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We might consider the fact that protesting against taxation without representation was the launching point of our new nation. One of the first things we agreed upon was the separation of Church and State. If the government wants to tax churches, then shouldn't it automatically follow that churches get representation in government?Oh?
How so?
The First: "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion ..."Oh?
How so?
Yes. Religions must give up their right to be politically active to get the perk. They must also must be part of a "proper religion", as recognized by the state. This is a direct violation of the letter and spirit of the First Amendment.Tax exemption encroaches as much or more than taxation?
9/11 and the aftermath. Or weren't you born yet?America is a predominately religious country, and yet has never gone to war over religion. ...
Ah!The First: "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion ..."
A special exemption for state-approved religions is, very obviously, a 'law respecting an establishment of religion'.
Intending to not disagree, what remedy do you suggest?Yes. Religions must give up their right to be politically active to get the perk. They must also must be part of a "proper religion", as recognized by the state. This is a direct violation of letter and spirit of the First Amendment.
You're welcome.Ah!
So by exempting some religions from taxation, it favors them to the disadvantage of those not exempt?
Superb point. Thank you for making it.
Repeal the exemption.Intending to not disagree, what remedy do you suggest?
??If there aren't enough lifeboats for every passenger on the Titanic, then they should ALL drown?
I deeply appreciate the lucidity of this reasoning. Thanks much for posting it.We might consider the fact that protesting against taxation without representation was the launching point of our new nation. One of the first things we agreed upon was the separation of Church and State. If the government wants to tax churches, then shouldn't it automatically follow that churches get representation in government?
We ought not make the good the enemy of the perfect.
I am not following. How so?Don't churches get government representation? The U.S. churches I recall seem to meet fire code.
I'm not sure what you're getting at.I deeply appreciate the lucidity of this reasoning. Thanks much for posting it.
Yes.
Don't churches get government representation? The U.S. churches I recall seem to meet fire code.
It's not the inequity of it that bothers me. It's the aspect of control. Using tax exemptions (incentives, penalties, etc ...) has become a backdoor way for Congress to manipulate society - effectively dong an end-run around proper Constitutional limits on their power. ie they use the tax code for things that couldn't get away with as straightforward legislation.We ought not make the good the enemy of the perfect.
I'm not endorsing the inequity of religious tax exemption.
The incest that could arise without the "wall of separation between Church & State" is so daunting a prospect I'd advocate diligence in avoiding that risk.
AltruismWhy are hospitals, schools, and orphanages not taxed?
At least the pastor, deacons, secretary, elders, organist/pianist and parishioners are taxed. Is the government taxed or just the sum of its parts?Altruism
Sum of its parts are most definitely taxed.At least the pastor, deacons, secretary, elders, organist/pianist and parishioners are taxed. Is the government taxed or just the sum of its parts?
The religion bidness is not 100% tax free. A church building might be spared real estate tax. But the church van still needs license plates, fuel, etc. Those are fees & taxes churches pay.If the government wants to tax churches, then shouldn't it automatically follow that churches get representation in government?
When I hoist a champagne glass I enjoy the reminder:VP Spiro Agnew
These days the city and state government officials are highly likely to call my church's pastor instead of the other way around.The religion bidness is not 100% tax free. A church building might be spared real estate tax. But the church van still needs license plates, fuel, etc. Those are fees & taxes churches pay.
One of the things tax payers (you and I) get is national defense. Churches get that too.
Tax payers get police coverage. So do churches.
Tax payers get benefits of zoning laws, & etc. So do churches.
THEREFORE:
despite the religious exemption, do they not get representation? If Reverend Joeschmidt contacts Representative Congman's office, you think the staffer will hang up on him as soon as he hears the title "Reverend"? Nope.
What "representation" that tax payers get, do churches forfeit by accepting the real estate tax break?
When I hoist a champagne glass I enjoy the reminder:
"Dick Nixon
before HE dicks YOU!"
We try to get along as best as we can. It's not always easy.
Especially when they are eyeballing the property belonging to first Baptist church over on Broadway. It's right next to the convention center and other city venues.
They own their own parking lot as well...and parking downtown is at a premium. Just saying that they really really want that property to begin generating taxes and incomes. Every other church downtown has moved or closed... except for a synagogue and a Catholic church. All three are fairly spread out from each other....but still downtown in prime real estate situations.
The First: "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion ..."
A special exemption for state-approved religions is, very obviously, a 'law respecting an establishment of religion'.
Yes. Religions must give up their right to be politically active to get the perk. They must also must be part of a "proper religion", as recognized by the state. This is a direct violation of the letter and spirit of the First Amendment.