Tax the churches....
I understand that from the moment I decided to adopt this posistion I became a heretic in the eyes of pretty much every American, however, I think that it is well past the time to tax the churches. Here is why...
Churches absolutly have the biggest influence on politics and government today. There isnt a buisness, a person, a party, or any other organization that has even close to the amount of influence on American government as the churchs do. They wish to be left alone by the government, however they refuse to leave the government alone. Often times they give their members a list of voting criteria, and sometimes they go as far as to endorse a candidate. All of the things that they do in today's America are violations of the rules that govern tax exempt organizations.
Furthermore, there is so much money that runs through churchs that operate within this country. Why shouldn't they be taxed? In a time when the government is carrying an 8 trillion dollar debt and they are running about a 400 billion dollar anual budget deficiet, we could use the money. And as if that is not enough reason, many of the reasons that we are carrying that debt come from policies that the churchs influence.
I am sick and tired of churchs being held on some pedistal. Since when has religion been so popular? There is no better reason in the world to oppress someone than religion. If you want to deny someone rights, you can give all sorts of reasons, but society will not accept any of them as much as they will accept religious intollerance. More people have died in the name of religion than any other reason...hell, probably the next 50 reasons combined.
Sepearation of church and state is an idea that is long out dated. The churchs refuse to be seperated, so the time has come to hold them to the responsibilities of being an active member of society.
Churches absolutly have the biggest influence on politics and government today. There isnt a buisness, a person, a party, or any other organization that has even close to the amount of influence on American government as the churchs do. They wish to be left alone by the government, however they refuse to leave the government alone. Often times they give their members a list of voting criteria, and sometimes they go as far as to endorse a candidate. All of the things that they do in today's America are violations of the rules that govern tax exempt organizations.
Furthermore, there is so much money that runs through churchs that operate within this country. Why shouldn't they be taxed? In a time when the government is carrying an 8 trillion dollar debt and they are running about a 400 billion dollar anual budget deficiet, we could use the money. And as if that is not enough reason, many of the reasons that we are carrying that debt come from policies that the churchs influence.
I am sick and tired of churchs being held on some pedistal. Since when has religion been so popular? There is no better reason in the world to oppress someone than religion. If you want to deny someone rights, you can give all sorts of reasons, but society will not accept any of them as much as they will accept religious intollerance. More people have died in the name of religion than any other reason...hell, probably the next 50 reasons combined.
Sepearation of church and state is an idea that is long out dated. The churchs refuse to be seperated, so the time has come to hold them to the responsibilities of being an active member of society.
posted by Benjamin Hartman at 4:35 PM
4 Comments:
Amen.
im still opposed to the idea of levying more taxes in this country but you raise a great point... what makes a church any different from, say, microsoft? sadly, the church, specifically the christian one, has established a tyrannical hold on the policies of the government, one that wont be easy to break. one can only pray... hehe
n fire
Ok, I don't know who "anonymous" is but....
They kinda say what I did. The Church (capitalized for a reason) has no reason for NOT being taxed. They are a business who gets the greatest tax break. However, the arguement will begin. Why not tax the Salvation Army and American Red Cross? Just cause they aid people in need? So Does the Church. They influence governmental policy for a reason. 1. They hold the Bible which many people hold more dear than thier lives. 2. They have the money.
Why not tax them then? They provide aid to many needy countries, and The Church is an international organization. The Church isn't even based here. If you tax money going into The Church, your taxing another country. The country of Vatican City. That is thier income. You may be able to impose a property tax (but im pritty sure thats up to the state) In the end it will cause more hassle and you wont get as much as you expect. They may be a large corperation, but imposing a tax wouldnt create as much return and if it did, would kill the church financially.
Good Luck, But if possible, I agree with you. They need to be taxed, and people need to not fight it. It will pass then.
-Ryan (not afraid to hide my identity)
i dont hide my identity... im one of benny's close friends from houston... hence the 'n fire' signature at the end of it. he knows exactly who i am but i dont use blogspot so i cant sign off with a picture/name, etc.
n fire
aka... nathan thompson
ps... i love you benny!
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