 On July 2017, I wrote and posted an article regarding Southern Decadence, Inc. "N.O. Southern Decadence, In., 501(c)(3) status: Is It a Fraud". The article focused on Southern Decadence, Inc. claim that they are a 501(c)(3) tax exempt organization. Since then I have received several comments regarding the story. At first, I would not have responded to comments that either didn’t make sense or were just personal attacks on me, but attacks on my family and blog require me to respond to those who have a lot to say but never to my face.
I refuse to post any of the comments. I will not give someone a platform to vent their narrow-minded points-of-view, or opinion. While I value opinions from everyone, even when they differ from my own. I believe that it’s important to understand and listen to others as they express themselves, but I draw a line when those comments cross a line and become defamatory, question my honesty or integrity. Since 2015 when I wrote my first article I have tried to maintain professional standards and fairness in everything I write and post. With that being said; I want to make it clear that I stand by my article. What do you tell someone who gets a letter from the I.R.S. explaining that the sponsorship donations they made in 2015 for $1,500 and 2016 for $1,500 are not allowed to be claimed as a donation on their tax returns because the organization is not a tax exempt 501(c)(3)? That they now must amend their taxes for two years, pay penalties/fines, and the expense to use a tax accountant? Their recourse was to submit the paperwork that they retained so that the I.R.S. could determine if any tax codes were violated, and let Southern Decadence, Inc. explain. So, who pays the tax bill, not to mention the $3,000 they gave in good faith? Not only has Southern Decadence, Inc. left themselves open to possible civil and/or criminal claims, but they have eroded the trust in the LGBT community (then again maybe not). Any possible legal issues that Southern Decadence Inc. faces is of their own making.. It’s interesting that some people in the LGBT community deem or use the term fake news or just drama. While many might think the subject is not important, to some it is important. When did it become acceptable to lie, cheat or deceive a community to collect money? What was written is based in fact, and everything was sourced or confirmed. Contrary to what has been said, we did reach out to get a confirmation or give Southern Decadence, Inc. an opportunity to explain, or deny the article. Not one person has called, texted or stood in front of me and contradicted any portion of the article. I welcome anyone to talk to me about the topic and convince me it was a mistake. As the owner/editor of an online blog, I’m 100% responsible for all the content published. I don’t make excuses for mistakes that I've made, nor will I ever redirect that responsibility. Regardless of the medium used (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram or YouTube) it reflects Squirrel News. I will not apologize, explain or defend the article. I believe it speaks for itself!
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