Who is lying about $4.5 million in unpaid income taxes: Rev. Al Sharpton or the New York Times ?
The controversy began when Times published a story on Wednesday about Al Sharpton’s rise to success — and his rising tax debt.
“Obscured in his ascent, however, is his troubling financial past, which continues to shadow his present.
“Mr. Sharpton has regularly sidestepped the sorts of obligations that most people see as inevitable, like taxes, rent, and other bills.”
From there, writer Russ Buettner goes on to make a serious accusation about Al Sharpton’s financial situation.
“Records reviewed by the New York Times show more than $4.5 million in current state and federal tax liens against [Sharpton] and his for-profit businesses.”
Although Buettner acknowledged that Al Sharpton has made an effort to pay his tax debts down, the article goes on to make various insinuations about the reverend’s “lavish” lifestyle.
“With the tax liability outstanding, Mr. Sharpton traveled first class and collected a sizable salary, the kind of practice by non-profit groups that the United States Treasury inspector general for the tax administration recently characterized as ‘abusive’, or ‘potentially criminal’ if the failure to turn over taxes is willful.”
The above is a very confusing quote about Sharpton. At least, if it’s meant to be straight reporting and not bias.
In the article right above this quoted section, it’s stated that state and federal authorities are aware of Al Sharpton’s tax debt, and have already taken action in the form of a series of tax liens on Sharpton Government authorities apparently have Sharpton’s full cooperation; he is paying down both his state and federal taxes.
NY Times Report: Al Sharpton Owes More than $4 Million in Taxes http://t.co/IJPsQ9oZaR pic.twitter.com/cOHzmaBXOq
— Mediaite (@Mediaite) November 18, 2014
If the government has issued a punishment and the punished party has already complied , where is the “potentially criminal” abuse?
This NYT article offers a very detailed look into Al Sharpton’s political and controversial past, as well as a closer look at his financial situation. However, certain aspects of the writing seem to imply that there’s smoke where the presence of fire remains highly debatable.
Al Sharpton recently spoke out about the New York Times piece. The political figure claims that the news organization is wrong about his finances.
Said Sharpton, “I would have to be the most inept charlatan in the world.”
Although he insists the number put forth by the Times is inaccurate, Sharpton claimed he doesn’t know the exact amount he owes in back taxes. Al Sharpton said his tax bill is “paid quarterly”.
The Rev. Al Sharpton sharply criticized a NYT report on unpaid taxes http://t.co/ErucMdXmDz
— The New York Times (@nytimes) November 20, 2014
Which side is being truthful about this tax situation? If Sharpton genuinely has no idea what he actually owes, does this provide enough leeway to suggest the NYT is indeed telling the truth about Sharpton? The answer doesn’t seem to be as simple as honesty and dishonesty; this situation seems to be one of implications and omissions.
It has also been noted the odd coincidence that this minor drama is playing out ahead of the highly-anticipated grand jury decision about the Michael Brown shooting , and whether or not officer David Wilson will be indicted.
Al Sharpton has been a central figure in the racially divisive matter. For that matter, so has the New York Times .
The New York Times has come under fire for calling Michael Brown “no angel” http://t.co/G9XjcS9qRS
— New York Magazine (@NYMag) August 25, 2014
The news organization has been the subject of serious criticism in the past for what some feel is their racially-biased slant on the deceased Michael Brown.
[Image Credit: Wikimedia Commons ]