity to fix it. Skepticism does not equal troll.

NO TROLLS EVER!!| 3.19.10 @ 5:51PM

SELECTIVE skepticism most certainly DOES equal troll, troll.

Your bong's calling you.

TC Freely| 3.19.10 @ 3:54PM

Seriously, go look at the 2006 tax returns, specifically page 2. $379k on "grants and allocations" (line 22b). 1.7 MILLION for "postage and shipping." 1.4 MILLION for "printing and publications." $641k for consultants. Wow.

A_Nonny_Mouse| 3.20.10 @ 1:05AM

The Freedom Alliance does a LOT of direct-mail solicitations. (Presumably there is a huge "conservative-causes sucker list" out there somewhere! My Mom, bless her heart, used to give $10 or so to two or three favored "good causes" (including Freedom Alliance) when their mailings arrived and she had some spare money.)

Ken (Old Texican)| 3.19.10 @ 4:04PM

Mr. Soros,
Be proud!
Your minimum wage trolls are here in force with your words.
Screw you.

Danny Husk| 3.19.10 @ 4:08PM

USA! USA! USA! USA!

Tobi| 3.19.10 @ 4:10PM

It is very dubious and cunning explanation under the broad term of " Program activities."
None of Debbie's accusations has been answered where she has quoted from IRS records which are indisputable. We should be truthful and weed out the shady characters operating as conservatives who scam hard working innocent Americans . There is no question that trust has been betrayed . If as appears laws have also been broken, these people need to spend their time in the jail

Nick| 3.19.10 @ 4:47PM

Tobi,

Is that the same Debbie "Shlusster"(sic) you mention above, brainiac.

Nobama| 3.19.10 @ 5:53PM

lol Debbie Slutster

Pingback| 3.19.10 @ 4:14PM

Hannity Hit by Ugly Attack from RIGHT-Wing Blogger (for a Change) | NewsReal Blog links to this page. Here’s an excerpt:

…turn 18 they will get the money for college.  But because these are the children of Iraq and Afghanistan vets, their kids are mostly not of college age yet. This afternoon, the Freedom Alliance released a statement responding to Schlussel’s claims.  It reiterates the assurance that Hannity receives nothing from FA, points out that Hannity has personally “contributed $100,000 to the Wounded Warriors…

Tobi| 3.19.10 @ 4:14PM

As per Freedom alliance they have paid 3.4 million for scholarship and have another 15 million in trust fund for future payments. As per IRS records FA has raised 49 million in all these years. So where is the rest of the money??

Number of the Least| 3.19.10 @ 4:16PM

Don't ask questions, be a GREAT AMERICAN...

Nobama| 3.19.10 @ 5:54PM

Where is your curiosity about Obama's corruption? HMMMMM??

Autumn Raine| 3.19.10 @ 4:16PM

This letter claims in 2008 that $945,950 was spent on fundraising, however the tax returns state that over a $1,000,000 was spent on postage and printing. So this all falls back to the expenses. Fine that $945,950 was spent on fundraising (that total is obviously not including the specific amount for postage and printing shown on the tax forms either-so we can deduce "fundraising" is not all of the amount spent). Fine that $481,797 was spent on paying the management of the organization. However given that there are items in the millions (including "consultants" along with the postage/printing expenses), it's obvious that the 81% of "Program Expenses" is not all going to the vets or orphans.

Therefore, they have not disputed Debbie's claim of a small percentage of the charity income going to the actual recipients. Even if FA wants to dump it all under "Program Expenses."

Ranger 06| 3.19.10 @ 4:20PM

We all know that when the smoke clears around this on that there will be nothing there. This is just an attempt to make Sean look bad and drag Freedom Alliance through the mud.

I wish to thank all the people involved in these fundraisers and all the people who have donated money. This money is and will be used to provide for people who have sacrificed for this great county of our.

To the people who would attack and distort the work that is being done by FA - you know where you can go...

Rufus T Firefly| 3.19.10 @ 4:37PM

I notice this statement doesn't address the paltry sums they pay out to the wounded vets. It also doesn't explain why a child would have to wait for a scholarship, rather than having a trust set up NOW so that it could collect interest.

Something smells rotten.

You'd think you could trust Oliver North not to misuse funds...LOL.

ZerObama| 3.19.10 @ 5:57PM

Something certainly does smell rotten, old sewage Rufus--and it's YOU morons from HuffPo who are stinkin' things up over here.

Go back under your slimy rock, troll.

jimychelita | 3.19.10 @ 4:43PM

First, Sean Hannity is not directly involved with how Freedom Alliance handles its funds. Therefore, at worst he has chosen poorly the group he will donate to.

Second, with that in mind, the cost of concerts has absolutely nothing to do with the disposition of Freedom Alliance funds.

Third, I contacted Charity Navigator for an explanation of how they can say that 81.5% of FA income goes for "program expenses," leaving people with the mistaken impression that the indicated percentage goes to the target groups. They simply referred me to their "methodology" page, which is very scant in its explanations.

Fourth, I have run a nonprofit for 18 years. Regardless of other considerations, I can run parallel analyses of FA IRS Forms 990 and my own. When I do this, and give the benefit of the doubt on the use of investment funds, I come to the conclusion that 17% of FA income goes to target populations, i.e. wounded soldiers and scholarships. 83% goes someplace else, shown on the Forms 990 as salaries, printing, advertising, consulting costs, etc. When I do the identical analysis on my corporation Forms 990, the result is that 86% goes to the target population and 14% somewhere else. I conclude that FA is fiscally not a well-run nonprofit.

Fifth, Schlussel is jousting with the wrong windmill, one which has been well skewered already. Freedom Alliance has already been given poor ratings three years ago by American Institute of Philanthropy (please, no ad hominems that it is a leftist organization - it gives A+ ratings to groups with no axes to grind. You may question its methodology, but it is overall pretty consistent).

