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Don Imus Ranch Probe Closed

By Jeralyn, Section Media
Posted on Sat Mar 26, 2005 at 11:21:16 AM EST
Tags: Don Imus (all tags)
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New York Attorney General Elliot Spitzer has closed his office's investigation (WSJ, free link) of possible charity accounting malfeasance at radio host Don Imus's New Mexico ranch, which operates as a charity for sick children.

The Imus Ranch, a 4,000-acre ranch in northern New Mexico, is run by Mr. Imus and his wife, Deirdre, to help sick children by teaching them how to be cowboys and cowgirls. The ranch's expenses totaled $2.6 million last year, although the ranch hosts only about 100 children annually, mostly during the summer. Mr. Imus raises the funds through his radio and television broadcasts.

Mr. Imus's personal use of the ranch has drawn scrutiny from tax and charity officials. He and his wife and son stay at the ranch all summer to oversee the children's programs. He and his family also visit the ranch in the off-season, including during Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays, as well as occasional weekends, Mr. Imus said in the Journal article and reconfirmed on his show yesterday.

Charity law states that the charity board is supposed to account for or be compensated for his use of the ranch, but it hasn't done so. The board also typically would be required to value Mr. Imus's services to the ranch to offset any charges from his use, but also hasn't done so. The Imus Ranch board consists of Mr. Imus, his wife and his two accountants.

In the Journal article, Mr. Imus said he and his wife work at the ranch as unpaid volunteers and manage the ranch themselves. He said yesterday on his radio show that for the ranch to charge him and his family for his time there is "absurd." He acknowledged in the article that the costs of the ranch are high, but that he would pay "$2.6 million or $1.8 million per child if I thought it could change their lives."

Imus, like most people who have had the awesome power of the Government swoop down on them and a lifetime of work impugned by unproven allegations, is justifiably angry. Having now experienced this power personally, I hope he will use his huge media clout to expose government excess in investigatory power when it comes to his attention.

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    Don Imus Ranch Probe Closed | 45 comments (45 topical)
    Re: Don Imus Ranch Probe Close (none / 0) (#1)
    by Talkleft Visitor on Sat Mar 26, 2005 at 11:52:07 AM EST
    There still the questions of the property being re assesed and why there expense per child is so much more than any other facility like it. Every charity is subject to review there is nothing wrong with that and it might be appropriate for people who donate to know that most of the money goes to operate the ranch and amount going to entertain children is relatively small versus maintaining the physical plant. There are still a lot of questions about the way in which it is operated What would you think if it costs 10x as much for a child to be sent to the Imus ranch as it does to the Hole in the Wall oeprated by Paul Newman and the experience is similar. It's a vanity charity and they were right to look into it

    Re: Don Imus Ranch Probe Close (none / 0) (#2)
    by Talkleft Visitor on Sat Mar 26, 2005 at 12:07:41 PM EST
    not just Eliot Spitzer

    Re: Don Imus Ranch Probe Close (none / 0) (#3)
    by Kitt on Sat Mar 26, 2005 at 12:49:02 PM EST
    I'm not a fan of Don Imus. I just happened to catch a bit of his show and he was so livid he could hardly speak. He did mention something about $800,000 property 'something' they were required to take. However, I did watch a Larry King segment with Deidre & Don Imus discussed their ranch. I thought they came across as pretty dedicated in what they're doing in regards to the charity, as well as credible.

    Re: Don Imus Ranch Probe Close (none / 0) (#4)
    by Talkleft Visitor on Sat Mar 26, 2005 at 04:59:59 PM EST
    Doesn't he also work and broadcast his radio show (and the MSNBC video coverage of it) from his ranch? Is that accounted for?

    Re: Don Imus Ranch Probe Close (none / 0) (#5)
    by Talkleft Visitor on Sat Mar 26, 2005 at 09:52:11 PM EST
    100 kids. $2.6 million. $26,000 per kid.

    Re: Don Imus Ranch Probe Close (none / 0) (#7)
    by Talkleft Visitor on Sun Mar 27, 2005 at 10:52:37 AM EST
    I find it sad that the old saying holds true for Imus "No good deed goes unpunished" Imus is a very wealthy man and doesn't need this. This is a truly unselfish enterprise. Howard Stern on the other hand has done what? Maybe some day he'll establish a home for Demented old loud mouth perverts until then he shouldn't speak. Imus is no M. Jackson. You may not agree with his politics but what he is doing is truly noble and he deserves credit. Cybelle About the Steinway, rich folks donate the strangest things!

