Silicon Investor (SI) -- The First Internet Community

STOCKTALK

We've detected that you're using an ad content blocking browser plug-in or feature. Ads provide a critical source of revenue to the continued operation of Silicon Investor. We ask that you disable ad blocking while on Silicon Investor in the best interests of our community. If you are not using an ad blocker but are still receiving this message, make sure your browser's tracking protection is set to the 'standard' level.

Pastimes : Let's Talk About Our Feelings!!! -- Ignore unavailable to you. Want to Upgrade?

To: The Philosopher who wrote (39530)	6/7/1999 2:14:00 PM
From: Chuzzlewit	Read Replies (1) \| Respond to of 108807

Christopher, the essential nature of volunteer organizations changed with the introduction of income taxes. I have no problem with the existence of these organizations. I do, however, have problems with government subsidies (which after all come out of our collective pockets). And the argument about efficiency is often asserted but has yet to be proven. For example, the percentage of money that actually reaches disaster victims is pretty low for the Red Cross. I wonder how that compares to FEMA (I think that's the federal disaster agency). We already know what a poor job many evangelical churches have done in providing aid to disaster victims, and the low level of funds that actually go for medical research by many of the medical charities. I am not arguing against self-reliance or charitable giving. I am arguing against tax subsidies. Why shouldn't a church be compelled to pay for fire and police protection? Why should my taxes go up to pay for their evangelical efforts? Why is the promotion of religion considered a public good? TTFN, CTC