TC Freely| 3.19.10 @ 5:09PM

Quite so. All of the evidence is about Freedom Alliance; there's nothing to tie Hannity to any of the problems that Schlussel uncovered.

ZerObama| 3.19.10 @ 5:58PM

There is no evidence, moron.

TC Freely| 3.19.10 @ 6:03PM

Please read the various posts about the use and apparent misuse of funds. If you can't refute them, that's fine, but you should acknowledge it. Throwing around insults really isn't going to convince anybody.

ZerObama| 3.19.10 @ 6:18PM

Your name should be: I Pee Freely. LOL

Clown.

Allen| 3.19.10 @ 4:51PM

For the record, I am a conservative libertarian. However, Mr. Hannity is full of it when it comes to paying for his own travel. I don't know about his lodging, however.

I used to work in radio and he requested a private jet to fly him to a speech for a group I was working with. We originally had offered Mr. Hannity a first-class ticket on a commercial flight but at the last minute he refused saying he required a light executive jet. We could not arrange this at the last minute so we ended up not being able to have him speak, even though he was booked and we had already gone to press and promoted him heavily.

He is not to be trusted. Also, Oliver North? He (was) a convicted felon. Don't be suckers, my friends.

Warrior | 3.19.10 @ 5:06PM

Your post does not more prove Mr. Hannity's travel arrangements to these concerts and who paid for them. You have provide no context as it relates to any agreeement. Colonel North's convictions were vacated.

Allen| 3.19.10 @ 5:23PM

Warrior - I agreee with you.

Allen| 3.19.10 @ 5:23PM

Note my post below.

ZerObama| 3.19.10 @ 6:37PM

Why? It's as stupid as every other post of yours.

Cougar| 3.19.10 @ 5:41PM

Your comment: Also, Oliver North? ...a convicted felon.

You're full of demoCrap dude, Oliver North is NOT a convicted felon so stop spouting lies.

tailgunner13| 3.31.10 @ 10:59AM

I don't believe you.

Give us details.

What 'radio' did you work for? Was it a station or a syndicate?

WHAT 'speech'?

WHAT 'group'?

Where and when was the speech to be held?

Which 'press' did you 'go to' where we can verify that you publicly announced his speech?

Can you direct us to a link that would verify any of your claims?

Didn't think so.

tailgunner13| 3.31.10 @ 11:02AM

'Conservative' my @ss.

(And you spelled 'liberal' incorrectly also.)

Nick| 3.19.10 @ 4:58PM

Allen,

I can only respond to one thing you wrote, with any authority.

Oliver North was never convicted of anything.

Cougar| 3.19.10 @ 5:45PM

Nick, don't confuse the idiots with facts........." Never argue with an idiot, they drag you down to their level and beat you with experience".......

Allen| 3.19.10 @ 5:54PM

Cougar - You could be using this valuable time researching the issue and educating yourself. Just a thought.

ZerObama| 3.19.10 @ 6:01PM

It'd be nice if you'd do a little research yourself instead of spewing stupid DNC talking points, moron.

Allen| 3.19.10 @ 5:02PM

Nick - You are wrong. North was convicted of three felonies (accepting an illegal gratuity, aiding and abetting in the obstruction of a congressional inquiry, and destruction of documents).

However, they were later vacated and the underlying charges dismissed on a technicality.

He was INDICTED on sixteen felony counts, by the way.

You're welcome.

Nick| 3.19.10 @ 5:31PM

Allen,

Oh, is that what you meant by "(was)?"
You shouldn't have been so cryptic. You were implying that he is a convicted felon.

Those bogus prosecutions were overturned, not because of a "technicality", but because they were BOGUS.

It was a cheap shot.

Allen| 3.19.10 @ 5:46PM

Nick,

Your authority has diminished and is obviously non-existent. I'm sorry you feel "(was)" is cryptic and is a cheap shot. It's actually called English and the truth.

At least you are more intelligent than Cougar.

Nick| 3.19.10 @ 5:55PM

Allen,

Is it my fault that I write more accurately than you do?

My statement is true, your's is not.

Someone either "is" or "is not" a convicted felon. You can't "used to be" a convicted felon.

To have a conviction "vacated", means that it never happened.

ZerObama| 3.19.10 @ 6:05PM

Allen you didn't mention North's convictions had been vacated--you are the liar here--not Nick.

Nice try, troll.

Allen| 3.19.10 @ 6:09PM

"your's"
lol. you spell good.

Janie| 3.19.10 @ 6:16PM

Petty pissant. Typical liberal--you've lost the argument so you attack your opponent. You've got nothin', loser.

Nick| 3.19.10 @ 6:18PM

I never claimed to be an expert in grammar.

Plus, I went to publik skools.

Nick| 3.19.10 @ 6:19PM

Thanks, Janie!

Janie| 3.19.10 @ 6:22PM

Anytime, Nick--you're the best!

Jeremiah| 3.19.10 @ 6:50PM

Don't you know that the left has profound problems understanding what the meaning of 'is' is - and what the meaning of 'was' is. Their rule of thumb regarding scandals is simple: if a conservative jaywalks scream that it's bloody murder. If a liberal actually commits murder, claim everyone does it and it is the moral equivalent of jaywalking.

That said, I really would like to see a fuller breakdown explanation of 'program expenses' from Freedom Works.

tailgunner13| 3.31.10 @ 11:10AM

"Program expenses" is a generic and accepted term for a nonprofit's operating budget; that is the money used to benefit the objects of its charity along with the expenses it incurs in the process.

It also covers Freedom Alliance's $15 million trust fund for future college tuition expenses.

For a better breakdown of how nonprofits operate you can go to 'CharityNavigator.com' which uses these criteria to rate charities for efficiency.

