Government exerting power over political movements through the power of taxes

Governments have a proud history of suppressing dissident voices of the people they do not agree with and who do not benefit the status quo. The government loves to pick winners and losers, and in the process make themselves all the more powerful, as the gatekeeper to success, and the sole holder of the power of the diffuse and uncaring taxpayers purse.

The NAACP, largely comprised of attorneys, in the midst of fighting for their civil rights in the south, had state governments demand them provide a list of all bar members of the organization. A clear enough demand with a not too subtle threatening message. Stop or be disbarred (in steps the Minister Martin Luther King Jr., luckily the Church is still sufficiently separate from the state).

Here is just a tidbit of a modern example.
http://www.csmonitor.com/USA/Elections/Tea-Party-Tally/2011/1129/Tea-party-activists-audited-by-city.-Would-that-happen-to-Occupy-protesters

Basically, the Tea Party movement paid $8,500 to use a public park for a few days in Richmond Virginia for their Tax Day rallies. Now, the Occupy Movement is using the same park at no cost. So, the Tea Party organization demanded a refund.

The response was not a refund, it was not an apology, it was not an explanation. It was not an assurance that the occupy Movement would have to pay as well or action would be taken. No, instead they received a letter back that they did not pay enough in taxes associated with using the park, such as on food sales.

The City responded to the ensuing criticism for their double standard stating "are completely unfounded," and that the issue came up during a routine review of many organizations. Bullshit.