    Re: Don Imus Ranch Probe Close (none / 0) (#8)
    by Talkleft Visitor on Sun Mar 27, 2005 at 11:00:11 AM EST
    John H. Imus has used his fame to the benifit of the charity. Every time he mentions the "Ranch" the ranch Benefits not him. There are many who would pay big bucks,really big bucks to have him broadcast his show from their facility!

    Re: Don Imus Ranch Probe Close (none / 0) (#9)
    by Talkleft Visitor on Sun Mar 27, 2005 at 11:23:08 AM EST
    Rich people donate to the ranch so they can get tax free advertising on the Imus show get over it The cost to maintain the ranch is as pointed over 35k per child the actual amount spent on each child is far less --so this is all about the ranch not about the children and who gets actually hold title to the ranch --not the charity. It's not that some haven't benefitted and Mrs. Imus seems quite sincere --it's just more money goes to support Imus and sponsors get a tax free ride and other similar outfits get more out of their dollars It still remains a vanity charity

    Re: Don Imus Ranch Probe Close (none / 0) (#10)
    by Talkleft Visitor on Sun Mar 27, 2005 at 11:28:38 AM EST
    above post mine and a lot of charities get reviewed every year he wasn't subjected to anything but questions and his fake outrage is just that. If you are going to operate a charity of this size -collect a lot of money -give tax free advertising -- then you should be willing to answer questions. It was not being oppressed or even harassed. He's a big baby who has taken millions and helped a few. The number should read 25k per child not 35k

    Re: Don Imus Ranch Probe Close (none / 0) (#11)
    by Talkleft Visitor on Sun Mar 27, 2005 at 01:23:23 PM EST
    Is he still alive? he must be 90 by now.

    Re: Don Imus Ranch Probe Close (none / 0) (#12)
    by demohypocrates on Sun Mar 27, 2005 at 07:35:09 PM EST
    You people have lost all center. I listen to Imus. I dont like him personally, he is not principled, but floats in the wind. He loves Joe Biden, supported John Kerry, and is a good friend of Bill Richardson. He also likes Lieberman, McCain, JC Watts and Harold Ford. If you think he is extreme, you have fallen off the ideological highway. His charity has spent big bucks to give hope to a limited number of kids. Does anyone really beleive he is doing this to make $$$? He could settle down, enjoy his millions, and not deal with Doctors, children with cancer, their parents, the IRS, etc. You people are sick making him the target of your anger. I'd like to hear from the children that have attended and their parents. Can you give me quotes from them? Listen to the show. You hear nice stories. How dare they? Stop hatin.

    Re: Don Imus Ranch Probe Close (none / 0) (#13)
    by Talkleft Visitor on Sun Mar 27, 2005 at 08:43:34 PM EST
    Kitt, Isn't that how he always talks? hahahahaha Snifff, I crack me up. I don't think anybody is saying that he doesn't help kids. However, I've got to say that unless he's got something to hide, he needs to get over the fact that government looked into his operations. And rightly so, since he's not getting much bang for the bucks. That's what government is supposed to do, make sure people aren't cheating. Of course, it would be better if they went after cheating corporations, and maybe look into these Ohio Churches that are probably violating their tax exempt status by excessively politicking, as I recall, the goppers were pushing to have some churches investigated a while back that were supportive of John Kerry. Why do you think they did that? Testing the waters perhaps?

    Re: Don Imus Ranch Probe Close (none / 0) (#14)
    by Talkleft Visitor on Mon Mar 28, 2005 at 04:37:13 AM EST
    The only hater here is Imus whose rants and insane crap has resulted in death threats to the WSJ reporter and on this AM show called the reporters wife a fat pig. Given all the incorrect crap Imus slings around and never corrects on his show--I guess this is what is called karma if in fact the WSJ has chracterized him incorrectly.

    Re: Don Imus Ranch Probe Close (none / 0) (#15)
    by Talkleft Visitor on Mon Mar 28, 2005 at 06:30:22 AM EST
    Enough already! I have contributed small ammounts to the Imus Ranch in the past and will continue to do so when I have the funds. I congratulate Mr. Imus and his wife for their efforts to let children with cancer experience a "non-condescending" experience which a healthy child would appreaciate. Got knows they get enough "special attention". Let 'em enjoy a normal experience for a short time. They certainly seem to benefit from their short stays in New Mexico. "Ride 'em cowboy and cowgirl." Have fun.