Incidentally, Freedom Alliance has recieved Charity Navigator's highest rating (four stars)...which is better than the American Red Cross (three stars)!

Nick| 3.19.10 @ 5:35PM

Also,

"He was INDICTED on sixteen felony counts, by the way."

Yes, by the scumbag Larry Walsh. I've heard you can indict a ham sandwich, by the way.

Allen| 3.19.10 @ 5:52PM

Calling Walsh a name isn't helping your argument. Any Independent Counsel would have done the same. It's called the law. If you don't like U.S. law, move to Cuba, liberal. Stop drinking the Flavor-Aid.

Nick| 3.19.10 @ 6:00PM

Allen,

My argument doesn't need any help.

You are the one who seems to have a problem with the law. An appeals court VACATED his three convictions.

How many liberals do you know will defend Oliver North, brainiac?

Allen| 3.19.10 @ 6:02PM

You have no authority. Liberals are idiots. You just may be a liberal.

ZerObama| 3.19.10 @ 6:07PM

Sorry, Allen, I can tell by your stench that you're a stinkin' liberal. Can't miss it. In fact, I'm holding my nose at this very minute.

Allen| 3.19.10 @ 6:15PM

that's deep. lol. i'm a liberal, a socialist, etc. yea right. you guys have brought down the republican party. that's why i'm a conservative libertarian now. way to go.

Allen| 3.19.10 @ 6:15PM

that's deep. lol. i'm a liberal, a socialist, etc. yea right. you guys have brought down the republican party. that's why i'm a conservative libertarian now. way to go.

Allen| 3.19.10 @ 6:15PM

that's deep. lol. i'm a liberal, a socialist, etc. yea right. you guys have brought down the republican party. that's why i'm a conservative libertarian now. way to go.

Nick| 3.19.10 @ 6:23PM

Oh no!!!

I think Allen has stroked out!

ZerObama| 3.19.10 @ 6:27PM

You make me laugh, Nick. Funny, funny boy.

Nick| 3.19.10 @ 6:36PM

ZerObama,

Thanks!
You too!
Love your retort to TC Freely!

ZerObama| 3.19.10 @ 6:26PM

Allen, your stupid comment sent such a big hot tingle down your leg, you had to post it THREE times. Sickening.

What an idiot. HAHAHA!
Dumbtard troll.

tailgunner13| 3.31.10 @ 11:17AM

Walsh IS a scumbag.

COL North was indicted using information he disclosed under a grant of immunity from Walsh.

That's NOT something 'any' Independent Counsel would have done.

(Sidebar-Why didn't Patrick Fitzgerald, who spent years going after Bush officials for allegedly 'outing' Valerie Plame, FAIL to indict State Department official Richard Armitage after it was proven that HE was the leaker? After all, 'any Independent Counsel would have done the same.')

That's the reason COL North's convictions were overturned.

That and the courts recognized the fact that Walsh was a scumbag.

Cougar| 3.19.10 @ 5:55PM

I love your interpretation of the legal system which is typical of the mindsent of your fellow socialists. "Guilty based on the severity of the accusations"

You are once again trying to impune Col. North who is not a convicted felon. How you wish to rationalize the demonization of both him and Reagan is your own warped sense of reality but the facts are, Colonel Oliver North was not convicted of anything so stop your lies!

Allen| 3.19.10 @ 5:58PM

You are ignorant. You have the whole internet to research this yet you provide bumpersticker quotes. Just like a socialist.

Cougar| 3.19.10 @ 6:04PM

What was the final outcome dude? Guilty or innocent?

Allen| 3.19.10 @ 6:13PM

You are a simpleton, dude.

North's convictions of obstructing Congress and accepting an illegal gift were dismissed not because he was innocent but because he didn't receive a fair trial.

That, uh, doesn't make him innocent. I guess it's too nuanced for your brain.

ZerObama| 3.19.10 @ 6:29PM

North isn't the point, moron--your deceitfulness is. Nice feint, though.

Your rubber room is calling you, troll.

Nick| 3.19.10 @ 6:30PM

Sorry, Allen, dude, but in our English Common Law tradition, it does, in fact, make Col. North innocent.

ZerObama| 3.19.10 @ 6:09PM

Allen's a typical liberal because he engages in projection.

Projection is a pillar of Leftist thought. Never fails.

ross maddison | 6.27.10 @ 7:39PM

I have taught English and Reading for 40 years and never belonged to the NEA. I think you are right on. We need to clean house and senate in Nov.
before it is too late.

TC Freely| 3.19.10 @ 5:11PM

Oh, and before anyone responds with the old "that technicality is called the 5th Amendment" line, let's be clear what we mean by "technicality." Pretty much everyone acknowledges that North committed some of the crimes of which he was accused. He didn't go free because he was actually innocent; he went free because of the supposed impossibility of getting a fair trial. He's as innocent as OJ was (though the crimes are obviously quite different).

Nick| 3.19.10 @ 5:47PM

TC Freely,

Col. North went free because he had immunity.

Plus, he didn't violate any federal law for which he could be prosecuted.

Cougar| 3.19.10 @ 6:02PM

Here's the crux of the entire Democrat witch hunt:

It was nothing more than a dog and pony show by the partisan Democrats who had no other means in which to combat the popularity of then President Reagan. So, they launch an investigation into the Iran/Contra circus.........

Final outcome? While whatever it was we think you did, it was not against the law but rather was against Senatorial policy.

Therefore, we know you did something wrong but we don't know what it is so you had better stop it.......

Allen| 3.19.10 @ 6:07PM

"We don't negotiate with terrorists"
lol

Janie| 3.19.10 @ 6:10PM

That's right--that's why I won't argue with you, troll.

