Thanks to libertarian activist, financial consultant, and author of an early expose of the big banks,  “Pirates of Manhattan,”(2007), Barry James Dyke, for pointing out GuideStar.org. This is a website that lets you look up financial records of registered non-profits, a handy way to see what activists and advocates of all stripes are making, what their revenues and expenditures are, and whom they employ.

It looks like a nifty research tool that could make you think twice about donating to some of these folks…. or could make you give more. You might end up questioning their sincerity..or sympathizing with them. But no matter what, you’ll be wiser about opinion-makers and their opinions.

You need to register (free) to see some of the data, like IRS records for previous years. GuideStar also has information about salaries. So next time, some activist (right or left) lets fly with sanctimonious twaddle (whether it’s from the left, about evil profiteering, or from the right, about overpaid school-teachers), check out what they’re making. If nothing else, a hearty laugh at intellectual Tartuffery is guaranteed.

Follow the money, says Barry, cynically….

Buy Barry’s acclaimed book  “Pirates of Manhattan” here. Bulk orders are half-price, and all orders include valuable financial information about the investments into which the banksters put their own money. Barry’s site also has a neat collection of videos about the financial crisis, as well a radio show. And, if you’re looking for more structured financial advice, check out Castle Asset Management, his financial consultancy.