Should religious groups be able to compete for government $$?
The ClubHouse: General Discussions - Jan -Apr. 2001: January:
Should religious groups be able to compete for government $$?
Max | Monday, January 29, 2001 - 09:45 am  President Bush wants to set up a "White House office that would distribute billions of dollars to religious groups and charities over the next 10 years. The president wants to let such groups compete for taxpayer money to provide after-school programs, prison ministries and drug treatment, among other things." From CNN online. What do you think about this? Some say it's a violation of the separation of church and state rule. Bush counters that "religious groups must be part of the solution to society's ills." I have my own opinions, but will wait to voice them until you have a chance to respond (I don't want to influence things one way or the other at the beginning of this discussion).
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Rollerboy | Monday, January 29, 2001 - 11:22 am  If religious groups want to be a part of the solutions to society's ills; they should give up their tax exempt status. This is one of the biggest boondoggles ever perpetuated on the American public and taxpayers in general. The American concept of separation of church and state was developed to prevent the establishment of a state sponsored/sanctioned religion, thereby eliminating the chance for a theocracy to develop. All organized religions, through these tax breaks, are already getting millions and millions of our tax dollars. Just check the figures on property taxes not paid by the Catholic Church, for example. Why does any religion need to rip us off for even more money. In my opinion, this is just a political move to shore up his (Dubyas) position with the religious right. As if appointing Herr Ashcroft AG wasn't enough. |
Moondance | Monday, January 29, 2001 - 01:36 pm  Sorry for the short post but I happen to be in total agreement RBoy! Great post! |
Lancecrossfire | Monday, January 29, 2001 - 01:47 pm  Rollerboy, what you said! Having religion and government mix provides for the country like Iran (and other countries) where the political party is the religion in power. |
Max | Monday, January 29, 2001 - 02:12 pm  There's a good discussion of this going on over at the CNN website. Seems like folks who are in favor tend to think only from a Christian perspective, forgetting that "religion" doesn't necessarily mean "Christian." Anyway, here are my thoughts on the subject, that I posted over there.
Just how do these institutions compete for money from the pot? What criteria will be used? What strings come attached to this federal windfall to religious organizations? If the organization supports a woman's right to choose, can it still get money? What if it opposes the death penalty? What if the organization supports and performs same-sex marriages? Will President Bush give them money? Somehow I don't think so. Remember, that there are MANY religious institutions that are NOT Christian-based and ALL of them have equal status to free worship in this country. Do we really want to start a little money-grubbing holy war between the Jewish, Moslem, Krishna, Bhuddist, Christian (and there are SO many variations in this category that can't get along), Mormon, Wiccan, and so on organizations? Heck, let's face it. Many Christian denominations can't agree on how to do things. Throw in all the other religious variations and all you've got is a bureaucratic nightmare. I think there is good intent here. But remember, on paper, socialism sounded like a good idea, too! "Of course, that's just my opinion, I could be wrong." --Dennis Miller |
Fruitbat | Monday, January 29, 2001 - 02:23 pm  I agree Rollerboy. Religion is a huge business with the Catholic chruch leading the pack. Well said. |
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