Trilateral Chairman| 3.19.10 @ 6:08PM

Well, if we're going to get into the details, that's not *quite* it. He went free because the judge was not satisfied that the prosecutors and witnesses were unaffected by immunized testimony and evidence. He didn't have immunity for everything.

Cougar| 3.19.10 @ 6:18PM

Here's a question for you TC: "Whats the difference between Richard Armitage and Scooter Libby?"

Answer: Richard Armitage was the target of a 3 year investigation into who "outed" Valerie Plame. After all was said and done, Richard Armitage walks away scott free and Scooter Libby was convicted of lying to a grand jury! LOL! Is that democrap justice or what? You must love that one dude.............

TC Freely| 3.19.10 @ 8:30PM

I have to confess that I don't see the relevance of this.

ZerObama| 3.19.10 @ 9:50PM

Please vacate the premises, Pee Freely. Thank you.

Debbie Schlussel | 3.19.10 @ 5:55PM

In fact, the Freedom Alliance “response” doesn’t answer any of the questions I raised and goes on to lie more. Unfortunately for the Freedom Alliance, my facts are all taken from its tax forms, unless it's now admitting it committed tax fraud.

They don’t address why they gave a triple amputee only $200—and in fact there are many of these examples provided in their tax return addendum, but I only cited a few for brevity’s sake. They also lie and claim that they gave a lot more money to charity b/c they categorize it as “program expenses.” But I’m sorry—calling $3 million in consulting fees, printing, and postage “program expenses” doesn’t change the fact that it still went to their cronies, not to a fund and not the soldiers who only got on average less than $900 apiece. It also doesn’t change the fact that out of the money spent (I didn’t use the money they claim they raised for their scholarship fund) the vast majority goes to those kinds of expenses.

Also, the “scholarship fund” is really a war chest for something else. We’ve been at war since 2001, when we went into Afghanistan, and we’re winding down in Iraq. Unless the kids were born in 2001 or thereafter, many of these kids are in college now and Freedom Alliance is giving them a pittance toward their college tuition, while they continue to build this massive warchest. With a giant multi-million dollar fund, why aren’t they giving the kids a free, complete ride to college? And how many kids of deceased troops will there be in the future? Enough to exhaust a multi-million dollar fund? Doubtful.

Moreover, because they hoarded millions of dollars, their returns show the fund shrunk by several million dollars with bad investments and market losses. That money could have put these kids through college for the entire time. What’s their excuse for the soldiers with no limbs and with severe burns? Are they waiting for two decades from now when technology is better? $165 for a soldier who is blind and his face blew up? No excuse for that. Their “response” is simply a non-response and an attempt to cover up the fraud.
DS

Allen| 3.19.10 @ 6:00PM

Sorry, Ms. Schlussel, but I won't go on record. It's well known among many that work in radio who had any interaction with him or his agent.

Cougar| 3.19.10 @ 6:05PM

Go back to reporting on the Dearborn Muslims Debbie..............

Arthur| 3.19.10 @ 7:38PM

Just wondering about the category of program activities. Did you research the expenses of hiring the back up band players, sound systems, stadium rental and maintenance and other expenses such as policing and traffic control. Could you please provide a breakdown?

Arthur| 3.19.10 @ 7:42PM

That claim of yours is very doubtful as all market losses have to be accounted for with 1099's from the brokerages who handled the investments , and the past two years have been pretty bad. That's not their fault.

NO LIBS!| 3.19.10 @ 10:49PM

Now, Dirtbag Debbie is blaming Sean for the lousy stock market!

Arthur| 3.20.10 @ 9:56AM

It sounds as though she's blaming him for putting it there in the first place. She assumes that they would have disbursed all the donations and profits within the fiscal year if they were truly a charitable organization. That's a wild assumption to be making. But I'd like to know about the breakdown of the "program activities" as this is the largest issue of them all.

Debbie Schlussel | 3.19.10 @ 5:57PM

Allen:
Please write me (writedebbie@gmail.com) or contact me at my website. I would like to know more about Vannity's request of a private plane, as I know he did this with a private college, too.
DS

LIARS LIE| 3.19.10 @ 6:12PM

What a loser. You've lost whatever little credibility you ever had, moron. Joke.

Nick| 3.19.10 @ 6:12PM

Miss Schlussel,

Would you care to reply to "SteelyDan's" above comment @ 4:31PM?

Allen| 3.19.10 @ 6:24PM

Thanks, guys.

You guys are fun to toy with. Predictable, but fun. Perhaps you got educated a little bit? Let's pray.

Have a great weekend!

Nick| 3.19.10 @ 6:27PM

What the hell is "Flavor-aid", anyway?

Here, on earth, we call it Kool-Aid.

Allen| 3.19.10 @ 6:32PM

Jim Jones used grape flavored flavor-aid, not kool-aid. But you wouldn't know that.

ZerObama| 3.19.10 @ 6:33PM

I thought you were leaving, moron. Keep your word for the first time in your pathetic life, troll.

Leave.

Nick| 3.19.10 @ 6:45PM

Well, you see that. You learn something new everyday!

Seems like something only a follower Jim Jones would know off the top of his head.

Jim Jones was a huge communist, for those of you keeping score at home.

Nick| 3.19.10 @ 6:48PM

That should be: "Seems like something only a follower of Jim Jones would know off the top of his head, though."

Janie| 3.19.10 @ 7:10PM

Not only was Jones a commie--he was a vicious, violent pervert, too. He was celebrated by every democrat politician in the Bay Area of California. Stinking, corrupt Liberals loved him. Disgusting losers.

Typical liberal monster. Liberalism kills!

ZerObama| 3.19.10 @ 6:32PM

Yeah, troll, sure--hope to see you when WE THE PEOPLE storm DC this weekend.

Later, loser.

ZerObama| 3.19.10 @ 6:35PM

Pray? You've got to be kidding--unless it's to the devil, right, Liberal loser? That's your style.