    Re: Don Imus Ranch Probe Close (none / 0) (#16)
    by Talkleft Visitor on Mon Mar 28, 2005 at 06:53:18 AM EST
    Just my two cents - How would it be if Imus collected all the funds used to purchase/run this so-called ranch-for-kids and gave it to the
    Make a Wishfoundations?
    Think of how many terminally ill children would be helped THEN?!

    Re: Don Imus Ranch Probe Close (none / 0) (#17)
    by Talkleft Visitor on Mon Mar 28, 2005 at 06:54:53 AM EST
    Well Nick no one is stopping you no one is suggesting you not give money -- But there is no reason why the Imus charity should be exempt from the same oversight as every other charity. And it may be the kids have a good time ..but every other facility that does the same thing does it for far less money in maintenance costs And there was no excuse for the performance he had put on the last few days which resulted in death threats to the reporter. Puts him the same class as the Randall Terry and Pat Robertson whose careless speech resulted in death threats to Michael Schiavo jsut an example -Imus claims he spent 17,000 for a trip to the hospital for a ranch hand who had a snake bite. It wouldn't have cost that much if they provided health insurance for their workers. Perhaps they just need some management assistance and he and his wife don't have the skill, experience or patience to properly manage such a facility. If you want to send money to a place that does help children but is mismanaged fine but perhaps others would like to spend their money where it will be used more efficiently and can help more people.

    Re: Don Imus Ranch Probe Close (none / 0) (#18)
    by Talkleft Visitor on Mon Mar 28, 2005 at 07:28:51 AM EST
    Are we all listening to the same thing? Imus has not ranted about being investigated, he's ranting about a reporter writing a story with misleading facts. He has said many times, the questions are good and should be asked. And he certainly does not condone death threats against anyone. Hey, Imus is no saint, but he is doing good work here. Is the Imus ranch expensive, sure it is. But it offers an experience to these kids that they will not get in the "camps" Listen to the parents of some of the kids who have gone to the ranch. Listen to the kids. They are treated like normal people, not sick children and it is a life altering experience for them , for some, the chance of their lifetimes. Imus and his family could have built the ranch as a retierment home instead of their summer home in Westport. They give something other celebrities do not give that is worth so much more than money, they give of themselves. Gee, let's penalize them for that...

    Re: Don Imus Ranch Probe Close (none / 0) (#19)
    by Talkleft Visitor on Mon Mar 28, 2005 at 09:58:16 AM EST
    I listened to the show this morning when he called the wife of the reporter and fat pig and verbally assaulted the NM ag...believe what ypu want about it but to stay on your path you would have to ignore certain facts Sam Thompson, spokeswoman for New Mexico Attorney General Patricia Madrid, said Thursday that one concern is “the amount of money that’s being spent to the fairly small portion of children being served.” The nonprofit ranch spent $2.6 million last year while hosting only about 100 children, The Wall Street Journal reported in a front-page story Thursday . The newspaper said experts consider that an unusually high dollar-tochild ratio for a charity. Christine Turner, who oversees charities for the New Mexico attorney general, said her inquiry was prompted by the late and incomplete tax filings of the Imus Ranch, which serves children with cancer and children with siblings who died of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. Turner said she still has questions about accounting issues and Imus' personal use of the ranch but called the inquiry "routine." From 1999 through February 2003, the Imus Ranch spent $296,868 on legal fees, a sum charity experts called unusual. By comparison, actor Paul Newman's Hole in the Wall Gang, a summer camp in Ashford, Conn., for seriously ill children, spent nothing on legal fees. Imus said he couldn't explain the legal costs. a lot of money for iegal fees to still end up with incomplete forms and of course the bottom line is the while the ranch spends the equivalent of 26k per child –to operate the ranch. The actual $ amount spent on each child's experience is far less. Sure it's better than a lot of celebrities but not that great and it may be they are just crappy managers but they raise a lot of money and improve property held in his name and don't help that many kids. Give money where you will but at least understand that you are improving the estate of Don Imus not the improving the lives of sick kids.

    Re: Don Imus Ranch Probe Close (none / 0) (#20)
    by Talkleft Visitor on Mon Mar 28, 2005 at 11:35:33 AM EST
    His ranch did not spend a total of 2.6 million. Over $800,000 of that was depreciation of ranch assets...have any of you quoting the $2.6 million ever itemized a freaking deduction on your taxes!

