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: Ilaine who wrote (59041)	10/13/1999 9:43:00 PM
From: greenspirit	Read Replies (1) \| Respond to of 108807

I'm only dead until I have time for my next detailed post. In the meantime I will have to leave you screaming and yelling at yourself. I don't blame you for ducking the point regarding official documents. Michael

To: Ilaine who wrote (59041)	10/14/1999 12:58:00 AM
From: Krowbar	Respond to of 108807

Apparently George W. doesn't..... Candidate pledges to establish an 'Office of Faith-Based Action' if elected By Mike Smith Associated Press INDIANAPOLIS - Republican presidential candidate George W. Bush called Thursday for a partnership between government and the "armies of compassion" that would provide federal grants and tax credits designed to help churches and charitable organizations fight the nation's social ills. The Texas governor called his proposal "the next bold step in welfare reform." Bush promised that he would dedicate $8 billion during his first year in the White House for tax credits and grants that would be used to encourage Americans to give more to charity and increase the role of faith-based organizations in the fight to reduce poverty, welfare rolls, crime and other social problems. He also pledged to establish an "Office of Faith-Based Action" to serve as a clearinghouse for information on effective religious organizations and assist them in their dealings with the federal government. Republicans historically have championed the role of faith-based organizations and American volunteerism in meeting the social needs of the disadvantaged. President Clinton also has advocated a greater role for these organizations. To make welfare reform work, he urged the 135,000 churches, synagogues and mosques that have more than 200 members to hire one person coming off welfare. Numerous charitable groups have complained that their resources are stretched thin. In May, Vice President Al Gore called for a "new partnership" between church and state. But his proposal lacked many of the specifics outlined by Bush. Tony Coelho, general chairman of the Gore campaign, said in a statement, "We're glad to see George Bush following Al Gore's lead to work with faith-based organizations." To increase charitable giving, Bush wants to allow taxpayers who do not itemize deductions to be able to deduct their donations to charity. He said 70 percent of taxpayers cannot claim charitable donations. Another proposal would encourage states to give tax credits to people who donate to charities that address poverty and other specific social ills. To help government solve society's toughest problems, he would offer grants to groups, including ministries, that offer services to children whose parents are in prison. Both the Bush and Gore campaigns hope to avoid conflict with civil libertarians on issues involving the separation of church and state. Gore said the new partnership he seeks between the government and churches should be "carefully tailored." Bush said Thursday that federal money would pay for services delivered by faith-based groups, not for the religious teachings espoused by the groups.... Uh huh. The source of the grant money would, of course, be invisible to those receiving the services. The churches would reap the benefit of taking credit for the work, and the taxpayer pays the bill. Does anybody believe that there would be no proselytizing? The Salvation Army doesn't even hand out a bowl of soup to a vagrant without requiring him to sit through a sermon. I do not like people who try to find ways to weasel around the church/state issue. It is not a "government grant". It is money taken from all taxpayers, including Atheists, and giving it to churches to do with as they please, in violation of the Constitution. I'm certain that audits would not be allowed. Are the churches not wealthy enough now without taking my money too? Del