Liberal Reader| 3.19.10 @ 7:33PM

I believe Freedom Alliance, and I'm weary of the internet. It spews endless falsehoods. Blogs slander and mislead and basically turn people against one another.

I'm not too fond of Sean Hannity, but I honestly find it impossible to believe he'd set up a fund to help children of vets -- and excellent cause -- to swindle it for donations, nor do I doubt the intentions of this organization.

Slander and ad hominem attack are BORING and poisonous to the political discourse of this country.

TC Freely| 3.19.10 @ 8:16PM

If you're weary of the internet, why are you here? And why do you call this slander and ad hominem? Debbie presented evidence. You can evaluate it, or not. In neither case is her argument ad hominem (or slander--truth is a defense against slander).

ZerObama| 3.19.10 @ 8:24PM

Pee Freely, go back under your slimy rock.

TC Freely| 3.19.10 @ 8:29PM

I'm curious. Do you really think that's a useful thing to say? Do you really think you're going to have an effect on anyone? Is that how you want to spend the precious moments of your life? If you wake up at 3 in the morning, will you feel proud, vindicated, justified, smart, right? I really don't get it

Look, anyone can scan through this thread and see who has presented factual information and who has presented nothing but childish insults. They will evaluate the evidence and decide what to believe about this matter. You can contribute, or not. It's up to you.

ZerObama| 3.19.10 @ 9:29PM

Poor Pee Freely. Do you think I care, troll? Did I hurt your widdle feelings?

I just add comic relief by tormenting smug, snotty self-righteous trolls like you. It makes me laugh.

Liberal Reader| 3.19.10 @ 9:02PM

TC --

Your first question is a fair one. The truth is, there are five or six sites I go to. I try to read conservative opinion on two or three.

What I meant by being weary of the internet was the incredible influence puny blogs have on the national debate.

I'm tired of seeing liberals defined by anything anyone writes on a blog anywhere in cyber space, and frankly, I'm tired of the same thing happening to conservatives.

I can think of about 15 things to say that are critical of Sean Hannity. The man's politics drive me up a wall.

But if he's the kind of guy who would swindle a charity that is supposed to benefit children of war vets, I'll eat my hat. I just don't believe it.

Liberal Reader| 3.19.10 @ 9:07PM

The day has come where I find myself defending Sean Hannity. Wonders have not ceased.

And I would defend him if I thought there were a serious charge unjustly made of him. But this?

Hannity might iritate me, but he seems like the sort of man that would rather drawn and quartered than rip off a charity.

But look at it another way. The idea here is that someone who earns millions on television and radio is -- what? Participating in a scam charity for a few thousand bucks?

My gut says this is not the sort of man -- and these are not the sort of people -- who set up scam charities. Common sense would seem to confirm my gut.

TC Freely| 3.19.10 @ 9:24PM

I have to agree. There's essentially zero concrete evidence against Hannity. Here's how it breaks down:

Debbie said: "The tax forms show that 'New World Aviation' got paid $60,601 for 'air travel.' Was that for Hannity’s G5? Like I said, neither the charity nor Hannity is talking."

FA says that "Freedom Alliance has never provided planes, hotels, cars, limos, or anything else to Sean."

Debbie's response (in her comments section) is "Because they denied it that means their denial is fact and case closed? Please. Of course, they’re gonna do CYA. It undermines nothing."

Of course, it also means that Debbie has absolutely nothing but speculation to support her case against Hannity. At worst--at WORST--Hannity didn't look closely enough at the charity. That's hardly a crime.

FA and North are a different story entirely. There seem to be some big problems there that warrant further investigation.

TC Freely| 3.19.10 @ 9:30PM

I should add I consider Hannity to be a shallow, loudmouthed scheissbag, and that the nation's discourse would improve marginally if he were to be blown to pieces by lightning. That said, I don't think he did much of anything wrong here.

ZerObama| 3.19.10 @ 9:31PM

So, there's no scandal and Dumbass Debbie's lies have been debunked--you trolls can go home now. Please.

Bye bye.

TC Freely| 3.19.10 @ 9:33PM

Except that FA's use of funds has not been addressed. You really don't have anything substantive to say about it, do you?

ZerObama| 3.19.10 @ 9:57PM

There's NO THERE THERE, moron. Return to your regular activities trying to destroy our country with your traitorous liberal buddies, you filthy Marxist!

You tried but you didn't score--too bad for you, loser. You lying bastards will try again and we both know it.

Scumbag.

TC Freely| 3.19.10 @ 10:12PM

So sensitive! So profane! And so unable to deal with the issue at hand!

Really, it's easy. Where'd all of FA's money go? How come so much of it went to someplace other than the veterans and their families?

ZerObama| 3.19.10 @ 10:42PM

You're making a mountain out of a molehill and no one cares.

I'm more interested in you Marxist liberals trying to take over our government--now that's a scandal!

Your silly little distractions won't work, fool--the American people are on to you now.

SoCon| 3.19.10 @ 8:21PM

Our dialogue is in the toilet these days, LR, and unfortunately, I don't believe it's going to improve in the foreseeable future. There's just too much at stake.

The battle has been joined.

Allen| 3.19.10 @ 8:18PM

i'm back.

"I'm weary of the internet. It spews endless falsehoods."

that comment is hilarious. do you have any idea how funny it is?

SoCon| 3.19.10 @ 8:22PM

Go away, toad. Go get a life or something.

brassky| 3.19.10 @ 9:12PM

what exactly are "program activities"?
and why do they give so little to vets w/no legs, etc.? wouldn't they be more in need than a 2 year old whose mom got a $250k death benefit and who will probably remarry?
ya think maybe they want to hold on to these milions for the next 15 years and collect some "management fees"?

Allan| 3.19.10 @ 10:10PM

There is an easy way to answer this.

