Courtesy of Mediaite:
“When Mitt Romney gets a deduction for giving to charity, the rest of us taxpayers have to cover the loss. Charitable deductions reduce the public coffers by about 60 billion dollars a year… So it is fair to ask what should constitute a charity.”
Talking about he Mormon church:
“They provide food during famines and wheelchairs to the lame. But that’s not their main concern. Which is, like any business, growing the business, opening branches, selling more product, putting asses in tabernacles. General Electric plants a tree every now and then, it doesn’t make them Johnny Appleseed.”
That is a very good point, not just about the Mormons, but about ANY religious organization that does good works not to help others, but to provide a charitable camouflage while pimping their religion, their God, or just to get you to listen for a few minutes while they scare the crap out of you about what will happen to you if you DON'T embrace their faith.
Don't forget the money the Mormons poured into California elections to make sure gay people could not marry.
ReplyDeleteI am so sick to death of religion sticking it's nose into politics. If I were Dictator of the Universe for Life any church that got involved in politics (and that include sermons and picketing) would automatically have their tax exempt status revoked.
Today, I would agree. But thinking back, my minister's opposition to the Viet Nam war created a space in my head that I wasn't getting at home.
DeleteSome churches were very significant in the Civil Rights movement.
So, the problem for me is WHAT the churches preach.
I agree about the tax status though I think I'd just tax them all--you collect money, you pay taxes.
Add too the Catholic Church regarding birth control.
DeleteIt is a fine line. I belong to a peace church, so we get the pacifist sermons. But more often than not, it is just the general
Deleteall war is wrong, and not specifically against this government. And with that I agree. I am really not sure how you separate a church from what the state is doing. I do think that churches should be paying property taxes. One of our big churches (there are 55 churches in my town of 30,000, and four BIG ones...2 evangelicals, a Presby, and a Methodist, but 2 Caholic) has four fulltime pastors, who pay no tax on their income, plus no tax on their homes, plus they have health care and retirement plans to die for. ONE of their salaries would fund my church for 4 years. We have no paid staff at all except the guy who does snowblowing. The rest is all volunteer, from preaching to toilet cleaning. And half of our budget goes to outreach..local and national and world. But we own a parsonage that is now being rented, so we are payhing prop taxes on that, but not on out two lots on which the church sits.
Bill Maher's how was spot ON last night, start to finish. I encourage those with HBO to watch for reruns this week if you missed it. Ed Schultz was brilliant.
ReplyDeleteNew Rule for "this page intentionally left blank," specifically referencing Sarah? Priceless.
I agree. I have taken deductions for contributions to our synagogue, but in truth, such donations provide a benefit to the congregation, not the general public, and should not be tax-exempt.
ReplyDeleteI always refuse to take a tax write-off for giving to my church. I have always thought of it as being wrong.
DeleteAppreciate that you refer to it as 'pimping' their religion.
ReplyDeleteAs I referenced on an earlier blog, when they accost you in a parking lot and it escalates to where they tell you that you are going to hell -- You're already there having to listen to them.
Short update from my post the other day -- The buffoons who did accost me in a parking lot, all in the name of 'pimping religion', blocking me from getting to my vehicle and then ran like chickenshits to their vehicle and drove off but I did get their plate ID. I was advised of the Court date but learned today that the date will be delayed -- for 'good reason'!!! LOL
The stunned and stupid morons didn't pay attention and didn't play by their bail rules - that they were not to engage in this activity again.
The buffoons made a HUGE mistake - playing the same game in the same district but in picking a new 'victim' -- they picked an off-duty woman Cop!!! She came to visit me today to discuss my file and told me what her experience was. I apologized to her for laughing, but she understood as 'she got it' knowing they were as she said 'in your (my) words stunned & stupid!'.
She was walking to her car which the morons didn't of course know which one, but they kept blocking her no matter how many times she said 'not interested' so she walked to a different car as inside her car was her boyfriend. They have a hand motion code instructing the other to call 911 or if in her district, which it was, to call direct to the station. He explained who it was and what appeared to be going on. She advised that 3 cruisers showed up, no sirens, and took the turds down!! She then said to them "Surprise!!!" and she tnen flashed them her badge. She laughed then as she described the looks on their faces. Beyond shock!! They had no chance to race away. This happening in the same district, of course it was on file and therefore they're cooling their heals as the bail restrictions were in the file. Bail revoked and being held until Court date. Cases have been joined, my date being delayed and the judge refused bail at their hearing as they refused to play by the rules!! Love it!!