    Re: Don Imus Ranch Probe Close (none / 0) (#21)
    by Talkleft Visitor on Mon Mar 28, 2005 at 12:12:51 PM EST
    It's still tax break and that is what we are talking about tax payer involvuntarily supportng someone who cannot manage a charity you do even know waht depreciation is...

    Re: Don Imus Ranch Probe Close (none / 0) (#22)
    by Talkleft Visitor on Mon Mar 28, 2005 at 01:15:50 PM EST
    He is so rude how could he treat those kids good the way he treats his other reporters,(and guests) Poor Contessa she always looks so humiliated. I saw the show when he had some of the kids on, and it just looked like it was rehearsed. That poor guy who reports the sports. I just watch him because I can't believe they would have someone so crazy on TV. He needs a anger control pshyc.

    Re: Don Imus Ranch Probe Close (none / 0) (#23)
    by Tim on Mon Mar 28, 2005 at 02:05:15 PM EST
    I used to be a BIG Imus fan but when he started with this ranch, right after he interviewed Paul Newman by the way, I just couldn't stand it. He would bully people and corporations into donating millions of $. As far as I can see, he merely built his retirement home. And if it is true that he called the WSJ reporter's wife a "fat pig" that speaks volumes to the content of this guy's character. He goes ballistic if anyone even questions this million dollar charity but thinks it is ok to verbally abuse someone else's wife on his syndicated radio show. He is just an obnoxious boor.

    Re: Don Imus Ranch Probe Close (none / 0) (#24)
    by Talkleft Visitor on Mon Mar 28, 2005 at 06:02:19 PM EST
    Imus isn't saying the government doesn't have a right to check him out. He's gladly cooperated. He's just (rightfully) pissed that this WSJ reporter wrote an inaccurate story about him. Is Imus an offensive a-hole? He'd be the first to say he is. Is he an entertaining radio host? I think so. If you don't agree, don't listen. But is he truly trying to positively affect the lives of kids with cancer? Yes. And for all I've seen so far, he's doing it in an ethical and legal manner. If you don't think what he does is worth $18K per child, then don't give to the ranch.

    Re: Don Imus Ranch Probe Close (none / 0) (#25)
    by Talkleft Visitor on Tue Mar 29, 2005 at 07:26:21 AM EST
    It's not just a personal matter he is getting massive tax deductions and that is of concern to all so it's not just his choice he can spend all he wants but I should not have to support it --let him do it without the tax breaks ..then he can do whatever he wants with no oversight

    Re: Don Imus Ranch Probe Close (none / 0) (#26)
    by Talkleft Visitor on Tue Mar 29, 2005 at 10:56:57 AM EST
    Right now it looks like 'ol Don is going to come out of this in good shape, i.e., he is going to get his pound of flesh from the WSJ for what he believes was unfair, unjust, biased and incaccurate coverage that he argues will unfavorably affect fund-raising for the ranch. What exactly has he had David Boise doing for him? I'm just guessing that if there isn't a full public retraction by the WSJ, he and Boise will be plying the WSJ with a libel and injury suit that will have their heads spinning. At any rate, as Don kept intimating on this morning's show, this isn't over yet. He sees what the WSJ did as an unwarranted attack on the integrity of him and his family.

    Re: Don Imus Ranch Probe Close (none / 0) (#27)
    by Talkleft Visitor on Tue Mar 29, 2005 at 11:10:44 AM EST
    no retraction will be coming because it's all true read architectural digest --unless of course Boies is suing them too And perhaps Mr Frank will have a few things to say to Mr. Boies about the threats, personal attacks against Mr. Frank and his family I predict he gets nothing not even an b section apology just another big legal bill charges to the ranch from Mr. Boies..tht could explain the unusually high legal bills which Imus could not explain And it could set a precedent for Imus himself who lives on Planet Often wrong never in doubt --claiming it was done to keep him from talking about legal issue in the Pharma world Boies was a loser in Fla and he will bne a loser here not to mention Boies current pandering on the Schiavo case LOSER He can reant and lie all he wants on the radio but it won't change the facts of the case--

    Re: Don Imus Ranch Probe Close (none / 0) (#28)
    by Talkleft Visitor on Tue Mar 29, 2005 at 11:37:54 AM EST
    Responding to the person asking if I know what depreciation is, my wife run a small business and write-off depreciation on items such as computers and vehicles.

