Roger Chapin, founder of Help Hospitalized Veterans, one of the country’s largest veterans charities, is expected to testify today before a congressional committee on questionable spending practices.

Between 1997 and 2005, the charity paid $3.8 million in salary and benefits to Chapin and his wife and spent more than $200 million on fundraising and public education campaigns, according to a Washington Post analysis of federal tax filings. The public records also show that the charity awarded at least $19 million in contracts during that period to companies owned by Richard A. Viguerie, a prominent conservative political commentator and advertising consultant based in Virginia.

Why is it, when I read an sickening article like this, I’m assured ninety-nine percent of the time there’s a “compassionate conservative” involved?

“We’re talking about an individual that has tried to duck the committee; he refused to testify voluntarily. It appears he has something to hide, and if you look at his past operations, there are very good reasons to be suspicious about his activities,” Rep. Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), a committee member, said in an interview.

Van Hollen said the committee wants to find a way to distinguish between charities that truly serve veterans and those “committing fraud against the public.”

Mr. Hollen, I think clear distinction can be found in this case.