As we close out another election season, allow me to grumble a little, please?
We in America enjoy a democratic system of choosing our government. And sure, the entire point of a democratic government is for everyone living under that government to have the right to participate in it. And no, just because you’re a religious leader or guru with tons of followers—*cough* James Dobson *cough*—it does not remove that right to participate in your government. So at what point does a religious group cross the line?
When it comes to religious groups getting involved in politics, tax-free, I’m not sure anyone addressed it any better than Gore Vidal.
The original gentlemen’s agreement between Church and State was that We the People (the State) will in no way help or hinder any religion while, absently, observing that as religion is a good thing, the little church on Elm Street won’t have to pay a property tax … The quo for this huge quid was that religion would stay out of politics and not impose its superstitions on Us the People. The agreement broke down years ago.
Indeed, religious groups are allowed to to participate in their government just as any citizen is … however, it seems only fair that they make the same financial contributions that every other person who is participating in their government is required to make.
Isn’t it time for these groups to pay their quo for the huge quid we extended long ago?
Very lovely article, cheers.
This is fucking funny!
Your blog is actually good. lol Many thanks for that.