The Washington Post reports that during the presidential race, the Bush-Cheney campaign urged Christian supporters to turn over church directories and had weekly conference calls with “friendly congregations.”

This information, of course, “produced a flurry of accusations that the Bush campaign was leading churches to violate laws against partisan activities by tax-exempt organizations.” It did not produce an inquiry by the IRS.

Strange. In a letter, dated Oct. 8, the IRS said a speech given by NAACP Board Chairman Julian Bond “condemned the administration policies of George W. Bush on education, the economy and the war in Iraq” and requires that the IRS conduct an examination to determine “whether or not [the NAACP] has intervened in a political campaign.”

This investigation was launched one month before the election and could result in a loss of tax-exempt status or heavy fine. One month before the election, churches across the country were still getting faith-based initiative money and telling their congregations to vote for George Bush, but there’s been no IRS inquiry. Yet an organization focused on assisting African-Americans is being targeted for discussing matters of great import to African-Americans?

It’s as clear as it’s been for the past four years. The Bush Administration continues to have a reckless disregard for equal rights, an overwhelming smegma of selective morality, and a with us or against us mentality that permeates the country like the odor of long-dead innocence. That’s your unifying, compassionate president at work. We might all do well to join a church and pray we last another four years.