    Re: Don Imus Ranch Probe Close (none / 0) (#29)
    by Mike on Tue Mar 29, 2005 at 12:11:49 PM EST
    Looks like the I Man got caught!! What a cry baby!! Imus' 'Clinton' speech will seem a career highlight after the Tax Collectors get done with him. You gotta pay the man, Don. We do. Best to shut up & pay up or you'll end up like Brokaw. It might help to hire a real accountant & get rid of those Enron aces.

    Re: Don Imus Ranch Probe Close (none / 0) (#30)
    by Talkleft Visitor on Wed Mar 30, 2005 at 07:34:18 AM EST
    can anyone help me? i'am writting a book about the i man,..... i would like to contact him and get his approval and also ask him about a buddy of ours.please post a contact number on this site.thanks g.b.

    Re: Don Imus Ranch Probe Close (none / 0) (#31)
    by Talkleft Visitor on Wed Mar 30, 2005 at 07:47:50 AM EST
    Hey, What a Laod, you sure know a lot about the I Man and what goes on on his show, for someone that is not a fan. Get off this board you "Creep."

    Re: Don Imus Ranch Probe Close (none / 0) (#32)
    by Talkleft Visitor on Wed Mar 30, 2005 at 02:01:43 PM EST
    i scam,that should be the name of his upscale dude ranch.lets see some justice,and that stupid.. bo.. some one s hould kick his ass.

    Re: Don Imus Ranch Probe Close (none / 0) (#33)
    by Mike on Wed Mar 30, 2005 at 08:44:26 PM EST
    After listenin to this morning's broadcast phone-sex session between the I-scam and NM Gov. Richardson I don't have much hope that New Mexico authorities are going to do much investigation of I-scam's tax-exempt "charity."Sounded like Richardson is gettin ready to annoint the I-scam as New Mexico's patron saint. Just more evidence of the backslappin and ego-strokin goin on every day between the pols and the talking heads that front them.

    Re: Don Imus Ranch Probe Close (none / 0) (#34)
    by Talkleft Visitor on Thu Mar 31, 2005 at 06:43:11 AM EST
    boy there's a good defense --you know too much go away And yesterday the idiot in the morning attacked Michael Schiavo and slandered him. Perhaps Mr. SChiavo should hire David Boies to sue the idiot in the morning as for you LAB feel free to skip over my posts I will certainly do that with anything you write

    Re: Don Imus Ranch Probe Close (none / 0) (#35)
    by Talkleft Visitor on Thu Mar 31, 2005 at 07:28:36 AM EST
    i worked with mr i scam here in stocton back in the 70's.he had to leave the station because someone was going to kick his ass then.... you think he's a jerk now ,he coulden't hold a job anywere in the central valley...thats when he went to ny,go figure....

    Re: Don Imus Ranch Probe Close (none / 0) (#36)
    by Talkleft Visitor on Thu Mar 31, 2005 at 02:57:34 PM EST
    Basic fact: Does anyone recall the interview with Paul Newman that was the genesis of the ranch? Newman, in his typically gracious fashion, was obviously on the show to plug the Hole in the Wall Gang charity, his legitimate charity. He didn't get 2 paragraphs in before Imus started touting his contributions to the SIDs charity. Newman stopped talking and the pregnant pause that followed for 30 seconds was tension packed. Within weeks Imus launched the ranch. One detail in the WSJ article Imus has never responded to which is revealing. The local real estate tax officials appropriated 45% of the taxes to Imus due to personal use of the property. Imus never contested and paid the $17,000 tax. Sound like an admission to you? The guy is the most profound phony in entertainment. Spitzer chases after every headline he can challenging corporations, yet he drops the case against Imus following an endorsement for his run for governor. Wait to Guiliani runs against Spitzer and the I man has to make a choice. I won't listen to his show again, period.

    Re: Don Imus Ranch Probe Close (none / 0) (#37)
    by Talkleft Visitor on Thu Mar 31, 2005 at 04:57:13 PM EST
    I dont question the I-mans motives but his behavior in regards to this WSJ article is maddening. The amount of money spent per child is ridiculous and it does absolutely nothing to prevent or cure cancer. The money would be better spent on cancer research or to build a state of the art cancer care facitlity for children. That is the gift that keeps on giving. Couldnt his ranch accomplish the same thing if it was 2000 acres instead of 4000? Or had half the amount of animals? I know he has said that he wanted to create a unique experience, but I am sure it could be done on a much smaller scale....especially since they only bring in 10 kids at a time.