So I'll just have to wait for new Court date.
Good for you! I never had anything like that happen to me, and I hope I never do, but knowing that they picked a cop, and a woman cop at that, is poetic justice!
DeleteKarma is a beautiful thing!
OOOPS!
DeleteLove it!
DeleteGlad to see that SOMEONE was able to fend these bloodsuckers off, for once! I have tried many tactics, being very polite - to NO AVAIL!
DeleteMy mother was being bothered by Fundie recruiters who constantly ignored being told she was NOT interested - 'til one day when she didn't open the door to her covered porch and they entered anyways, knocked incessantly on her house door. They made a BIG mistake as she told them in no uncertain terms - don't ever dare to open ANY door on her property w/o her opening it for them or she would call the police! She was livid!
After that, I realized, being upfront and polite in telling them you're not interested doesn't work, telling them you're an Atheist - NADA! I even tried to claim I was a Catholic and already had a church affiliation with them - still didn't work.
Now, though it's rude - I just say "not interested, but good luck in your efforts" as I shut the door in their face even as they launch their next volley of unsolicited bullshit! I then run to the phone to warn my neighbors who's coming around AGAIN!
The worst bunch of persistent GOD bullshitters out recruiting I've had experience with? Mormons, Jehovah Witnesses, and Moonies (w-a-a-a-a-y back)!
http://www.sltrib.com/sltrib/politics/53979172-90/church-rolly-email-romney.html.csp
ReplyDeleteChurch leader uses LDS church email to solicit donations for Mitt Romney's campaign. How is this permissable by IRS?
I expect the Mormon church will do its all, and it will not be done ethically, to get Mitt Romney into the White House. As if I need another reason for supporting President Obama!
DeleteBeaglemom
They'll claim they wont' tell their members who or what to vote for (even though they do), but Mormons know the prophesies and they'll vote believing they're fulfilling the will of God.
DeleteI watched this last night and sooo totally agree with Bill, much like I always do when it comes to religion. Romney is the biggest blowhole to come down the pike in my lifetime. McCain came very close, but Romney has taken the lead. Cindy controls the money...and you never hear them brag about charity. I really liked the way Ed sneaked in the kudos on Obama family values, its about time. Listen to Krugman and his new book, the economy would bounce back right now if Congress passed his jobs bill, and the states would hire back everyone they fired. Its like this country is blind, deaf and dumb to whats really going on.
ReplyDeleteWhew...I wish the election was tommorrow.
I've always loved Bill Maher's humor, his timing and choice of words is perfect! "The Catholics do it right, they put their crazy out on the table" got me. As a former Catholic I can vouch for that.
ReplyDeleteI honestly don't understand how any religion can justify not paying taxes just because they state they do "charitable work". The volunteers who DO the work do it with good intentions and aren't paid nor paying income taxes. The ones who DO get paid, are usually underpaid, overworked, and end up needing the "charitable aid" themselves.
The Mormon Church has "callings." It's when they volunteer you to be a janitor, a teacher, a babysitter, etc. Only the upper echelon gets paid by the Church (they also stand President of multiple corporations), and t ones that get paid the most are in the First Chorum of the Twelve. Local Bishops and Stake Leaders are not paid but are told God chose them to give up their time and energy for free regardless of their qualifications (when I was a child, my older sister's teacher was excommunicated when he was arrested for being a pedophile-- guess God dropped the ball on that one).
DeleteThanks, Marz. I really should delve into the Mormon Modus Operandi. I know the basics. But the church "volunteering" people is new to me. I thought "Volunteering" was done of free will, as in "Pick ME! Pick ME!"
DeleteI thought Romeny was once a bishop who "Counseled" couples about marriage. So that's like a "community organizer" I suppose.
As a former Catholic, The whole pedophile clergy thing hits home.
O.T. Hope everyone got to see tonight's moon! We even got to see some of the meteor showers - amazing stuff!
ReplyDeleteMy new wallpaper is the picture i took early last evening of the Perigee Moon rising over the Mobile Bay.
DeleteBreathtaking.
So here is another thing that will not pass the Bill Maher "It's a FUCKING CASTLE" test: The Mormon church's multi billion dollar shopping mall.
