I think how you phrased the question is part of the problem. You have made assumptions of serious behavior, when no such behavior has been shown to date. What you have at this moment is a partisan debate regarding a specific tax code which has caused angst, and venomous opportunity to inflict political pain. Congress originally approved the term “Exclusively” for this specific tax code, and it was changed to “Primarily” within the IRS. This change using “Primarily” was partisan to begin with, because large donor money wants to receive non-taxable status, when none should exist for either party. So, Congress and the IRS could simply end the debate by enforcing the status under the original termed language "Exclusively", and you would no longer have a problem with regard to this specific code. However, you will find that both the GOP and Democrats will steer clear of this simple fix, because of Big Money. So, when you mention serious behavior, you neglect to mention the difficulty placed before the IRS employee to determine who or what group is operating under the term “Primarily“. You can drive a MACK truck through the term “Primarily“. We charge our IRS personnel with the responsibility of collecting tax, within the IRS tax code. People/tax payers in general do everything they can to take advantage of every loop hole available, as well as some who knowing evade paying tax. The IRS has created computer programs, and every other method under the sun to determine who is likely, or possibly evading tax collections. So, Congress has intentionally caused this specific problem by not fixing it, and they will not fix it. Yes, we can all agree that no specific Political Party should be focused on, when the IRS is determining a groups eligibility. However, it is the IRS’s responsibility to make certain that everyone meets the guidelines of the IRS tax code. No IRS employee to date has been shown to have acted with partisan/political motivations. It does not mean that poor decisions have not been made by a few employee’s within the IRS regarding focus. But, let’s try refraining from using politically charged, or motivated phrases like “serious behavior”.

Where there is bureaucracy, there is mess.

The way it's set up seems like something out of a sci-fi movie about systems that don't function.

Personally I don't fear them but I also do not trust them. Never really have and this latest news only proves that the place is not neutral in its political stance. I think we would be better off getting ride of them and then having a flat tax rate for everyone.

I have no idea what you mean when saying "latest news only proves that the place is not neutral in its political stance". What proof are you talking about? Is it maybe the one or two over zealous and overworked IRS agents, who may have taken it upon themselves to target GOP groups applying for tax free status. I'm not saying that this targeting problem might not in the end become bigger. But, you are portraying something as factual, when no facts exist to support your statement.

With regard to having a flat tax. I personally do not have a problem with paying such a tax. It would be substantially less than what I pay now. However, I read a lot of posts here at Eden from people who are clearly struggling to make ends meet, and my heart goes out to them. The reality is that the wealthy 5% of the American population pays 50% of our collected Federal income tax. In 2007 41% of households paid no income tax. In 2009 51% paid no income tax. So, my point is that if you have a flat tax system, people who are struggling to make ends meet now, will only end up worse off. That 5% who pay 50% of our Federal tax now, will rejoice having a flat tax. But, it’s my opinion, that we should do everything possible to protect that 41% to 51% of the population who are clearly struggling.

You must really be in denial over the IRS scandal; senior IRS personnel refusing to testify before Congress; senior IRS personnel taking the 5th; and the same IRS personnel who should be working for us but refuse to answer to us (through Congress - our elective representatives)!

Seriously, you must stop drinking the cool aid! Have you forgotten that when Obama was first elected, he claimed that his administration would be the most transparent of any prior administration in American history. Well, he's lied again and 'leading' from behind as usual, so it's up to Congress to find out what is going on in his administration.

Oh, and by the way, this happens to be the same IRS agency who will be in charge of our healthcare (a/k/a Obamacare) and the same arrogant personnel who will dictate your healthcare decisions which should be left between you and your doctor! I have to submit that we are only beginning to see the culture of corruption which belies the operation of this feared agency; that's the genesis of my Poll question!