Open the books. If they are being deceitful, the IRS will get them. If they are being truthful, more power to them.

This is a charity, not a private company. The only reason to keep the books closed is obfuscation.

ZerObama| 3.19.10 @ 10:45PM

I wish you liberals would be as concerned about the trillions of dollars democrats are stealing right now--liberal corruption knows no bounds.

Says a lot about your priorities.

Pat| 3.19.10 @ 11:06PM

It is Jews like Debbie Schlussel, that make me believe that we should have just chased Hitler back into Germany and left him to his devices. The World would be such a better place. Malkin, Morrissey and the rest are right about her, she's a crazy Jew. She needs to be stopped once and for all.

Nick| 3.19.10 @ 11:46PM

Go away, you anti-Semitic bigot!

Kelly| 3.20.10 @ 12:50AM

Typical liberal anti-Semite. Go back to that dump, HuffPo where you belong.

FoxFauxNews| 3.19.10 @ 11:36PM

I seem to remember how Hannity and fellow Foxer, O'Reilly jumped all over George Clooney for a fund raiser he did for the Unity Way after 9/11 which "only gave 14% after six weeks" yet they have no problem with the FA averaging less than that for the last three years. Something smells and it's not just ZERheils wife beater tshirt.

ZerObama| 3.20.10 @ 12:46AM

You're wrong, troll; Clooney's organization was proven to be corrupt. They never opened their books and millions were squandered.

What is it with you trolls and noxious odors? Says a lot about you.

Nick| 3.20.10 @ 12:01AM

TC Freely and Marxist Reader,

You can't slander someone with a keyboard.
That would be LIBEL.

Texas Aggie| 3.20.10 @ 12:45AM

I was feeling pretty good about the rebuttal until I got to the end and saw Oliver North's name. That man has so many "misrepresentations of fact" in his history that anything he says needs to be double checked. He and Curveball suffer from the same psychological syndrome that they are completely unable to make the distinction between truth and imagination.

ZerObama| 3.20.10 @ 12:48AM

You're nuts--North is an American patriot. Go pound sand, loser.

You probably own knee-pads for Willy Clinton--now there's someone who doesn't know truth from imagination!

t king| 3.20.10 @ 1:04AM

Where do these negative dumba**s come from. We conservatives know that liberalism is a mental disease. We dont need daily proof. PLlease just one of you jerks show what you have given to any charity or go away

SadStateofAffairs| 3.20.10 @ 3:13AM

tking, janie, ZerObama, if there ever was a case for abortion, you would be exhibits 1, 2, and 3.

LIBERALS ARE LOSERS| 3.20.10 @ 3:47AM

Since you liberals are so big on abortion, SadSack, why don't you do us all a big favor and abort yourself? Take one for the team, moron.

You won't be missed.

holly| 3.20.10 @ 3:46AM

I think these charges should be checked out by an independent source. If Hannity and this charity have nothing to hide, they will welcome it.

Jeremiah| 3.20.10 @ 3:54AM

You phony, self-righteous liberals make me laugh. You've never done a damn thing for anyone else in your life and nothing makes you happier than tearing down a good man who helps out so many.

No way can I possibly express the scope and breadth of my loathing for you pieces of human excrement. You are beneath contempt.

FoxFauxNews| 3.20.10 @ 7:51AM

You don't no your azz from your elbow. It wan't Clooney's organization. Like Hannity, he lent his name to the cause. There was no corruption, you side just repeated the lies enough times you started to believe it. You complain about them not opening their books but you don't hold FA to the same criticism.

LIBS LIE| 3.20.10 @ 2:59PM

Nice try, dumbtard, but everyone knows Clooney's charity had problems with skimming. FA's books have been opened, moron--why haven't Clooney's?

Liberals lie.

Stormbringer | 3.20.10 @ 7:08AM

I became a blogger in the first place so that I could eventually work for Freedom Alliance and get big money, plane rides, women and whatever. This really bursts my bubble.

LIBS LIE| 3.20.10 @ 3:01PM

Good luck with that! You liberals never do a damn thing to help anyone else--unless you get big bucks for it or weasel it out of big government.

Selfish losers.

Dungar| 3.20.10 @ 9:02AM

Guys, guys, why bother argue with marxists? all of a sudden they are defending DS? She is not bad only a bitter failure. Her favorite things beside moslimes, and hollywood (in those things she is fair) attacking conservative women and other successful people. Let her bathe in her own mud.
But greetings to all the marxist trogolytes.

Ignatzz| 3.20.10 @ 9:22AM

That "Form 990" that the article refers above is EXACTLY what Schlussel is getting her information from, and what she posted on her website. The article above says:

"In 2006, Freedom Alliance spent a total of $7,064,839. Of that 77 per cent ($5,434,538) was spent on Program Activities."

Those "Program Activities" aren't charitable giving, according to Form 990, which breaks them down. 604,000 on salaries. 1,700,000 on postage. 1,400,000 million on printing and publishing. 640,000 on consultants. Frankly, North's talking about how much was spent on "Program Activities" is pretty dishonest, since that's the problem, and he knows that's the problem.

The form that the article says shows that everything is fine is exactly the same form that Schlussel says shows a misuse of funds.

Chicago Ray | 3.20.10 @ 10:39AM

I used to like her for her Anti Islamic stance and information ......but her hatred for Sean Hannity is almost pathological and I don't understand it. We're supposed to be on the same side. I never understood right w bloggers attacking other RW bloggers and the same for the talking heads

We have enough "enemies of the state" on the other side.

perhaps he's responsible for her no longer being part of Fox's "experts on call" per se as I remember her being like MM and on there quite often and then it stopped .....that's where I'll bet it comes from, but I have no proof of anything nefarious.

barenakedislam | 3.20.10 @ 3:37PM

I agree, CR. She is nasty. I sent her a story about Israel that I thought was important and she wrote back saying it was old news and how ignorant I am for not knowing that. She could have just ignored it, but instead she had to insult me for no reason.

ignatzz| 3.20.10 @ 11:05AM

"I never understood right w bloggers attacking other RW bloggers and the same for the talking heads "

Ah yes, Reagan's 11th commandment - "Thou shalt not criticize a fellow Republican."