ReplyDeletehttp://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052702303717304577278993475062000.html?mod=WSJ_article_comments#articleTabs%3Darticle
Wouldn't you love to see how the Mormon Church justifies a tax-exempt status for the money that built this mall?
DeleteTAX THE CHURCHES!
TAX THE BUSINESSES OWNED BY THE CHURCHES!
What does the MorMON church have to say about tithing and the poor? Go to the link to get the full details- the title of the post is "Tithing- a Commandment Even For the Destitute" (!)
ReplyDeletehttp://www.lds.org/general-conference/2005/04/tithing-a-commandment-even-for-the-destitute?lang=eng
After starting out with a quote from Dicken's Scrooge, it gets all scriptural to justify robbing the poor for the church.
One reason the Lord illustrates doctrines with the most extreme circumstances is to eliminate excuses. If the Lord expects even the poorest widow to pay her mite, where does that leave all others who find that it is not convenient or easy to sacrifice?
No bishop, no missionary should ever hesitate or lack the faith to teach the law of tithing to the poor. The sentiment of “They can’t afford to” needs to be replaced with “They can’t afford not to.”
One of the first things a bishop must do to help the needy is ask them to pay their tithing. Like the widow, if a destitute family is faced with the decision of paying their tithing or eating, they should pay their tithing. The bishop can help them with their food and other basic needs until they become self-reliant.
Because the MORmON Church doesn't let disasters like hurricanes get in the way of grifting for their charity. There's FUCKING CASTLES to build!
Tithing is Old Testament.
DeleteJesus said to not hold ourselves to 10% ~ but to give as we are able.
It's hilarious to me that so many xtian organized religions hold on to the tithing thingy.
God, I was so sick of hearing "Tithing-- So Important, You Can't Afford to NOT Pay!" every goddamn Sunday...
DeleteOff topic.
ReplyDeleteRupert Murdoch twitters,
"Seems impossible to have civilised debate on twitter. Ignorant, vicious abuse lowers whole society, maybe shows real social decay."
and is pwned!
"@rupertmurdoch: I find in life that one reaps what one sows..."
https://twitter.com/#!/robjhicks/status/198832548120502272
I totally agree with Bill Maher. He expressed beautifully my attitude about the real purpose of most churches and the tax exemptions. The last church our family attended was located in one of the poorest counties in the state. The church did maintain a "Pantry for the Poor" but the members complained bitterly when "those" people came in for donations. They made the poor people jump through hoops to get a small bag of groceries. We received a Budget Statement from the church outlining the next year's budget. 10% or so of the budget was sent to Germany for "Germany's poor". At that particular time Germany had one of the strongest economies in the world so we were basically ignoring the extreme poverty of residents in our own county but sending a chunk of money to Germany and enjoying a tax exempt status! That did it for me. We quit going to the church.
ReplyDeleteThat was a great piece. I actually applauded, but no body heard it. OT, Hubby finally watched Game Change last night and NOW understands what we have all been talking about the last four years. He is a little slow..........but he is furious with McCain and doesn't think I am AS crazy as before.
ReplyDeleteAnd let us not forget the outcry about the President's former pastor and the calls from the right to take away that church's tax free status in 2008 (which died down when someone pointed out that if talking about politics in church meant you lost your 501C status, then ALL their churches would get kicked out too...) I agree that we need to stop the 'charitable' status of churches....most of them are preaching against government now, and doing that far more than they are doing good works.
ReplyDeleteSamaritan's Purse, which is really Franklin Graham's purse (where you can find Palin and even Parnell inside.)
ReplyDeleteWhat other charity operates on a fleet of Lear Jets?
I just posted on HuffPo on this.
ReplyDeleteWe should not let up in saying clearly and often that Mormonism is a cult.
I don't follow any religion, but this one has an undeserved credibility in the world of the incredible.
This is a religion started by one (unstable) man who wrote out the rules to fit his own needs (for power, multiple wives)and came up with more hoops to jump through to indoctrinate people than almost any other religion I can think of. All while building up huge coffers and instilling fear.
For those who would compare it to Christianity, Jesus didn't actually start a religion (his followers did), nor did he place himself above others. He didn't get rich, nor exercise power and his words (at least what has been attributed to him) don't speak of subjugation of women, cruelty to children, amassing of money, nor his own infallability and he didn't demand secrecy. What Christianity has become, in some cases, is another story, but at least it didn't start out as a cult and one can follow the teachings of Christ without it costing a dime.
