IRS to W's defense: Another demonstration of what Bush thinks of African Americans? The IRS is investigating the NAACP's tax-exempt status because a July speech by chair Julian Bond conveyed "statements in opposition of George W. Bush for the office of presidency" and specifically that he had "condemned the administration policies of George W. Bush in education, the economy and the war in Iraq." Saying his remarks focused on policy, not politics, Bond says, "This is an attempt to silence the N.A.A.C.P. on the very eve of a presidential election. We are best known for registering and turning out large numbers of African-American voters. Clearly, someone in the I.R.S. doesn't want that to happen." (Thanks, Kemi.)