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Religious exemptions are an essential part of our democracy. They provide breathing space for religious individuals and institutions to exist. They benefit all Americans, regardless of religion or lack thereof.
Consider the Quakers. Early in our history, when Quakers refused to fight in the military, they were given exemptions. Even in dire national emergencies, our early governments recognized that the state generally should not force a religious individual to violate sincerely held beliefs.
There was a surprise beneficiary of these exemptions: slaves. Because the Quakers were not forced out, they were around to lead the public charge against slavery, reminding their fellow citizens of the humanity and inherent dignity of African slaves.
Our nation has often benefited from religious individuals and institutions who were free to bring their religious perspective into the public square, whether by arguing for fair labor laws, advocating better treatment for immigrants, or providing food, shelter and health care to those in need. The Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. and our civil rights movement often made expressly religious calls for the equal treatment of African-Americans.
Or we could shrink government down to a size such that it can be drowned in a bathtub. Thereby eliminating the insatiable need for ever-greater tax revenue. Problem solved.
There is no cost to the government in allowing people to keep money THATS THEIRS. The only way its a governmental cost is if you think its the governments money to begin with.
Thats like saying donations to the Red Cross, is consting the government money.. bs...
There is no cost to the government in allowing people to keep money THATS THEIRS. The only way its a governmental cost is if you think its the governments money to begin with.
Thats like saying donations to the Red Cross, is consting the government money.. bs...
So nobody should be taxed??
Wow, must be nice to live in the land of pink haired unicorns and rainbows.
I'm tired of hearing how the rich and religious are costing this country, from people who are raping this country and only want more. Our government is costing us 1.2T a year. They spend $120M to find $20M in welfare fraud. We are being screwed both ways, and you post how religion is "costing this country"
Welcome to OZ scarecrow. Let us know when you've met the wizard.
Quote:
Originally Posted by pghquest
I didnt at all say that.. Are you having difficulty following along?
Hey Savoir, if you die this year and no longer pay taxes, whats the cost to the government?
So you think the land of pink haired unicorns and rainbows exist for people who dont pay taxes? That would be 1/2 of americans.
Yes, those are the people screaming for more money. The one's I'm writting a check to right this very minute to cover my payroll tax. The tax that will pay for some shlep to advance his pi$$ in a bottle art, or some cowboy music festival wannabe, or to study the alcoholism rate of Chinese prostitutes. The people who take everything yet contribute nothing, or politicians on spending binges. These are the people screaming the loudest of how much money (that was never theirs)THEY ARE LOSING.
Religious exemptions are an essential part of our democracy. They provide breathing space for religious individuals and institutions to exist. They benefit all Americans, regardless of religion or lack thereof.
Consider the Quakers. Early in our history, when Quakers refused to fight in the military, they were given exemptions. Even in dire national emergencies, our early governments recognized that the state generally should not force a religious individual to violate sincerely held beliefs.
There was a surprise beneficiary of these exemptions: slaves. Because the Quakers were not forced out, they were around to lead the public charge against slavery, reminding their fellow citizens of the humanity and inherent dignity of African slaves.
Our nation has often benefited from religious individuals and institutions who were free to bring their religious perspective into the public square, whether by arguing for fair labor laws, advocating better treatment for immigrants, or providing food, shelter and health care to those in need. The Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. and our civil rights movement often made expressly religious calls for the equal treatment of African-Americans.
I don't want your religious perspective to the public square.
If you choose to do that, pay for the privilege.
Churches do not benefit me in any way, but thanks for your opinion.
Is this still the 1700 & 1800s?
Our tax dollars paid for a megachurch in LA to have one of the largest pipe organs in the world. The World's Largest Pipe Organs
Tax the church. Period.
Quote:
Originally Posted by janelle144
LOL, what church is that?
Every church.
No proof of a god thing so it's all rainbows and fairies.
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