My new bumper sticker

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"If Religious groups want to become involved in politics they should pay taxes"

I could not agree more it would level the playing field some

"Eschew obfuscation"

What do you propose precisely? Under current law taxation is connected to endorsement of candidate. Let's say religious group Y has religious text or teachings that say "SMOKING IS BAD, DON'T SMOKE." Would they then be taxed, because I have serious doubts as to the constitutionality of this (I would oppose it even if I thought it was constitutional). Is it rather then you are talking about active promotion of policies (randomly: PREVENT DEFORESTATION)? Would you take away tax-exempt status from non-religious charities that are also presently exempted use (covered under "charities") or just religious groups?

I propose that they stay out of politics. I live in a town that is being over run by a large church buying up land making itself bigger and bigger taking that property off the tax role. They are also making moves to influence town politics and ordinances in their favor.

Well, you are clear then. I completely disagree with you. Should a ban on religions being involved in politics act all then the state would be allowed to act against religions (as in Communist societies) at will. Civil liberties could be crushed. In the United States such would require an amendment to the Constitution.

And here I thought this was going to be a funny bumper sticker thread. Sigh.

I think that you two are comparing apples and oranges. There is a difference between politics and law. Umm, just can't think how to describe this one....but I agree with Parts.

Sorry aylissa.

religious people and groups have a right to get invovled in politics....except to the point where their church gains pre-eminence.


since they're ignoring the pre-eminence thing, i say tax the hell out of 'em (irony is intended).

These people advocated and pushed to have a children's book banned from the schools because it mentioned ghost. Bought a large tract of wetlands in a deal saying to keep it open space and are now trying to push though building the largest church in New England on the site. They have bought and bullied businesses to get their way and tried to do the same with the town. Many of there operations are profit making businesses under the church umbella. I also have a problem with the Evangelicals pouring so much money into getting their people in power then easing rules on how can receive government money and what it will be spent on.

in general, the non-taxation of religions is a bad idea.


it's money that the government could definately use and they are organizations that seek to influence politics anyways(especially jewish and christians groups)...so why not take the money from them?

I agree with jimservo. But then I oft find myself in agrment with him, or perhaps I find his post in agreement with me.

Also: I think MST3K was one of the best shows ever.

Charities and churches that spend their monies on good works and charitable thing should be exempt but when their main goal is buying up land and businesses to make money that is another story.