Unfortunately, Reagan's 11th commandment is the very definition of moral bankruptcy. It claim that political party is more than right and wrong.

Don't criticize a Republican? No matter what they do? Even if they steal from wounded vets and their kids?

If you believe that, please stop pretending that your party has ANYTHING to do with values and morals. Because that's having NONE.

Pingback| 3.20.10 @ 11:29AM

The American Conservative » Freedom Scam? links to this page. Here’s an excerpt:

…could very well wind in some strippers G-string in D.C. while you’re out beyond the Beltway believing it’s helping a soldier’s kid go to college. Freedom Alliance responds to the charges here: Filed under: Uncategorized Leave a Reply Name (required) Mail (will not be published) (required) Website « An Inconvenient Truth Copyright © 2008 The American

Gerry | 3.20.10 @ 12:58PM

The truth is at http://www.charitynavigator.or.....orgid=6590

Pingback| 3.20.10 @ 3:04PM

Schlussel Throws Another Bomb « Left Coast Ledger links to this page. Here’s an excerpt:

…suites at really expensive hotels for him and his family/entourage. … That is, at best, a secondhand source, at worst, hearsay. Freedom Alliance adamantly denies the allegations in a full page at American Spectator , and says that Hannity pays for his own travel and expenses. And, even if true, it is not at all out of the ordinary for charities to provide travel and accommodations for VIP fundraisers.…

Scotty Marine Vet| 3.20.10 @ 8:21PM

I smell a Rat and there are many RATS. This is nothing new. It is so much like Contract Fraud in Iraq and Afganistan. "Consultant" or "Advisor" the biggest indicators of suspicion. Experience has shown me that they are usually paid HUGE salaries or independant contractor consulting fees for a pittance of real work if any at all. I sure hope they dont have cooked books but the new accountants of this decade are taught how to play with the numbers and make them bigger when they are actually smaller and smaller when they are actually bigger. Tax returns will hopefully tell the truth if not then they will deal with TAX Fraud and violation of their Section 501(c)3. status. Soon we will know the truth God help them if it is determined that they took advantage of Veterans

Jeremiah| 3.20.10 @ 9:40PM

Fox News pays Sean Hannity a fortune for his successful television show; he's also a best selling author who sells tons of books.

He's obviously a very wealthy man.

Why would Hannity steal funds from a charity he deeply cares about when he doesn't need the money? It doesn't make sense; of course liberals wouldn't know common sense from a hole in the ground.

This isn't about the well-being of our vets, this is just another ugly attempt by morally bankrupt liberals to destroy a prominent figure on the Right.

We know you liberals don't care about our military--you hate them, you always have.

So, why don't you filthy worms shut up and crawl back under your slimy rocks?

tailgunner13| 3.31.10 @ 11:29AM

'Steal'?

Hannity's DONATED $300,000 to FA and the Wounded Warrior Foundation.

I'm sure that's in the public record. And I'm sure Schlussel didn't mention that because it would have undermined her sleazy, lying libellous smears of a good man.

Why would Hannity, if he was anything close to the arrogant prima donna liberals like Schlussel want to smear him as, give over a quarter million dollars TO charities he intended to LOOT?

Lies on top of fabrications piled on vicious rumors.

Allen| 3.20.10 @ 9:16PM

Folks are still defending Sean and Oliver?

Hold on...

Nick| 3.21.10 @ 1:18PM

Allen,

You seem to still be suffering from the effects of your stroke, huh?

SoCon| 3.21.10 @ 2:38PM

Ha ha!

Pingback| 3.21.10 @ 3:59AM

Mobile Business 101 – Forex Trading | Insider Forex Secrets Guide links to this page. Here’s an excerpt:

…Hοw ԁο уου mаkе sure tο stay οח уουr fitness routine аחԁ diet wһеח … Tһе American Spectator : AmSpecBlog : Freedom Alliance Statement … Bracketron PHV-200-BL Grip-iT Mobile Contrivance Holder | Automatic … 7 Travel Job Opportunities: Jobs tһаt Travel Tһе World | Www ……

Rae Ann| 3.21.10 @ 4:57AM

Freedom Alliance's numbers match up with the tax returns, so what's the problem!? Seems like a desperate attempt to link Mr. Hannity to something bag..anything.
I am so glad I found this article and the comments. The comments were truely a joy to read. There are still people with common sense! WOW!

Juliet| 3.21.10 @ 2:39PM

There are plenty of us still around, Rae--stand strong!

Pingback| 3.21.10 @ 5:07AM

5 Days To Freedom – Internet Marketing System. links to this page. Here’s an excerpt:

Days To Freedom – Internet Marketing System. Home About RSS Dan Baerg.com Internet Marketing Tips, Tricks and Advice! 20 Mar 5 Days To Freedom – Internet Marketing System. stored in: Uncategorized and tagged: Days., Freedom, Internet,…

Pingback| 3.21.10 @ 6:34AM

Hannity's Big Fat Scam of Soldiers links to this page. Here’s an excerpt:

…have been killed or severely injured in their service to our Country. There is now over $15 million in the scholarship fund for the students as they come of age. The American Spectator : AmSpecBlog : Freedom Alliance Statement on Debbie Schlussel Attack __________________ "For the scientist who has lived by his faith in the power of reason, the story ends like a bad dream. He has scaled the mountains of…