Maher is right and we all have to be as fearless as he is in stating the reality that Mormonism is a special kind of crazy.
Don't mince words!
I was born and raised in the Mormon Church. And yes, it IS a cult. Any religion that excludes its members from certain activities unless they pay money is a CULT. They tell you from birth what to wear, how to wear it, what you can and cannot eat, what you can and cannot drink, they dictate your music preferences, your dating preferences, what you read.... When I was 12 years old I was put in a classroom with the other girls and was told every week that my purpose in life was to marry a return missionary and "replenish the earth." I was told to pursue my education was selfish and not what God wanted.
DeleteI was told when I got old enough I would have to wear garments-- the "magic underwear" everyone thinks of. They are worn UNDERNEATH our underwear, btw. Rain or shine, no matter if it's a hundred and ten degrees outside. And here's the kicker: every single member makes it their business to make sure you're wearing them. I remember hearing the "gossip" in church when the older ladies would whisper that so-and-so wasn't wearing her garments anymore and they would tut-tut-tut.
The Bishops are free t pull you aside at any time during Church for a "meeting." Which is when they have yo alone in a locked room and ask you whatever questions they want-- they ask whether you have sex, how you have sex, if you masturbate, etc. They do this with 8 year old children with or without parental consent. Kids that age don't know what the fuck that stuff is anyways-- so some bishops see it as their God-given duty to inform them about sodomy, etc using dolls. I wish I were joking.
I left the Mormon Church by fleeing the state and my family. We didn't speak for over a year. I was disowned. I cannot imagine ANYone disagreeing that the Mormon Church is a fucking cult. They are out to make money and sheep, and that's all.
Thanks for speaking out, Marz, I've been kind of putting off delving into their M.O. Reading this has opened my eyes, no WONDER they're so secretive!
DeleteI'm currently reading the book "The Real Romney". It will take a few more days for me to finish the book but I'm already getting a more thorough understanding of how Romney can be so detached from normal people. In the 60's he was on a mission in France for 3 years during the Vietnam war unrest, the murder of Martin Luther King, Jr, etc. The people in France didn't appreciate being interrupted by the Mormon missionaries anymore than we do in the US.
ReplyDeleteI just filed a complaint with the IRS. Here's the page with info about how to do that. I knew this was going to happen! And I also knew that it would totally get ignored.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.irs.gov/irs/article/0,,id=178241,00.html
Gryphen -- maybe you should repost this post or update it with info about how people can complain to the IRS...I'm looking into filing a complaint with the FEC. I've found in the past that they, conveniently, don't have a link to do that. (I sent an email to the director complaining about coordination between Romney and Super PACS after hearing on This American Life about how a candidate got arrested for this -- a black Democrat, btw. That episode of TAL was aired the week after the Karl Rove PAC did the "Obama is too cool' ad and then, Mitt Romney said the same thing in a speech.)
ReplyDeleteI agree with Bill. I don't think people should get tax credit for giving to their church, especially since churches do not pay taxes.
ReplyDeleteWhen I would give to my church and they asked me if I wanted a receipt for tax write-off, I would say no.
Churches not only don't have to pay taxes, they don't even have to report how much they rake in.
DeleteYou should check out Mormoncurtain.com Gryphen. A few years back the Mormon church bought a fucking strip mall in Utah for millions of dollars. They own real estate and hotels in Hawaii. Lots of extra dough to go around when you tell people if they don't pay 10% of everything they earn they won't get to heaven, they can't get married in the temple, and they are sinful otherwise.
ReplyDeleteThere was a woman who couldn't pay the full 10% because her kids needed new shoes (they were very poor). She admitted this to the Bishop and he told her what they drilled into all of us since we were 2 years old: "You can't afford NOT to pay your tithe."
In regards to your last paragraph.
ReplyDeleteGryph, you are getting as bad as Pat Robertson.
Give it a rest. We all got you point months ago. And I don't see us insulting you for your beliefs or insulting your belief.
Au contraire, Gryph - NEVER give it a rest! Ignore the above "non-insult" of you for your belief!!!
ReplyDeleteAgreeeeed!
Delete+1!
DeleteSlow clap, standing ovation.