    Re: Don Imus Ranch Probe Close (none / 0) (#38)
    by Talkleft Visitor on Thu Mar 31, 2005 at 05:25:37 PM EST
    I am a fan of the I-Man.I have heard children that have been to the Ranch and their parents speak. I think Imus has done,and is doin,a great thing. So,he is a "shock Jock",if someone dosen't like what he has to say.....turn the channel. Branagan945

    Re: Don Imus Ranch Probe Close (none / 0) (#39)
    by Talkleft Visitor on Thu Mar 31, 2005 at 06:29:45 PM EST
    He spends more on maintaining the cows then he does on the kids by Eric Friedman - March 31, 2005 Westport Snobbery (WES): Don Imus uses the too-rich-to-steal defense to shake off an investigation into the personal use of funds from his kids’ charity by New York State Attorney General and gubernatorial candidate Eliot Spitzer. In response to the allegation that he uses his nonprofit ranch for family vacations, Imus fumes, “We have a $30-million estate sitting on the water in Westport, Conn.”+2 just like Ken Lay and Bernie Ebbers

    Re: Don Imus Ranch Probe Close (none / 0) (#40)
    by Talkleft Visitor on Thu Mar 31, 2005 at 07:15:15 PM EST
    The IMUS scam has always been pretty transparent. A tax free vacation home in NM. Who wouldnt go for it?

    Re: Don Imus Ranch Probe Close (none / 0) (#41)
    by Talkleft Visitor on Sun Apr 03, 2005 at 09:14:00 AM EST
    imus fails to address the main point of the WSJ article i.e. the outrgeous cost per camper per day , over 3000 dollars a day. thats a obseen amount. the whole camp is ego and tax exemption driven

    Re: Don Imus Ranch Probe Close (none / 0) (#42)
    by Talkleft Visitor on Mon Apr 04, 2005 at 05:50:03 AM EST
    Neither Don Imus nor his wife are paid a dime for their work - and they, unlike other big-shots (who are paid 6 and 7 figure salaries) who run charities or non-profits, actually do run the operation themselves, and he uses his show to raise the money himself. And so he uses the ranch for family vacations onece in a while - so what? What's the problem? Leave Imus alone.

    Re: Don Imus Ranch Probe Close (none / 0) (#43)
    by Talkleft Visitor on Mon Apr 04, 2005 at 07:32:39 AM EST
    Apprently Imus has dropped his legal exploration against the WSJ and now is just openly threatening people who write anything negative about him yes that's the model we want for people running a major charity the fact that he doesn't get paid is baloney --he does his show from the ranch he gets paid plenty for that and when he refuses the tax deductions and property tx exemptions then what he does will be entirely his business

    Re: Don Imus Ranch Probe Close (none / 0) (#44)
    by Talkleft Visitor on Mon Apr 04, 2005 at 12:44:09 PM EST
    I think $26,000 to change a kid's life or give a dying kid his/her last wish is worth it.

    Re: Don Imus Ranch Probe Close (none / 0) (#45)
    by Talkleft Visitor on Tue Apr 05, 2005 at 12:51:37 PM EST
    Imus may have some questions to answer about his charity. All charities do. When the results of the investigation is complete those of you who critized Imus can claim you were correct if it is negative and if the investigation exonerates Imus can praise him. Isn't it interesting that AIM insurance who has accounting errors of 1.7 BILLION DOLLARS and the press tells the public that the impact of going after them might not happen because of the impact on jobs or the BILLIONS of dollars in off shore accounts or the BILLIONS of tax dollars that aren't paid. I would like to see the goverment scrutinize these issues as carefully as they scrutinize Imus. Perhaps the national defict may be decrease if they did.

    Re: Don Imus Ranch Probe Close (none / 0) (#46)
    by Talkleft Visitor on Wed Apr 13, 2005 at 07:26:16 PM EST
    For the people who read the tax form summision, it states the depreciation is using straight line method, but some of the figures do not match up, also there is little description to the $10k and $5k that is paid for management and other fees. During the construction stage, you do not see a declaration of material and labor expense, that the I-Wife docorating fees and contracting fees could hide kickbacks or other family benefits. He also seemed to have alot of live stock problems, but since they are such organic vegan's, they would not touch a nice steak. Another item that seemed curious is the leased land expense and who is the recipient of that payment. I do not doubt the children who participate in the experience is beyond cost, but his charity work seemed to start once the big money from MSNBC started coming in. Since I-man always sounds like he is at death's door, I'm sure his family will continue on the tradition of the ranch and all the benefits.

    Don Imus Ranch Probe Closed | 45 comments (45 topical)