Pingback| 3.21.10 @ 7:02AM

Beating Civil Traffic Tickets – Part 1 Standing links to this page. Here’s an excerpt:

…SEO, Wordpress, 3D Modeling... American’s are tired, But Not Tired Enough to Give Up Freedom – Pass or Fail on Health Care, The Democrats Must Go The American Spectator : AmSpecBlog : Freedom Alliance Statement on Debbie Schlussel Attack Cybercriminals: computer genius or professional criminals? | PandaLabs Blog Soul Freedom Radio « Life and Soul- A focus for Mike Ashley and Life and Soul…

Pingback| 3.21.10 @ 4:55PM

dating – YouTube – Blogger Speed Dating by SpeedDate.com and meebo links to this page. Here’s an excerpt:

…Pac Div Ft Cool Kids “Shut Up” Video « Hip-Hop Wired » Behind the Scenes of the Freedom Concerts Tours – Big Journalism The American Conservative » Freedom Scam? The American Spectator : AmSpecBlog : Freedom Alliance Statement … Below The Beltway » Blog Archive » Freedom Alliance Responds To … Ayodhyatra's Moss Tables Bring Life to Any Room | Inhabitat   Mail this post General…

Pingback| 3.22.10 @ 10:54AM

Schlussel’s Anti-Hannity Allegations Investigated and Found ‘Fundamentally Flawed’ | links to this page. Here’s an excerpt:

…further mention of this material as having appeared in this post will either mention or disavowal or be deceiving to readers. — R. Emmett Tyrrell, Jr. Click here for the update to this story. Click here for the statement released by Freedom Alliance. Click here to cancel reply. Name (required) Mail (will not be published) (required) Website Subscribe and Follow Subscribe to "Media In Politics"…

Pingback| 3.22.10 @ 2:02PM

Lawyer Don Hecker Discovery » Blog Archive » Freedom Scam? links to this page. Here’s an excerpt:

…very well wind in some stripper’s G-string in D.C. while you’re out beyond the Beltway believing it’s helping a soldier’s kid go to college. Freedom Alliance responds to the charges here. You can go here for the response to the response from Schussel. Posted in Uncategorized | No Comments » Leave a Reply Name (required) Mail (will not be published) (required) Website XHTML: You can…

barenakedislam | 3.22.10 @ 3:13PM

Debbie has removed all of the comments on her blog that effectively counter her claims. She has been trashing Hannity for last two years on a reglar basis, probably because he won't have her on his show.

Pingback| 3.22.10 @ 3:16PM

Why Friendly Fire Is A Huge Mistake « Kerendian and Associates Data links to this page. Here’s an excerpt:

…of the group’s board. If Schlussel stands behind her statement, then she will have to do better than a quote from a blind source, who is, as she admits, a friend of a friend. And the Freedom Alliance also stated that not only does Hannity receives nothing from the charity but that Hannity has personally “contributed $100,000 to the Wounded Warriors Foundation, over $200,000 to the Freedom Alliance, and over…

office 2007 | 3.26.10 @ 9:28PM

Is Office 2007 professional better than Office 2007 ultimate ?

Pingback| 3.29.10 @ 1:58PM

Sean Hannity Ripping Off Children Charity? | Frackle Nackle Bull links to this page. Here’s an excerpt:

…Freedom Alliance appears to have spent tens of thousands of dollars for private planes. Freedom Alliance denied Schlussel’s “false and malicious allegations” in a statement to  The American Spectator: Freedom Alliance has never provided planes, hotels, cars, limos, or anything else to Sean. Sean gets nothing from Freedom Alliance except our gratitude for his personal generosity and for all he…

Pingback| 3.29.10 @ 3:01PM

CREW, VoteVets File IRS, FTC Complaints Against Sean Hannity Charity Freedom Concerts links to this page. Here’s an excerpt:

…Freedom Alliance appears to have spent tens of thousands of dollars for private planes. Freedom Alliance denied Schlussel’s “false and malicious allegations” in a statement to The American Spectator: Freedom Alliance has never provided planes, hotels, cars, limos, or anything else to Sean. Sean gets nothing from Freedom Alliance except our gratitude for his personal generosity and for all he…

Joyce Kuzmanic| 3.30.10 @ 10:42AM

SURGE against the INSURGENTS that seek to take THIS REPUBLIC DOWN - I DONATED TO FREEDOM ALLIANCE TODAY THANKS TO THIS ATROCIOUS ATTACK. AND I EMAILED EVERYONE ON MY CONTACT LIST TO DO LIKEWISE! LET'S SHOW 'EM WHERE WE STAND - WITH A BIT OF MONEY LEFT NO THANKS TO THIS OUTRAGEOUS ADMINISTRATION. FOLLOW MY LEAD! DONATE TO FREEDOM ALLIANCE AND URGE EVERYONE YOU KNOW TO SURGE IN ITS FAVOR! Outrageous to attack a profound and generous and appropriate effort to support the children of our men and women who fight and fall for OUR FREEDOM!

Wil Burns | 3.31.10 @ 3:14AM

An independent audit of the books, would clear the air!

uncle joe mccarthy| 3.31.10 @ 8:23PM

could freedom alliance release more specifics on what it means by program expenses and specify how that money is divided....because, at least to me, it doesnt seem to have anything to do with the college fund or directly supporting injured vets, as they went out of their way to specify that 2.1 mil was raised specifically for their tuition fund.

maybe hannity doesnt directly benefit from the charity, but if he writes off his expenses as a donation...he is benefiting.

there are other orgs that work with vets that do not have this high of an overhead...i would suggest donating to them before supporting freedom alliance

btw, does freedom alliance have any info on this leadership institute that they run for kids?

Traffic Ticket Defense | 4.26.10 @ 1:41PM

Clean house byNov. That's all I have to say. I taught english for years and at the end of the day there's always going to be someone using misdirection.

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